2008 HYUNDAI TUCSON Owners Manual

DRIVING YOUR HYUNDAI
2
Engine Exhaust Can Be Dangerous! ............................ 2-2
Before Starting the Engine ............................................ 2-4
Key Positions ................................................................ 2-5
Starting ..........................................................................2-6
Manual Transaxle ......................................................... 2-7
Automatic Transaxle ..................................................... 2-9
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ..................................2-13
Traction Control System (TCS) ..................................2-13
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)...............................2-15
Full-Time 4WD Operation...........................................2-16
4WD Lock System......................................................2-19
Good Braking Practices..............................................2-21
Driving for Economy...................................................2-22
Winter Driving.............................................................2-23
Trailer or Vehicle Towing ............................................2-26
Vehicle Load Limit.......................................................2-29
2

2
DRIVING YOUR HYUNDAI
2
WARNING: ENGINE EXHAUST CAN BE DANGEROUS!
C010A02JM-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 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.

2
DRIVING YOUR HYUNDAI
3
!
!
WARNING:
o The 2WD Tucson is not designed for off-
road use. The 4WD Tucson is designed
primarily for use on paved roads. How-
ever, occasional use in off-highway con-
ditions such as established unpaved
roads and non-challenging off-road
trails is allowed. The 4WD Tucson is not
designed for blazing new trails, chal-
lenging off-road conditions, or unpaved
hill climbing. Exceeding the conditions
that were intended for the vehicle's pri-
mary design may result in injury or death.
o Utility vehicles have a significantly higher
rollover rate than other types of vehicles.o Utility vehicle have higher ground clear-
ance and a narrower track to make them
capable of performing in a wide variety
of off-road applications. Specific design
characteristics give them a higher center
of gravitiy than ordinary cars. An advan-
tage of the higher ground clearance is a
better view of the road allowing you to
anticipate problem. They are not de-
signed for cornering at the same speeds
as conventional 2-wheel drive vehicles
any more than low-slung sports cars are
designed to perform satisfactorily un-
der off-road conditions. If at all possible,
avoid sharp turns or abrupt maneuvers.
As with other vehicles of this type, fail-
ure to operate this vehicle correctly may
result in loss of control or vehicle rollover.
o In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is
significantly more likely to die than a
person wearing a seat belt.
WARNING:
RISK OF ROLLOVER
!
WARNING:
Your vehicle is equipped with tires de-
signed to provide for safe ride and handling
capability.
Do not use a size and type of tire and wheel
that is different from the one that is origi-
nally installed on your vehicle. It can affect
the safety and performance of your vehicle,
which could lead to handling failure or
rollover and serious injury.
When replacing the tires, be sure to equip
all four tires with the tire and wheel of the
same size, type, tread, brand and load-
carrying capacity. If you nevertheless de-
cide to equip your vehicle with any tire/
wheel combination not recommended by
Hyundai for off-road driving, you should
not use these tires for highway driving.

2
DRIVING YOUR HYUNDAI
4
TO START THE ENGINEC030A01E-AATCOMBINATION IGNITION SWITCHo If your Hyundai is equipped with a manual
transaxle, place the shift lever in neutral and
depress the clutch pedal fully.
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 that 15
seconds.NOTE:o For safety, the engine will not start if the
clutch pedal is not depressed fully
(Manual Transaxle) or the shift lever is
not in "P" or "N" Position (Automatic
Transaxle).
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) (For Automatic Transaxle).
o For additional information about start-
ing, see page 2-6.
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINEC020A04A-AATBefore 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.
!
WARNING:
o All passengers must be properly belted
whenever the vehicle is moving. Refer to
pages: 1-18 through 1-24 for more infor-
mation on their proper use.
o Always check the surrounding areas near
your vehicle for people, especially chil-
dren, before putting a car into 'drive.'
!
WARNING:
Always wear appropriate shoes when oper-
ating your vehicle.
Unsuitable shoes (high heels, ski boots,
etc.) may interfere with your ability to use
the brake and accelerator pedal, and the
clutch (if installed).
!
WARNING:
When you intend to park or stop the vehicle
with the engine on, be careful not to de-
press the accelerator pedal for a long period
of time. It may overheat the engine or ex-
haust system and cause fire.

