Hyundai Sonata Maintenance and Repair

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Comments

  • james1982james1982 Member Posts: 73
    The decision of whether to go to the dealer to have work done is always a difficult one. There are a few things you want to ask yourself:

    1.) Do the parts you are replacing NEED to be genuine Hyundai parts? The dealers only use ‘genuine Hyundai’ parts, whereas another service shop won’t. So, if you need your oil changed, it won’t matter where you go – as long as the correct oil grade is used. However, if you are having transmission work done, it may be better to have Hyundai parts installed in your Hyundai by a Hyundai-trained technician.

    2.) The other item you should consider is whether the work you need done should be performed by a Hyundai-trained technician. For example, just about anyone can change oil. There isn’t any specialized training needed to empty an oil pan, and replace a filter. However, if you are getting a tune-up, or transmission work, it may be better to have the work performed by someone who has been trained by the manufacture and who literally knows Hyundai vehicles inside and out.

    I consider myself lucky – my dealer hasn’t charged me outrageous prices yet. My oil changes are $25. Not a bad deal. I’m sure a quick-lube place would do it for $20, but I’m willing to spend an extra $5 for the piece of mind of knowing it was done right.

    However, when the day comes when I need to replace my breaks and the dealer charges $300 and a private shop only charges $200, I’ll probably go with the private shop. After all, I don’t need ‘genuine Hyundai’ breaks.
  • jeff_ohiojeff_ohio Member Posts: 4
    I don't know if this will help your problem, but I found a fix for my 04 Sonata AC. My AC was pulling a major drag on the engine in temps. above 80 degrees and would go in and out, below 80 it ran fine. I had the dealer check it out and they found nothing wrong. I finally drain the freon completely and then recharged system with new coolant. Car now runs great at any temperatures, even above 96 degrees with no drag on the engine performance. It seems that the lubrication in the freon was either low or bad and causing the compressor to run poorly and dragging on the belt. The dealer now believes that the system may has been over-charged not under-charged. Not sure what the answer is but a $40 investment at AutoZone for the recharge system and coolant was a lot cheaper than replacing the compressor. Hope this helps your problem.
  • LASHAWNLASHAWN Member Posts: 303
    All dealers have a standard labor rate, our's is $89.00. Before you sign off on the work order I tell you up front what the diagnosis fee is and it's up to you if you want your vehicle diagnosed. Now when it comes to a check engine light on issue and it turns out to be a p0455 code, evap leak code, we test the evap system to find where the leak is coming from, which takes about 45 minutes.
  • newowner10newowner10 Member Posts: 227
    That is how it should be everything up front as you stated. I had a 2002 Mercury Sable where the Anti-lock Brake light would come on after 5 minutes if it was warm out I took the car in and they told me it would be $89 to check the codes. After they checked it they said the anti-lock brake module was not outputting any codes. He told me that once module was replaced at $900 there could be other problem. I did not replace the module and just drove without anti-lock brakes and traction control. The good thing it worked much longer in the winter when it was below freezing.
  • targettuningtargettuning Member Posts: 1,371
    Yes you are correct, unless there is a specific "loose fuel cap" warning lamp (which, by the way is something I have seen more of on the newest cars I have rented) the dealer has to check the entire evap. system...time is money AND peace of mind. I hate those glaring "check engine lamps"
  • delaluzdelaluz Member Posts: 48
    Anyone know what the dealer would charge for a 30,000 service on a 2007 Sonata?

    The Precision Tune guy said it would cost around $250 for him to do it.
  • LASHAWNLASHAWN Member Posts: 303
    If you have the 3.3L v6 than it should cost less than that according to the owner's maintenance guide. All that should be done is oil change, tire rotation and engine air filter replacement. Should cost no more than $150.00 and that's really pushing it.
  • goodboynycgoodboynyc Member Posts: 1
    I recently replaced the battery on my 2005 Sonata(after about 3 days). After the new battery was installed, I tried firing the car up. But when I place the the key in the ignition and turn it to start, the engine cranks, all accessories turn on AND the alarm starts, which I believe is holding me back.

