Hyundai Sonata Care and Maintenance

rdsc

I am sorry and surprised that you have had all these problems. I also have a 2000 base model Sonata, and although I have only about half as many miles on it as you have, I have never done anything but routine servicing. In fact it has been so good I went out and bought a new Sonata in 2004 (also zero problems). In addition the Hyundai dealer I go to could not be better. They are the best run dealership I have ever dealt with. Maybe I am just luckier than you?

fezzy

I hate to see that you have had all of those issues with your car. However, there are some things that dealers recommend and other shops recommend are not necessarily good for your car. If you read the owners manual it recommends a service on your tranny quit often. Yes, you want to keep your warranty but how necessary is this service. Your transmission does not constitute the avoidance of your warranty if your engine fails for some other reason. A transmission is an enclosed environment and most good transmission shops will tell you that if your tranny has not been service in 30k miles or more leave it alone. Servicing it could cause problems. I know that you transmission guys are crying but I never had and my parents never had transmission problems and we never had a day of service done on the transmissions.

However, it seems that you have a lot of other problems arising with your car. After talking the a certified Hyundai Mechanic, he told me that your car is going to become real expensive for you to maintain. His reason was because the engine and technology in your car is a cross bread of Mitsu+Hyundai+Chrysler.

However, don't just run from Hyundai because their new cars or very good and worth the money.

edlo

Just put on some new tires on my 2001 Sonata GLS, the Michellin Energy only lasted me 44K, the new Kumho 716 feel great and were within reasonable price thur tirerack.com
Now I need new brakes, on all four wheels, what is the brand Hyundai is selling, what is a reasonable price thur dealer and what brands and series are recommended if I decide to go and have someone else do it. Do I cancel any Hyundai warrenties if I have someone else do it?? need a neurtal party expert advice ASAP.

fezzy

I don't think that you are required to have hyundai to do the work. If you have the work done else where hold on to your receipts so that you can have records of what was done and when.

I highly doubt that you can void your warranty because you are not altering anything on replacing normal wear items. It's almost like changing your oil, if your engine fails and you can prove that you maintained everything as required you can not be held liable for a defective product. But check you state laws to confirm how everything works in regards to your warranty. Sometimes saving money can become costly if you don't do your research.

gkumar

I bought a 2001 sonata GL 4 Cyl, done 78K. I heard that hyundai gives warranty for 100k and 5 years, Is that right? What does this warranty cover? I begun to expirience some grinding noise from left front tire when i press the break pedal lightly, what could this be? Does Hyundai cover this too?? Thanks on your input.......

gmctruck

The 100k warranty usually only covers the power train components. It sounds like your problem is in the brake system. Maybe it's time for new pads and or rotors which would not be covered under warranty. You should get the brake system on your car inspected and replace any damaged or worn parts.

lji1

Hi,
I am seriously thinking about buying a 2006 Hyundai Sonata and I heard that if you might have some problems if you don't do all the servicing at the dealership itself. I change the oil in all my cars at the regular intervals (~3500 miles). I also might use synthetic for the Sonata. What I had heard was that the dealer might refuse to fix a problem, should one arise, if the regular maintenance (things you can do by yourself) were not done at the dealership. If anybody has had similar situations, please post a message asap. I am thinking about buying the car tomorrow. :confuse:

lji1

Forgot to post that I am in the Houston, TX area.

