Hyundai Elantra Maintenance and Repair

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Comments

  • int0jesusint0jesus Member Posts: 3
    So I have brand new 2004 Elantra GT (5-door). The car comes with this sweet Kenwood radio with detachable face. It plays MP3 and CD's so i was like, cool. I've had teh car for about 3-4 months now and the radio is turnign to crap. It hardly reads my CD's, and if it does it's all static-y. The face plate is loose so the display sometimes doesn't show. I'm just scared that the whole thing might blow up (stop working) one day. It's not covered under the warentee anymore. I tried cleaning the lens...everything. Nothing helps. Any suggestions?
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    Why do you say the radio isn't covered by warranty anymore? I don't have it with me but I would think it's good for years/60k miles--for sure more than 4 months. If it can't read CDs even after you've cleaned it, it sounds like it's defective. What did the dealer say? Any idea how the faceplate became loose? Mine's six months old and faceplate is still tight, plays ok still.
  • jimbeaumijimbeaumi Member Posts: 620
    I'm puzzled as well about the "out of warranty" statement. However, I think the radio warranty is only for three years.
  • smith20smith20 Member Posts: 256
    The sound system is covered for 3 years or 36,000 miles . . . so you still have possibly as much as 32 months of coverage left for it. Car stereos are easy to swap out, so it should be an easy fix for the dealer. If it's as bad as you say it is, it shouldn't be hard to prove it's messed up as well. In fact, if it does just blow up on you soon, that makes it all the easier to prove it's defective.
  • jimijamesjimijames Member Posts: 41
    your radio sucks? so go to the dealer and get it replaced!! What's so hard about that??

    I could be wrong but I think EVERYTHING in your new car is covered for 12months/12000 miles.
  • pvtselfpvtself Member Posts: 1
    Ive searched the list and I havent seen a problem similar to mine, so Im wondering if anyone has some advice for me:

    My 04 elantra has developed a slow door leak on my driver side. The water is coming in over the seal on the bottom of the threshold, and pools under the driver's seat. The dealership ran a hose over the top for a minute and (suprise) it didnt leak. They dont know why its happening and havent suggested a course of action to fix it. They actually asked me if I was leaving my door open at night or something, which leads me to believe they dont think there IS a problem. Ive noticed it only happens when it rains for more than 30 minutes, which in FL is fairly often. Im getting a little frustrated with the dealerships inability to diagnose the problem, and the carpet on the floorboard is starting to smell wierd.

    Has this happened to anyone else? I mean the leak, not the poor customer service...
  • themanxthemanx Member Posts: 110
    Well if they can't reproduce the problem, they can't fix it. Like you said it is a slow leak.

    I would take it back and ask them to check it again and ask nicely if they would consider replacing the door gaskets to resolve the problem.

    ElantraSTan
  • wdoranwdoran Member Posts: 31
    Does anyone know where I can find safe jacking points for a floor jack? The scissor jack is the best of any car I've owned but takes too long as I plan to rotate tires on my 03 GLS.
  • jlflemmonsjlflemmons Member Posts: 2,242
    I use the center of the front engine cradle crossmember to lift, and then put a jack stand on each of the forward cradle mounts. These are the round pieces on the two forward corners just behind the bumper.

    Then I lift the rear one side at a time using a floor jack at the point indicated for the scissors jack. Been doing this in the front for the last 12 oil changes, and it keeps the front very secure.

    Jim
  • blacksheep13blacksheep13 Member Posts: 1
    Last night I went out and both my low-beams no longer worked! high-beams, signal lights etc. all work fine.

    If it was only one headlight, I'd assume it's just the bulb. Both at the same time though: is this an electrical problem?
  • jlflemmonsjlflemmons Member Posts: 2,242
    ... when I had both low beams go out at once and questioned why that would happen. "They were both put in at the same time, weren't they?"

    A more scientific answer could be that the age of the bulbs is comparable. When one bulb pops a filament, you can get a very brief (think milliseconds) voltage spike that really doesn't bother the rest of the electrical system. But if the other bulb is of the same age, and the filament is a little weak, throw a nice big voltage spike at it and pop goes the second bulb.

    Jim
  • jprybajpryba Member Posts: 201
    I have an 02 GLS with about 27K on it. Has anyone noticed any sort of occasional popping/ticking noise coming from the headliner, especially in this "transitional" weather from one season to another? I don't have a sunroof, and I don't have any sunglasses in the sunglasses holder to move around and cause any of this. I suspect that a few things could be causing this, mainly the housing for the reading lights and sunglasses holder, the sunshades (or the sunshade clips), and maybe even the housing for the dome light.