    My Keyfob won't doesn't work, even though the batteries are fine. It won't close or open the doors, nor does it open the trunk.

    Is there some way to bypass the alarm to get the car to start?
  • james1982james1982 Member Posts: 73
    If you can figure out which fuse the alarm is connected to, you can just pull it out.
  • agrajag27agrajag27 Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2002 that we're trying to keep going for a bit. It's recently started acting strangely. When it's in neutral it idles perfectly but once it's in gear every 8 seconds or so it will sort of hiccup where the car sounds like it's about to stall and then go right back to normal. Once you start applying gas the hiccup vanishes.

    Anyone have an idea what the source of this problem might be? I don't trust the dealership here too much and suspect they'll find it's the most expensive of all possible things. I can do most repair jobs once I know what to repair.
  • msallmenmsallmen Member Posts: 7
    I'm not a mechanic, but you might think about the spark plug wires or even the spark plugs. In the past on my old non-Hyundai, I've thought the transmission was shuddering, but my independent mechanic tracked it down to bad spark plug wires.
  • rdillierrdillier Member Posts: 71
    I had the same problem with my '93 Nissan Maxima. Turned out to be the mass air flow sensor going bad. Got progressively worse. Car would hiccup and stumble both at idle and at speed. Replacement (generic part, not a genuine Nissan part) and labor came to about $580.00. Good luck with yours.
  • pries4pries4 Member Posts: 9
    I took delivery of my Sonata LX about 6 weeks ago. I''ve put a mere 850 miles on it and both my trunk struts have broken. One broke today and the other about two weeks ago. I called the dealer today to schedule repairs but in the meantime does anybody have any idea why this would happen? I certainly did not force anything or slam anything into them. Linda
  • pries4pries4 Member Posts: 9
    I took delivery of my Sonata LX about 6 weeks ago. I've put a mere 850 miles on it and both my trunk struts have broken. One broke today and the other about two weeks ago. I called the dealer today to schedule repairs but in the meantime does anybody have any idea why this would happen? I certainly did not force anything or slam anything into them. Linda
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    Can't tell why the first one broke, but maybe the 2nd one broke because it was supporting the lid by itself (assuming you didn't get the first one fixed before the second failed).

    BTW, was this a used Sonata? The LX hasn't been sold since 2006 MY, I think.
  • pries4pries4 Member Posts: 9
    MY bad it's a Limited. Got it mixed up with our other car.
  • bc6bc6 Member Posts: 4
    Hello All,
    I have a 2003 Sonata 4 dr, the remote WILL unlock the car but the remote will not lock the doors.. There is a click noise under the dash when the lock button on the remote is pressed but it won't lock the doors. The trunk lock works.
    Suggestions?
  • sclark1sclark1 Member Posts: 9
    I'd be interested to hear about a solution too. I have a 2002 4 cyl Sonata and my remote seems to be dying. I have to stand in a certain spot and try several times for it to work.
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    Have you tried replacing the battery in the remote?
  • dljensondljenson Member Posts: 1
    Can anyone tell me where the crankshaft position sensor is located on an 02 Sonota?
  • james1982james1982 Member Posts: 73
    Is the problem just with the remote? Or, do the locks not lock when you use the lock/unlock button on the arm rest of the door?

