Hyundai Santa Fe (2006 and earlier)

lrchome · May 2001

Does anyone out there have an LX model and the doors relock after 30 seconds.

My LX only relocks if I push the lock button on the remote.

peytonroad · May 2001

I have an LX and it locks if I don't open the doors fast enough (I guess it was 30 seconds or so)
liz

kwokkei · May 2001

Hi irchome,

thanks for your advise. I finally got a chance to get an oil filter at Walmart. bmw, where is the engine oil drain plug? I can only locate the oil filter. Thanks again for your help.

f16crewchief · May 2001

I actually "laser engraved" those logo's into my brushed aluminum dash kit. As I am sure you would assume, you must have access to a laser engraving machine. It is easy to do. Or you could always take it to a company to have them do it. If you like I can give you more specific info. Thanks for the compliments.

lrchome · May 2001

I was wrong my LX does relock on 45 seconds, I waited and watched sorry for the misinformation.

lrchome · May 2001

The oil drain plug is just to the right of the oil filter but back about 3 ft. It is located on the back side of the oil pan.

refaires · May 2001

See the link below from wooddash.com which tells you how you "should have" used the promoter. Here's hoping it continues to stick.

http://www.wooddashfactory.com/pages/about/instructions.html

sen1 · May 2001

at Wooddashfactory. I just read it and it is pretty good except for one thing. You should let Promoter dry before applying the wood piece.

hkjang · May 2001

I need some information on this.
Today, I noticed that when I turn the wheel all the way to the right(clockwise) and drive slowly(in a circular motion), front left wheel makes some kind of high pitch noise.
If I do the same thing for the oppsite side, I don't hear any noise.
First I thought it was because my Santa Fe is so new(only 200 miles now), the wheels need some time to get adjusted.
But, I wanted to make sure that's the case.
Does(did) anyone have similar experience?

Oh, and here's my brief story on purchasing my Nordic White GLS 4wd(with ABS and TCS).
I was VERY lucky. My wife and I wanted either white or silver. When I called my local dealer, one sales lady said they would have delivery on white one the same day. So we went to the dealer and test drove it the next day, liked it, and bought it. There was one couple there at the time who wanted to buy the same Santa Fe 1 minute after I signed the paper!!!
So, from the day I bought it til the day I actually picked it up, it only took 2 days.
You know what's more exciting?
I HAVE SANTA FE!!!
sorry for the long post.

steckswife · May 2001

I thought the first couple time with the doors automatically relocking I was going crazy!! You see I usually hit the unlock button on the keys when I load up the car as I walk out the door where they hang on a key rack. So with an arm full of stuff I get to the car and it's locked. So I trek back up to the house and hit the button again, this time just as I have my hand on the door I hear it lock again, LOL!! Needless to say now I take the keys with me to the car and unlock it when I get there. I never liked doing that though because in the process of packing for trips I have a tendency to lock the keys in the car. But once again if anyone ever gets to figuring out how to get the doors to lock when the vehicle is started I would love to hear it.
Thanks

wales1 · May 2001

Well..closing in on 10,000 miles on my SF, and it was purchased in early Feb. So here is update since its purchase.

1. Rear bumper lights are working fine. I know alot of people emailed me about it and they seemed concerend about problems in doing it. So far no problems. I have pics of it and will post soon post soon.

2. Hyundai Wood kit is on "global hold". I have paid for mine, and dealer was not aware of the "technical research" that is being conducted on the kit by HMA. Seems there is a problem with the finish and the company is looking for answers. So, when mine arrives, it should be the fixed version. I will post pics when it arrives.

3. After market radio, Sony CD w/Alpine amp and I think if anyone wants to knock out "outside noise" to look into lining the car doors with a product called Dynomat. Think of it as lead-lining your vehicle. Sound stays in, but minus the outside noise. I have noticed a HUGE difference.

4. Hands free cell kit for my Nokia phone has yet to be installed. I had it in a Honda Accord, but the company that makes the mounting bracket, Profit, has yet to make one for SF. So that project is on hold till further notice.