    These noises seem to go away when the temperature is higher than, say, 60 or so, but they come back when it gets colder.

    I had another slight squeak noise coming from the steering wheel when making quick left turns, but a little bit of WD-40 helped quiet that down. Too bad WD-40 isn't helping much with these other noises!
  • jlflemmonsjlflemmons Member Posts: 2,242
    After 10K miles, five balance and rotate, one complete replacement, and constant weird vibrations, today I replaced the Fulda Assuro's with the Kuhmo 716. Ride is a LOT smoother and the vibration and wheel twitch seems to be gone.

    I had such high hopes for those Fulda's ...

    Jim
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    My '01 GLS had a noise that I thought was coming from the headliner, or even dash. Then one day I grabbed the rear view mirror to adjust it and the noise disappeared. Turns out the mirror was a little loose. Have you eliminated the mirror as a cause of the noise?
  • cmulqueencmulqueen Member Posts: 14
    I have an 01 GT, and the CD player on my third (yes 3rd) stereo has just broken. All three broke within the past two months. This means yet another one or two visits to the dealer for diagnosis and inevitable replacement.

    I either have very bad luck or this is a chronic problem. Other than taking my chances on another replacement, I've considered asking the dealer if there is an alternative stereo, such as the 04 model, that they would consider installing. Does anybody have any ideas?
  • 1racefan1racefan Member Posts: 932
    I would want to know WHY the CD player keeps breaking. Is there some kind of electrical problem? I would ask for an explanation of why it keeps breaking, instead of them simply continuing to swap it out and sending you on your way. You might even be able to get some electronics shop to check it out for you, but you would have to pay for a diagnosis.
  • 5port5port Member Posts: 395
    I agree with 1racefan on all. I hope you have been marking each CD player with an obvious mark that only you know where it is. This way you can tell if the player was indeed replaced or jerry rigged and put back. There are unscrupulous dealers out there.
  • cmulqueencmulqueen Member Posts: 14
    Good points all around. There actually was a noticeable mark on the face of the second stereo, so I'm all but sure they replaced it. My first stereo produced static noise every time I adjusted the volume, and whenever the windshield wipers were on. That's why they replaced it, but I always wondered if there was an electrical problem. The last two radios didn't have this static problem, just non-working CD players. I set up an appointment and the manager told me the technician would try to determine if something is causing the radios to malfunction.

    The dealer has always been pretty upfront and helpful. They've even given me a couple of loner cars to drive while replacing the stereo. Since it's under warranty they've never charged me for any of this, but the constant trips are getting old. I'll let you know what I find out later this week. If radio number 4 fails, I'm calling it quits and going to Best Buy!
  • fgaydos2fgaydos2 Member Posts: 4
    I recently received a 'SPECIAL TEST MARKET' coupon offer from Hyundai for $1000.00 off on a new car.!

    They claim they are in 'desperate need of pre-owned 2003 Elantras'.

    I have till the 25th of Oct. to decide.

    "We would like to exchange your 2003 Elantra for any new 2004 or 2005 Hyundai car, van or sport ute."

    Anyone else get this offer?
    I'm in the Philly area.
    Frank
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    Is this in addition to the current $1500 rebate, $1000 customer loyalty rebate, and any discounts ($1000-1500) you could get on a '04 Elantra (or $3000 in rebates + discounts on a Sonata, etc.)? If so, that could be a great deal, since the '04 is much improved over the '03. Depends on what kind of trade-in they give you on the '03. If you could get, say, $5000 off a GLS that retails for $14k, and they give you at least $8000 on your '03, that's a brand-new '04 for only $1000 plus tax--not bad for one year's depreciation.
  • justinjustin Member Posts: 1,918
    the $1000 coupon would come off his trade or the price of the new car. dealers always play that trick. you can be sure the dealer isn't giving $1000 away :)
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    No, the dealer would not do that. But it could be funded by Hyundai, which is why I asked. Sometimes manufacturers give dealers special incentives, and they use them as they wish (extra profit, extra discounts). I expect though you are correct, that it's not $1000 more off the car. Would be nice, though.
  • fgaydos2fgaydos2 Member Posts: 4
    Says 'not valid with any other advertised offer...'
    The Santa Fe has a $1700. rebate being offered.