    You're best bet may be to just try some new batteries. You also might want to pop the remote open, and make sure the sensor is hitting flush with the button.
  • 7bill7bill Member Posts: 1
    I'm considering purchasing a 2009 or 2010 4-cyliner Sonata and usually do my own oil changes. Just wondering how accessible the oil filter and oil drain plug are on the 4 cylinder engine? Does a DIY oil change require driving the car up on ramp, or can you access the oil filer and drain bolt by slimply scooting under the front end?
  • newowner10newowner10 Member Posts: 227
    Very accessible. There is a cut-out in the plastic tray under the engine for the filter. You need the type of oil filter adapter that fits on the bottom of the filter that you place a socket wrench in to. Drain plug is in a standard place. I drive up on ramps.
  • msallmenmsallmen Member Posts: 7
    In August, I purchased a 2008 Sonata that was manufactured in early 2007, so it has probably weathered a couple of snowy winters in parts north before coming to me in Florida. My dealer says that the surface rust on the steel wheals is normal and happens to his own car. Has anyone else encountered this problem? Somehow I think that the paint on the wheels aught to hold up for a couple years, but maybe I am asking too much. :confuse:
  • targettuningtargettuning Member Posts: 1,371
    So, you do not know the history of the car prior to your buying it? It may or may not have been anywhere near the north east or for that matter in any snow...but having said that the paint job on standard (non-alloy) steel wheels isn't anything great. They are painted black and covered with plastic hubcaps. Being behind hubcaps probably doesn't encourage complete and thorough cleaning either. Add in rough handling when rotating or replacing tires and what do you end up with? Chipped and flaked paint...add salt slush that is seldom washed off properly and yes it is common for steel wheels to show rust early on.
  • sunkleepsunkleep Member Posts: 6
    I live in Wisconsin and have alloy wheels... and the paint has long since chipped away. I'm guessing the paint on any of the wheels is less than premium.
  • dpswandpswan Member Posts: 1
    My 2001 did the same thing, sometimes plugs and wires fix it. If it comes back soon then one of you coilos is most likely the problem.
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    Tip for folks with painted alloy wheels: wax them 2-3 times a year at least, and keep them clean.

    I have painted OEM alloys on my 2004 Elantra. I live in Minnesnowta. I expect the paint quality on them isn't any better than on the Sonata. Other than a few nicks nicks from curbs, they still look brand new.

    P.S. Favre rocks! ;)
  • joe_momma_foojoe_momma_foo Member Posts: 1
    Hello !
    I have some serious issues happening here...and we cannot figure this one out ! Ran car through various computers and no errors found..
    I am at 100,000, I have already replaced water pump, timing belt, pistons, belts....maintenance always on time...

    The problem is it is stalling or choking sounding as if it were a gas problem...the last time this happened it was the distributor cap....I replaced that 2yrs ago and just replaced it now...did a tune up, that area seems to spark up...I would even get electricuted every time I would get out of my car ! Well this time...the distributor did not help the situation at all ! It is still stalling...I have to literally press the gas barely an inch to move....and as I gain momentum on hwy it still runs gr8 but I cannot press the gas more than an inch because it will start stalling and gagging and choking and it will turn off at a red light...Backing out of my parking is a mission it will barely stay on...the pressure is good, I've had a gr8 mechanic for years, the rpms are right on the money, it has never overheated on me..if I keep in neutral then I can put the ac on....Seems if I put ac on it only makes it jerk even worse so I can only put on the ac when I'm already at 50mph...WE cannot figure out what is wrong with this damn thang! We have been puzzled...not gas filter! not head of engine ! spark plugs have been changed though my mechanic has noticed twice one spark plug is not burning correctly...the cylinders are good...it's still relatively clean in there...we checked the air flow, everything ! WE read on computer and no errors ! I just don't know what to do anymore!??? Clueless ! And I really need this car to work !! I am desperate for some answers and maybe I can send this info to my mechanic on monday...My only day off for the rest of the year !!! Please!! If anyone could help...I would greatly appreciate !!!???
    WE are clueless ! The only last resort we have is actually opening that engine up in half again, which is time consuming and of course cost $$$....Can anyone tell me other options to try??? Before I go insane?? This is a mechanic's nightmare !

    Thank You so much.......................... ^oo^
  • coldglcoldgl Member Posts: 15
    09 Sonata has tire pressure icon lit on the dash. All tire pressures OK. Owner's manual says parking near airport and dramatic temperature changes can cause this. We have driven over 20 minutes as indicated in the owner's manual. How do we get the dash icon light to turn off?
  • jlindhjlindh Member Posts: 282
    Parking near the airport?
  • newowner10newowner10 Member Posts: 227
    This happened to me last month. Checked pressure on all tires seemed okay maybe 27 to 28psi .This is slightly low. Added air to all tires to 32 psi (Tires where warm) light went off and has not returned. Could not tell which wheel caused the problem.
  • coldglcoldgl Member Posts: 15
    Thank you. I'll try that. The owner's manual is silent on this. Maybe this is to increase dealer visits.
  • james1982james1982 Member Posts: 73
    Parking near the airport?