rhaeffele

I do my own routine scheduled maintenance, too. If you heard that dealer service was required from the dealer, you were fed some scare Bovine Stuff. Both the Hyundai general owner's manual and the supplementary warranty booklet clearly spell out that self-service of routine maintenance items will NOT jeopardize your warranty rights. (Trust me, those provisions in both manuals wouldn't be included if it weren't a legal requirement to do so!) The owner's manual even details how to do the routine maintenance. Hyundai, not the dealers, provide your warranty. You are protected under the Magneson-Moss Warranty Act that ammended Federal Trade Commission provisions to prevent abuse by manufacturers and sellers. There was a time when some auto manufacturers (notably, Ford and GM) did require dealer service to maintain warranty rights until Congress stepped in. (Sometimes those birds actually get something right!) You don't even have to use genuine Hyundai replacement items for routine service. (In other words, you can use an applicable Purolator oil filter when one becomes available for the new Hyundai V6 without jeopardizing your warranty. (My '03 Sonata uses a spin-on oil filter that Purolator has an applicable and competently engineered substitute for - and that's what I use.) However where a proprietary part or fluid is NOT available under aftermarket sources, such as the special SP-III automatic transmission fluid used in Hyundai, Kia, and Mitsubishi transmissions, then you better have receipts for that type of fluid if you changed it out yourself as part of its scheduled routine maintenance in the event of a transmission failure warranty claim. In other words, DON'T use DEXRON-III, Mercon V, or even one of the so-called "multi-vehicle" ATFs that claim to be compatible with Hyundai automatics in your Hyundai - you could have a fight on your hands if you later need transmission warranty work. In the case of SP-III ATF, the proprietary license is held by Mitsubishi and that company has not released its specifications for duplication by aftermarket ATF blenders for distribution in normal retail channels.) You do have to be careful about documenting what you've done and when. Hyundai or the dealer service writer has the right to request and inspect your documentation on demand before performing an applicable warranty repair. Keep receipts for oil and filters, and log the servicing according to time and mileage. In the event of a warranty claim, the receipts and the log will be accepted as reasonable proof that you've performed the required maintenance as indicated unless Hyundai can prove otherwise. (and "prove" in this instance means more than merely proffering their contradictory "opinion" - the law's definitely on your side in this matter.) Good luck with your purchase decision. My '03 Sonata's been trouble-free except for a faulty dome-light switch that was replaced under warranty.

rhaeffele

gkumar, you're S.O.L.. on the extended powertrain 100,000 mile/10 Yr. warranty unless you're the spouse or an offspring of the original owner. The basic warranty (60,000 mile/5 yr.) is transferable to new owners, but, obviously that's elapsed (your car's at 78,000 miles and counting). The extended powertrain warranty that kicks in after 60,000 miles is to the original owner, (or an immediate family member) only. That grinding noise means it's time to replace the front set of brake pads if you're lucky. If you're not lucky, you could also be on the hook for new rotors. In any event, brakes are not a warranty item if the car has been in service more than 12,000 miles/12 mos.

joshjensen

You Said "However where a proprietary part or fluid is NOT available under aftermarket sources, such as the special SP-III automatic transmission fluid used in Hyundai, Kia, and Mitsubishi transmissions, then you better have receipts for that type of fluid if you changed it out yourself as part of its scheduled routine maintenance in the event of a transmission failure warranty claim. In other words, DON'T use DEXRON-III, Mercon V, or even one of the so-called "multi-vehicle" ATFs that claim to be compatible with Hyundai automatics in your Hyundai - you could have a fight on your hands if you later need transmission warranty work. In the case of SP-III ATF, the proprietary license is held by Mitsubishi and that company has not released its specifications for duplication by aftermarket ATF blenders for distribution in normal retail channels.)"

The shop I went to for transmission service used DEXRON-III (plus an additive that made it meet the manufactures spec - according to them). Now my transmission needs to be replaced and Hyundai will not cover it (voided warranty) because I didn't use “their" fluid. My question is, doesn't the Magneson-Moss Warranty Act say that I am not required to use a companies fluid, proprietary ? or not, when servicing my transmission?

I have contacted 5 different shops that do transmission service in my area and they all use DEXRON-III with the additive on Hyundai cars. Can all these places be voiding the warranty of these Hyundai cars? That just doesn’t seem logical. I have to fight them because I don’t have the cash to fix my car. Small claims court… Any suggestions?

rhaeffele

I feel your pain, joshjensen. Unless or until Mitsubishi issues SP-III licenses to duplicate their proprietary forumula, the only sources for SP-III fluid will remain Hyundai, KIA, and Mitsubishi dealers. Magneson-Moss only covers aftermarket parts and fluids for which there are application-specific equivalents. DEXRON III doped with a bottle of Lubegard "black" does not qualify as officially meeting SP-III's stringent standards - the friction modifiers in the Lubegard are only Lubegard's "best guess" as to a functional equivalent. Sadly, their best guess was shy of the mark in your case. You might, however, be successful in seeking remunerative redress from your tech and/or Lubegard (or whichever other supplement maker furnished the supplement your tech used. But, Hyundai's actually protected by Magneson-Moss in your instance. (read the full text of Magneson-Moss at gov.org - there are some exclusionary gotchas regarding proprietary parts and fluids.

