2004 Hyundai Sonata Owner's Manual

FEATURES OF YOUR HYUNDAI 1- 101
B850A01F-AATCare of DISC
Proper HandlingStorageWhen not in use, place your discs in their
individual case and store them in a cool place
away from the sun, heat, and dust.
Do not grip or pull out the disc with your hand
while the disc is being pulled into the unit by the
self loading mechanism.
Do not pull the unit from the dash immediately
after a disc is inserted or the eject switch has
been pressed. If the unit is pulled out before an
operation is completed, the disc will be unstable
in the unit and may be damaged.
Do not attempt to insert a disc into the unit when
the unit is out of the dash or the power is off.
Keep Your Discs Clean
Handle your disc as shown. Do not drop the
disc. Hold the disc so you will not leave finger-
prints on the surface. If the surface is scratched,
it may cause the pickup to skip signal tracks. Do
not affix tape, paper, or gummed labels on the
disc. Do not write on the disc.
Damaged Disc
Do not attempt to play damaged, warped or
cracked discs. These could severely damage
the playback mechanism.Fingerprints, dust, or soil on the surface of a disc
could cause the pickup to skip signal tracks.
Wipe the surface clean with a clean soft cloth.
If the surface is heavily soiled, dampen a clean
soft cloth in a solution of mild neutral detergent
to wipe it clean. See drawing.
B860A01A-AATCare of Cassette Tapes
Proper care of your cassette tapes will extend
the tape life and increase your listening enjoy-
ment. Always protect your tapes and cassette
cases from direct sunlight, severely cold and
dusty conditions. When not in use, cassettes
should always be stored in the original protec-
tive cassette case. When the vehicle is very hot
or cold, allow the interior temperature to become
more comfortable before listening to your cas-
settes.
B850A01L
B850A02L
B860A01L

1- 102 FEATURES OF YOUR HYUNDAI
o Never leave a cassette inserted in the player
when not being played. This could damage
the tape player unit and the cassette tape.
o We strongly recommend against the use of
tapes longer than C-60 (60 minutes total).
Tapes such as C-120 or C-180 are very thin
and do not perform as well in the automotive
environment.o Store cassettes in a cool, dry place with the
open side facing down to prevent dust from
settling in the cassette body.
o Avoid repeated fast reverse usage to replay
one given tune or tape section. This can
cause poor tape winding to occur, and even-
tually cause excessive internal drag and
poor audio quality in the cassette. If this
occurs, it can sometimes be corrected by
fast winding the tape from end to end several
times.
If this does not correct the problem, do not
continue to use the tape in your vehicle.
o Be sure that the cassette label is not loose
or peeling off or tape ejection may be difficult.
o Never touch or soil the actual audio tape
surfaces.
o Keep all magnetized objects, such as elec-
tric motors, speakers or transformers away
from your cassette tapes and tape player
unit.o The playback head, capstan and pinch roll-
ers will develop a coating of tape residue that
can result in deterioration of sound quality,
such as a wavering sound. They should be
cleaned monthly using a commercially avail-
able head cleaning tape or special solutionavailable from audio specialty shops. Follow
the supplier's directions carefully and never
oil any part of the tape player unit.
o Always be sure that the tape is tightly wound
on its reel before inserting in the player.
Rotate a pencil in the drive sprockets to wind
up any slack.
NOTE:Look at a tape before you insert it. If the tape
is loose, tighten it by turning one of the
hubs with a pencil or your finger. If the label
is peeling off, do not put it in the drive
mechanism.
Do not leave tapes sitting where they are
exposed to hot, warm, or high humidity,
such as on top of the dashboard or in the
player. If a tape is exposed to extreme heat
or cold, let it reach a moderate temperature
before putting it in the player.
Head
Cotton applicator
B860B02Y
B860A02LB860A03L

FEATURES OF YOUR HYUNDAI 1- 103
B870A01A-AATANTENNA
Fixed Rod Antenna (If installed)B870B01Y-AATPower Antenna (If installed)
Your car uses a fixed rod antenna to receive
both AM and FM broadcast signals.
This antenna is a removable type. To remove
the antenna, turn it counterclockwise. To install
the antenna, turn it clockwise.The antenna will automatically be extended
when the radio power switch is turned "ON"
while the ignition key is in either the "ON" or
"ACC" position. The antenna will automatically
be retracted and stored when either the radio
power switch is turned "OFF" or the ignition key
is set to the "LOCK" position.
NOTE:o Before turning on the radio, make sure
that no one is near the antenna.
o Before entering an automatic car wash
or a place with a low height clearance, be
sure that the antenna is retracted and
stored.
o If the antenna is dirty, be sure to clean it
in order to avoid an operation malfunc-
tion.CAUTION:o Be sure to remove the antenna before
washing the car in an automatic car
wash or it may be damaged.
o When reinstalling your antenna, it is
important that it is fully tightened to
ensure proper reception.
!
B870A01YB870B02Y

