Hyundai Santa Fe (2006 and earlier)

wales1

Well folks. after a long wait to hear the "official" word from HMA on the tire pressure issue on the SF, I talked to Tim McAndrews this past week and he told me to go by the pressure listed on the door jam, and disregard what the Hyundai tech had told me on lowering it to 28psi.
I am extremly upset with Hyndai in the fact that this all started by a technition telling me he was told by Jim Kuboski (a Hyundai technition trainer in Illinois) to lower tire pressure and disregard the sticker in the door. After calling and waiting 3 weeks for an answer from HMA, it took me telling them if I didnt get an answer today, that I was going public with this, considering the Firestone matter, that they finally called me the very next day. Seems now that the technition here said he never said to lower tire pressure, and Jim Kubosky said he never told the tech to lower the tire pressure, and blah blah blah..Basically now no one wanted to give me a straight answer. Seems odd when I have all this info well documented, can recall ever detail told to me, even the side story the tech told me..how no one can recall telling me to lower the tire pressure. I guess I dreamed it all up in my head. I hope that if anyone else has a question or unsolved problem that they will get on Hyndais rear end and ride them till they fess up to what is right and wrong. Again..sorry for any confusing but heck..I was only repaeting what I was told by the "authorized" Hyndai employees were telling me. Guess they are authorized to get out of HOT WATER !

hung0820

Gas Fill:
Not all gas station have the same quality of nozzle fill-up. Never, happen to me! However, I think when the nozzle fill click then slightly pull out a little bit and then press the nozzle "unfirmly" (do not over squeeze). Next time try to fill the gas on a different gas station and experience it.

Fender Flare:
The fender flare on Exotic Wood dash does not fit for the Santa Fe correctly. I have return and exchanged for a wood dash-gift for my dad. (Do not order this type of chrome/gold fender flare).

Speed: Yes! The speed on the FWD Santa Fe suppose to be in the range of 9.0-9.5 second record on 0-60.

Running Board & Nerf Bar:
Running Board is suppose to be for Van (my opinion only). Nerf Bar or Side Steps suppose to be for SUV. I have the Side Steps from www.hdkautosport.com.

Tire Pressure:
I have mention before the tire suppose to be 28 psi to work well on the Santa Fe but then there is no report to drop it down. Therefore, we just have to keep it at 30psi for now.

pro212

Hung,
I and probably others would like to get our bumper reflectors wired to light, which you said is under $20. Can you give us part numbers or descriptions, where to buy, and how to install?
Thanks much

gillis1

I am a proud owner of a new pewter GLS. I had been researching the Santa Fe along with every other SUV in its class, and you guys convinced me on the Santa Fe. I appreciate the reviews and excitement you guys have on this site. No other SUV owners are as excited about their SUV's than the Santa Fe owners.It took me forever to find the GLS FWD in a pewter here in Salt Lake City but as soon as it came off the truck the salesman hid the SF behind a dumpster because a couple from Wyoming were racing me and my wife to get it, and we won!!!!!

fuller2

Greetings!
I am seriously considering a Santa Fe and have read and kept up w/ this website for many
months. When clock problems and small noises were reported, I did not worry as so many new
vehicles have such things. BUT, I am quite concerned about the reports of engines dying while
people are traveling on the highway. (Then having to have their Santa Fe towed)--My question is
at what point is a vehicle recalled based on this serious type of a problem? Thank you again....

sonatava

Today I saw one of the "Special Edition" Santa Fe's at Fairfax Hyundai. It's a white one parked prominently in front of the service desk. I didn't really check it over too much since I was in a hurry, but it was marked "special edition" on the front fender just in front of the driver's door, and had leather seats.

ne14adrive

On Friday 3/16 I was driving about 60 mph in St. Louis when my Santa Fe suddenly stopped responding to pressure I put on the gas pedal. Had to wait 2hrs for Hyundai Roadside Assistance. Towed into dealership where I had purchased just three months ago. Found out that it was some onboard computer system thing that shuts your car down after a minor accident or a major pothole so that the dealer can check it and make sure there is no other signifigant dammage. Since I didn't hit anything and was just driving along when it happened you can imagine my concern. Rather than mess with system and try to find out what happened Hyundai just wanted to replace it. Nearest part was in Vancouver Canada, so I was left without my Santa Fe for the weekend. However the dealership provided me with a Mitsubishi Galant to drive. THey just called 5 minutes ago and said my Santa Fe was fixed and ready to go. Will pick up this afternoon and let you all know how it is.

hung0820

Rear bumper Reflector:
All you need to buy was the bulb that are similar to the brake light bulb in the existing car. Some of the local Auto Shop (Kragen) and many other do sell those bulbs. All you need to do was (3 wires) rewire the bulbs to the existing brake lights and then insert that bulb into the reflector. I will give out more clue and help in the future once I finish up with my website.

Engine Alert:
Like I have said many time before, not every brand new car in the market will be successfully work perfect. My work perfectly so far with no problem. However, there might be a change will happen on the new car. We just have to lived with it especially there is warranty anyway. I have seen new car die in the street Lexus, Mercedes, BMW, etc...Oftenly the dealer will do their best to keep reputation but every dealer is a little different. Road Side Assistant for 5 years and more. Last time my RAV4 was a problem too and I get to ride the Camry. It is nice for once awhile experience ride a different car. If any case matter to my car in the future I would really like to have the dealer lend me the XG300.