As a sidenote, Chrysler has for some time (~1989) specified their own proprietary fluid, "ATF+4" for use in that company's ATs. And, like SP-III, ATF+4 was only available from their dealerships - and fairly pricey at that. Starting September 1 (2005), Chrysler will begin licensing the formula to major and independent refiners and blenders for distribution through the normal retail channels, though it may take several months before actual product begins showing up on store shelves. (My mind boggles at the prospect of reasonably priced Wal-Mart "SuperTech" genuine ATF+4!) While ATF+4 is not sanctioned as an equivalent for SP-III, the fact that Chrysler has responded to consumer pressure is a hopeful sign that perhaps Mitsubishi will relent at some point, too.

rdillier

Just took my daughter's 05 Sonata to Hyunday for its first oil change. The service rep said Hyundai used a Quaker State blend of natural & synthetic oils -- 85% is synthetic. I looked on the Quaker State Web site, but couldn't find much info on synthetic blends. I'm using Mobile 1 in my '93 Nissan Maxima, because my mechanic used it and had absolutely no problems. I'm wondering if the synthetic blend will be as good for the 2.7L V6 in the Sonata and the 3.3L V6 in the 2006 Sonata I want to buy in a couple of months. The Hyundai service rep also said an oil change with the blend was about $25, and one with Mobile 1 was $60, which is exhorbitant. Anybody have any info on this?

rhaeffele

I'm not at all sure where the service rep got his information about QS syn-blend being "85% synthetic", but I question whether it was really from QS. The refiners and blenders are particularly mum about base oil stock percentages for competitive reasons and fear of starting an unwinnable "percentage war" with each other. In the past, syn-blends were typically 10-15% synthetic base stock. Maybe that's changed. I can state that since Shell Oil U.S. ("SOPUS") took over Pennzoil (and by extension, QS) several years ago, both Pennzoil and QS have never been better. I would also venture that when the proper viscosity range for your climate is selected, QS syn-blend would be a fine choice for either the 2.7L and the 3.3L V-6 engines. Just keep in mind that Hyundai does not recognize extended oil change intervals beyond 7,500 miles in "normal service" or 3,000 miles in "severe service" in case of an oil-related engine failure warranty claim. Also keep in mind that conventional oils have been steadily closing the quality gap with synthetic oils over the past decade and the current API "SM" rated conventional oils are very competent up through 5,000 mile oil change intervals. What do I use (like anyone gives a flyin' fig)? Phillips 66 "TropArtic Synthetic Blend" ("SM") - $1.00/qt at Dollar Tree Stores.

I don't have any idea how far you were able to delve into QS's Byzantine product data site, but here're a couple of URLs for you to peruse for specifics. The first is for a QS synthetic-blend formulated for winter temperatures, and the second, for a QS synthetic-blend optomised for "high performance" engines. There were two more, but they're intended for light trucks and SUVs.

winter syn-blend:
http://www.pzlqs.com/Tech/Pdsheet/QuakerState/EngineOils/pdf/WinterSyntheticBlend.PDF

high performance syn-blend:
http://www.pzlqs.com/Tech/Pdsheet/QuakerState/EngineOils/pdf/HighPerformanceSyntheticBlend- - MotorOil.PDF

Hope these help!

e067983

For the record, I'm very happy w/ my 2000 Sonata w/ 96k miles. I recently started having the same problem you described. Nothing like going down the road at 75 mph and having the car drop into 3rd gear! That will wake you up! My service center said this was either the output speed sensor or the camshaft position sensor, and it was an electrical problem not covered by the warranty. In my history, electrical devices usually either work or don't, so I put off the repair until I could do more research. Haven't really found much to back it up, but the O2 sensor they pulled on you should be on the news, that sounds rediculous. I'm going to go ahead and replace the sensors and report back in a couple weeks.

haefr

"My service center said this was either the output speed sensor or the camshaft position sensor, and it was an electrical problem not covered by the warranty."

