Hyundai Sonata 2005 and earlier

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Comments

  • alc4alc4 Member Posts: 11
    Sorry to hear about you tranny problems.I amy guessing it is still under warranty you said the car was a 2000,so I'm guessing you have a heck of a lot less than 100K on it..I would think that at 18,000 miles,and providing you don't drive like A
    NASCAR wanna'be that the problem is either a factory goof or somthing simple like the shift control modulator.Since you didn't say what the car did when the failure accured,like grinding noises or a lot of smoking and burn smells,it could be that..The car will just sit there and race in all gears if the modulator fails..Although it is hard to believe the dealer took 2 days to find it if that was the problem
  • farofafarofa Member Posts: 1
    I have a 99 Sonata for 10 months and I have driven for more than 22000 miles without any kind of trouble. I got it new from a Oldsmobile dealer that is also selling Hyundai cars. They offered me a deal that I could not refuse. It is funny to think that the offer only came after I drove an Alero and I didn't like it. That bran new Alero was not as good as the 85000 miles 97 Sonata that my girlfriend has. After the test drive the salesman showed me the Sonata. I drove it and I loved. He explained to me that they have received a late shipment of Sonatas and while they were already selling 2000 models, they got stuck with that 99. I did not believe him, but I liked the deal and the red color... I am going for the 22500 scheduled oil change this week very happy.

    At same time that I got that car, a friend of me who lives in Virginia, called me to say that he had just bought a 97 Accord with 60000 miles for 15000 bucks. I could not believe that he paid the same as I did for a used car that does not even have the same quality features as the Sonata. That is brand loyalty!! He even made fun of me!!! " I have a real car from a real car maker!! "

    He recently called to complain that he had to change some expensive suspension parts, plus tires, etc. I tried to calm him down explaining that a used car, without any warranty, will give you some expenses. It does not matter if it is a Honda or a Hyundai.

    Inside my head I could hear my voice saying:

    HA HA HA
    Looser!!!!
  • ryan41ryan41 Member Posts: 21
    My 2000 Sonata was babied since new. When the problem happened, the car bucked, the check engine light went on and the car had only first gear. I have the 4cyl with automatic. I did notice since new, the tranny always downshifted hard when slowing down, thought it was normal, guess not.
  • happypappyhappypappy Member Posts: 1
    I just had my Hyundai dealer replace 2nd and 3rd gear synchronizers to remedy a very stiff, and grinding, transmission. It's worst going into 2nd, and forget downshifting. Also worse in cold weather. Anyway, the new parts seem to have done no good at all. This morning I almost couldn't get it into 2nd at all.

    I'll keep plugging, as I otherwise have great faith in the quality of the car. Hope they can find a fix...
    HappyPappy
  • r_sonatar_sonata Member Posts: 8
    Just wanted to give a heads up to all 2000 4cyl. Sonata owners. Upgrading to the Bosch Platinum +4 Spark Plugs makes a noticeable difference.

    WOW what another Super Difference removing the air filter pre-intake duct.
    Sound from the air Intake taking in that rush of air is Awesome. Gas Mileage increased tremendously after 2000rpms you really notice the power increase.

    Here is a How to >
    Need to remove the Battery Positive and Negative cables from Battery Post 10mm deep socket , then remove the 12mm bolt long Extension 12" or longer in the front of the battery hold down tray battery comes right out. Then remove the 2 - 10mm bolts which hold down the engine compartment fuse box don't try to remove the fuse box just want it to be slightly moveable to access a 10mm bolt holding the air filter housing, then there are 3 - 10mm bolts which hold the air cleaner assembly. One bolt in front and Rear another just under the fuse box. then finally 1 - 10mm bolt on the drivers side inside fender holding the air duct.
    FYI after you are done will have to re program radio stations and clock.
    For purposes of quieting the air intake noise levels.
    Hyundai has the air come in thru a Resonator box then thru the air duct and finally into the air cleaner. Remove the air duct. Fire up the 4cyl. and listen to the Throaty sound it makes... Took Digital Pics of the work hope to post on a webpage soon... Will keep U all Posted ...

