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If the handle/lock mechanism is broken, then you could also try a "manual open" by essentially breaking in to the car using a slim jim or other tool that a locksmith (or car thief) would use to unlock a car from the outside.
From the inside, you might be able to remove the arm rest or other parts of the door panel. It depends on the car and I'm not sure about Sonatas of that vintage, but on some (generally older) cars the arm rest was a separate piece and would be removed to expose one or more of the screws that held the door panel in place. The rest of the screws/clips are probably along the bottom of the panel; that's where they've been in my limited experience. To access those, you do need to get the door open.
If the arm rest isn't removable there may be other panel pieces that unscrew/can be pried off (like a plastic insert) to expose the panel screws. Of course, if they're also using screws along the bottom it might not really help a lot.
You might also check with local junk yards to see if a replacement panel is readily available. If so, and the price is cheap, you can attack your current panel & rip it to shreds to gain access.
now since the last time it went out the air bag light wont turn off. have an appointment to take it in for service next week. the car only has 5000 miles on it with no accidents I hope this isnt on going
I had this problem for about 5 years on my 2003 sonota I bought in 2004. I finally gave the car away because I was sick of messing with the sensor every 2 years or so...which seemed to be the timeline for the wiring to get worn down again.
I replaced and adjusted the belt several times but it sits too close to the wiring and the minute it moves it flexes and wears the wire down...it's only a matter of time before it happens again.
My stepson originally wrecked the car the first year I had it and I thought it was a wiring problem associated with the wreck and the insurance paid to have it fixed the first couple times...then they considered it a maintenance problem and wouldn't pay anymore. so I got rid of it.
Have a 2006 Sonata GLS 2.4L. One year into owning it,
I've heard a very annoying rattle from behind when I's driving over bumps.
Sent it to dealer one time and they said they fixed it by padding some
tape etc. But after a while it came back. Recently, my wife's driving,
I sit on back seat and listened carefully - finally nailed it. It sounded like
from c-pillar or trunk if you sit in the driver's seat. But actually it's from
the roof - headliners. Then I took apart of the driver side B-pillar trim and opened
up the headliners nearby - saw a segment of double-threaded wires hanging
there, with loose glue - the glue supposed to attach the wires on the headliners
under it but got broken. The loose wires obviously at bumps of road will vibrate
to a rattle. So, it's fixed:) Saved me the trouble and maybe cost of service at a
dealer.
I changed the tranny fluid and filter and it's been ok since.
Good luck.
Ok so I call my Hyundai dealer today and was going to schedule an oil change. They asked me how many miles I had on my 2012 Sonata limited and I said 36,000 miles. Then he looks my car up on the computer and said that I need the 30,000 mile service package that includes replacing antifreeze, transmission fluid and new spark plugs. They only want $450.00 for this service. Since when does a new car need new plugs at 30,000 miles? Now that the bumper to bumper warranty is over I am taking it to my impendent service center. he is expensive but honest.