Hyundai Sonata 2006-2007

lxs333

I don't know, maybe I was just bad luck having the one that really gave me a lot of headaches....coz i live in downtown san Francisco and travel 50 miles (one way) to my workplace daily at san jose...now i enjoy my 07 V6 accord better than sonata simply becoz it is more reliable in general..now it has about 5K mileage on it but I have not had any squeaks that came from the dashboard like I used to hear from my previous sonata. Also that I found the sonata's resale value is terrible...$14000 for a 2006 V6 sonata SE with just 6K mileage on it...although i bought it for $23K...it was a big loss...what can i say...

duke16

You mean the real name of this color is GOLDEN TAN and only comes with a tan interior.

backy

There's a golden beige color, but I think the color we were discussing is called natural khaki. It's new for 2007 I believe.

sonataguy07

I am wondering if you guys might have some input to this -

I just bought a Sonata Limited last week, and when I was handed the keys, it did not include the valet key. I did ask for it and the dealer said he didnt have it - didnt help that it was a Sunday and the service dept is closed.

Now my question is - does anyone ever had this problem? Cause I wonder if I could just call and ask the dealership to make one valet key for me AND MAIL IT instead of me picking it up since this dealership is about 50 mi from me?

Also, I learned from online that when you shift the gears to Park, all four doors would be unlocked automatically. The doors would lock if the gear is on Drive. My Sonata does not have it either - the online article says you can have it "programmed" by the dealership. I wonder if anyone has done this thing as well?

Your valuable input is much appreciated!

sandman46

Any color with pearl paint is just beautiful in my opinion. I'll bet your white is outstanding freshly waxed. I got my galaxy gray Civic detailed yesterday and it looks wonderful...better than when I picked it up. The paint even looks a little pearlized eventhough it's a metallic. Seven months and still lovin' my Civic!
Wonder why Hyundai doesn't offer it's gray interior in more exterior colors though. I definitely prefer my gray interior to the wife's black one...hides dirt much better also.

The Sandman

backy

Gray interior is offered with the following colors:

Powder White Pearl
Bright Silver
Ebony Black
Steel Gray
Deepwater Blue
Aqua Blue
Silver Blue
Arctic White

So all but Golden Beige, Natural Khaki, and Dark Cherry Red. I could see gray with Dark Cherry Red, but not with the others--I think it would look odd. And black is available with Dark Cherry Red.

Personally I prefer the looks of a tan interior, but the tan interior on the Sonata is closer to ivory, so it could show dirt easily.

delaluz

That's correct. It read Khaki on the sticker. While I agree that color and appearance is an individual preference I think some color combinations would stand out to most folks. I might wind up buying a car from a dealer 200+ miles away so I wouldn't see the car until I drove up there to pick it up. If I didn't see the Khaki on the lot I would have probably passed on it if given a choice. So maybe someone else who wouldn't have considered it may try to check one out.

backy

I've seen Natural Khaki in person and the picture on hyundaiusa.com "build your own" don't do it justice, makes it look sort of like a... Army Jeep.

pat

Only reservation is that I'm a wolf pack fan and in certain light it looks like the Tarheel blue.

Hahahahahahaha!! I'm a Wolfpack fan too.

mstem

1) My 2007 Sonata Limited came with a "valet key"... I got two key fobs (transmitter thingys) each with a "real key; and then the loose "valet key", which is an all-steel key with no big fancy plastic head. According to the manual and other documentation that is the standard package tha comes with the vehicle. Sounds like they owe you a "valet key."

2) I had the dealer program the locks while I waited this past Saturday morning. Took all of about five minutes, what happens now is when the vehicle reaches somewhere around 12 to 15 mph all four docks lock automatically. What DOESN'T happen is they don't unlock when the vehicle stops and is put in Park. (Some of my Toyota vehicles did that, which is nice...) If anyone know how to make this change please advise. Having said that, I think it is still a nice feature to have the auto-lock.)

jack47

I think it is still a nice feature to have the auto-lock.)

Probably...if you're driving through a "bad" neighborhood. but, as a former volunteer EMT it just delayed us getting to an unconscious victim in an auto accident.

cajuncycler

My wife's 2002 Vue has the auto door locking feature and I hate it. I considered having it done to my Sonata for about a day then I realized what a bad idea that was. I am usually alone in the car and it is no problem to lock the doors before I pull out. I am also in EMS, for the past 30 years as a matter of fact and yes the auto door locks are a pain in an accident getting into the car.

craigbrooks

Sandman,
Wax what is that? I personally haven't waxed a car in years. Had the lumina detailed once and the "medium red garnet metallic" looked sharp for a nine year old car.