    email > hi_tec1@hotmail.com

    Happy Hyundai Motoring :)
  • herneherne Member Posts: 18
    I have now travelled approx. 600 klm since the installation of revised synchronisers to the manual gearbox to rectify a notchy gearchange.
    When I picked up the car the gearchange was stiff - like a new car however it has now loosened up nicely and is a definite improvement on how it was previous to the work.
    The ultimate test will be when my wife drives the car but it seems that the work was worthwhile.
    No even a scratch on the car which is a bonus :))
  • giowagiowa Member Posts: 599
    Was this fully covered under your new car warranty? Did the dealer say anything to you about their being any technical service bulletin (TSB) for this condition?
  • herneherne Member Posts: 18
    The repairs to my manual gearbox were covered under the new car warranty.
    The dealer did not refer to any TB.
  • amiebeaamiebea Member Posts: 5
    Hello! I have this forum a valuable resource in my hunt for a new vehicle. My 1986 Olds 98 Regency had an electrical fire under the dash after a fuse refused to blow. So, now I'm on the hunt for a new, more reliable car. I am looking at a 2000 Sonata GLS return rental. It has 8200 miles on it and is fully loaded. It drives like a dream and looks even better. My one concern is that there was a factory recal on it for electrical system wiring with the Mass Air Flow sensor. There is a report on the car that says it was fixed...but I wanted to know if anyone has had this problem and if so, is it easily remedied? The recall affects Sonatas with 2.5 liter, V-6 engines, and all Elantras manufactured from July 1998-July 2000. Please reply soon as I need a car and am frustrated with the whole car shopping experience. Just when I thought I had it down, this gets thrown in the mix and as you might suspect, I am wary of problems with a car's electrical system/wiring! Help!
  • astrolastrol Member Posts: 312
    Understand your perspective from the problem with the previous car but you can buy with assurance as far as the MAF problem is concerned. Even if the dealer is incorrect on the vehicle having already been fixed, the fix itself is very simple and can be done in 20 minutes or less by any competent technician. It involves relocating the wiring harness so as to cut down on unnecessary vibration. The harness connector is opened and an electro-conductive lubricant is applied to the metal connectors. Lastly, Hyundai required the techs to re-program the control module to make it less likely to stall in the event of a repeat.

    You could not have found a better car for the money than the GLS. My wife's has 11300 mi. and purrs like a kitten. Hope you get a good price and DO inquire about the warranty terms. After all, it is still one of the best reasons to buy Hyundai.
  • amiebeaamiebea Member Posts: 5
    I am breathing a little easier! I was somewhat flustered because I have not seen ANYTHING about this at all on these boards. Lots on the crannies and the gas caps and sticking doors, but not on the MA. I will double check with the dealer to make sure that was fixed. When I was test driving it, there were a couple of times that I would take my foot off the accelerator and the car decreased its seed drastically, throwing us forward a bit. Not too noticeable, just something I was concerned about. But thank you for your reassurance... any others?
  • giowagiowa Member Posts: 599
    I fully concur with astrol's #611 above. I've now got almost 14,000 miles on my '00 GLS V-6 w/loaded Pkg 13. Bought it May '00. Completely troublefree. I had the MAF Recall done many months ago. I hadn't been having any problems before it nor have I had any after it.
  • astrolastrol Member Posts: 312
    Regards again...as to the transmission behavior you mentioned, please note that the auto tranny in the GLS is a "thinking" one and will hold gears when you coast as well as downshift when coasting. This has initially puzzled more than one Sonata owner, I can assure you. Although, as Giowa can tell you, the best performance will be realized with a manual, the auto tranny in the GLS is quite refined and actually takes to being driven hard. As it is my wife's car, she tends to baby it...I, on the other hand, like to remind it once in a while, that it needs to earn its' keep.
    Good Luck!
  • armagostarmagost Member Posts: 10
    The 4 cylinder Sonata sedan looks impressive. The only important feature that's missing is antilock brakes. How do I convince a dealer to include ABS without piling on other options I don't want? No moonroof, please. ;-)
  • astrolastrol Member Posts: 312
    Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but it is impossible to get a 4 cyl Sonata with ABS. It is only offered on the top of the line, fully optioned GLS (Leather for 2001). A stupid system, I know, but there you have it.