    Anyway, I'm going in this Saturday for my 34000 mile service for my Elantra and thought I would test drive the new Tucson and a 04 Santa Fe.
    I always liked the looks of the Santa Fe but after reading the Forum on 'Problems and solutions' I'm getting a little gun shy. But, I guess if you read the 'Problems' forum on any make of car you will get a stilted view as only the problems are being talked about. Any feedback on the Santa Fe?
     I do not like the gas mileage of the SF with the price of gas now. Also, I average 24 mixed and 37 highway with my '03 Elantra. Also, made the mistake of buying a first year model with the Ford Focus. After 9 recalls I gave up. So, I will not make that mistake with the Tucson, just looking thank you.

    As you can see the thought of buying a new car drives me crazy. I'm actually in no hurry to buy new.
  • jprybajpryba Member Posts: 201
    I mentioned a little while ago that I was having issues with my headliner making popping noises in "transitional" weather. Well, I figured out how to stop it. I unscrewed the visor clips and voila, the popping noise went away. (Either the clips were shifting slightly or the visors were vibrating against the clip to cause the popping noise.) I'll figure out a way to lubricate these clips before I stick them back in, but to be honest, it's not a big deal driving around with the visors the way they are now. I also stuck some double-sided tape in the space between the dome light and the headliner, and that also seems to have cured any popping noise from that part of the interior.

    So, I think my noise issues have been solved. Now if I can only think of a good way to lubricate the driver's seat so it doesn't squeak on certain right turns... (this has to do with the knobs on the side, I think, as pressure is applied to them on right turns, causing this noise, but there is no noise at all on all left turns)
  • don1don1 Member Posts: 14
    the paint on the rims of my 2002 elantra is starting to peel off. anyone else had this problem,and,if so, what did you do about it? is this under warrenty? thanks. don...
  • jprybajpryba Member Posts: 201
    Paint is covered 3 years/36K (not the full 5 years/60K). I would guess this would cover the rims as well. Talk to a dealership or two and see what they can do for you.
  • utahgtutahgt Member Posts: 3
    I’ve had a problem with my wipers since I bought my 2001 GT, and I’m wondering whether anyone else has had a similar problem and has found a solution. My front wipers, especially the driver side, “chatter” as they move across the window. That is, they don’t continually touch the windshield, but bounce up and down as they move across. I’ve taken the problem to three different dealers, and tried each of the following solutions:

    1. Replaced factory wiper blade with Hyundai wiper blade (dealer)
    2. Replaced driver’s side wiper arm (dealer)
    3. Replaced Hyundai wiper blade with Bosch wiper blade (me)
    4. Bent wiper arms to increase pressure on the windshield (dealer)
    5. Replaced Bosch wiper blade with ANCO blade, and used Rain-X on windshield (me)

    A couple of these made a difference for a short period of time, but the chatter always returns after a few minutes. My warranty expires soon, so I would like to get this fixed, but I’m not sure what else the dealer can do. Suggestions?
  • jlflemmonsjlflemmons Member Posts: 2,242
    If a couple of these made a difference for a short period of time, I would believe that something is getting on the windshield after you clean it. Could be from a tree, airborn chemical, something on the road, any number of things. Another gotcha is automatic car washes that leave wax on the glass. But the problem you describe is almost always contaminant on the glass, assuming the blades aren't hard as rocks.

    Don't laugh, but one of the solutions to this I have seen used successfully is to buff the windshield with a tartar control toothpaste. The same thing could probably be accomplished with a clear coat (read: very fine polish) polishing compound, but the toothpaste has no wax. At least, we shall hope not!

    Jim
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    Bon Ami (the old cake-style) glass polish works well to smooth off the glass too. I don't know if you can still buy it, but my dad always swore by it and it always worked great for me.
  • utahgtutahgt Member Posts: 3
    Thanks, Jim. I thought about there being something on the glass, and I have tried using everything from the windex to heavy duty glass cleaner (the stuff in the spray can), but the problem still returns after a couple of minutes of wiping. I will try the toothpaste idea - it doesn't sound like it can hurt.
  • 5port5port Member Posts: 395
    Backy is right on target...Bon Ami

    I've used some of the blades you have installed with no problem. My 01 GT blades never chatter. No amount of liquid glass cleaner is going to help. You need a mild buffing type compound (like Bon Ami) to remove the contaminant.
  • themanxthemanx Member Posts: 110
    To clean the glass use Stoners Invisible Glass
    and I use Bosch arms and blades and they are quiet on my 03 GLS. Well worth it for the Bosch. I don't think you can find a quieter wiper blade on the market.

