2003 Hyundai Tiburon Owner's Manual

DO-IT-YOURSELF MAINTENANCE
6-6
35% 65%
40% 60%
50% 50%
60% 40%
Ambient
temperature
°C ( °F)
-15 (5)
-25 (-13)
-35 (-31)
-45 (-49)
Antifreeze
solutionWater Engine Coolant concentration
G050C01A-AAT
To Check the Coolant Level
The coolant level can be seen on the side of the
plastic coolant reservoir. The level of the cool-
ant should be between the "LOW" and "FULL"
lines on the reservoir when the engine is cold.
If the level is below the "LOW" mark, add
engine coolant to bring it up between "LOW"
and "FULL". If the level is low, inspect for
coolant leaks and recheck the fluid level fre-
quently. If the level drops again, visit your
Hyundai dealer for an inspection and diagnosis
of the reason.
G050D02A-AATTo Change the Engine Coolant
The engine coolant should be changed at those
intervals specified in the vehicle maintenance
schedule in Section 5.
CAUTION:Engine coolant can damage the finish of
your car. If you spill engine coolant on the
car, wash it off thoroughly with clean water.
1. Park the car on level ground, set the park-
ing brake and remove the radiator cap when
cool.
2. Be sure your drain receptacle is in place.
Open the drain cock on the radiator. Allow
all the engine coolant to drain from the
cooling system, then securely close the drain
cock.
3. Check Section 9 for the capacity of the
cooling system in your car. Then, following
the manufacturer’s directions on the engine
coolant container, add the appropriate quan-
tity of coolant to the radiator.
4. Turn the radiator cap counterclockwise with-
out pressing down on it, until it stops. This
relieves any pressure remaining in the cool-
ing system. And remove the radiator cap by
pushing down and turning counterclockwise.
Now fill the radiator with clean demineral-
ized or distilled water. Continue to add clean
demineralized or distilled water in small quan-
tities until the fluid level stays up in the
radiator neck.5. Replace the radiator and reservoir caps and
check to be sure the drain cocks are fully
closed and not leaking.
WARNING:The cooling fan is controlled by engine cool-
ant temperature and may sometimes oper-
ate even when the engine is not running.
Use extreme caution when working near the
blades of the coolant fan so that you are not
injured by a rotating fan blade. As the en-
gine coolant temperature decreases, the fan
will automatically shut off. This is a normal
condition.
G060A01GK-AATSPARK PLUGS
YN60100A
V6 DOHC
Your engine was originally equipped with plati-
num-tipped spark plugs. Platinum-tipped spark
plugs will last longer than conventional type

DO-IT-YOURSELF MAINTENANCE
6-7
WARNING:It is recommended that the engine be cool
or cold when changing the spark plugs. If
the engine is hot, you could burn yourself
on the insulated connector, the spark plug
or the engine itself.
4. When preparing to remove the old spark
plug, guide the socket down over the spark
plug, being careful not to damage the ce-
ramic insulator.
5. To remove the old spark plug, turn the
wrench handle in a counterclockwise direc-
tion.
6. To install the new spark plug, guide the
socket down over the spark plug, being
careful not to damage the ceramic insulator.
G060C02GK
G060B01GK-AAT
Replacing the Spark PlugsThe spark plugs should be changed at the
intervals specified in the vehicle maintenance
schedule in Section 5 or whenever engine per-
formance indicates they should be changed.
Symptoms that suggest poor spark plug perfor-
mance include engine misfiring under load, loss
of fuel economy, poor acceleration, etc. When
spark plugs are replaced, always use spark
plugs recommended by Hyundai. The use of
other spark plugs can result in loss of perfor-
mance, radio interference or engine damage.
NOTE:When replacing the spark plug, always use
the genuine parts recommended.
Recommended Spark Plugs:
Type
RC10YC4(CHAMPION)
BKR5ES-11(NGK)
RC10PYPB4(CHAMPION)
PFR5N-11(NGK)Remark
G060C01GK-GETChanging the Spark Plugs
G060C01GK
You will find it easier to change spark plugs if
the engine is cold. Always change one spark
plug at a time. This helps avoid getting the wires
mixed up.
1. Remove the center (2.0 L) cover on the
engine rocker cover.
NOTE:It is recommended that the spark plugs (For
2.7L Engines) should be changed by an
authorized Hyundai dealer.
2. Using a clean cloth, remove any dirt that has
accumulated around the base of the spark
plug so it cannot fall into the cylinder when
the spark plug is removed.
3. To remove the spark plug cable, pull straight
up on the insulated connector, not the cable.
Pulling on the cable may damage the carbon
core conductor.
2.0L
2.7L
spark plugs and can be identified by blue lines
on the ceramic shell.
NOTE:Do not clean or regap platinum-tipped spark
plugs.