    Most of us here find it surprising that Hyundai would be so obstinate about it when you consider that many Sonata competitors offer ABS as a stand alone option.

    If you must have it then there may not be a Sonata in your future. This is too bad as we are always looking for new friends.
  • marlowecanadymarlowecanady Member Posts: 1
    My 97 Sonata crapped out transmission wise traded in do not bank on hyundia being a dependable car. I and many others had the same problem car bucking with engine warning light
    if you have email me let em know marlowe@canady.com
  • giowagiowa Member Posts: 599
    According to Kia's brochures, ABS is a standalone option on the LX V-6 and SE V-6. Can't be had in Optima with I-4, either. But why not look at the 2.5L V-6? You might be able to keep the options reasonable in LX V-6 and order ABS.
  • sonata_2001sonata_2001 Member Posts: 1
    High all... I recently purchased a 2001 Sonata GLS with the V6 and I am very pleased with the car. However, I noticed some minor things that I just wanted to verify whether or not they are common to Sonatas, or if it is mine in particular...

    When I leave the car idling in park (or even if I am at a stoplight with my foot on the brake), the car tends to shake a little. I don't mean that the RPMs spike or that the car shakes like a muscle car, I just mean that you can feel the car shaking a little from the engine inside the cabin. Since everything else is so smooth, I was curious as to whether this is normal or not.

    Also, the car sometimes shakes a little while braking (actually, it feels like it is going over a slightly bumpy road). I assume that this has something to do with the auto tranny downshifting?

    Any comments would be greatly appreciated!

    BTW - Overall, I think the Sonata is an awesome buy for an awesome deal!
  • astrolastrol Member Posts: 312
    I believe what you are referring to is essentially a cold weather phenomenon. This minor idle roughness or vibration is all the more apparent in the Sonata as the vehicle is usually so smooth. I have noticed the difference at stoplights and sometimes I will move the gear selector into neutral. As you may know, doing this makes awareness of the running engine almost disappear. In warm weather, however, I never felt the urge to do so.

    If you are actually describing a physical shaking that you can see and feel, I suggest you have it looked at. You may have valve deposits. Try a total fuel system treatment in the gas tank. Take her out on the highway and open her up good.

    Consider staying in touch with this forum. Good Luck with the new car.
  • armagostarmagost Member Posts: 10
    The Hyundai Community. That's a hoot. Move aside, Saturn! ;-)

    How can you call a car without ABS a family car? If Hyundai added optional ABS, they'd be selling a 4 cylinder family car with virtually the same horsepower and torque as the base model 4 cylinder Accord, similarly equipped and with similar design and dimensions... For nearly _five thousand bucks_ less. That kind of bargain would help me forget about the Accord. The nagging uncertainly... "Maybe I should have bought the 4 cylinder Accord instead of the 6 cylinder Hyundai." Sonatas would soon begin selling in volume. They'd become a genuine competitor. Instead of impersonating the Accord, why not carve a market niche, undercut Honda, and eventually challenge the Accord?

