2004 Hyundai Elantra Owner's Manual

2DRIVING YOUR HYUNDAI
14SMOOTH CORNERING
o Remember, your Hyundai does not require
extended warm-up. As soon as the engine
is running smoothly, you can drive away. In
very cold weather, however, give your en-
gine a slightly longer warm-up period.
o Don't "lug" or "over-rev" the engine. Lugging
is driving too slowly in too high a gear result-
ing in the engine bucking. If this happens,
shift to a lower gear. Over-revving is racing
the engine beyond its safe limit. This can be
avoided by shifting at the recommended
speeds.
o Use your air conditioning sparingly. The air
conditioning system is operated by engine
power so your fuel economy is reduced
when you use it.C150A01A-AAT
Avoid braking or gear changing in corners,
especially when roads are wet. Ideally, corners
should always be taken under gentle accelera-
tion. If you follow these suggestions, tire wear
will be held to a minimum. o Be sure that the wheels are aligned cor-
rectly. Improper alignment can result from
hitting curbs or driving too fast over irregular
surfaces. Poor alignment causes faster tire
wear and may also result in other problems
as well as greater fuel consumption.
o Keep your car in good condition. For better
fuel economy and reduced maintenance
costs, maintain your car in accordance with
the maintenance schedule in Section 5. If
you drive your car in severe conditions,
more frequent maintenance is required (see
Section 5 for details).
o Keep your car clean. For maximum service,
your Hyundai should be kept clean and free
of corrosive materials. It is especially impor-
tant that mud, dirt, ice, etc. not be allowed to
accumulate on the underside of the car. This
extra weight can result in increased fuel
consumption and also contribute to corro-
sion.
o Travel lightly. Don't carry unnecessary
weight in your car. Weight reduces fuel
economy.
o Don't let the engine idle longer than neces-
sary. If you are waiting (and not in traffic),
turn off your engine and restart only when
you're ready to go.

2DRIVING YOUR HYUNDAI
15WINTER DRIVING
C160A01A-AAT
The more severe weather conditions of winter
result in greater wear and other problems. To
minimize the problems of winter driving, you
should follow these suggestions:
C160B01A-AATSnowy or Icy Conditions
To drive your vehicle in deep snow, it may be
necessary to use snow tires or to install tire
chains on your tires. If snow tires are needed,
it is necessary to select tires equivalent in size
and type to the original equipment tires. Failure
to do so may adversely affect the safety and
handling of your car. Speeding, rapid accelera-
tion, sudden brake applications, and sharp
turns are potentially very hazardous practices.
During deceleration, use engine braking to the
fullest extent. Sudden brake applications on
snowy or icy roads may cause skids to occur.
You need to keep sufficient distance between
the vehicle in front and your vehicle. Also, apply
the brake gently. It should be noted that installing
tire chains on the tire will provide a greater
driving force, but will not prevent side skids.
NOTE:Tire chains are not legal in all states. Check
state laws before fitting tire chains.
C160C01A-AAT
Use High Quality Ethylene Glycol
Coolant
Your Hyundai is delivered with high quality
ethylene glycol coolant in the cooling system. It
is the only type of coolant that should be used
because it helps prevent corrosion in the cool-
ing system, lubricates the water pump and
prevents freezing. Be sure to replace or replen-
ish your coolant in accordance with the main-
tenance schedule in Section 5. Before winter,
have your coolant tested to assure that its
freezing point is sufficient for the temperatures
anticipated during the winter.
C160D01A-AATCheck Battery and Cables
Winter puts additional burdens on the battery
system. Visually inspect the battery and cables
as described in Section 6. The level of charge
in your battery can be checked by your Hyundai
dealer or a service station.
C160E01A-AAT
Change to "Winter Weight" Oil if Neces-
sary
In some climates it is recommended that a lower
viscosity "winter weight" oil be used during cold
weather. See Section 9 for recommendations.
If you aren't sure what weight oil you should use,
consult your Hyundai dealer.
C160F01A-AATCheck Spark Plugs and Ignition System
Inspect your spark plugs as described in Sec-
tion 6 and replace them if necessary. Also
check all ignition wiring and components to be
sure they are not cracked, worn or damaged in
any way.
C160G01A-AAT
To Keep Locks from Freezing
To keep the locks from freezing, squirt an
approved de-icer fluid or glycerine into the key
opening. If a lock is covered with ice, squirt it with
an approved de-icing fluid to remove the ice. If
the lock is frozen internally, you may be able to
thaw it out by using a heated key. Handle the
heated key with care to avoid injury.