DO-IT-YOURSELF MAINTENANCE
6-8
G070A01GK-AATCHANGING THE AIR CLEANER FIL-
TER
To change the filter, unsnap the clips around
the cover. When this is done, the cover can be
lifted off, the old filter removed and the new filter
put in its place. Genuine Hyundai Replacement
Parts are recommended.
CAUTION:o Operating your vehicle without a proper
air filter in place can result in excessive
engine wear.
o Be careful that dust or dirt does not enter
the air intake, or damage may result.
HGK213
NOTE:Spark plugs should be tightened firmly. Over-
tightening can damage the threads in the
aluminum cylinder head. Also, leaving them
too loose can cause the spark plug to get
very hot and possibly result in damage to
the engine.
7. Replace the cable by pushing the insulated
connector directly down onto the electrode.
Check to be sure it has snapped into place
and can't fall off.
G060C03GKG080A02A-AAT
WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES
HEF-119
The wiper blades should be carefully inspected
from time to time and cleaned to remove accu-
mulations of road film or other debris. To clean
the wiper blades and arms, use a clean sponge
or cloth with a mild soap or detergent and water.
If the wipers continue to streak or smear the
glass, replace them with Genuine Hyundai
Replacement Parts or their equivalent.
CAUTION:o Do not operate the wipers on dry glass.
This can result in more rapid wear of the
wiper blades and may scratch the glass.
o Keep the blade rubber out of contact
with petroleum products such as engine
oil, gasoline etc.

DO-IT-YOURSELF MAINTENANCE
6-9
G100B01A-AATTo Check the Manual Transaxle
Fluid Level
SSA6100B
Park the car on level ground with the engine off.
1. Using a wrench of the correct size, loosen
the oil filler plug by turning it counterclock-
wise and remove it with your fingers.
2. Use your finger or suitable tool to feel inside
the hole. The oil level should be at its bottom
edge. If it is not, check for leaks before
adding oil. To refill the transaxle or bring the
oil level up,add oil slowly until it reaches the
proper level. Do not overfill.
3. Replace the plug, screw it in with your fin-
gers and then tighten securely with the
wrench.
G090A01A-AATFILLING THE WASHER RESERVOIR
The washer fluid reservoir supplies fluid to the
windshield washer system.
A good quality washer fluid should be used to fill
the washer reservoir. The fluid level should be
checked more frequently during bad weather or
whenever the washer system is in more fre-
quent use.
The capacity of the washer reservoir is 3.2 U.S.
quarts (3.0 Liters).
CAUTION:o Radiator anti-freeze (engine coolant)
should not be used in the washer system
because it will damage the car’s finish.
o The washer lever should not be pulled
and the washer should not be operated
if the washer reservoir is empty. This can
damage the washer fluid pump.
Transaxle lubricant in the manual transaxle should
be checked at those intervals specified in the
vehicle maintenance schedule in Section 5.
Recommended OilUse only HYUNDAI GENUINE PARTS MTF
75W/90 (API GL-4) or equivalents in the manual
transaxle.
Manual Transaxle Oil CapacityThe oil capacity of the manual transaxle:
2.3 us quarts (2.15L)
WARNING:It is always better to check the transaxle oil
level when the engine is cool or cold. If the
engine is hot, you should exercise great
caution to avoid burning yourself on hot
engine or exhaust parts.
G100A02GK-AATCHECKING THE TRANSAXLE OIL
(MANUAL)
G110A01E
Filler plug
Drain plugHGK217