    I'm still looking at the 2001 Hyundai Elantra GLS, but that's another can of worms. Er, that's another topic.
  • sammy35sammy35 Member Posts: 10
    hi everyone,
    I'm in the market for a 01' Sonata GLS automatic (no leather, moonroof)and still unsure of a what a great deal would be. MRSP is approx $19000 but have seen one advertized at 15500. I've checked out several sights including this one and our local dealer won't even consider a close TMV price as found on the internet. Big difference! So whats the deal? no one really mentions what they paid. Frustrated in Arizona.
  • mietushmietush Member Posts: 7
    I recently purchased a GLX 2001 after several road tests with Daewoo Leganza CDX, Cougar, Camry and Accord. The Sonata rated better for price, options and leg and head space. Comfort was pretty well equal among all of the above. Driving and road handling was better with the Daewoo Leganza but the reliability is questionnable.
    The car has got class with an urban grey colour and the Michelin 205 tires and silver rims. I will get the windows slightly shaded and the overall look will be great.
    After 300Kms, I can say that it runs smooth, silent and the sound system is adequate. The heated leather seats are appreciated. First hand details are: poor return from the direction change lever after a turn, occasional double kick down between 60-90kms/h with throttle at 2/3, possible movement of the gearshift from "D" to "N" with very little pressure. no water deflector from windshield to front side door, poor similiwood finish.
    In closing, I am very satisfied and I know I do not drive a Mercedes or equivalent car. For the price and quality compared to other cars in the same niche, you can not find better buy.

    I will keep you posted.
  • rammit2000rammit2000 Member Posts: 27
    Sorry to post about a subject way back but...
    I had a clicking noise coming from the interior fan also this last summer. You will have to loosen three bolts under the dash on the passenger side. The little plastic squirrel cage and motor will drop and you guessed it, a leaf will most likely be stuck. I found the leaf brown, dry, and rolled up tightly.
    Piece of cake to fix but you have to be able to get upside down under to dash to work on it.
    Good luck.
  • astrolastrol Member Posts: 312
    Most of us here have long ago traded war stories about the deals we got. So much of it always depends on what rebates, promos, etc. are available at the time.

    I paid $18685 (MSRP $21247 w/add-ons) for a '00 GLS Auto w/pkg 13. I think Giowa paid about $18400 (MSRP about $20500 or so)for the same with a 5-speed. We bought at different times and under very different circumstances. Suffice it to say I had a much easier time finding mine.

    The vehicle you mention sounds like either a standard GLS Auto V6 or one with pkg 10. The standard package with Dest. is about $18300 MSRP. It does not have the CD/Cassette upgrade or the moonroof. The car with pkg 10 and Dest. is about $19300 MSRP and does include the above. In either case, the sale price you mentioned sounds righteous but do inquire if that is after all rebates, if any. You know how these dealers love to lowball.

    Good Luck with your decision.
  • astrolastrol Member Posts: 312
    Heated seats! Sounds like a Canadian model. They get all the goodies...we have to fight for the crumbs. But then again...we get the Hyundai Advantage USA warranty, so what's a Fog light worth anyway?

    In my opinion, you were wise to stay away from the Leganza, as well as the others. The day I pay what most of them are asking for a 4 cyl model is the day I jump off the Tallahatchie Bridge.
    Good Luck with the new car.
  • bluewindsbluewinds Member Posts: 100
    If you want to get ABS without special charge on every Sonatas which are either 4cyl or 6cyl, just wait for 4months.

    2002 Sonata will be introduced at west coast of USA in June.

    ABS is really essentail feature for safety on midsize sedan. Maybe price will be changed because ABS is added as a standard.

    In Korea we pay 500bucks more to get 2002 SONATA wiht ABS.
  • phatfotophatfoto Member Posts: 3
    I'm stopping by looking for info on the Mitsubishi built 3 liter V6 that was offered in 94 or so. I have an 87 Dodge Caravan with a slightly different version of that motor and was looking for common parts and such for an upcoming rebuild.


      Do any of you have a web page with this motor info or even just some motor photos?


      Thanks. Feel free to stop by my website at http://www.geocoties.com/phatfoto to see some of the stuff the Dodge 3 liter crowd is up to...

  • armagostarmagost Member Posts: 10
    http://www.hwysafety.org/safety_facts/antilock.htm


    I'm glad that ABS is not standard equipment. However, I think that it should be an option.

  • bluewindsbluewinds Member Posts: 100
    Maybe its displacement is V6 2972cc...

    Chrysler and Hyundai got that block design from Mitsubishi. Although ECU and injections are different by development.

