2009 Hyundai Sonata Owner's Manual

2
DRIVING YOUR HYUNDAI
24
The tire label located on the driver's
side of the center pillar outer panel
gives the original tire size, cold tire
pressures recommended for your ve-
hicle, the number of people that can be
in your vehicle and vehicle capacity
weight.
Vehicle capacity weight:
860 lbs (390 kg)
Vehicle capacity weight is the maxi-
mum combined weight of occupants
and cargo. If your vehicle is equipped
with a trailer, the combined weight in-
cludes the tongue load.Seating capacity:
Total: 5 persons
(Front seat: 2 persons,
Rear seat: 3 persons)
Seating capacity is the maximum num-
ber of occupants including a driver,
your vehicle may carry. However the
seating capacity may be reduced based
upon the weight of all of the occupants,
and the weight of the cargo being car-
ried or towed.
Do not overload the vehicle as there is
a limit to the total weight, or load limit
including occupants and cargo, the
vehicle can carry.
Towing capacity:
Towing capacity is the maximum trailer
weight including its cargo weight, your
vehicle can tow. See the section "Trailer
or Vehicle Towing" for specifications
about the trailer weight.Cargo capacity:
The cargo capacity of your vehicle will
increase or decrease depending on the
weight and the number of occupants
and the tongue load, if your vehicle is
equipped with a trailer.
Steps for Determining Correct Load
Limit
(1)Locate the statement "The combined
weight of occupants and cargo should
never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs'' on
your vehicle's placard.
(2)Determine the combined weight of
the driver and passengers that will be
riding in your vehicle.
(3)Subtract the combined weight of the
driver and passengers from XXX kg
or XXX lbs.

2
DRIVING YOUR HYUNDAI
25
C190F02JM
Example 2
Total
1400 lbs
(635 kg)
750 lbs
(340 kg)
650 lbs
(295 kg) Item
A
B
CDescription
Vehicle Capacity Weight
Subtract Occupant Weight
150 lbs (68 kg) x 5
Available Cargo and
Luggage Weight
ABC
C190F01JMTotal
1400 lbs
(635 kg)
300 lbs
(136 kg)
1100 lbs
(499 kg)
Example 1Item
A
B
CDescription
Vehicle Capacity Weight
Subtract Occupant Weight
150 lbs (68 kg) × 2
Available Cargo and
Luggage Weight
ABC
(4)The resulting figure equals the avail-
able amount of cargo and luggage
load capacity. For example, if the
"XXX" amount equals 1400 lbs, and
there will be five 150 lb. passengers
in your vehicle, the amount of avail-
able cargo and luggage load capac-
ity is 650 lbs. (1400-750 (5 x 150) =
650 lbs.)
(5)Determine the combined weight of
luggage and cargo being loaded on
the vehicle. That weight may not
safely exceed the available cargo
and luggage load capacity calcu-
lated in Step 4.
(6)If your vehicle will be towing a trailer,
load from your trailer will be trans-
ferred to your vehicle. Consult this
manual to determine how this re-
duces the available cargo and lug-
gage load capacity of your vehicle.

2
DRIVING YOUR HYUNDAI
26
C190F03JMTotal
1400 lbs
(635 kg)
860 lbs
(390 kg)
540 lbs
(245 kg) Item
A
B
CDescription
Vehicle Capacity Weight
Subtract Occupant Weight
172 lbs (78 kg) x 5
Available Cargo Weight
Example 3
ABC
Refer to your vehicle's tire and loading
information label for specific informa-
tion about your vehicle's capacity weight
and seating positions. The combined
weight of the driver, passengers and
cargo should never exceed your
vehicle's capacity weight.
C190G03JM-AATCompliance Label
The compliance label is located on the
driver's side center pillar outer panel.
The label shows the maximum allow-
able weight of the fully loaded vehicle.
This is called the GVWR (Gross Ve-
hicle Weight Rating). The GVWR in-
cludes the weight of the vehicle, all
occupants, fuel and cargo.
C190G01A

2
DRIVING YOUR HYUNDAI
27
!
!
WARNING:
o Overloading your vehicle can
cause heat buildup in your
vehicle's tires and possible tire
failure that could lead to a crash.
o Overloading your vehicle can
cause increased stopping dis-
tances that could lead to a crash.
o A crash resulting from poor han-
dling vehicle damage, tire failure,
or increased stopping distances
could result in serious injury or
death.
!
This label also tells you the maximum
weights that can be supported by the
front and rear axles, called Gross Axle
Weight Rating (GAWR). To find out the
actual loads on your front and rear
axles, you need to go to a weigh station
and weigh your vehicle. Your dealer can
help you with this. Be sure to spread out
your load equally on the left and right
sides of the centerline.
WARNING:
o Never exceed the GVWR for your
vehicle, the GAWR for either the
front or rear axle and vehicle ca-
pacity weight. Exceeding these rat-
ings can cause an accident or
vehicle damage. You can calcu-
late the weight of your load by
weighing the items (or people)
before putting them in the vehicle.
Be careful not to overload your
vehicle. WARNING:
o Do not load your vehicle any
heavier than the GVWR, either the
maximum front or rear GAWR and
vehicle capacity weight. If you do,
parts, including tires on your ve-
hicle can break, and it can change
the way your vehicle handles and
braking ability. This could cause
you to lose control and crash.
Also, overloading can shorten the
life of your vehicle.

