2005 Hyundai Elantra Owner's Manual

6
DO-IT-YOURSELF MAINTENANCE8
G050D03A-AATTo Change the Engine CoolantThe 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 counterclock-
wise.
Now fill the radiator with clean demineralized
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.
G050D03E
G050D01E G050C01A-AAT
To Check the Coolant LevelThe coolant level can be seen on the side of the
plastic coolant reservoir. The level of the cool-
ant should be between the "L" and "F" lines on
the reservoir when the engine is cold. If the level
is below the "L" mark, add engine coolant to
bring it up between "L" and "F". If the level is low,
inspect for coolant leaks and recheck the fluid
level frequently. If the level drops again, visit
your Hyundai dealer for an inspection and
diagnosis of the reason.
!
WARNING:
Remove the radiator cap when the radiator
is cool.
xdflhma-6.p652/5/2008, 2:13 PM 8

6
DO-IT-YOURSELF MAINTENANCE
9
G050D04E
5. Start the engine, top off the radiator with water
and then add engine coolant to the reservoir
until the level is between "L" and "F".
6. 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
coolant temperature and may sometimes
operate even when the engine is not run-
ning. 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 engine coolant temperature de-
creases, the fan will automatically shut off.
This is a normal condition.
SPARK PLUGS
G060B02E-AATReplacing the Spark PlugsThe spark plugs should be changed at the
intervals specified in the vehicle maintenance
schedule in Section 5 or whenever engine
performance 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:o When replacing the spark plugs, genu-
ine Hyundai replacement parts are rec-
ommended.
o It is recommended that spark plugs be
changed by an authorized Hyundai
dealer.Recommended Spark Plugs:* 2.0L SULEV Only.CHAMPION
NGK
RC10PYP4
PFR5N-11
IFR5G-11
PLATINUM
PLATINUM
IRIDIUM*
G060A02E-AATYour engine was originally equipped with plati-
num or iridium-tipped spark plugs.
Platinum or iridium-tipped spark plugs will last
longer than conventional type spark plugs and
can be identified by blue lines (platinum only) on
the ceramic shell.NOTE:Do not clean or regap platinum or iridium-
tipped spark plugs.
G060A01L
0.039~0.043 in.
(1.0~1.1 mm)
xdflhma-6.p652/5/2008, 2:13 PM 9

6
DO-IT-YOURSELF MAINTENANCE
10
G060C01S-AATChanging the Spark PlugsYou 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 cover on the engine
rocker cover.
2. Using a clean cloth, remove any dirt that has
accumulated around 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.
HGK256
!
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 spark plug,
guide the socket down over the spark plug,
being careful not to damage the ceramic
insulator.
5. To remove the spark plug, turn the wrench
handle in a counterclockwise direction.
6. To replace the new spark plug, guide the
socket down over the spark plug, being
careful not to damage the ceramic insulator.
NOTE:Spark plugs should be tightened firmly.
Over-tightening can damage the threads in
the aluminum cylinder head. Leaving them
too loose can cause the spark plugs 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.
HGK257
HGK258
xdflhma-6.p652/5/2008, 2:13 PM 10

6
DO-IT-YOURSELF MAINTENANCE
11
WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES
!
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.
G080A02A-AATThe 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.
HEF119
CHANGING THE AIR CLEANER
FILTERG070A01E-AATTo 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.
HXDFL011
!
CAUTION:
o Operating your vehicle without a proper
air filter in place can result in excessive
engine wear.
o When removing the air cleaner filter, be
careful that dust or dirt does not enter
the air intake. These may result in dam-
age to the air cleaner filter.
xdflhma-6.p652/5/2008, 2:13 PM 11