    80's V6 3.0 engine are definitely same among 3 companines.
  • ryan41ryan41 Member Posts: 21
    Thinking of trading in my 00 base Sonata with the bad transmission. Car has not been repaired yet although it was already promised back to me.Dealer offered me 9500.00 for mine and was going to move up to the 01GLS for 16k. The GLS would cost me my car and 6500. Should I?
  • phatfotophatfoto Member Posts: 3
    What I'm looking for is compression ratios, different pistons, valve sizes, whether your version of the motor has the same valve guide and automatic valve lash adjuster problems.

    I've been in touch with Mitsubishi Montero owners and compared notes with them on these matters, and they too had similar problems. Different communities, same problems, different solutions.

    I was also in touch with the Mitsu 3000GT and Dodge Stealth crowds too. Their DOHC motors are basically the same block, but different heads and electronics. Also, different mounting directions too. But those guys (mostly the DOHC Twin Turbo folks) were really a bunch of snobs. No help.

    For what it is worth, there is an industrial version of this motor used in Fork Lifts and other heavy machinery. So obviously this is a good basic motor.

    If any of you have web sites about your cars with photos of the motors, I'd appreciate it. I'm not trying to build up a NASCAR motor or NHRA dragster here, but I always like more power.

    Thanks...
  • astrolastrol Member Posts: 312
    You are a real trooper. Hyundai should be proud. I assume your base tranny is an auto?

    Only you can answer whether it is a sound move financially. You know all the details on your original deal. As to whether the upgrade to the GLS is worth it---I'm biased---so yes, it is. Of course it all depends on how long you keep it, etc. Some people say vehicles like these are a better buy in the base form or in the basic no-frills V6 form. I like 'em fully loaded and the wife intends to keep it 6+ years so put me down for pkg. 13.
  • tonykrapiltonykrapil Member Posts: 211
    Hey Ryan..... Let me ask a few questions....

    You have a powertrain warranty. It will be fixed for free. Your 00 sonata is about the same as an 01 sonata. Is it worth 6500 bucks to get a differnt car with similar loss at trade?

    You can rent a loaner for a long time for 6500 bucks.

    You can also buy a beater and sell it when your car comes back and maybe even make a profit on the sale if ya clean it up nice.

    When we bought these sonatas we knew the loss will be there regarding trade, I would just wait and get yours fixed.

    Dont put any more money into this situation.

    I have two hyundai's SO I know first hand in order to win at this game we have to hold on for a long time.

    You mught also escallate the trouble to the owner of the dealership and then to hyundai in hopes of getting it taken care of faster.

    Good luck and be sure to let us know what you do.

    Tony
  • r_sonatar_sonata Member Posts: 8
    Noticed when first started driving my Base 2000 Sonata Auto. trans was shifting hard at times and just not smooth. Felt like it was slipping and so forth.

    Figured wait till around 500 miles maybe just needs breaking in. Called Hyundai Service Dept. spoke to a Hyundai Tech. He stated that was common cause they have a thinking Transmission.
    Hyundai Tech stated Trans. electronic control module is not setup properly. The car was driven short distances between factory the docks and then off the boat here and to carrier then test drive for the first 16 miles so it remembers that and has adjusted to that short driving.

    Ok, bottom line is dis-connect the Battery Cables Positive and Negative do not re-connect Battery cables for 1/2 hour. Then go out drive in some traffic and Highway for about 15 miles and the Trans. ECM will setup to normal driving and shift smooth and respond perfectly. It is all because of the Super Thinking Trans. they use. :O)
    Remember to reset your radio stations and clock

    So far have changed to the Bosch Platinum +4 Spark Plugs.
    Removed the Air Duct to the Air Filter. Drive the car 50 miles everyday constantly shifting between 3rd and drive. Love to hold 3rd to 45-50mph then go into Drive or 4th if the road ahead allows.
    Get on the Throttle a lot in 3rd and sometimes in drive. Certainly do not Baby the Trans. Or the engine. Get on throttle every chance I can and Love it.
    Sonata is fast with simple Mods. Takes a beating from me and doesnt complain.