I'll probably have our detail dept buff the Sonata out next year....doesn't need waxed yet looks awesome when it is has just been washed.

I'm going to have to go to the local Hyundai dealer and check out the "khaki" color. Just for fun.

krnxboy7

I hear whining and wheezing noise from the Engine. Only when I accelerate mostly between 2000-2500 RPM and only in first three gears. It is pretty loud. Also, the noises continues disregarding whether the engine is cold or hot. I can't seem to figure out what the problem is and neither can the dealership.

craigbrooks

overfilled with oil?

mamamia2

Yes, I have complained about the same exact thing here, and a few others had complained too.

Mine is the I4, but there were others, V6 owners with the same complaint. It has nothing to do with the level of oil. There were some theories that the whining comes from the Alternator, others claimed it may be the Power Steering pump. Both kind-of make sense since the sound seems to originate from the RIGHT side of the engine if you are seated on the driver's seat.

I also tried to get some help from the dealership but they were at a loss. My old-time mechanic listened carefully and came up with the theory of the Alternator, which -- to me -- sounds the most logical...

One thing I noticed, though, on RAINY, DRIZZLY days the sound is much less pronounced...

Keep us posted if you come up with anything.... I will too.

w9cw

Some OHC timing chain designs "whine," I know my SAAB SOHC does. And, all engines have a natural resonant point (RPM level), where timing chain noise is most apparent. Just a thought . . . That's one of the initial reasons (noise) for the move away from OHC single or duplex timing chains to reinforced rubber (Gilmer) timing belts 30+ years ago in some marques. It may be the the alternator, as it's certainly a valid educated guess. Alternators do whine somewhat, especially when under greater electrical load, i.e. when they're putting out higher current levels.

I have a suggestion: invest in an inexpensive mechanic's stethoscope. Place the probe on the alternator, near the front pulley on the alternator housing. Do this very carefully for obvious reasons. Don't get near the belt, or place the probe into the alternator, thereby possibly shorting the field windings. This will tell you if it's the alternator, or alternator front bearing.

One last thought: serpentine belts also tend to whine, especially when new, or when the tension is too tight. This tends to be RPM-dependent. When it's a wet or very humid environment, they tend to quiet down a bit. Also, the serpentine belt tensioner/pulley system is known to whine in many vehicles.

I hope this helps . . .

mamamia2

Thanks, w9cw. I tried spraying the Serpentine belt with the special "belt conditioner" but it did not make any difference, so I GUESS it's not the belt, but I might be wrong...

I think I would ask the Mechanics at the dealership to use their stethoscope... I'd expect them to have one....

trpadrs

Oh well, aren't you smart, as you already know the accord is more reliable than the sonata after driving 5k. There is no SE among 2006 models, and very few people are buying V6 at 23K-I got my 2006 I4 GLS at 16.5K and I received an offer of 18.5K for V6 lx.

Conclusion; I don't believe you.

hotrod54

oh my god...never use belt dressing on a serpentine belt...read the label...bad things will happen

hotrod54

well, aren't you smart...the lineup for '06 was GLS, SE and LX...look it up. Next, I am tired of all you negative Hyundai posters. As I have previously stated in other posts, my 03 Sonata had 332,360 incredibly reliable miles on it when I bought my 07 in mid-Nov. Today my 07 has 23312 miles on it, no problems yet. People in my business who have late model Accords and Camrys can't say that. :mad:

backy

uhmm... actually, the lineup for '06 was GL, GLS, LX.

krnxboy7

I got it fixed. the noise was coming from the Oil Filter. Apparently it was a defective oil filter.. how unlucky... oh well. Glad that is fixed

hotrod54

ooops

mamamia2

"I got it fixed. the noise was coming from the Oil Filter. Apparently it was a defective oil filter.."
----- Hmmmm.... You know what? My whining/wheezing noise started very soon after my first (and last) oil change.... I'm scheduled for my second oil change this coming Tuesday, and I will CERTAINLY mention it to my service manager.........

