2009 Hyundai Sonata coolant level

1
FEATURES OF YOUR HYUNDAI
49
1. Tachometer
2. Low Tire Pressure Telltale
3. TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) Malfunction Telltale
4. Door Ajar Warning Light
5. Seat Belt Warning Light (Driver's side)
6. High Beam Indicator Light
7. Turn Signal Indicator Lights
8. Speedometer
9. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Indicator Lights
(If Installed)
10. Front Fog Light Indicator Light (If Installed)
11. ABS Service Reminder Indicator (SRI) (If Installed)
12. Coolant Temperature Gauge13. Fuel Gauge
14. Parking Brake/Low Brake Fluid Level Warning Light
15. Low Oil Pressure Warning Light
16. Charging System Warning Light
17. Low Windshield Washer Fluid Level Warning Light
18. Check Engine - Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
19. SRS (Airbag) Warning Light
20. Automatic Transaxle Position Indicator Light (If Installed)
21. Odometer/ Trip Odometer/ Trip Computer (If Installed)
22. CRUISE Indicator Light
23. Cruise SET Indicator Light
24. Trunk Lid Open Warning Light
25. Low Fuel Warning Light

1
FEATURES OF YOUR HYUNDAI
55
!
B290A03A-AATENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE
GAUGE
WARNING:Never remove the radiator cap when the
engine is hot. The engine coolant is under
pressure and could erupt and cause
severe burns. Wait until the engine is
cool before adding coolant to the
reservoir.The normal range is approximately in the
middle between "H" and "C". If it moves
across the dial to "H" (HOT), pull over and
stop as soon as possible and turn off the
engine. Then open the hood and, after the
engine has cooled, check the coolant level
(See "If the engine overheats" on the page
3-4.) and the water pump drive belt. If you
suspect cooling system trouble, have your
cooling system checked by a Hyundai dealer
as soon as possible.
ONF048043N
INSTRUMENT CLUSTERB280A01NF-AATFUEL GAUGEThe needle on the gauge indicates the
approximate fuel level in the fuel tank. The
fuel capacity is given in section 9.NOTE:The "
" symbol means, the fuel filler
lid is located on the left side of the ve-
hicle.
ONF048044N

2
DRIVING YOUR HYUNDAI
17
SMOOTH CORNERINGC150A01A-AATAvoid braking or gear changing in corners,
especially when roads are wet. Ideally,
corners should always be taken under
gentle acceleration. If you follow these
suggestions, tire wear will be held to a
minimum.
C160A01A-AATThe 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 ConditionsTo 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 of the original
equipment tires. Failure to do so may
adversely affect the safety and handling of
your car. Furthermore, speeding, rapid
acceleration, 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 operation 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.WINTER DRIVING
C160D01A-AATCheck Battery and CablesWinter 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.C160C01A-AATUse High Quality Ethylene Glycol
CoolantYour 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 cooling system, lubricates
the water pump and prevents freezing. Be
sure to replace or replenish your coolant in
accordance with the maintenance
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.

34WHAT TO DO IN AN EMERGENCY
IF THE ENGINE OVERHEATS
!!
!
WARNING:
While the engine is running, keep hair,
hands and clothing away from moving
parts such as the fan and drive belts to
prevent injury.
5. If the water pump drive belt is broken or
engine coolant is leaking out, stop the
engine immediately and call the nearest
Hyundai dealer for assistance.
WARNING:
Do not remove the radiator cap when the
engine is hot. This can allow coolant to be
blown out of the opening and cause se-
rious burns.6. If you cannot find the cause of the
overheat-ing, wait until the engine
temperature has returned to normal.
Then, if coolant has been lost, carefully
add coolant to the reservoir (page 6-9)
to bring the fluid level in the reservoir up
to the halfway mark.
7. Proceed with caution, keeping alert for
further signs of overheating. If
overheating happens again, call a
Hyundai dealer for assistance.
CAUTION:
Serious loss of coolant indicates there is
a leak in the cooling system and this
should be checked as soon as possible
by a Hyundai dealer.
D030A02A-AATIf your temperature gauge indicates over-
heating, you experience a loss of power, or
hear loud pinging or knocking, the engine
is probably too hot. If this happens, you
should:
1. Pull off the road and stop as soon as it
is safe to do so.
2. Place the gear selector lever in "P"
(automatic) or neutral (manual
transaxle) and set the parking brake. If
the air conditioning is on, turn it off.
3. If engine coolant is running out under
the car or steam is coming out from the
hood, stop the engine. Do not open the
hood until the coolant has stopped
running or the steaming has stopped. If
there is no visible loss of engine coolant
and no steam, leave the engine running
and check to be sure the engine cooling
fan is operating. If the fan is not running,
turn the engine off.
4. Check to see if the water pump drive belt
is missing. If it is not missing, check to
see that it is tight. If the drive belt seems
to be satisfactory, check for coolant
leaking from the radiator, hoses or under
the car. (If the air conditioning had been
in use, it is normal for cold water to be
draining from it when you stop).