    Reminds me of our PCs just Re-Boot and youre all set :O)
  • sonatafansonatafan Member Posts: 171
    Did resetting the TCM help your shifting problem? Reason I ask is, the TCM learns but it readjusts it's learning curve every few SECONDS. It will never develop a bad habit from previous experiences. The transmission doesn't develop like a baby, it only remembers for short periods.
  • tonykrapiltonykrapil Member Posts: 211
    About this thinking transmission.. do u think that once it has learned some style of driving, it will never change and continue to learn?

    You make it sound like a 'learn once then shift this way forever trasmission'

    Do you think this is the way it really works ?

    I dont.

    Tony
  • tonykrapiltonykrapil Member Posts: 211
    About this thinking transmission.. do u think that once it has learned some style of driving, it will never change and continue to learn?

    You make it sound like a 'learn once then shift this way forever trasmission'

    Do you think this is the way it really works ?

    I dont.

    Tony
  • sonatavasonatava Member Posts: 75
    The only base 2000 w/auto transmission that I've driven (test-driven) was one that had a little over 2000 miles on it, and I really didn't like the shifting on it. The sales manager said that the logic hadn't set in yet, but I knew better and didn't even try to make a deal on it. The car just didn't seem "new", as if someone had returned it or something, but they were eager for me to make them an offer, since it was the only 4cyl auto Sonata they had at the time. Trading something like that in and paying $6500 for a GLS would really depend on how you paid for it. I was lucky to get a good deal from my credit union, so my interest is only charged as I go along, saving money if I pay it off early. My aunt's credit union rate wasn't as good as the dealership's for her Sante Fe, and like most dealership's finance contracts (which she used), the interest is "simple interest" in which you're charged the total interest no matter how early you pay it off.
  • r_sonatar_sonata Member Posts: 8
    My Thinking Tony is just like yours. Personally agree TCM is thinking every few seconds.
    Disconnecting the vehicles current for 30minutes just re-initializes or resets the TCM .
    Hyundai tech stated when the TCM is completely defective the Trans. Locks up in 2nd gear.

    Where or how does the TCM receive data ? Are there Sensors ?
    Does it use engine RPM , vehicle speed? Trans. torque converter rpm ? Anyone?
    Will call Hyundai this week and see if I can get more info.

    My Apologize for making my previous message sound as if the TCM does not continue to think after resetting and driving for 15 miles.
    Just a statement made by the Hyundai tech to drive 15 miles after the reset .

    The Statement regarding the first 16 miles of my Sonata's life is just the tech trying to give me his explanation of what may have been the reason for the TCM to freeze and require a reset.

    I Love my Sonata
  • ryan41ryan41 Member Posts: 21
    Hey Tony etc:
    Bought the Sonata in 3/00 paid 11,500 base with automatic and CD player, I'm just worried that the car would never be the same,I would like to drive it if I ever get it back to see if it feels any different. I babied the car since new, only hand washed and waxed, I did all oil changes. The only reason that I even considered the trade is because they offered me 9500. Was wondering if 16000 was a good price for the GLS. Does anyone know how long the car has to be at the dealer to try the lemon law? Tuesday will make 2 weeks.
  • astrolastrol Member Posts: 312
    My '95 Sonata base auto was screwed by the techs during a 30K service. Couldn't even get the car off the lot when we went to pick it up. Luckily, we had loaner protection from the dealer, who runs a rental franchise out the back. Our replacement service took two weeks back then (late '96) and resulted in a comparably performing tranny afterwards. Of course, the replacement was a remanufacture and had an attenuated warranty period pro-rated from the original.

    I know someone (female?) a good while back posted here about her GLS or her mothers' needing a tranny replacement. You might want to check the archives for the details. I believe she stuck with it and the new tranny was fine.