The dealer isn't the final authority on warranty matters. I reviewed my supplementary warranty booklet (you should have one, too, packed in with the other paperwork you received from your dealer at the time of delivery), and I can't find any exclusions about the electrical components associated with Hyundai's extended powertrain warranty on covered parts. Either try another Hyundai dealer or contact Hyundai directly and request a review of your situation. If Hyundai agrees the work is warranty related, it will get done. Additionally some dealers (NOT just Hyundai dealers) will pass off on certain warranty repair work they don't feel they're adequately compensated for by the manufacturer - then they turn around and bill the manufacturer for what the manufacturer will pay after the dealer bills you their customary parts and labor charges. It's called double-dipping and it's outright fraud, but the ones who pull these shananigans usually get away with them. Additionally, by keeping a set of cooked books, they don't pay taxes on their fraud, either.

joshnya

I just picked up my 05 Sonata from the dealership after having my first auto-butler service performed. Although I admit, I did not inquire at the time of purchase what services are performed during the auto-butler service, and more importantly how much it cost me, but it turns out it was several hundred dollars tacked onto my purchase prince.

I am happy with the outcome of the service today. The interior of my car is spotless. They vacuumed, dusted, washed the windows etc. In addition, they cleaned the exterior of the car, including the brake dust on the rims.

My question is, what service, if anything, does the auto-butler service cover on the exterior body? I did notice that the car looks washed and clean however, does the "typical" auto-butler service contain "special" waxing or polishing to the paint job?

Thanks for the information.

bhmr59

Haven't heard of this auto-butler service. Was it a dealer add-on "service?"

Is it just a cleaning service? How many auto-butler services are included for the "several hundred dollars" that were tacked on to your purchase price?

joshnya

There are 10 auto butler services over the course of 5 years (every 6 months) and yes, it was a dealer add on. Unfortunately, as naïve as I was at the time of purchase, paid $650 additional for this service. $65/service appointment not to mention the $25 oil change they did at the same time. (too late to gripe now though)

After doing some research on the web I found that the auto butler service is an inside and out detailing seservice... includinghe body. They are supposed to use a machine which buffs on a polish to the paint job and then detail the car. In addition, it's supposed to protect my paint job from defects. UnUnfortunatelyI know nothing about this polish. Is it a wax? Do I need to wax my car in between these services?

bhmr59

That sounds pretty good, assuming it's a full detail service. Only $65 per detail.

Paying up front might not be so good, but on the flip side you're protected against price increases for this service for 5 years.

Suggest you check with the dealer about the polish/wax issue.

skycomag

Doe anyone know if a k&n air filter for a 2005 Sonota 2.4L will fit?
i've been to k&n website they haven't yet listed '06 Sonota models yet.
Thankshttp://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com/media/townhall/webxicons/emot- orcons/emo_smiley.gif
http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com/media/townhall/webxicons/emotorcons- /emo_smiley.gif

haefr

"Doe [sic] anyone know if a k&n air filter for a 2005 Sonota 2.4L will fit?"