2DRIVING YOUR HYUNDAI
16
C170A01A-AAT
HIGHER SPEED MOTORING
Pre-Trip Inspections
1. Tires:
Adjust the tire inflation pressures to specifica-
tion. Low tire inflation pressures will result in
overheating and possible failure of the tires.
Avoid using worn or damaged tires which may
result in reduced traction or tire failure.
NOTE:Never exceed the maximum tire inflation
pressure shown on the tires.
2. Fuel, engine coolant and engine oil:
High speed travel consumes more fuel than
urban motoring. Do not forget to check both
engine coolant and engine oil.
3. Drive belt:
A loose or damaged drive belt may result in
overheating of the engine.
C180A01A-AATUSE OF LIGHTS
Check your lights regularly for correct opera-
tion and always keep them clean. When driving
during the day in conditions of poor visibility, it
is helpful to drive with headlights on low beam.
This enables you to be seen as well as to see.
C160J01A-AAT
Don't Let Ice and Snow Accumulate
Underneath
Under some conditions, snow and ice can build
up under the fenders and interfere with the
steering. When driving in severe winter condi-
tions where this may happen, you should peri-
odically check underneath the car to be sure the
movement of the front wheels and the steering
components is not obstructed.
C160K01A-AATCarry Emergency Equipment
Depending on the severity of the weather where
you drive your car, you should carry appropri-
ate emergency equipment. Some of the items
you may want to carry include tire chains, tow
straps or chains, flashlight, emergency flares,
sand, a shovel, jumper cables, a window scraper,
gloves, ground cloth, coveralls, a blanket, etc.
C160H01A-AAT
Use Approved Anti-Freeze in Window
Washer System
To keep the water in the window washer system
from freezing, add an approved anti-freeze
solution in accordance with instructions on the
container. Window washer anti-freeze is avail-
able from Hyundai dealers and most auto parts
outlets. Do not use engine coolant or other types
of anti-freeze as these may damage the finish.
C160I01A-AATDon't Let Your Parking Brake Freeze
Under some conditions your parking brake can
freeze in the engaged position. This is most
likely to happen when there is an accumulation
of snow or ice around or near the rear brakes
or if the brakes are wet. If there is a risk the
parking brake may freeze, apply it only tempo-
rarily while you put the gear selector lever in "P"
(automatic) or in first or reverse gear (manual
transaxle) and block the rear wheels so the car
cannot roll. Then release the parking brake.

2DRIVING YOUR HYUNDAI
17TRAILER OR VEHICLE TOWING
C190A02S-AAT
If you are considering towing with your car, you
should first check with your State's Department
of Motor Vehicles to determine their legal re-
quirements.
Since laws vary from State to State, the require-
ments for towing trailers, cars, other types of
vehicles, or apparatus may differ. Ask your
Hyundai dealer for further details before towing.
CAUTION:Do not do any towing with your car during
its first 1,200 miles (2,000 km) in order to
allow the engine to properly break in. Fail-
ure to heed this caution may result in seri-
ous engine or transaxle damage.
!
C190B01S-AAT
Trailer Hitches
Select the proper hitch and ball combination,
making sure that it's location is compatible with
that of the trailer or vehicle being towed.
Use a quality non-equalizing hitch which distrib-
utes the tongue load uniformly throughout the
chassis.
The hitch should be bolted securely to the car
and installed by a qualified technician. DO NOT
USE A HITCH DESIGNED FOR TEMPORARY
INSTALLATION AND NEVER USE ONE THAT
ATTACHES ONLY TO THE BUMPER.
C190C03S-AATTrailer Brakes
If your trailer is equipped with a braking system,
make sure it conforms to federal and/or local
regulations and that it is properly installed and
operating correctly.
NOTE:If you tow a trailer or vehicle, your car will
require more frequent maintenance due to
the additional load. See "Maintenance Un-
der Severe Usage Conditions" on page 5-6.
C190D01S-AAT
Safety Chains
Should the hitch connection between your car
and the trailer or vehicle you are towing fail, the
trailer or vehicle could wander dangerously
across other lanes of traffic and ultimately leave
the roadway. To eliminate this potentially dan-
gerous situation, safety chains, attached be-
tween your car and the trailer or towed vehicle,
are required in most states.
!CAUTION:o Never connect a trailer brake system
directly to the vehicle brake system.
o When towing a trailer on steep grades (in
excess of 12%) pay close attention to the
engine coolant temperature gauge to
ensure the engine does not overheat. If
the needle of the coolant temperature
gauge moves across the dial towards
"H" (HOT), pull over and stop as soon as
it is safe to do so, and allow the engine
to idle until it cools down. You may
proceed once the engine has cooled
sufficiently.

2DRIVING YOUR HYUNDAI
18
C190E02L
Gross Axle WeightGross Vehicle
Weight
C190E01L
Tongue
187.4 (85)
100 (45.3)Lbs. (kg)Trailer
1874(850)
1000(453) Maximum Towable Weight
With Brake
Without Brake
!CAUTION:The following specifications are recom-
mended when towing a trailer. The loaded
trailer weight cannot safely exceed the val-
ues in the following chart.
NOTE:1. Never load the trailer with more weight in
the back than in the front. About 60% of
the trailer load should be in the front half
on the trailer and the remaining 40% in
the rear.
2. The total gross vehicle weight with trailer
must not exceed the Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR) shown on the
vehicle identification plate (see page 8-
2). The total gross vehicle weight is the
combined weight of the vehicle, driver,
all passengers and their luggage, cargo,
hitch, trailer tongue load and other op-
tional equipment.
3. The front or rear axle weight must not
exceed the Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR) shown on the vehicle identifi-
cation plate (see page 8-2). It is possible
that your towing package does not ex-
ceed the GVWR but exceeds the GAWR.
Improper trailer loading and/or too much
luggage in the trunk can overload the
rear axle. Redistribute the load and check
the axle weight again.
C190E01E-AAT
Trailer Weight Limit
o Keep the tongue load 10% of the total trailer
load.
Tongue load
Total trailer weight
o Tongue loads can be increased or de-
creased by redistributing the load in the
trailer.
This can be verified by checking the total
weight of the loaded trailer and then checking
the load on the tongue.Tongue load
x 100 = 10% (MAX)Total trailer weight