DO-IT-YOURSELF MAINTENANCE
6-10
While the engine is idling, apply the brakes and
move the gear selector lever from "P" to each
of its other positions — "R", "N", "D" — and
then return to "N" or "P". With the engine still
idling:
1. Open the hood, being careful to keep hands,
long hair and clothing clear of any moving
parts.
2. Remove the transaxle dipstick, wipe it clean,
reinsert the dipstick as far as it will go, then
remove it again. Now check the fluid level on
the dipstick. It should be in the "HOT" range
on the dipstick.
3. If the transaxle fluid level is low, use a funnel
to add transaxle fluid through the dipstick
tube until the level reaches the "HOT" range.
Do not overfill.G110A01A-AATCHECKING THE TRANSAXLE FLUID
(AUTOMATIC)
Transaxle fluid in the automatic transaxle should
be checked at those intervals specified in the
vehicle maintenance schedule in Section 5.
G110B03A-AATRecommended Fluid
Your Hyundai automatic transaxle is specially
designed to operate with HYUNDAI GENUINE
ATF, DIAMOND ATF SP-III or SK ATF SP-III.
Damage caused by a nonspecified fluid is not
covered by your new vehicle limited warranty.
G110C02Y-AATTransaxle Fluid Capacity
The fluid capacity of the automatic transaxle is
8.2 U.S. quarts (7.8 liters).
WARNING:The transaxle fluid level should be checked
when the engine is at normal operating tem-
perature. This means that the engine, radia-
tor, exhaust system etc., are very hot. Exer-
cise great care not to burn yourself during
this procedure.DOHC V6
HGK212 G110D02Y-AAT
To Check the Transaxle Fluid Level
HGK174
Park the car on level ground with the parking
brake engaged. When the transaxle fluid level
is checked, the transaxle fluid should be at
normal operating temperature and the engine
idling.
Fluid level should be within this range
HGK249

DO-IT-YOURSELF MAINTENANCE
6-11
G120C02A-AATRecommended Brake Fluid
Use only hydraulic brake fluid conforming to
DOT 3 or DOT 4 specifications in your braking
system. Follow the instructions printed on the
container.
G120D01A-AAT
To Check the Fluid LevelThe fluid level in the brake fluid reservoir should
be checked periodically. The level should be
between the "MIN" and "MAX" marks on the
side of the reservoir. If the level is at or below
the "MIN" mark, carefully add fluid to bring it up
to "MAX". Do not overfill.
G120E02A-AAT
Adding Brake FluidWARNING:
Handle brake fluid carefully. It can damage
your vision if it gets into your eyes. Use only
DOT 3 or DOT 4 specification fluid from a
sealed container. Do not allow the fluid can
or reservoir to remain open any longer than
required. This will prevent entry of dirt and
moisture which can damage the brake sys-
tem and cause improper operation.
To add brake fluid, first wipe away any dirt then
unscrew the fluid reservoir cap. Slowly pour the
recommended fluid into the reservoir. Do not
overfill. Carefully replace the cap on the reser-
voir and tighten.
G130A01S-AAT
CHECKING THE CLUTCH FLUID
To Check the Clutch Fluid
HGK215
HGK216
G120A01A-AATCHECKING THE BRAKES
CAUTION:
Because brakes are essential to the safe
operation of the car, it is suggested that
they be checked and inspected by your
Hyundai dealer. The brakes should be
checked and inspected for wear at those
intervals specified in the vehicle mainte-
nance schedule in Section 5.
G120B01A-AAT
Checking the Brake Fluid Level
WARNING:
Use caution when handling brake fluid. It
can damage your vision if it gets into your
eyes. It will also damage your vehicle’s paint
if spilled on it and not removed immediately.
WARNING:The cooling fan is controlled by engine cool-
ant temperature and may sometimes oper-
ate even when the engine is not running.
Use extreme caution when working near the
blades of the cooling fan, so that you are not
injured by a rotating fan blade. As the en-
gine coolant temperature decreases, the fan
will automatically shut off. This is a normal
condition.