5. Will be having driver side and passenger side front doors tinted to match rest of car. Will dress it up alot.

Now..I have been searching net, and HDK has alot of aftermarket itmes for SFe, but the prices are a wee bit steep for what they are, and also have heard alot of problems in the quality of the items, IE..scratches on new itmes, shipped in bad pkging, and missing pieces. Well..in my searches, I have come across a site that sells the exact same items HDK sells, same net pics too. But..the only catch, and its a big one, is its written in Korean, so ALL I can do is see the pics, and have no clue on pricing. I think HDK orders from this same company, and hikes the price up. Just a hunch, so if I can order direct from this company, maybe I can get it cheaper, and not be missing the parts. I am sure the shipping fee will be heafty, since I assume it would be shipped from Korea. NOW..I did call HDK this past week, and they told me the website was going to be updated this week, with new parts, and prices, so I will look there to compare.

Other than that..all seems well with the vehicle. The looks and stares continue, even saw a twin Black one on the road and we rode side by side for awhile. That really got people looking.
So keep on enjoying and if anyone knows why HMA has yet to start the web site register system for your vehicle, fill us in. They should remove that feature all together until it is in operation.

wales1 · May 2001

Saw the posts on wood kits. The promoter is needed to make a secure and LASTING bond with the 3M tape. The 3M tape and promoter are the same products used when making airplane wings, so the bond is TIGHT. If you dont use it, you run a risk of the kit coming off in years to come. If any of it pulls away, say a corner, and dirt touches it, it will continue to pull away. HEAT will cause it to pull away, so Tung, you used a hair dryer to pull and replace,the sun will hear it up just like a hair dryer if left in it long enough, and the 3M tape will get gooey and the bond will deteriate over the years. The alcohol is need to remover any OIL residue as well as general dust and dirt, so if you use products similar to Armor All, the oil in that will cause the bonding process to be weakend so use the rubs, and use the promoter. They didnt include it in the kits for decorations. It has a purpose, a HUGE purpose. It bonds the kit on there for LIFE. If you dont use it and it comes apart, your warrenty could be voided since you did not follow the directions.

billtung · May 2001

Thanks for Refaires & Sen1 for the links about the "Promoter".

To Wales1:
If what u've said is right then I'm lucky I didn't use the Promoter, because I might change to another style or color dashkit in the future. If it bonds permanent that means very difficult to remove! I'm so glad I didn't apply it. The only mistake I've made is the little piece outside the Sunglass storage which has no way facing high heat or sunlight.

The instruction came with the wood grain dash kits didn't mention how to apply the "Promoter", it just states apply when needed. So I think is up to the user. If u want permanent look then use it, otherwise just forget it!

I don't worry the kit will come off so easy becasue it is locate inside the car & I can tell the 3M tape backing use in the dash kit is similar/better to the 3M tape use in the exterior window deflector 3M backing which can stand for extreme temperature & wind & water for many many years, since the dash kit is inside the car & with very careful handling just like the leather on the seats, I think it will well adhere for many years. I've tried to heat the piece with my hair dryer for a long time, the temperature might reach 60 degree or above, but the dash pieces still stick very tight with no sign of loosing any of its edges. I was so surprise!

Now I'm so worry about Hung's SF because when his dashkits arrive he has to remove his old dashkits & apply the new one, if he has permanently bold his old dashkits, how can he gonna to remove it?

Anyway, I'm very happy with the interior look right now! And the cost is not that much (USD$185), is not a big deal to me! Thanks again Wales1 for your concern! Still waitting to see your rear bumper lights pics.