6
DO-IT-YOURSELF MAINTENANCE
12
FILLING THE WASHER RESERVOIRG090A02A-AATThe washer fluid reservoir supplies fluid to the
windshield washer systems.
A good quality washer fluid should be used to fill
the washer reservoir. The fluid level should be
checked more frequently during inclement
weather or whenever the washer system is in
more frequent use.
The capacity of the washer reservoir is 3.2 U.S.
quarts (3.0 Liters).
G090A01E-A
CHECKING THE TRANSAXLE OIL
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 should not be operated if
the washer reservoir is empty. This can
damage the washer fluid pump.
!
G100A04A-AATMANUAL TRANSAXLETransaxle 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/85 (API GL-4) or equivalent in the manual
transaxle.Manual Transaxle Oil CapacityThe oil capacity of the manual transaxle is 2.27
U.S. quarts (2.15 liters).
G100A01A
Drain plug Filler plug
!
WARNING:
o Windshield washer fluid agents contain
some amounts of alcohol and can be
flammable under certain circumstances.
Do not allow sparks or flame to contact
the washer fluid or the washer fluid
reservoir. Damage to the vehicle or its
occupants could occur.
o Windshield washer fluid is poisonous to
humans and animals. Do not drink wind-
shield washer fluid. Serious injury or
death could occur.
xdflhma-6.p652/5/2008, 2:13 PM 12

6
DO-IT-YOURSELF MAINTENANCE
13
G110A02E-AATAUTOMATIC TRANSAXLETransaxle fluid in the automatic transaxle should
be changed at those intervals specified in the
vehicle maintenance schedule in Section 5.NOTE:Automatic transaxle fluid is a red in color.
As driving distance increases, the fluid
color turns darkish red gradually. It is a
normal condition and you should not judge
the need to replace based upon the chang-
ing color.
You must replace the automatic transaxle
fluid in accordance with intervals specified
in the vehicle maintenance schedule in
section 5.
G100B02A-AATTo Check the Manual Transaxle
Fluid LevelPark 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 and washer, screw it in with
your fingers and then tighten securely with
the wrench.
G100B01L
!
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.
G110B05A-AATRecommended FluidYour Hyundai automatic transaxle is specially
designed to operate with HYUNDAI GENUINE
ATF SP III, DIAMOND ATF SP III, SK ATF SP
III or other brands meeting the SP III specifica-
tion approved by Hyundai Motor Co.. Damage
caused by a nonspecified fluid is not covered by
your new vehicle limited warranty.
xdflhma-6.p652/5/2008, 2:13 PM 13

6
DO-IT-YOURSELF MAINTENANCE
14
!
G110C01E-AATTransaxle Fluid CapacityThe 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
temperature. This means that the engine,
radiator, exhaust system etc., are very hot.
Exercise great care not to burn yourself
during this procedure.
G110D03A-AATTo Check the Transaxle Fluid LevelPark 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.
C090A01E-M
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","3", "2", "L"
-- and then return to "N" or "P" with the engine
still idling:
1. Open the hood, being careful to keep hands,
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.
G110D01E
!
CAUTION:
Use of aftermarket ATF additives may cause
damage to the automatic transaxle. Only
use HYUNDAI GENUINE ATF SP III, DIA-
MOND ATF SP III, SK ATF SP III or other
brands meeting the SP III specification ap-
proved by Hyundai Motor Co.. If you are
having your vehicle serviced at a facility
other than a Hyundai dealer, verify ATF is
used for your vehicle.
xdflhma-6.p652/5/2008, 2:13 PM 14

6
DO-IT-YOURSELF MAINTENANCE
15
CHECKING THE BRAKES
G120D01A-AATTo Check the Fluid Level
!
G120C02A-AATRecommended Brake FluidUse only hydraulic brake fluid conforming to
DOT 3 or DOT 4 specifications in your braking
system. Follow the instructions printed on the
container.
G120B01A-AATChecking the Brake Fluid LevelG120A01A-AAT
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.
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 imme-
diately.
!
!
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.
WARNING:
The cooling fan is controlled by the engine
coolant temperature and may sometimes
operate even when the engine is not run-
ning. 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 engine coolant temperature de-
creases, the fan will automatically shut off.
This is a normal condition.
HKSOM120
Fluid level should be within this range
The 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.
HXDFL012
xdflhma-6.p652/5/2008, 2:13 PM 15