2
DRIVING YOUR HYUNDAI
5
KEY POSITIONSC040A02A-AAT
CAUTION:
The engine should not be turned off or the
key removed from the ignition key cylinder
while the car is in motion. The steering
wheel is locked by removing the key.
!
o "START"The engine is started in this position. It will crank
until you release the key.
C040A01E-1
LOCKACC
ON
START
NOTE:Do not hold the key in the "START" position
for more than 15 seconds.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, some elec-
trical accessories (radio, etc.) may be oper-
ated.o "LOCK"The key can be removed or inserted in this
position.
To protect against theft, the steering wheel
locks by removing the key.NOTE:If difficulty is experienced in turning the
ignition key to the START position, turn the
steering wheel right and left to release the
tension and then turn the key.
C070C01E-1
LOCKACC
ON
START
C070C01A-AATTo remove the ignition key1. Turn the ignition key to the "ACC" position.
2. Simultaneously push and turn the ignition
key counterclockwise from the "ACC" posi-
tion to the "LOCK" position.
3. The key can be removed in the "LOCK"
position.

2
DRIVING YOUR HYUNDAI
6
!
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.C050B02JM-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.
!
C050A01E-1
STARTING!
C050A01A-AAT
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.
WARNING:
Always fully depress the brake pedal before
and while shifting out of the "P" Park posi-
tion into another position to avoid inad-
vertent motion of the vehicle which could
injure persons in or around the car.

2
DRIVING YOUR HYUNDAI
7
OPERATING THE MANUAL
TRANSAXLE
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 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 cause
engine damage.
!
C070A02A-AATYour 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.
HJM3017C070B02A-AAT
Using the ClutchThe clutch should be pressed all the way to the
floor before shifting, then released slowly. The
clutch pedal should always be fully returned to
the original position. Do not rest your foot on the
clutch pedal while driving. This can cause un-
necessary wear.
Do not partially engage the clutch to hold the car
on an incline. This causes unnecessary wear.
Use the foot brake or parking brake to hold the
car on an incline. Do not operate the clutch pedal
rapidly and repeatedly.

2
DRIVING YOUR HYUNDAI
8
!
WARNING:
o Always buckle-up! In a collision, an
unbelted occupant is significantly more
likely to be seriously injured or killed
than a properly belted occupant.
o Avoid high speeds when cornering or
turning.
o Do not make quick steering wheel move-
ments, such as sharp lane changes or
fast, sharp turns.
o The risk of rollover is greatly increased if
you lose control of your vehicle at high-
way speeds.
o Loss of control often occurs if two or
more wheels drop off the roadway and
the driver oversteers to reenter the road-
way.
o In the event your vehicle leaves the road-
way, do not steer sharply. Instead, slow
down before pulling back into the travel
lanes.
o Never exceed posted speed limits.
C070D02O-AATRecommended Shift PointsThe shift points as shown on the chart are
recommended for optimum fuel economy and
performance.
Shift
from-to
1-2
2-3
3-4
4-5Recommended
mph (km/h)
15 (20)
25 (40)
35 (55)
45 (75)
C070D04O-AATGood Driving Practiceso Never take the car out of gear and coast
down a hill. This is extremely hazardous.
Always leave the car in gear.
o Don't "ride" the brakes. This can cause them
to overheat and malfunction. Instead, when
you are driving down a long hill, slow down
and shift to a lower gear. When you do this,
engine braking will help slow the car.
o Slow down before shifting to a lower gear.
This will help avoid over-revving the engine,
which can cause damage.
o Slow down when you encounter cross winds.
This gives you much better control of your
car.
o Be sure the car is completely stopped before
you attempt to shift into reverse. The
transaxle can be damaged if you do not. To
shift into reverse, depress the clutch, move
the shift lever to neutral, wait three seconds,
then shift to the reverse position.
o Exercise extreme caution when driving on a
slippery surface. Be especially careful when
braking, accelerating or shifting gears. On a
slippery surface, an abrupt change in ve-
hicle speed can cause the drive wheels to
lose traction and the vehicle to go out of
control.
o Optimum vehicle performance and economy
is obtained by smoothly depressing and
releasing the accelerator pedal.