DO-IT-YOURSELF MAINTENANCE
6-12
G140B01A-AATChecking the Air Conditioning Opera-
tion
1. Start the engine and let it run at a fast idle for
several minutes with the air conditioning set
at the maximum cold setting.
2. If the air coming out of the in-dash vents is
not cold, have the air conditioning system
inspected by your Hyundai dealer.
CAUTION:Running the air conditioning system for
extended periods of time with a low refriger-
ant level may damage the compressor.
G140C01A-AAT
LubricationTo lubricate the compressor and the seals in
the system, the air conditioning should be run
for at least 10 minutes each week. This is
particularly important during cool weather when
the air conditioning system is not otherwise in
use.
G140D01A-AATChecking the Compressor Drive Belt
When the air conditioning is being used regular-
ly, the compressor drive belt tension should be
checked at least once a month with the engine
turned off.
To check the drive belt tension, press down on
the belt halfway between the engine crankshaft
and compressor pulleys. Pressing with your
finger, you should not be able to deflect this belt
anymore than 1/3 of an inch. If you have the
instruments to check it, with a force of 22 lb.
(98N), the deflection should be 0.315 inches
(approx 8.0 mm). If the belt is too loose, have it
adjusted by your Hyundai dealer. accumulation of dirt, dead insects, leaves, etc.
These can interfere with maximum cooling effi-
ciency. When removing such accumulations,
brush or hose them away carefully to avoid
bending the cooling fins.
G140D01GK
A/C
CRANK PULLEY
TENSION PULLEYG130B02A-AAT
To Replace the Fluid
Recommended brake fluid conforming to DOT
3 or DOT 4 specification should be used. The
reservoir cap must be fully tightened to avoid
contamination from foreign matter or moisture.
NOTE:Do not allow any other liquids to contami-
nate the brake fluid. Seal damage will result.
WARNING:Use caution when handling brake fluid. It
can damage your vision if you get it in your
eyes. It will also damage your vehicle’s paint
if spilled on it and not removed immediately.
G140A01A-AATAIR CONDITIONING CARE
Keeping the Condenser Clean
The air conditioning condenser (and engine
radiator) should be checked periodically for
The clutch fluid level in the master cylinder
should be checked when performing other un-
der hood services. The system should be
checked for leakage at the same time.
Check to make certain that the clutch fluid level
is always between the "MAX" and "MIN" level
markings on the fluid reservoir. Fill as required.
Fluid loss indicates a leak in the clutch system
which should be inspected and repaired imme-
diately. Consult your Hyundai dealer.
DOHC
V6
Auto
tensioner
Eng.pulleyCOMP 0.315 in.
(8 mm)

DO-IT-YOURSELF MAINTENANCE
6-13
G160A01A-AATCHECKING CLUTCH PEDAL
FREE-PLAY
SSA6160A
0.24~0.51 in.
(6~13 mm)
With the engine off, press lightly on the clutch
pedal until you feel a change in resistance. This
is the clutch pedal free-play. The free-play should
be within the limits specified in the illustration. If
it is not, have it inspected by your Hyundai
dealer and adjusted or repaired if necessary.
G170A01A-AATCHECKING BRAKE PEDAL
FREE-PLAY
SSA6170A
0.12~0.31 in.
(3~8 mm)
With the engine off, press down on the brake
pedal several times to reduce the vacuum in the
brake booster.
Then, using your hand, press down slowly on
the brake pedal until you feel a change in
resistance. This is the brake pedal free-play.
The free-play should be within the limits speci-
fied in the illustration. If it is not, have it inspect-
ed by your Hyundai dealer and adjusted or
repaired if necessary.
G150A01A-AATCHECKING STEERING WHEEL
FREE-PLAY
To check the steering wheel free-play, stop the
car with the wheels pointed straight ahead and
gently move the steering wheel back and forth.
Use very light finger pressure and be sensitive
to changes in resistance that mark the limits of
the free-play. If the free-play is greater than
specified, have it inspected by your Hyundai
dealer and adjusted or repaired if necessary.1.18in
(30 mm)
HGK218