2
DRIVING YOUR HYUNDAI
28
!
WARNING:
Items you carry inside your vehicle
can strike and injure people in a
sudden stop or turn, or in a crash.
o Put things in the cargo area of
your vehicle. Try to spread the
weight evenly.
o Never stack items, like suitcases,
inside the vehicle above the tops
of the seats.
o Do not leave an unsecured child
restraint in your vehicle.
o When you carry something inside
the vehicle, secure it.
o Do not drive with a seat folded
down unless necessary. NOTE:
o Overloading your vehicle may
cause damage. Repairs would not
be covered by your warranty. Do
not overload your vehicle.
o Using heavier suspension com-
ponents to get added durability
might not change your weight rat-
ings. Ask your dealer to help you
load your vehicle the right way.
The label will help you decide how much
cargo and installed equipment your
vehicle can carry.
If you carry items inside your vehicle –
like suitcases, tools, packages, or any-
thing else – they move as fast as the
vehicle goes. If you have to stop or turn
quickly, or if there is a crash, the items
will keep going and can cause an injury
if they strike the driver or a passenger.

If the Engine Will Not Start ............................................ 3-2
Jump Starting ................................................................ 3-3
If the Engine Overheats ................................................ 3-4
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) .................... 3-5
Spare Tire ..................................................................... 3-9
If You Have a Flat Tire ................................................3-10
Changing a Flat Tire ....................................................3-10
If Your Vehicle Must Be Towed...................................3-15
Emergency Towing.....................................................3-17
If You Lose Your Keys................................................3-18
3
WHAT TO DO IN AN EMERGENCY
3

32WHAT TO DO IN AN EMERGENCY
IF THE ENGINE WILL NOT START!
D010A01A-AAT
D010B02A-AATIf Engine Doesn't Turn Over or Turns
Over Slowly
D010C02Y-AATIf Engine Turns Over Normally but
Does Not Start1. Check fuel level.
2. With the key in the "OFF" position, check
all connectors at ignition, coil and spark
plugs. Reconnect any that may be dis-
connected or loose.
3. Check the fuel line in the engine com-
partment.
4. If the engine still does not start, call a
Hyundai dealer or seek other qualified
assistance.
D010D01A-AATIf Engine Stalls While Driving1. Reduce your speed gradually, keeping
a straight line. Move cautiously off the
road to a safe place.
2. Turn on your emergency flashers.
3. Try to start the engine again. If your
vehicle will not start, contact a Hyundai
dealer or seek other qualified assis-
tance.If the engine stalls at a crossroad and
crossingIf the engine stalls at a crossroad or cross-
ing, set the shift lever in the N (Neutral)
position and then push the vehicle to a safe
place.
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
addition, 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.
ONF078017
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".

3
WHAT TO DO IN AN EMERGENCY
3
JUMP STARTING!
o If you should accidentally get acid on
your skin or in your eyes, immediately
remove any contaminated clothing and
flush the area with clean water for at
least 15 minutes. Then promptly obtain
medical attention. If you must be trans-
ported to an emergency facility, continue
to apply water to the affected area with
a sponge or cloth.
o The gas produced by the battery during
the jump-start operation is highly
explosive. Do not smoke or allow a
spark or an open flame in the vicinity.
o The battery being used to provide the
jump start must be 12-volt. If you cannot
determine that it is a 12-volt battery, do
not attempt to use it for the jump start.
o To jump start a car with a discharged
battery, follow this procedure exactly:
1. If the booster battery is installed in
another vehicle, be sure the two vehicles
are not touching.
2. Turn off all unnecessary lights and
acces-sories in both vehicles.
3. Attach the clamps of the jumper cable in
the exact location shown on the illustra-
tion. First, attach one clamp of the jumper
cable to the positive (+) post or cable of
the discharged battery.Then attach the other end of the same
cable to the positive (+) post or cable of
the booster battery. Next, using the other
cable, attach one clamp to the negative
(-) post or cable of the booster battery.
Then attach the other end of that cable
to a solid metal part of the engine of the
vehicle with the discharged battery
away from the battery. Do not connect
the cable to any moving part.
4. Start the engine in the car with the
booster battery and let it run for a few
minutes. This will help to assure that the
booster battery is fully charged. During
the jumping operation, run the engine
in this vehicle at about 2,000 rpm.
5. Start the engine in the car with the
discharged battery using the normal
starting procedure. After the engine
starts, leave the jumper cables con-
nected and let the engine run at fast idle
or about 2,000 rpm for several minutes.
6. Carefully remove the jumper cables in
the reverse order of attachment.
If you do not know why your battery became
discharged (because the lights were left
on, etc.), have the charging system checked
by your Hyundai dealer.
D020A03A-AAT
WARNING:
The gas produced by the battery during
the jump-start operation is highly
explosive. If these instructions are not
followed exactly, serious personal injury
and damage to the vehicle may occur! If
you are not sure how to follow this
procedure, seek qualified assistance.
Automobile batteries contain sulfuric
acid. This is poisonous and highly
corrosive. When jump starting, wear pro-
tective glasses and be careful not to get
acid on yourself, your clothing or on the
car.
HNF4001
Booster
batteryDischarged
battery