5
VEHICLE MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS8
F070G02A-AATo Brake FluidCheck brake fluid level in the brake fluid
reservoir. The level should be between
"MIN" and "MAX" marks on the side of the
reservoir. Use only hydraulic brake fluid
conforming to DOT 3 or DOT 4.F070F01A-AATo Brake Hoses and LinesVisually check for proper installation,
chafing, cracks, deterioration and any
leakage. Replace any deteriorated or
damaged parts immediately.
F070E06A-AATo Automatic Transaxle FluidThe fluid level should be in the “HOT”
range of the dipstick, after the engine and
transaxle are at normal operating
temperature. Check the automatic
transaxle fluid level with the engine running
and the transaxle in neutral, with the
parking brake properly applied. Use
HYUNDAI GENUINE ATF SP III, DIAMOND
ATF SP III, SK ATF SP III or other brands
meeting the SP III specification approved
by Hyundai Motor Co. when adding or
changing fluid. Using the wrong ATF may
result in damage to the ATM.
F070H01A-AATo Rear Brake Drums and Linings/
Parking BrakeCheck the rear brake drums and linings for
scoring, burning, leaking fluid, broken parts,
and excessive wear. Inspect the parking
brake system including the parking brake
lever and cables. For detailed service
procedures, refer to the Shop Manual.
F070C01A-AATo CoolantThe coolant should be changed at the
intervals specified in the maintenance
schedule.
F060J01A-AATo Spark PlugsMake sure to install new spark plugs of the
correct heat range.F060H01A-AATo Air Cleaner FilterA Genuine Hyundai air cleaner filter is
recommended when the filter is replaced.F060G01A-AATo Vapor Hose and Fuel Filler CapThe vapor hose and fuel filler cap should
be inspected at those intervals specified in
the maintenance schedule. Make sure that
a new vapor hose or fuel filler cap is correctly
replaced.
F070D01A-AATo Manual Transaxle OilInspect the manual transaxle oil according
to the maintenance schedule.NOTE:If the oil level is low, check for possible
leaks before adding oil. Do not overfill.
F060N02E-AATo Valve ClearanceInspect excessive valve noise and/or
engine vibration and adjust if necessary. A
qualified technician should perform the
operation.

6
Engine Compartment .................................................... 6-2
General Checks ............................................................ 6-4
Checking the Engine Oil ............................................... 6-4
Changing the Engine Oil and Filter ................................ 6-6
Checking and Changing the Engine Coolant ................ 6-8
Changing the Air Cleaner Filter ...................................6-11
Checking the Transaxle Oil (Manual) .........................6-14
Checking the Transaxle Fluid (Automatic)..................6-15
Checking the Brakes ..................................................6-17
Air Conditioning Care..................................................6-18
Changing the Climate Control Air Filter .......................6-19
Checking Drive Belts ..................................................6-22
Checking and Replacing Fuses..................................6-22
Checking the Battery..................................................6-24
Power Steering Fluid Level .........................................6-26
Headlight Aiming Adjustment......................................6-27
Replacement of Light Bulbs ........................................6-28
Bulb Wattages.............................................................6-36
Fuse Panel Description...............................................6-37
DO-IT-YOURSELF MAINTENANCE
6

6
DO-IT-YOURSELF MAINTENANCE
4
G020C01A-AATVehicle InteriorThe following should be checked each
time when the vehicle is driven:
o Lights operation
o Windshield wiper operation
o Horn operation
o Defroster, heating system operation
(and air conditioning, if installed)
o Steering operation and condition
o Mirror condition and operation
o Turn signal operation
o Accelerator pedal operation
o Brake operation, including parking
brake
o Manual transaxle operation, including
clutch operation
o Automatic transaxle operation,
including "Park" mechanism operation
o Seat control condition and operation
o Seat belt condition and operation
o Sun visor operation
If you notice anything that does not operate
correctly or appears to be functioning
correctly, inspect it carefully and seek
assistance from your Hyundai dealer if
service is needed.
G020B01A-AATVehicle ExteriorThe following should be checked monthly:
o Overall appearance and condition
o Wheel condition and wheel nut torque
o Exhaust system condition
o Light condition and operation
o Windshield glass condition
o Wiper blade condition
o Paint condition and body corrosion
o Fluid leaks
o Door and hood lock condition
o Tire pressure and condition
(including spare tire)GENERAL CHECKSG020A01NF-AATEngine CompartmentThe following should be checked regu-
larly:
o Engine oil level and condition
o Transaxle fluid level and condition
o Brake fluid level
o Engine coolant level
o Windshield washer fluid level
o Accessory drive belt condition
o Engine coolant hose condition
o Fluid leaks (on or below components)
o Power steering fluid level
o Battery condition
o Air filter condition
o Engine vibration
CHECKING THE ENGINE OILG030B01O-AATRecommended OilThe engine oil quality should meet the
following classification.
API SJ, SL or ABOVE,
ILSAC GF-3 or ABOVE
G030B01JM-U G030A01A-AAT
Engine oil is essential to the performance
and service of the engine. It is suggested
that you check the oil level at least once a
week in normal use and more often if you
are on a trip or driving in severe conditions.

6
DO-IT-YOURSELF MAINTENANCE
7
!
3. Slide underneath the car and loosen
the drain plug by turning it counter-
clockwise with a wrench of the proper
size. Be sure that a drain pan is in
position to catch the oil as it drains out,
then remove the drain plug.
4. When the oil has stopped draining,
replace the drain plug using a new
gasket and retighten by turning it clock-
wise.
Oil pan drain plug tightening torque:
25.3 ~ 32.5 lb.ft (3.5 ~ 4.5 kgf.m)
HNF5006-1
(2.4L)
(3.3L)
The engine oil and filter should be changed
at those intervals specified in the
maintenance schedule in Section 5. If the
car is being driven in severe conditions,
more frequent oil and filter changes are
required.
The procedure for changing the oil and
filter is as follows:
1. Park the car on level ground and set the
parking brake. Start the engine and let
it warm up until the needle on the coolant
temperature gauge moves above the
lowest mark. Turn the engine off and
place the gear selector lever in "P" (au-
tomatic) or reverse gear (manual
transaxle).
2. Open the hood and remove the engine
oil filler cap.NOTE:Loosen the oil filter cap by turning it
counterclockwise to drain well the oil in
the oil filter (3.3L only).
WARNING:
Be very careful when draining the engine
oil as it may be hot enough to burn you!
HNF5005-1
G040B01NF