wales1 · May 2001

Tung...why do you wanna change kits? To me ..thats wasting money, and again..the kits are supposed to stay permanent, so the plastic underneath the kits may be damaged when you go and change them. You may have to by new plastic console/door parts, and that will cost you alot more. If you damage your glove box, are you really wanting to pay the cost to replace it just because you wanted a different color kit? What if the kits dont fit the same, and your cant get all the glue off? Will you really be happy seeing that ugly glob of dried glue, that may have even discolored the plastic?
Hungs kit will be a challange due to the adhension factor. If he used the promoter, he will have a very..and mean very difficult time getting it off, and if he does get it off, without breaking pieces of the kit, the glue residue will cause prolems for the new kit to adhear to. May leave raised bumps, and you cant sand that down. If he combines the two kits, they wont match, so I think he may have to settle for the first one, but heck..its his car.
Tung..take a thermomitor and place it inside the car, say on your dash area, leave the car in the sun say for a couple of hour. Then take a reading, and I bet the temp will be really hot, and maybe as hot or hotter than hair dryer. If so, then I think you will see why the kits needs the promotor, for the adhesion. If a hair dryer will loosen it after only being on it for a few minutes, the sun is a GIANT hair dryer and your car sits in it alot longer.

mtnrunner1 · May 2001

I now have my new black Santa Fe and love it so far. Out state does not require a front plate, so I now have 4 empty holes where it could have been mounted. Has anyone done anything to cover these holes? It came with two bolts, but I have 4 holes and they appear to be a special type of bolt.
Any suggestions? I can just see snow and road dirt filling the holes, and it just seems better if they could be plugged or something.

Thanks,
Mike

dm9495 · May 2001

I have just finished my weekend trip to Maryland from New York (roughly about 500 miles round trip), and I notice the area on the wheel where the brake pads make contact with it is rusted. It is the silver surface area when you look at the wheel. It only happens to two of the four wheels (the rear right wheel and the front left wheel). I would like to know is this normal? If not, can I get the dealer to replace the rusted wheels for me? Also, during most parts of the trip, I have set the SF to cruise control at around 65mph. Does this damage its engine since it is still within the "break-in" period of the engine (it currently has about 700 miles on it)? Thanks in advance for any reply.

mtnrunner1 · May 2001

Does anyone make guards to prevent the brake dust from getting all over the wheels?

Thanks,
mike

ramada · May 2001

I had to cover the holes myself on my license plates. Try http://www.santafeforum.com

They have lots of accessories listed there for the Santa Fe. There you might find some. I went to the local Target, auto department, bought some smoke colored plugs for the license holes...fits perfecttly. Cost me like $4 bucks. Good lcuk

hal2001 · May 2001

To MTNRUNNER1:

Pep Boys auto stores carry several makes of disc brake dust guards. I had them on my Blazer before the Santa Fe and they really work well.

It is nothing more than a thin metal disc with air louvres to help keep the rotor cool. It bolts on between the back of the wheel and the hub using the regular wheel lugs.

Be certain you orient the guard disc correctly
taking into consideration the direction the wheel
will be rotating so the louvres are facing forward to scoop in air.

I believe I paid $19 per pair.

Hope this answers your question.

hung0820 · May 2001

I just got from Sacramento last night. Too many people look at my car from the inside and outside when I parked at the picnic area. I will write up this story in the future and post it in my website.

Wheel Turn Sound:
There should be no wheel sound if you turn all the way on the right or left side. If you continue received the sound then have the dealers check the alignment.

My Wood dash:
If you use the hair dryer than you can melt anything and just peel it out. I have not see anyone mention about the hair dryer. If you use the hair dryer then the job is much easier. You can stretch the wood dash as well and melt the glue as well. I took the old wood dash set from my Dad Sienna Van and install in the new set and it was a piece of cake to me.

Door lock and unlock:
I only look at the front or rear lights to flash.

Front plate holder:
There should be 4 holes because there are 2 different type of plate holder frame in the market (use 2 holes only). If you don't want to put the license plate then put the frame with some kind of picture on it.

hkjang · May 2001

Thanks for the reply, Hung.
The thing is, I don't hear it all the time.
I drove in circular motion about 3-4 times and
I heard it for 1 second here and there.
I hope this is not a serious problem...

wales1 · May 2001

The rust you see is normal and is on every car out there, just is more noticable on a clean new car. Go look on the car lots, and look at brand new cars, you will see it on them as well.

guyf1 · May 2001

Have it checked by your dealer. I dont know what can cause it but wheel alignment has certainly nothing to do with it.