Call the dealer's parts department and ask whether the new Sonata uses the same air filter as the '05 Sonata. If the counterman says "no", save your money until K&N lists an airfilter for the '06 Sonata. K&Ns are very persnickety about how they're set-up. If they're under-oiled, they won't catch as much abrasive dirt as a paper filter. If they're over-oiled you'll lose performance due to the excess oil's restriveness to airflow. Getting the oiling right is more art than science. If running a K&N, remove the filter monthly and check the post-filter intake plumbing. If it shows a layer of fine silt, you got problems of dirt intrusion into the engine. (Some will go out the exhaust, but the finer particles will make it past the piston rings and take up residence in your motor oil - and not all of that will be trapped by the oil filter.) If it shows a fine oil film, the filter's over-oiled. While they're not sexy looking or sounding, Hyundai's stock dry paper filter is very well designed and made, and more to the point, very effective.

silverfox1

Have 1600 miles on the car and want to make first oil change at 2000 miles. Plan on using Mobil 1 5W-20 if avaiable otherwise 5W-30. Have used Mobil 1 on my 97 Maxima and previous 2000 VW GTI VR6 with excellent results. Can't find any info on oil filter size. Hope to use Fram Tough Guard filters. Anyone know filter size and availability?

haefr

"Can't find any info on oil filter size. Hope to use Fram Tough Guard filters. Anyone know filter size and availability?"

This could be a minor problem for the time being. Hyundai went to a canister-type oil filter with these new engines instead of the familiar spin-on oil filter. Dunno whether any of the aftermarket filter brands have ramped up production and distribution yet on these new designs. But, in the meantime, Hyundai's oil filters are very well made, and many dealers will discount if you purchase three at a time. The good news is that changing these new filters is a snap - done from topside. Remove the canister cap, pull the old filter up and out (holding it above the open canister to contain drips), ease an old can or plastic bag under the filter to carry it away for disposal, drop in the new one and replace the cap. Done!

silverfox1

Thanks for the info. Just looked under the hood and believe I found it on the transmission side of the block just under the corner of the plastic engine cover. Looks easy to get at once the plastic cover is removed. Do you know the cost of the cartridge? My ex VW GTI VR6 also had a canister oil assembly but the cartridge was expensive even at the parts store ($12 to $14).

haefr

Sorry, no idea. But when my wife bought her new Ion several years ago, the "Ecotec" DOHC I4 was equipped with a canister oil filter. The Saturn and other GM dealers who sold cars equipped with that engine were getting $9.00 and up. Now that the aftermarket has ramped up, I can get a WalMart SuperTech oil filter for that engine for $2.07. History does have a tendency to repeat itself. Expect Hyundais to outsell VWs* - demand "encourages" aftermarket parts suppliers to enter the fray.

*Remember when Volkswagen translated to "Peoples' Car"? Apparently they still are - but owners hafta be well-heeled "people" nowadays...

silverfox1

Just picked up a oil filter at the Hyundai dealer. Asked for senior discount and paid $11.61 including WI tax.

silverfox1

Just looked in the box for the oil filter. Two gaskets, one large one for the filter top cover and a small O ring. Is that for the drain plug? Also the manual states 6 quarts of oil for the oil change. Is that correct?

silverfox1

Want to do my first oil change on my 06 Sonata. Maintenance Log calls out 6.02 quarts for the engine and 0.42 quarts for the filter. Is the total oil capacity with filter 6.02 or 6.44 quarts?

vsg1

Hi Bob, First of all you do not need to change the manual transmission oil now, here in india i own a similar sonata gold, the first oil change is at 100,000 k.ms, i am sure you can find all the relevant info. you have asked for in your USER's MANUAL, Yes it's all there.

vsg1

Inside the cabin, where your clutch pedal is fixed/mounted to the firewall you will find a adjusting nut bolt system, you can actually fine tune the height of your clutch pedal.

haefr

Put 6 quarts in and start the engine. Drive the car far enough to warm the oil up to operating temperature (5 - 10 miles depending on ambient temperature). Check the oil level about 3 minutes after shutting the engine off. You'll immediately know whether you need to add another half quart of oil. (If you do need to do that, don't worry about the "additional" 0.06 quart over 0.44 quart - that's less than two freakin' ounces.)

silverfox1

Just completed my first oil change with Mobil 1. Put in 6 quarts and added less than an 1/8 of a quart I had left over. Checked dip stick after car was off 20 minutes and right at the full mark.

zen2

I received a brochure from Hyundai with a quick guide
for required maintenance. It says the "drive belt"
has to be inspected every 7500 miles. Anyone know
what a drive belt is? Doesn't 2006 V6 Sonata have a
timing chain? And anyone know what this inspection
might cost at the dealer? Thanks.

tb88

"Anyone know what a drive belt is? Doesn't 2006 V6 Sonata have a timing chain?"