2DRIVING YOUR HYUNDAI
19
!WARNING:Improperly loading your car and trailer can
seriously affect its steering and braking
performance causing a crash which could
cause serious injury or death.
C190F01S-AAT
Trailer or Vehicle Towing Tips
1. Before towing, check hitch and safety chain
connections as well as proper operation of
the trailer running lights, brake lights, and
turn signals.
2. Always drive your vehicle at a moderate
speed. (Less than 60 mph)
3. Trailer towing requires more fuel than normal
conditions.
4. To maintain engine braking efficiency and
electrical charging performance, do not use
fifth gear (manual transaxle) or overdrive
(automatic transaxle).
5. Always secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.
6. Check the condition and air pressure of all
tires on the trailer and your car. Low tire
pressure can seriously affect the handling.
Also check the spare tire.7. The vehicle/trailer combination is more af-
fected by crosswind and buffeting.
When being passed by a large vehicle, keep
a constant speed and steer straight ahead.
If there is too much wind buffeting slow down
to get out of the other vehicle's air turbulence.
8. When parking your car and trailer, especially
on a hill, be sure to follow all the normal
precautions. Turn your front wheel into the
curb, set the parking brake firmly, and put the
transaxle in 1st or Reverse (manual) or Park
(automatic). In addition, place wheel chocks
at each of the trailer's tires.
9. If the trailer has electric brakes, start your
vehicle and trailer moving, and then apply the
trailer brake controller by hand to be sure the
brakes are working. This lets you check
your electrical connection at the same time.
10. During your trip, occasionally check to be
sure that the load is secure, and that the
lights and any trailer brakes are still work-
ing.
11. Avoid jerky starts, sudden acceleration or
sudden stops.
12. Avoid sharp turns and rapid lane changes.
13. Avoid holding the brake pedal down too long
or too frequently. This could cause the
brakes to overheat, resulting in reduced
braking efficiency.
!
14. When going down a hill, shift into a lower
gear and use the engine braking effect.
When ascending a long grade, downshift
the transaxle to a lower gear and reduce
speed to reduce chances of engine over-
loading and/or overheating.
15. If you have to stop while going uphill, do not
hold the vehicle in place by pressing on the
accelerator. This can cause the automatic
transaxle to overheat. Use the parking
brake or footbrake.
NOTE:When towing check transaxle fluid more
frequently.
CAUTION:If overheating should occur when towing,
(the temperature gauge reads near red zone),
taking the following action may reduce or
eliminate the problem.
1. Turn off the air conditioner.
2. Reduce highway speed.
3. Select a lower gear when going uphill.
4. While in stop and go traffic, place the
gear selector in park or neutral and idle
the engine at a higher speed.

If the Engine will not Start .............................................. 3-2
Jump Starting ................................................................ 3-3
If the Engine Overheats ................................................ 3-4
Spare Tire ..................................................................... 3-5
If You Have a Flat Tire .................................................. 3-6
Changing A Flat Tire ..................................................... 3-6
If Your Car Must be Towed.........................................3-10
Emergency Towing.....................................................3-11
If You Lose Your Keys................................................3-12
WHAT TO DO IN AN EMERGENCY
3
3

3WHAT TO DO IN AN EMERGENCY
2
D010B02E
D010C01E
IF THE ENGINE WILL NOT START
!
D010A01A-AAT D010B02A-AAT
If Engine Doesn't Turn Over or Turns
Over Slowly
D010C01A-AAT
If Engine Turns Over Normally but Does
Not Start
WARNING:
If the engine will not start, do not push or
pull the car to start it. This could result in a
collision or cause other damage. In addi-
tion, push or pull starting may cause the
catalytic converter to be overloaded and
create a fire hazard.
1. If your car has an automatic transaxle, be
sure the gear selector lever is in "N" or "P"
and the emergency brake is set.
2. Check the battery connections to be sure
they are clean and tight.
3. Turn on the interior light. If the light dims or
goes out when you operate the starter, the
battery is discharged.
4. Check the starter connections to be sure
they are securely tightened.
5. Do not push or pull the vehicle to start it. See
instructions for "Jump Starting".1. Check fuel level.
2. With the key in the "OFF" position, check all
connectors at ignition, coils and spark plugs.
Reconnect any that may be disconnected or
loose.
3. Check the fuel line in the engine room.
4. If the engine still refuses to start, call a
Hyundai dealer or seek other qualified assis-
tance.