2. DRIVING YOUR HYUNDAI
Before starting the engine ................................................................ 2-3
Key position ..................................................................................... 2-3
Starting.............................................................................................2-4
Operating the manual transaxle ....................................................... 2-5
Automatic transaxle ......................................................................... 2-7
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) .....................................................2-10
Traction Control System (TCS) .....................................................2-11
Good braking practices..................................................................2-12
Driving for economy.......................................................................2-13
Winter Driving.................................................................................2-13
Trailer or vehicle towing ................................................................. 2-16
2

2- 2 DRIVING YOUR HYUNDAI
!WARNING: ENGINE EXHAUST CAN BE DANGEROUS!
C010A03A-AATEngine exhaust fumes can be extremely dangerous. If, at any time, you smell exhaust fumes inside the vehicle, open the windows immediately.
o Do not inhale exhaust fumes.
Exhaust fumes contain carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless gas that can cause unconsciousness and death by asphyxiation.
o Be sure the exhaust system does not leak.
The exhaust system should be checked whenever the vehicle is raised to change the oil or for any other purpose. If you hear a change
in the sound of the exhaust or if you drive over something that strikes the underneath side of the car, have the exhaust system checked
as soon as possible by your Hyundai dealer.
o Do not run the engine in an enclosed area.
Letting the engine idle in your garage, even with the garage door open, is a hazardous practice. Never run the engine in your garage any
longer than it takes to start the engine and back the car out.
o Avoid idling the engine for prolonged periods with people inside the car.
If it is necessary to idle the engine for a prolonged period with people inside the car, be sure to do so only in an open area with the air intake
set at "Fresh" and fan operating at one of the higher speeds so fresh air is drawn into the interior.
If you must drive with the trunk lid/ tail gate open because you are carrying objects that make this necessary:
1. Close all windows.
2. Open side vents.
3. Set the air intake control at "Fresh", the air flow control at "Floor" or "Face" and the fan at one of the higher speeds.
To assure proper operation of the ventilation system, be sure the ventilation air intakes located just in front of the windshield are kept clear
of snow, ice, leaves or other obstructions.
!PROPOSITION 65 WARNING:Engine exhaust and a wide variety of automobile components and parts, including components found in the interior furnishings
in a vehicle, contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects and reproductive harm.
In addition, certain fluids contained in vehicles and certain products of component wear contain or emit chemicals known to
the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

DRIVING YOUR HYUNDAI 2- 3
C020A01A-AATBEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE
Before you start the engine, you should always:
1. Look around the vehicle to be sure there are
no flat tires, puddles of oil, water or other
indications of possible trouble.
2. After entering the car, check to be sure the
parking brake is engaged.
3. Check that all windows, and lights are clean.
4. Check that the interior and exterior mirrors
are clean and in position.
5. Check your seat, seatback and headrest to
be sure they are in their proper positions.
6. Lock all the doors.
7. Fasten your seat belt and be sure that all
other occupants have fastened theirs.
8. Turn off all lights and accessories that are
not needed.
9. When you turn the ignition switch to "ON",
check that all appropriate warning lights are
operating and that you have sufficient fuel.
10.Check the operation of warning lights and all
bulbs when key is in the "ON" position.
C030A01A-AATCOMBINATION IGNITION SWITCH
To Start the Engine
Before starting the engine:
o If your Hyundai is equipped with a manual
transaxle, place the shift lever in neutral and
depress the clutch.
o If your Hyundai has an automatic transaxle,
place the shift lever in "P" (park).
o To start the engine, insert the ignition key and
turn it to the "START" position. Release it as
soon as the engine starts. Do not hold the
key in the "START" position for more than 15
seconds.
NOTE:o For safety, the engine will not start if the
shift lever is not in "P" or "N" Position.
o The ignition key cannot be turned from
"ACC" position to "LOCK" position un-
less the shift lever is in the "P" (Park)
position or the negative battery terminal
is disconnected from the battery. To
remove the key, always confirm that the
shift lever is securely positioned in "P"
(Park).
o For additional information about start-
ing, see page 2-3.
C040A01Y-AATKEY POSITIONS
CAUTION:
The engine should not be turned off or the
key removed from the ignition key cylinder
while the car is in motion.
!
o "START"
The engine is started in this position. It will crank
until you release the key.
NOTE:Do not hold the key in the "START" position
for more than 15 seconds.LOCKACC
ON
START