Every car has a water pump, a power-steering pump and various accessories — all of which are powered by rubber drive belts. On older cars, each of these components is driven by its own belt. On most modern cars, all of these components are driven by one belt, called a serpentine belt/drive belt.

It is the only belt you see going around when you open the hood!
A time chain is something different and there is no maintenance for it!

pumpdex

I have a 06 Sonata and keep hearing wind noises somewhere around the drivers door. Can't seem to pinpoint the problem. Has anyone else experienced this problem? Thanks.

zen2

I took my 2006 Sonata V6 in for its first oil change,
had a coupon to make the cost 9.99, and the service
manager said I saved 30 dollars. After I got up off the
floor I asked why, since the posted rate was 25.95.
He said the filter cost more, and the V6 required more
oil than the 4, and 5W-20 oil, which was required, cost more. Any of this make any sense? Has anyone else been charged this much for 2006 V6 Sonata oil change?

haefr

I can believe the new cannister-type oil filters are priced higher since Hyundai "take-yer-money-ships" are the only game in town for them so far. This new design is especially nifty for do-it-yourselfers since it can be removed with virtually no mess from above. Just loosen and remove the oil filter cannister's cap, reach in and pull the old filter straight up, slide an empty coffee can under it and lower the filter into it to avoid dripping oil. Lower a new filter into the cannister and re-attach the cannister cover. Investing in an extraction pump that sucks the oil in the sump out the dipstick tube means an owner could change both oil and filter during the half-time break in his street clothes! (Aftermarket brand oil filters for your engine will probably begin trickling into autoparts stores and national discounters in a few months.) It's also true that the new V6 engine has a larger sump capacity. (I think someone mentioned 6+ quarts, now.) But, 5W-20 viscosity motor oil has been a fact of life since 1999. That viscosity range may be new for Hyundai, but it isn't new, nor does is usually vary in price over 5W-30 or 10W-30 motor oil by more than a dime per quart - frequently it's the same price. By the way, check your owner's manual for use of 5W-30 and 10W-30 viscosity motor oils. I'm sure they're both listed as fully acceptable alternates, but the owner's manual will spell out under what ambient temperature ranges.

(Ask me why I don't let "take-yer-money-ship" service monkeys come within ten feet of my car unless I have to take it in for a recall or a warranty issue...)

zen2

Good points. As it turns out, the service tech cracked
off one of the bolts holding the plastic cover on.
I found this out when I checked the oil, after I
noticed an oil stain under the car. I guess the
tech also forgot about the coffee can technique, and spilled oil on the engine, which drained down.
So, the dealer has to order a new bracket for the
plastic cover. Although I haven't changed my own oil in years, I may start doing it again.

haefr

"...As it turns out, the service tech cracked off one of the bolts holding the plastic cover on. I found this out when I checked the oil, after I noticed an oil stain under the car. I guess the tech also forgot about the coffee can technique, and spilled oil on the engine, which drained down..."

Sadly, take-yer-money-ships are more than likely to assign menial jobs, such as routine oil and oil filter changes, to the dealerships' bottom-feeders who're normally assigned equally menial jobs such as emptying trash cans, pushing brooms, and washing cars. (Jumpsuit coveralls with embroidered dealer logos are no guarantor of ability and conscientiousness.) The ASE-certified techs are better used where their knowledge (and salary) are justified. At least when I do my own oil changes, I know what and how much has gone into the engine sump and spun onto the oil filter adapter nipple. Oh, and the plastic engine cover? Mine is resting comfortably in a place of "honor" to gather dust along the garage wall until trade-in time. I'm one of those easily excitable gearheads who gets aroused by the appearance of a bare-naked engine's exposed cam covers, and the sultry, sinuous spark plug cabling snaking provocatively through its looms...

tb88

Anybody had oil-filter changed at a dealer for their 2006 Sonata 2006 V6.
Around here (FL) the cost is really outrageous :
2006 - I4 = $28
2006 - V6 = $55

The filter itself cost around $7 more than the one for the I4. I think it is $12 +tx.