    Yeah, what's up with that?
  • newowner10newowner10 Member Posts: 227
    Probably Radar and radio transmissions. The sensors must most broadcast to the receiver in the car
  • mike442mike442 Member Posts: 1
    This past August, the fuel pump on our 2006 Hyundai Sonata with just 68 thousand miles on it stopped working. We had it towed to the dealer. It's bad that it quit that soon but the worst of it is that before it did it not only burnt the outside connector but also burnt the plastic on connector that is INSIDE THE TANK. I wrote to them (Hyundai Corporate) after paying $768.09 for the repair but they're not refunding me for the cost of it and probably not looking it since "service Manager Paul" at Castle Hyundai in New Castle, DE told them (Hyundai Motors) that this was "normal wear". I'm sure that's just what they wanted to hear. I'm still waiting to hear from NHTSA as to whether or not they believe it's a hazard. I don't see how it can't be but on top of that - a connector failing that soon is pathetic.
    image
    Other than this incident, I really was happy with this car and the dealership. I think that Hyundai's engine and everything else is good but they need to use better electrical connectors. One other example is on their air bag connector beneath both front seats. If one gets loose the air bag light illuminates resulting in about a $300.00 repair unless it's still warranted. Otherwise - you can (as I did) disconnect it, spray electrical contact cleaner on both sides and plug it back in securely and the light will go off. All because of undersized little brass connectors with inadequate surface area for proper conductivity.
  • 8babies1dog8babies1dog Member Posts: 122
    I am not a mechanic, but we now own a 2009 SE V6 w/5at, this may or may not be a answer to your problem, but if your car has the auto trans I would get them to check it next. For quite a few years now most auto trans or electronically controlled not like older types that have actual linkage to the transmission. I don't
    think engine monitoring system detects transmission faults it may just say check
    engine or may not say anything. The shiftronic system has a valve in it to help stop
    high RPM surge on quick acceleration, sounds kind of dumb but it is how this
    drivetrain is built not to race per say, f/ fuel economy also reason f/ 5 speed auto
    w/o/d.It is equipped w/ manuel side for driver to control RPM for faster acceleration
    if wanted control valve don't effect 1st and second gear in manual side also manual
    side is geared lower (hi tech stuff). Manual side will actually help MPG if used for
    city driving stop and go traffic, you up and down shift yourself or it will down shift on
    it's own all the way down to 1st if stopped, you have to up shift in this mode it won't
    on it's own till near red line. Do this in traffic it stops the auto side from kicking in
    and out of gears all the time. Explains valve somewhat. Now back to possible fix
    of problem if valve don't function properly for some reason I think it could cause a
    mixed signal to engine and may bog engine down w/ to much throttle, all this is
    linked together w/ new CVVT system. In the early sixties I was kind of a jackleg
    mechanic you could still work on your own car, no electronic ignition or computer
    aboard. But they were equipped w/ torque converters on auto trans and they were
    known to bog you engine down at times, not exactly like todays system but cause
    and effect sounds similar. I would get with your mechanic just to see what he has
    to say about it. Todays technology is going faster than the repair people can keep
    up with. If your dealership sells multiple brands of vehicles how can they keep up w/
    every little detail of every car they service? The dealership I just bought this new car
    from only sells Hyundai and the service manager answered some of my questions
    in the blink of a eye, some I knew a little about some I didn't have a clue about. Such as this new version off the 3.3L v6 engine is designed and built at the factory
    here in the USA were the Sonata is built along w/ the Santa Fee, only Hyundais
    built in the USA as of now. The new High performance engine f/2009 inspired by the
    the more sporty SE production plan has a timing CHAIN not a stupid belt that can
    break at any time and will probably tear your engine up. No more 60k mile $400.
    belt maintenance on this car. Now who's idea was it to put belts in there in the first
    place. It wasn't Sonata for sure that was done before they were built, so how can
    this fairly new car maker do all this and sell there vehicles for a lot less than their
    competition and it has a much better warranty? The new Sonata has added over 1000 new parts in mid season upgrade at little or no price increase. To please their
    customers wants. Like I say interesting!!!
  • tomk17tomk17 Member Posts: 135
    No problems to date with my 06 Sonata LX (3.3 V6) with 56K miles but I have noticed what I think is a rather high engine rev at initial cold start. I even hear lifter tapping for the first 3-4 seconds until some oil gets going in the engine (I use the factory weight of 5-30 and always synthetic oil). I should check for sure but I believe rev range is 2500-3000 RPM.