Guy

billbo1970 · May 2001

Did you ever figure out where the other end of that air hose comes out? It's been raining ALOT here, and I haven't been able to look. Wow, there were alot of posts lately! Getting difficult to keep up with this board... let go Hyundai!!!! :-D

Bill

sonatava · May 2001

For those who've installed a dash kit, can you describe the type of finish it has? I had ordered the Florida Trim sample boards from autodash.com, and the finish on the pieces seem a bit soft. You can press a fingernail into it and it'll heal itself, and overall the epoxy seems a bit thick. Is this what the other brands are like?

hung0820 · May 2001

Hkjang:
NO! That's no a serious problem. It sounds like there's something when you turn your tires might not get a good grip on a "Road condition". Basicall depend on the road! I guess.

Billbo1970:
I will check it out someday this week. I am exhaust with the picnic on the weekend. Played to much sport plus DDR on Playstation-2. Can't believe it! The Playstation-2 can play DVD too. Wow...

hyundaima · May 2001

It sounds like one circuit of the brake system is not working properly. Take your car to a Hyundai dealer for service as soon as possible.

billtung · May 2001

hi dm9495!
hyundaima might be right, it is unusual to have rust on the brakepad contacted part of the disc rotor, there will have rust only if u don't drive the car for a long time (because u didn't apply the brake for a long time). Any contacts happen between the brake pad & the disc rotor will remove the rust!

Yeah! Pls check it out in your Hyundai's dealer.

billbo1970 · May 2001

If as you say, it's the right front & rear left (or vice-versa), that is the same brake line. 1 line controls one front & one rear.. opposite each other in case of a failure. So, if it is only those 2 rotors showing rust, and this rust is not going away after driving the vehicle, something is wrong with that line. Take it to the dealer right away.

billbo1970 · May 2001

Tung: You can have rust appear OVERNIGHT if it is damp/humid enough. But, if you drive the car, and then get out & look once you get wherever you're going.... you should not see any rust on the rotor at all.

hkjang · May 2001

Well, not much of a improvement today.
I went to the dealer this morning and had them
check it out.
Result: they don't know.
But, the thing is that they didn't want to take things apart right away since it's brand new car.
So, they are contacting Hyundai if there are any similar reports on this, then go from there.
Well, for now, it doesn't sound like a serious problem or safety issue, so I'll wait for their call.

BTW, I have one question.
There are two power outlets in Santa FE.
Do you guys know what can be pugged in there?
I know I can use cell phone or portable CD player.
But, what else?

jgibson24 · May 2001

Hello,

I have had my Sante Fe for 5 months now and love it. However right after I hit 8,000 miles the MIL (Malfunction Indicator Light) has come on. I will be bringing it in to the dealer when I return from a business trip. Has anyone had this happen and does anyone know what it might indicate? The manual mentions something about sensors for gasses/exhause.

hung0820 · May 2001

Power Outlets:
I use a small storage box which I store in the trunk when I cruise on a long ride. My small storage box can keep things hot or cool. Usually I store milks and soda at cool. I plug in right on the outlet in the rear trunk.

MIL:
I never have any MIL in my car yet! I am almost at my first oil change (5k miles).

guyf1 · May 2001

I never had this problem but I understand that if you do not tighten the gas cap hard enough, the light may come on. You need to tighten the gas cap enough so that you start hearing a click noise coming from it.

Guy

billtung · May 2001

Hi jgibson24:

Well! I have a short story to tell everybody about the MIL:

2 months ago when I was delivering flowers using my GMC safari's on the highway running at about 120 km/hr, I saw my MIL came on, I immediately pulled over to the side of the highway & opened the hood checking almost all visible components, oil & fluid levels, but w/o finding a clue! I read the manual carefully, it said the same thing (mentions something about sensors for gasses/exhause) & stated that the car may still drivable since it is just a early indication for a potential problem may occur in the near future & should visit dealer ASAP!
Then I drove slowly about 60Km back to visit my GM dealer & they brought out a hand-held computer diagnostic machine & plugged into my Safari's cable adapter under the steering column, we drove all the way up to the top of the mountain, speed up, speed down, spinned the rear wheels by step on the brake while pressing on the gas pedal. At first nothing can find by the computer diagnostic machine, but eventually picked up a very weak mis-fire signal from one of the cylinder, and about aother 5 minutes later, one more cylinder also had a little bit of mis-fire, & then no more problem signals can be detected by the computer.