Please share your experience/cost.
Also the service guy told me, it is more elaborate to change the V6 oil filter, than screwing it off and on; like on the pre-2006 V6. He said you have to disassemble it before mounting the filter... any truth to that, for those who replaced oil-filter V6 2006, themselves. If so, what is the procedure?

tb88

Here is a Link to 2006 Sonata V6 OIL Filter:
.
http://img17.imagevenue.com/img.php?loc=loc104&image=dd3fb_oil_filter.jpg

zen2

And I thought my dealer was ourageous at 39 bucks.
Actually, it is much easier to change the filter
than an ordinary filter, you do it from the top,
no special tools required. Your dealer gave you a load of
crap. Maybe you should print out the info on the link in
the other reply, and show it to him, and ask why it is so
hard. Simply remove the plastic engine cover, unscrew the
cap for the filter, pull out the cartridge, replace,
replace cap, and replace plastic cover, or not, since it is not necessary.

lightfootfl

last month, without the extended warranty. Am now rethinking it, what is the general consensus of the full bumper to bumper 100K warranty?? Is it OK ? What about the costs, and where besides the dealer can I get a good deal on it? Can we buy it direct from Hyundai? :confuse: oh yeah, I am in Florida

lightfootfl

I am in Florida too, and certainly hope that price isn't a typical one. I am in Pensacola, but haven't yet had to have anything done, as I have only had my SonataLX a month today, and only have 400 miles on it. At any rate I used to do all of my own oil changes,etc but haven't done so in a while, but if that price is typical, I may start again. :surprise:

[Deleted User]

An oil change in a V6 Sonata is not that difficult, as Zen2 mentioned. One additional task to the list Zen2 gave was that you need to replace two o-rings on the filter cap. One o-ring sits around the cap threads and seals against the filter housing, and the other is a smaller o-ring that sits on the bottom of a hollow cone attached to the cap. The trickiest part is removing the old o-rings, which can be made easy with an o-ring puller (or a dental pick).

Changing the Sonata oil took me a little extra time compared to my other vehicles, but now that I know the engine and procedure, it won't take any more time than a typical oil change.

V6 oil changes WILL cost more since they use a little over 6 quarts of oil and the filters are very expensive right now, but $55 is excessive. I'd recommend finding another dealer, doing it yourself, or finding an independent. Personally, I don't trust mechanics to take the extra time/cost to replace the o-rings and crush washer, so I just do it myself using a high-quality motor oil and Hyundai filter.

Good luck.

mejoza

Has anyone attemped a do-it-yourself oil change on their 4 cyl '06?

houdsie

I have done one oil change on my 4 cylinder. It took a few hours due to the filter being on too tight. That's a common problem with dearlships; over torque everything. The filter sits in a nice spot; the issue is the hole to reach up in is tough to get certain tools into. I kept running to NAPA for a filter wrench, but the Hyundai filter has an odd end, which I could not get any grab on. I was able to pass a strap wrench through the hole and had just enough room to set it up to break the seal. Once that was done, I finished in about 20 minutes.
I've been changing my own oil for 10 years and the first change is the hardest due to the torque issue. Once you do it yourself the first time, it's an easy job. I change my oil for about $14. As long as you have somewhere to recycle the oil, do it. It gives you great satisfaction, plus it impresses a lot of people. Good luck.

ctc1

Just did mine I bought a OEM filter at dealer $8 (ouch) then went to auto parts store and bought proper end cap filter wrench $3. Took 15 minutes to change easiest oil change there is, took 5 qts of oil with filter.
.

ray_h1

Thirty years ago I bought an outrageously oversized set of Channel-Lock pliers. Turned out to be a better investment over time than my 500 shares of GM stock. Those 16" offset pliers will remove just about anything that twists on and off (and a few things that don't).