    Just wondering if everyone else sees this and if there could be a long term issue.
  • coldglcoldgl Member Posts: 15
    Our Sonata V6 has 18K miles and has done the tapping noise on startup since new. The dealer said the noise was "normal". With oil changes every 3K miles, I have my mechanic add Wynn's oil additive each time as a preventive measure. it doesn't stop the noise but protects engine parts. Engine revs do not seem high to me on startup. Although this is an OK car for the price, the "normal" tapping noise on startup, the suspension thump, the too short front seats, and the way Hyundai treated us on the lack of a trunk lock out system will make us trade for a Chevrolet when the time comes for trade in.
  • targettuningtargettuning Member Posts: 1,371
    The tapping on start up are the valve lifters "pumping up" after an extended shut down time...say overnight. The lifters drain oil back out eventually and until they pump up again (refill with motor oil) they do not have the "hydraulic cushion" oil under pressure provides. While not exactly what one would like to hear on a new-ish car it isn exactly unheard of. Just recently I heard this same start-up tapping on a vehicle parked nearby in a Wal-Mart lot, thought it pretty loud, looked, and it was a Chevy Traverse and had to be nearly new. So, before you rush out and buy a Chevy....start it up a few times on the lot. By the phrase "lack of a trunk lock out system" exactly what do you mean? The little glowing tab that allows someone in the trunk to open it from the inside...handy if you get on the bad side of your local mafia or a way to disable the remote trunk unlock inside the car? Our 1995 Stratus has a disable built onto the trunk lock mechanism. It is a small lever that in the up position disables the interior release (but allows opening with a key) and down allows the interior release to function. I'm fairly sure Hyundai has such a feature, maybe you need to research it a bit.
  • crogers1crogers1 Member Posts: 4
    I have to have the front and rear struts/shocks replaced. I was going to do it seperately as I did not have the whole $600 to do all at once. The garage told me that if i do that seperately, then I'd have to have the alignment re-done as well. I didn't think that the rear needed to be aligned. Am I missing something ??? Anyone have any idea on this and does $600 sound about right for front, rear and alignment ?????
    Thanks
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    It looks like about 2.8 hours labor + parts. It's hard to estimate exactly whether the price is good or not because we don't know the quality of the parts they are installing. But if they are using a kind of shock like KYB, not bad, not great, probably fine for your car---then $600 out the door with an alignment front and rear actually sounds quite reasonable. I see the KYB online for about $65 bucks apiece. So $260 for the shocks, $280 for labor, $60 for alignment, plus tax included? That's pretty good.
  • crogers1crogers1 Member Posts: 4
    I believe they are going to use Monroe parts. I know the labor is only $100, because they are running a special install of pay install for one and get 2 installed. And the alignment is 69.99. I didn't think the price was too bad, but it confused me when they said I would need a 2nd alignment if I didn't get both front & rear done at the same time.
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    Oh well yeah, Monroe shocks are not very expensive---so maybe this isn't a good deal after all. You might want to shop around at other stores, and try KYB G2 shocks.