The service manager told me it might be the gasoline problem (Yes, I do had filled up with very low price gasoline from a suburb city 56 cents/litre compare to 70 cents elsewhere the day before), it also might be the spark plugs problem but since the platinum spark plugs in my safari usually last up to 100,000km now is 90,000km then he recommended change it in the coming 100,000km tune up. He said to wait until all the gasoline used up, & if the MIL still on when using better grade gasoline then bring it back to his attention. He disabled he warning light & told me my van is safe to drive & after that until now I have filled up anther few full-tank of gas, added another 2000km to my Safari's but never see the MIL "ON" again.................

Hope this real story help!

dachlion · May 2001

Wanna take a peek at the new Terracan SUV? The brief writeup is from one of the Hong Kong newspaper today. You folks won't be able to read it since it's in Chinese.

http://appledaily.atnext.com/adotpl/lifemagindex.cfm?article_id=379409&main_section_id=38168

shaq2kobe · May 2001

job that you've done on your SaFe. I just visited your web site, and even though I'm in the market for an '02 crv, if that doesn't work the SaFe is definitely my 2nd choice. Especially after what it looks like after all the add-ons. Keep up the good work, Hyundai should think about using your vehicle in their commercials...........

refaires · May 2001

My Santa Fe was showing the same "rust looking" spots on the silver colored portion of the brakes that you can see through the openings in the wheels. i showed it to the owner and the service manager of the dealership where I purchased my Sandstone LX AWD. Neither of them had seen this on the Santa Fe before and looked at another one that was also there for service and the other didn't have the spots.

The service manager asked it I used any special cleaner on the wheels and I told him "yes," and he told me that was the problem. The wheels are coated and the heavy duty, spray-on cleaner used to clean the brake dust off the wheels doesn't affect them, however, the brake portions are not coated.

Since that time, I've used more elbow grease and no wheel cleaner on my vehicle.

whitesantafe · May 2001

I would go and have this checked out I had this problem. IT has something to do with the spark plug. The rust issue on the rotors if you will look on most cars or suvs that have open wheels have this problem.

williamregan · May 2001

Does anybody know if/when a power driver seat will be available on the Santa Fe in the USA? I found a review on the net in which the reviewer was complaining that the seat in his test vehicle didn't have a memory function.

Also, is it possible to fold the rear seat down so that it is flat with the cargo area, perhaps by removing the rear seats if necessary? A Hyundai salesman told me no, but he didn't really seem to know too much about the Santa Fe.

hung0820 · May 2001

shaq2kobe:
Seem like you are a Lakers fan! Me too! I am also the Kings and the Warriors Fan as well. These three teams are in California. Thank you very much for your compliments on my website. 2002 CRV seems to have either the 2.4 or 2.5 4-cylinders. I believe they increase horsepower just like the RAV4 as well. The look of the new 2002 CRV look almost like the RAV4 except the back is square rather the RAV4 is Round. Seem like these 2 cars have a good combat. However, Santa Fe is Bigger, Roomier, V6, Shiftronic, IIHS crash test top-notch, More Feature options, Cheaper, Consumers Satisfy, more website to learn, 10/100k warranty, etc...

bluewinds · May 2001

Good job!!

Terracan is pretty nice SUV.
3.5 V6 with 5-SPEED A/T.....