But HOW did you come to that conclusion, krnxboy7 ??? Just because the noise disappeared after an oil change? Or did also someone at the dealership tell that to you???

And is there any reason for you to worry that a defective oil filter did ANY harm to ANY other component in the engine???

"never use belt dressing on a serpentine belt...read the label"
------ ??? Isn't that spray intended for the Serpentine belt??? What is it for, then?

csandste

Fram orange can o'death by any chance?

w9cw

I would highly recommend the OEM Hyundai filter. It's worth the price, and appears to be a Mann filter (Germany) built under license by Hyundai. Knowing what I came to know a few years ago about oil filter design and manufacturing, I would never use another Fram on anything.

mamamia2

Yes, FRAM is known for its low quality, but there is no indication that krnxboy7 had FRAM, or anything other than an OEM Hyundai filter in his Sonata.

Let's hope krnxboy7 comes back to comment and answer our questions... We don't even have any indication of what engine he's talking about, the 2.4 or 3.3......

I know MINE is an OEM Hyundai filter, installed in my previous oil change, but then, I don't yet know if that filter has been what was causing all the whining/wheezing noise....

krnxboy7

My Engine is 3.3 V6 and it was defective OEM filter. If anyone out there have the same problem as I did. Put your hand on the oil filter case while your car is making that noise to make sure. because that's what mine did. Mechanic at the hyundai dealership found out. I went to two dealers, but one of them was just careless and other one was very helpful. If you have trouble with your dealers, I suggest you take it to other dealer around you.

w9cw

Correct me if I'm wrong, but the Lambda 3.3L V6 uses a cannister-style filter with replaceable inner filter element, whereas the Theta 2.4L Inline 4 still uses a spin-on.

Interesting . . . perhaps the center bolt for the canister filter housing wasn't tight, thereby causing the sound. It amazes me that mechanics at dealerships appear not to use a torque wrench when the Hyundai shop manual specifies its use for such things as this.

wolverinejoe80

i have a question about sonata and optima

are they basically a same car with a different engine?

backy

No. More like (in 4-cylinder form) different cars with the same (or very similar) engines. The V6s are much different, however.

krnxboy7

That's right . the V6 model uses the cannister style. Well, I first bought my Sonata used with 4k miles on it at end of 06 which I thought it was pretty much brand new car. I test drove it for a long time trying to find out if there was any problem. To me it was cool, until about a month later, that noise started going off. So I think the oil change they did at the nissan dealership( where I bought my car used, they didn't have any of those filters in stock, so they re-used it because when I had it changed at hyundai dealership, they pointed out to me that the filter was incredibly dirty. That throughly PISSED me off.

joe131

According to Car and Driver magazine, Sonata and Optima are built on basically the same platform, but with different engine choices.
The Elantra and Spectra are built on similar platforms too, as are the Accent and Rio. Also Entourage and Sedona are very much the same minivan.

joe97

If you head underneath each car, you would see somewhat of a different setup (hint hint suspension for example)

backy

Yes--different suspensions, also different wheelbases, different interiors, different standard safety equipment, different options, different bodies, different transmissions (on I4 cars at least) and different engines (on V6 cars).

mamamia2

So then the problem was not a faulty oil filter, but an old, reused, clogged up oil filter. Am I reading you right, krnxboy7?

I had my (2.4 engine) oil change yesterday. I mentioned what you claimed to my service manager. The answer was "a faulty or a non OEM oil filter would cause the engine to knock, not whine"... Which is actually something that I've read here before also.

They still have no idea what causes my engine to whine, still...

krnxboy7

You are right about it, My Whining just came back 1 week after the oil change. I am really frustrated at this point. although the whining happens less frequently now and little quieter, but it still bothers me and want it fixed completely... I guess I'll take it back to the dealers again and explain it to them.. again. Well, the Oil filter for your model I believe is under the car. But, mine is a cannister type that goes under the hood (3.3L V6), so relating my problem to yours might not be the best. although could be a good indication. Since changing the Oil filter atleast lessened the problem, I am starting to think the problem actually is related to the Oil system, and not the filter itself. Unless I am just unluckiest person on earth that gets defective filter twice in a row.

krnxboy7

I already have one. I'm just looking for one that has the SEEK button. Whould it fit in the same place? Do I have to buy wiring with it? Where can I find it? I heard it was available in late 07 model, so there's gotta be a way to buy it in US.

csandste

Think of a bigger Elantra with a nicer body, a five speed (on the four cylinder rather than a four speed automatic transmission on the Sonata), and a new (4 cylinder) or an old (last platform's 6 cylinder with a few upgrades) Sonata engine.

craigbrooks

You'll have to dig back thru previous posts, around Nov, Dec 2006 and you will find pictures and part numbers. May take awhile but you will find it.

pat

Actually, the Search This Discussion box should help.

mamamia2

krnxboy7, forget about the oil filter, it's something else.