2- 4 DRIVING YOUR HYUNDAI
!
C070C02A-AATTo Remove the Ignition KeyC050A01A-AATSTARTING o "ON"When the key is in the "ON" position, the ignition
is on and all accessories may be turned on. If
the engine is not running, the key should not be
left in the "ON" position. This will discharge the
battery and may also damage the ignition sys-
tem.
o "ACC"
With the key in the "ACC" position, radio and
other accessories may be operated. If you open
the driver's door with the key in the "ACC" or
"LOCK" position, the chime will sound to remind
you that the key should be removed.
o "LOCK"
The key can be removed or inserted in this
position. Steering is locked by removing the
key. When unlocking the steering, insert the
key, and then turn the steering wheel and key
simultaneously.
NOTE:To unlock the steering wheel, insert the key,
and then turn the steering wheel and key
simultaneously.(If your vehicle is equipped with an automatic
transaxle)
1. Turn the ignition key counterclockwise from
the "ACC" position to the "LOCK" position.
2. The key can be removed in the "LOCK"
position.
(If your vehicle is equipped with a manual
transaxle)
1. Turn the ignition key to the "ACC" position.
2. Simultaneously push and turn the ignition
key counterclockwise from the "ACC"
position to the "LOCK" position.
3. The key can be removed in the "LOCK"
position.
WARNING:Never run the engine in a closed or poorly
ventilated area any longer than is needed to
move your car in or out of the area. The
carbon monoxide gas emitted is odorless
and can cause serious injury or death.
C070C01E-1
C050A01E-1
LOCKACC
ON
STARTLOCK
ON
START

DRIVING YOUR HYUNDAI 2- 5
!
C050B01A-AATNormal Conditions:
The Starting Procedure:
1. Insert key, and fasten the seat belt.
2. Depress the clutch pedal fully and place the
gearshift lever (manual transaxle) in neutral
or the selector lever (automatic transaxle) in
"P" (park) position.
3. After turning the ignition key to the "ON"
position, make certain all warning lights and
gauges are functioning properly before start-
ing the engine.
WARNING:Be sure that the clutch is fully depressed
when starting a manual transaxle vehicle.
Your manual transaxle equipped vehicle
will not start unless the clutch pedal is fully
depressed. On a manual transaxle equipped
vehicle that can be started without de-
pressing the clutch, there is the potential to
cause
damage to the vehicle or injury to someone
inside or outside the vehicle as a result of
the forward or backward movement of the
vehicle that will occur if the clutch is not
depressed when the vehicle is started.4. Turn the ignition key to the "Start" position
and release it when the engine starts.
After the engine has started, allow the engine
to run for 10 to 20 seconds prior to placing
the vehicle in gear.
The starter should not be operated for more
than 15 seconds at a time. Wait 15-30 sec-
onds between starting attempts to protect
the starter from overheating.
C070A02A-AAT
OPERATING THE MANUAL
TRANSAXLE
Your Hyundai's manual transaxle has a con-
ventional shift pattern. This shift pattern is im-
printed on the shift knob. The transaxle is fully
synchronized in all forward gears so shifting to
either a higher or a lower gear is easily accom-
plished.
NOTE:o To shift into reverse, rest the lever in
neutral for at least 3 seconds after your
car is completely stopped. Then move
the lever into the reverse position.
o During cold weather, shifting may be
difficult until the transaxle lubricant has
warmed up. This is normal and not harm-
ful to the transaxle.
o If you've come to a complete stop and
it's hard to shift into 1st or R(Reverse),
put the shift lever in N(Neutral) position
and release the clutch. Press the clutch
pedal back down, and then shift into 1st
or R(Reverse) gear position.
o Do not use the shift lever as a handrest
during driving, as this can result in pre-
mature wear of the transaxle shift forks.
!CAUTION:When downshifting from fifth gear to fourth
gear, caution should be taken not to inad-
vertently press the gear lever sideways in
such a manner that second gear is en-
gaged. Such a drastic downshift may cause
the engine speed to increase to the point
that the tachometer will enter the red-zone.
Such over-revving of the engine may pos-
sibly cause engine damage.
HEF-238