    Again, the financials are yours to decide. My opinion stems from the fact that I simply prefer the extras the GLS provides, especially the V6. If the dealer holds to the $9500 that doesn't sound bad considering. What option pkg. does the GLS have, if any?
  • excel88excel88 Member Posts: 8
    I originally posted this message last fall, but my computer crashed and I lost everything. Anyway here it is again: Almost every time either my wife or I start her Sonata, there is a grinding noise which occurs if the heat/ac is on, or right after they are engaged. I've taken it 3 times to the dealer, Holman Hyundai in Marlton, NJ and they were unable to either detect or correct the problem. As a result, my wife is leery of driving the car as evidenced by less than 4000 miles on the odometer. I keep waiting for something to drop from under the hood. After sifting through volumes of their website, I finally was able to e-mail Hyundai and am waiting for a reply. In the meantime, has anybody else experienced this problem? I'm still driving my 88 Excel with relatively few major problems (36k original miles), but I'm disappointed with the Sonata situation so far.

    Believe me, any advice or help will be greatly appreciated.

    Thanks.
  • astrolastrol Member Posts: 312
    The noise you hear is the ac clutch engagement at start-up. I have heard it on my wifes' GLS before. The first time I couldn't believe what I'd heard as it was so out of character for the car. But there is a distinctly loud graunching mechanical sound that can throw you.

    If you are at all worried about it, take it to the dealer and report problems with the ac clutch engagement, both at start-up and while moving. They may not be able to duplicate it as I usually cannot with my wifes'. But you will have established a record for the future.

    As far as using the car---please do. This is not a terminal condition. Nothing will fall off the car. You are depriving yourselves of a wonderful ride.
  • excel88excel88 Member Posts: 8
    Thank you very much for the quick reply and positive lead on my problem. I've both felt like
    an idiot for returning for subsequent service requests, and a bit angry at the attitude of
    a few personnel on those occasions. Now I have something on which to go. I'm now most anxious to return to the dealer with this information. I'll post the results as information afterward. One more question, though: You said it was the AC clutch. Would the clutch also cause the noise when the heater is engaged?

    Again, many thanks.
  • wantahyundaiwantahyundai Member Posts: 3
    I am a new comer.
    I am thinking of getting a 2001 Sonata. The dealer gave me a quote of $15,145
    including frieght and a choice of either a $1000 incentive or 0.9% financing. How do
    you think of this? BTW I live in Princeton,NJ.
    Thanks in advance.
  • astrolastrol Member Posts: 312
    If you can go the higher pymts. for the shorter term, the 0.9% is unbeatable.

    You did not give any particulars about the car. I assume it is a base Sonata. Any options?
  • astrolastrol Member Posts: 312
    The Sonata, as you know, has an auto-on feature for the AC when using any de-fogging. But IF you are still experiencing this noise while using the floor heater position ONLY and there is NO light on the AC button---then there is a more serious problem. I cannot fathom what that would be as there is nothing related to the HVAC system which is capable of making this kind of mechanical noise other than the AC compressor and clutch or possibly a slack belt on the pulley.

    Here are some suggestions:

    Try re-creating the noise with the fan set to 0. The fan setting is the on-off for everything else. No heat/AC without it being on. I doubt you will be able to do this using only the other setting buttons.
    Get used to starting/leaving the car with all buttons off (except for fresh/re-circ) This will help eliminate the problem being something else and only coincidental to the HVAC operation.
    Try to isolate whether it occurs more frequently with particular HVAC setting or not.

    More than likely the problem is what I have previously described. If it continues I suggest you raise hell about it and get it replaced.
  • decondecon Member Posts: 56
    I've been looking hard into Camry and Accord...but the prices are quite steep compared to the Sonata.

    Can anyone give me some advice? Looking for durability, don't want the Hyundai to break down in the middle of the road even though there is a 100K mile protection.
  • wantahyundaiwantahyundai Member Posts: 3
    Thanks Astrol.
    It's a base Sonata.
  • sonatavasonatava Member Posts: 75
    I get the exact same noise when turning on the defroster/ac on my '00 GLS, too. It's usually only makes the noise on cold mornings, and if I crank the fan speed to a high setting when first turning it on. If I first turn the fan speed to "1" then slowly move it up, it usually doesn't make too much noise. The noise sounds like a belt slipping, and I agree that it's quite unsettling. I haven't taken it to the dealership but was going to ask them then next time I take it in.
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