    ElantraStan
  • frankiejr101frankiejr101 Member Posts: 7
    Hi. I have a 2001 Elantra with 44,000 miles on it. Just recently, the check engine light started coming on randomly, about 1 time per week or two, and just after it does, the car starts to shake quite roughly. It is quite scary. Also, when this occurs, the steering becomes very hard which probably because the engine is not running at the correct speed. When this occurs, all I have to do is turn off the car and immediately turn it back on and it's fine for the next week or so. I brought it to the dealer and they said they have to "work" on the fuel injectors, flush the power steering, transmission fluid, etc. Sounds like they are combining a service call with routine maintenance. They hooked it up to their diagnostic computer too and came bakc with code P1529 and P01715, transmission controle module and input speed sensor is defective, respectively. Any thoughts? Only had the catalytic converter replaced under warranty once if that matters. Thanks!
  • bikerpabikerpa Member Posts: 68
    It sounds like you are well under the limits of your bumper-to-bumper warranty. If you've been keeping up with maintenance and have the receipts or service records to show it, then I'd ignore any fluid/injector work and just ask them to address the defective parts under warranty, net dollar cost to you = zero. If you haven't been keeping up with manufacturer-required (forget about dealer-recommended, it's bunk) maintenance, then they might have you over a barrel when it comes to replacing things under warranty. Try a different dealer, also, if it is at all convenient.
  • jimbeaumijimbeaumi Member Posts: 620
    Are those the Bosch with triple blades?
  • themanxthemanx Member Posts: 110
    single edge Bosch blades
  • bshawnbshawn Member Posts: 8
    Took my car in for fuel assembly recall and 15000 mile maintenance ($250). Came back with a new noise from rear left wheel. When driving at about 40mph it sounds almost as if a motorcycle is following us.

    Took it back in for a checkup. The service mgr spent an hour and said the "wheel bearing is coming apart. We ordered the part and will let you know as soon as I receive it."

    Have any of you experienced this noise?
  • malibu_jackmalibu_jack Member Posts: 75
    I had this problem with my 96 sunfire and went through a ton of wipers...I actually found a pair that did not chatter.

    The brand is called Lexor. I get mine at the local Walmart as I can't seem to find them anywhere else. This brand has really impressed me as I typically 1.5 years before replacing them.
  • joshrtek3joshrtek3 Member Posts: 5
    Okay, wow, seems everyone is having suspension and steering problems with their Elantra. My story is much the same...

    After two years ownership of my '02 GLS, my car started to vibrate harshly on the highway and exhibit a general rough and bumpy ride around town with tons of bump-steer.

    I had a nail in two of my OEM Michelin tires. I was stupid, and them plugged, not patched. This through the tires' balance way off, and when I had the car re-balanced and re-aligned by the dealer, they only did a TWO-WHEEL alignment on a car that has a FOUR-WHEEL independent suspension. Needless to say, my already abused tires went to crap and my car was once again thrown hugely out of alignment. Fine, I replaced the tires at 26,000 miles. I got some Riken tires, for $40 a peace, and have noticed they are actually quieter and better in traction than the Michelin, and all with a higher mileage warranty.

    After the new tires were installed, the shimmy, bumps-steer, and general instability all went away...for a month, and now it's back. I had the tires rotated and re-balanced, it did nothing.

    I finally took the car to dealer again today, and now they claim that they can't find anything wrong with it, although I gave them a list of specific problems and actions the car was giving me. I'm starting to get really pissed.

    At highway speeds, there really isn't any shimmy, but it's the bump-steer around town that makes me feel like I have no control over the car when going over every-day subtle bumps and pavement gaps. Anyone else have this problem?
  • jimbeaumijimbeaumi Member Posts: 620
    Uh, pardon me, but not everyone is having steering and suspension problems.
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    Did you go with the service tech when they drove your car? What you could do is find a bump that demonstrates the bump-steer, then have the tech drive over it at the same speed. If they can't find the problem, they can't fix it. You yourself said that the shimmy on the highway has disappeared, so maybe the re-balancing did something. Have you done the balance on the Hunter machine as noted earlier in this board? You can also find details on the proper balancing procedure on the Hyundai Web tech site, http://www.hmaservice.com/webtech/default.asp.
  • masondcmasondc Member Posts: 4
    Just bought a 2001 Elantra GT with very low mileage. Car is in fine shape and shocks/struts are fine but it is the noisiest and most violent car, especially when I go over potholes/bumps/etc. (which I do a lot because I live in the city).