My dealer has not been very responsive, maybe yours would be more responsive. If so, please mention 2 things: The Alternator or the Power Steering Pump. Both were suggested as culprits, and both make sense. I personally (and my neighborhood mechanic) vote for the Alternator. But my dealer says that as long as it's functioning well, Hyundai won't pay them to replace it. That's why I'm waiting to have my car inspected by the regional Hyundai rep.

Let's see, maybe your dealer would be willing the explore these 2 elements...

craigbrooks

you're so smart.......I guess that's why you are the HOST. :P

pat

Not "smart" - just familiar (mostly) with the ins and outs around here. But they do trick me up from time to time, no doubt about that!

krnxboy7

I mentioned both of those things this morning when I left my car with the dealer this morning. But that's just a possibility to me. Whenever it's making that noise, I can feel the oil filter housing vibrate vigorously and the noise is clearly coming from the oil filter housing. Maybe they will figure it out soon. Anyways, how do you get the regional rep to inpect it? I would like to have that done if dealers can't figure it out again.

mamamia2

krnxboy7, is the noise detectable when the engine is at idle speed, while you're touching the oil filter? Otherwise, how can you feel the vibrations coming from the oil flter? Mine is notceable only while accelerating, and it fluctuates exactly paralel to the engine's speed.

As to the regional rep, he visits every Hyundai dealerships regularly, so you can request the dealership to set up an appointment with him.

Keep us posted as to what your dealer says.

krnxboy7

I know the vibration was coming from the oil filter housing because I felt it when I had my brother rev it just enough for it to make the noise. It doesn't happen during Idle, it only happens when I accelerate. Also, past 30mph, the noise stops.

The dealer says that they were unable to duplicate the problem after the oil change even though they heard the noise the first time and I told them the noise is still there. I guess, once it starts happen more often, I will bring it back.

ultcar

I thought a lil report on an 06 Sonata might be informative, so here goes...

The Engine... I've been using fully synthetic oil for oil changes, and recently changed the engine's air filter. Engine runs smoothly, and I just love how it accelerates effortlessly on the highway.

The Noise... It's definitely quieter than my previous XG350 in the city and at idle. But on the highway with pavement other than asphalt, the road noise is significantly louder than the XG at speeds over 70mph. I tried to see if my car was eligible for the suspension fix, but service says it's the normal tight suspension noise of the Sonata.

I also hear a slight layer of noise when the heater is on from the engine, but the service guys said that they could not duplicate it. As long as they can't find anything mechanically wrong, I'm okay with that.

The CD changer... I'm in the process of replacing my CD changer for the 2nd time. 2 CDs (none of which were duplicates) got stuck. The replacement they just had in didn't work, so I guess you could call it a 3rd replacement. (I wonder if they're sending in refurbished Visteons to cut costs... oh well, I guess 07 Limited owners are lucky to have the Infinity...)

The airbag... Just when the new (broken) CD changer was in, the red airbag light came on. The light was on for three days until the appointment day came, when the light went away. Had it checked it anyhow, and the passenger airbag was defective. (So, if your airbag light comes on and then suddenly decides to turn off, you still need to have it checked.) Actually, this is the second time I'm having the airbag fixed.

I'm glad that I haven't had to replace any of my lights so far. I had to replace all of the front bulbs including the fog lamps for my previous XG (well it was done for free but was a hassle). But I still wonder what will come next... :confuse:

mamamia2

The road noise is probably due to your stiff sporty low-profile 17" wheels, the 16" are much quieter.

As to your CD problem, the issue is NOT duplicates, but usually the LABELS that are on the CD. We had the same issue with our Accord's 6-CD changer. The CD, an original, came from our library which adds it's own label to the center and makes it THICKER, and caused it to get stuck with the rest of the other CDs in there.