    The labor rate is good though---but what they're doing is jacking up the price of the parts to make up for it, seems to me. You can get Monroe shocks for $90 a PAIR.
  • jnichols1jnichols1 Member Posts: 1
    Recently I discovered that my 2004 Sonata has brakes, air filter, and other parts that were found in the 2003 model. The 2004 parts do not fit my car. Is this unusual?
  • billwardbillward Member Posts: 154
    The 2003, 2004, and 2005 models were almost identical; very, very few changes were made between those years (and as an owner of a 2003 (and a 2009), I can't tell the difference visually between the models). Changes between a 2002 and a 2003 were slightly more significant, as there was a major facelift in 2003; 2005 was a "short run" ala the way the 2010 model will be, where the car was replaced well before the normal end of model year by the 2006 model (the first of the current generation Sonatas).

    I wouldn't doubt that a 2003 part is identical with a 2004 or 2005 part unless it's VERY specific to the car. However, that's not totally answering your question... of more import, 2005 MY Sonatas (while being a short model year) were available almost until the intro of the 2007 MY Sonatas; Hyundai normally has a signifcant number of cars at the end of each MY that last well into the sales period of the following MY (and during the 2005-2006 switch, it was even more so, as the 2006s were (at least some) manufactured in the US, and thus quickly brought from factory to dealership, while 2005 MY and previous were manufactured solely in Korea, necessitating the proverbial slow boat from China, er, Korea. In addition, it was an overlap of production that year (both being manufactured simulataineously for a month or so, depending on which plant), so new previous MY cars could show up during the current MY sales period. I believe that (though to a lesser extent) until the current dearth of 2009s caused by CARS, that was very common for Hyundai... and as such, the car could easily be a 2003 that was purchased "late", during the 2004 sales period (say, April 2004, 3/4 of the model year late). It would have looked identical to a 2004, but been substantially less expensive due to the "oh, it's a year older" effect (with so little change between those MYs, that's the only true reason for a difference in price). So, are you going on when the car was purchased, or did you check the VIN to verify that it is, in fact, a 2004 and not a 2003? If so, you may find your 2004 is really a 2003. Also check the rocker panel on the driver's door, and see the manufacture date; that would tell you if it's really a 2003.
  • terrymsuterrymsu Member Posts: 9
    "Reversing polarity, even for a short time, is hazardous to the health of the computer. Since the computer interacts with or controls so many things on modern cars, it is possible it go fried. I hope for your sake, and wallet, this is not the problem, but a possibility maybe worth investigating. Good luck. "

    Fortunately, this is not true. As an electronic designer of automotive electronics, I know that almost all electronic modules must survive both double battery jump and reverse battery connections. This is so by design specification. While I have not specifically designed for Hyundai, I have designed for most of the other manufacturers and know this is the case for (as a mininum) Ford, GM, Chrysler, Toyota, Honda, BMW, and Mercedes.

    TerryMSU
  • tomw6tomw6 Member Posts: 10
    Please help, anyone who can: I have a 2009 Sonata V6 with eight hundred miles on it. Whenever I am "coasting" at 1200-1500 rpm and apply the gas slightly (and sometimes when I don't apply the gas at all) it shakes mildly and feels like it is missing. The shaking varies in strength, but is always there. Below 1200 rpm or above 1500 rpm - no problem. Dealer says this is normal, he can't do anything about it, it will get better as car is broken in. He's had the car a total of 8 days.

    I just can't see that this is normal for a brand new, quality car. Does anyone have any ideas/advice?
  • newowner10newowner10 Member Posts: 227
    You have reported the problem. Wait and see after a month. If it does not better go back to the dealer. If the transmission falls out, you did what you were told to do by the dealer. Possibly the car is "Learning"
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    You should take this up the chain to HMA Customer Service. No car should shake while coasting with your foot off the gas, especially a V6.

    Some vibration when the gas is applied could be due to the engine lugging. Below 1200, the car could have already slipped into 1st so no problem. Above 1500, the car might have enough oomph to accelerate smoothly even if in a higher gear.

    One thing you could try is use the manual shift mode to deliberately put the car into different gears and see what happens. For example, put the car into 1st and get the revs around 1200 and see if it shakes when you accelerate. Or put it into 4th or 5th and get the revs to 1200-1500 and see what happens.

    You should also ask to drive another 2009 or 2010 V6 Sonata from the dealer's lot, with a service tech with you, and see if it exhibits the same symptoms as your car.
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