    The car has 2 Michelins (OEM?) and 2 replacement tires. I checked pressure and it is fine.

    Any suggestions?

    Also I keep getting mixed signals about what is covered by my warranty (second owner). Do I only get Powertrain (transmission, engine) or would things like this be covered?
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    Noisiest/most violent compared to what? What kind of noise? If it's compared to other compact cars, then there's something wrong with your Elantra. The GT does have a firm ride compared to many cars, but "violent"? No.

    As for the warranty, if the car has less than 60,000 miles and you are in the U.S., the car is covered by the 5-year, 60,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty for at least another year--depends on when it was originally purchased.
  • antaresantares Member Posts: 2
    I have a 2002 GLS (35 000 miles) and 3 issues:
    1-It has a strange noise when I am in gear but slowing down, for example in second gear at 30 mph, without accelerating nor braking, just letting it go. The noise is sort of a low pitch grinding, and is more noticeable from the interior than from the outside. Anyone with this noise? It is not very loud, but on a quiet street without radio or fan you can definitely hear it.
    2-The whole transaxle feels loose, not that it is falling from the car, but like there is a lot of play inside. Say again I am in gear and not accelerating nor braking like above, the car sort of brakes with the engine (with the noise from above) for a few seconds and then like something is let loose in the transmission and the car sort of goes into neutral, no more engine braking at all, but it is still in gear! The rpm do not drop like if I were pressing the clutch pedal though. If I take the stick from the gear to neutral I can do it easily without disengaging the clutch with the pedal, and I feel no resistance from the trans, like if the clutch is already disengaged. This happens in every gear. It is really annoying, especially going in slow traffic, that jerk I feel when it "disengages" and later when I accelerate again and "engages" is quite horrible. I have driven many other manual cars (Civic, Accord, Jetta, Suzuki Vitara, BMW 328, Opel Corsa) and this does not happen, they always feel "engaged" which should be, it is a dry and solid clutch. I feel my car needs a good engine recalibration, the computer may not be working as well?
    3-I have an engine hesitation at 3800-4000 rpm, and I know there is a TSB to fix that. I took the car to the dealer to fix it and told me that he must charge me $45 up front, if he finds the hesitation he will fix it and charge the warranty and reimburse my money, otherwise he will keep the money as a "diagnostic fee". IS THIS ACCEPTABLE? I did not pay of course because I am sure he will come back with "we could not reproduce the problem" and keep my money.
    Does anyone have similar problems? I am taking it to a different dealer, but wanted to see if anyone has similar situations. Thanks.
  • kev02gtkev02gt Member Posts: 12
    As far as the first issue see my post #902- tranny replacement. That may be the problem with the second issue also.
  • 5port5port Member Posts: 395
    I agree with Kev02GT. Sounds like you have a bad manual transmission that needs to be replaced. Make them replace it under warranty.

    #3) All dealers are dealing with the 3800-4000 hestitaion their own way. Most likely he wont be able to reproduce...you get charged. This is a rip-off. Of course dealers dont have to perform TSBs. They do so out of good will. A TSB is not a recall. A TSB should not be a way to make money on the customer. Find another dealer.
  • fgaydos2fgaydos2 Member Posts: 4
    The little light on the radio has burned out. It is the one? that lights the right side. Now the preset buttons on the right side, numbers 3 and 6 are dark.
    How do you go about replacing this?
    TIA
    Frank
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    If it's still under warranty, let the dealer worry about how to replace it. If not, I'd replace it with an aftermarket unit. Can probably get something of equal or better quality with free installation for around $100.
  • belobelo Member Posts: 1
    I have a Hyundai Elantra 2004.
    Only 6500 km.
    I have problems with starting the engine.
    Sometimes when I try to start the engine, nothing happen. No cranking, only the sounds of a fuel pump in the background. Usually this happen when the weather is wet, but this is not a rule.
    After few tries usually I start the engine.
    When I call the service department, they tell me to try to lock and then unlock the doors using remote. They think that I have problems with security alarm system.
    What do you think about this ??
  • jimbeaumijimbeaumi Member Posts: 620
    If they think you have problems with the alarm system, then they need to check it out for you. Mine had a short in the hood switch, so one morning it decided to go off by itself. Dealer fixed it under warranty.
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