Under US$25,000 segment, it will be the only SUV which has 5speed A/T.

shaq2kobe · May 2001

I'm a die-hard Laker fan (not one of these 76ers turned chicago bulls turned l.a. lakers fan). I definitely will gill give the SaFe serious consideration when I make my new purchase. I don't know if you posted it on your website, but how much do you think you spent for all the add-ons?

shaq2kobe · May 2001

what's expected for the '02?

hung0820 · May 2001

I bought the top model Santa Fe for under $25k!
Here are the data:
Santa Fe AWD-LX with option 13 = 24717
Cargo Liner = 100
All Season Floor Mats = 90
Wood Dash - 17 pieces = 300
Digital Multimeter System = 360
Windows Visors = 68
Lumbar Support = 9
A/T Climate Control = 450
Pedal Cover = 25
Center Rearview Mirror = 23
Front Strut Bar = 99
Blue Headlight Bulb = 63
Front Grill Guard = 270
Side Steps = 225
Gauge Face Sport = 63
Rear Bumper Guard = 180
Rear Deflector = 80
Radar Detector = 250
Dash Cover = 50
Bug Deflector = 60
Cargo Organizer = 80
DVD player = 750
2 rear view screen = 800
wire earphones = 91
Mud Guards = 60
Roof Rack Sport = 381
Fender Flares = 324
A/V Receiver = 1900
VCD Changer = 570
Total Overall S/H = 243
Grand Total = 32681

***Basically the Mobile system was the cost high (I used top-of-line Hyundai Mobile System)***
1900 = A/V receiver + A/V Turner
570 = VCD 8 discs changer
800 = 2 rear view screen
750 = DVD Player
***4020 = MOBILE SYSTEM***
***Remember this! I bought the Santa Fe at almost $1000 above MSRP; the hardest Santa Fe to find in the market -Top Model White- 4/AWD+TCS+ABS**

***Can you find an SUV that have all of these stuffs like my SUV?***

Expected for 2002 Santa Fe:
1. DMS
2. A/T AC
3. More Color
4. Chrome grill
5. Manufacture sun/moonroof
6. Possible LSD
7. Possible side airbags
A) Aftermarket at HDKautosport.com have the power wire harness for the sun/moonroof to close a/t when arm the alarm (if forgot to close).

Mirror fold when turn off the ignition and many more to come...

wales1 · May 2001

ok..here is the link to my site to view the bumper lights in action. Sorry for the quality of pic..had to do a quickie..will redo the entire site when I get time..if I ever get time !!

http://www.nfocusimages.com/HyundaiSantaFe.htm

manoy · May 2001

Hello Hyundai owners. I am a proud owner of a white LX bought May 5. I was working on my wife's car yesterday. So why not check our LX as well? That is when I found out that the tires were over pressurized to 44 psi. The recommended tire pressure is only 30 psi front and back. This could have resulted in uneven wear of the tires on the edges, unsafe blow out of tires when puntured by sharp objects that potentially result in a big accident and loss of life.
I complained to my Hyundai dealer about the missing engine splash guard. They put it on order ASAP. I will post what happens after recieving it. PROS and CONS : Road dirt, mud and water swirls around the engine compartment while driving when guard is not installed. It is okay if you will steam clean the engine once a year. Someone mentioned that if there is an oil or radiator coolant spill will be trapped below. I always use a two litter plastic soda container cut in half. It is the perfect funnel and is free. I never spill because I also put rag around funnel.
to catch any drips.
I enjoy reading everyone's contributions to this chat board. Keep it up. So far we are happy owners and encountered no problems.

iluvmysephia1 · May 2001

they could only help SaFe t-wise!!! Hyundai should just wire in the connections on all new production models from here on out so the extra 2 taillights will come on for a SaFe t-total of 5! Ya gotta dig that! Lights up the back end rather nicely.

hyundaima · May 2001

The lens and opening are for rear fog lamps. Mandatory in EU countries, but not required here. The only US car model with working rear fog lamps is Olds Alero. has pretty lens on the bumper...

lrchome · June 2001

My windshield wipers chatter a lot does anyone else out there have this problem. I guess I will have to change the wiper blades, but am not sure this will cure the problem.
It is 30 miles to the hyundai dealer so I would rather change blades than take it in to dealer. If you have any experience with this problem I would appreciate any advice. I have only used the wipers about 5 times in the 7 months I have owned the Santa Fe.

Hyundai Santa Fe (2006 and earlier)

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