Special Edition:
Almost every manufacture have a special edition. Which I have mentioned before that I want the emblem special edition "word". After finished converting my Santa Fe in to the high level then I want to insert special edition emblem. Most likely the Santa Fe special edition have almost everything available on the year 2001-dealer accessories involve too.

krcooper

I have done this - wiring lights into the rear bumper fixtures, tapping power off of the rear brake/tail lights, and have since disconnected them due to my fear that the additional power they draw from the original brake/tail lights circuit MAY be causing other electrical failures in my Santa Fe - such as power door locks/power windows/alarm system/interval wiper all going haywire. The solution I think would be to use lower power bulbs than what I - and hung0820, used - which were the same as the existing brake/tail light bulbs. I think if you use LED style lights (about $7 each at NAPA) - the power draw would not probably cause any problems. Still, I'm just guessing. Hyundai seems to have made their Santa Fe electrical system so interdependent, complicated & convoluted that it's anyones guess as to what modifications you can do and can't do without possibly causing other problems elsewhere in the system. In any case - I have a write-up of exactly how I wired up those rear bumper lights - if you'd like me to email it to you (or anyone else interested). It's several pages long - too long to show here in the Edmunds message board, so just provide your email address and I'll pass it along - with the understanding that it's at your risk, not a procedure Hyundai told me about (I just figured it out on my own), and it COULD cause problems with your electrical system - although I have no real proof that it's what caused my Santa Fe's problems.
The Hyundai repair shop certainly didn't say this added-on wiring & bulbs caused the problems - but I still highly recommend using only some sort of much lower wattage bulbs - if not for trying to reduce the load on the brake/tail light circuit - then at least to keep those tightly enclosed little rear bumper light fixtures from melting down around the bulbs - which happened to mine and most likely will happen to yours if you use #1157/2157 type lamps similar to the exisiting brake/tail light lamps.

My email address is k.co@gte.net if you want that wiring info on the rear bumper lights.

hung0820

Yes! We only need to use a low watts of bulb since this reflector brake light is just for the fun, look, and style only. No fancy stuffs need for it. It should not be a problem if you wiring correctly. Most SUV & Van do it for the Tow Hitch light anyway.

lexconner

I live in south Florida can anyone suggest any ideas on how to find an lx-awd. According to the dealers in my area there isn't one to be had in the whole south east region.

hyundairacer

Hey they aren't lying to you! I live in West Palm Beach, and the only LX I ever saw was about 2 months ago in the light blue color. I've seen alot on the road and they all seem to be GL models because there are no fog lights in the front. Occasionally I see the GLS model. Looks like you'll be waiting for awhile!

whitesantafe

I really enjoy driving my Lx. I am still wondering if anyone has towed anything with theirs yet? I have a 600 hundred pound Jet ski to pull. I am curious to find out, what it can pull. People are still coming up to me and wanting to know what Iam driving. People seem to really like its look. Where I live, Iam the only one whom owns a white lx santa fe.

pro212

krcooper, thanks for being so helpful. People like you and Hung make reading through this forum worthwhile.

lexconner, I did a similar search throughout Florida without success. I guess by strategy, Hyundai seems to have shipped lots of the AWD to Northeast and New England in mid-winter (but still couldn't meet demand). Many dealers in Florida have yet to even see an AWD. I'd suggest buying in another city up in the Northeast or perhaps North Carolina and trucking down to Miami or Fort Lauderdale. Runs from New England or the Northeast to Miami can be as low as $500 on an open carrier, but 100% insured. With a little luck, you can probably get $500 off the MSRP sticker and get the dealer to ship to you. But make lots of telephone calls. Or try tischerhyundai.com
Best of luck, its worth the trouble and expense but try to get ABS/traction control also. I believe that the first year fully loaded technology (optioned ) cars will probably hold their value better (or be more in demand) over time, and as technology goes up and the Santa Fe evolves probably ABS/traction control will be standard, limited slip differential more available etc.)

By the way looking at the new Hyundai website, they explained that limited slip IS an option on top of ABS/traction control on the AWD!!!(at least in overseas models...not sure about whether I was looking at the USA or latin america market site)
So my USA "fully loaded model" is not really fully loaded. I never saw or heard of an LX AWD with ABS/traction control AND limited slip differential(options). I wanted limited slip but was told by the dealer that the ABS/traction control replaces the need for this with AWD. This I've learned from Hyundai is not true. My dealer said limited slip is hard to get as an option but when he sees it, limited slip is only on fwd models with no ABS-traction control. This made some sense to me but I think the overall logic is wrong. Hyundai described the advantage of having all three-- AWD/ABS-traction control/limited slip as " front to rear, side to side, and one loose wheel control for all situations" This is the gain as you add limited slip (option) to the AWD/ABS/traction control(standard in LX latin america cars). Now, do you think I can add limited slip differential to my LX AWD/ABS-traction control later on?? What would be involved?

daviscrt

Mr. Conner. I am in North Louisiana and has myself been searching for a Santa Fe. I am looking for a GLS or LX 2WD but have come across several 4WD. There are some in the Dallas TX. area but they are getting $1000.00 over sticker and will not budge (I called 6 different lots). Today I did find EXACTLY what you may be looking for. I talked to Craig Jenkins at J. Martin Hyundai in Hattiesburg, Mississippi this afternoon and he has on the lot a 4 banger and a LX AWD. He told me the sticker was negotiable if I wanted it. I should have driven down but wife wants 2WD and would not have it. It is the deep red or maroon color over gray. He still had it as of 2PM CST Wednesday March 21st. So if you or anybody else want it call him up at (601) 582-4482 and please tell him Jarred Davis from Monroe, La. gave you his name and number. Maybe then he will give me a deal when he gets in a 2WD (if he ever does LOL)Hope you Guys dont tie up the phone lines too bad in the morning to fight over it.

bobcook54

A Sante Fe 2wd/V6 is rated at 2700 lbs. and an AWD/V6 is rated at 2400lbs.The difference is due to the weight of the AWD system. Bob

tonyg6

I've come across a post in another board about the 4cyl SF having problems with timing belt tension. Basically, a few people claim that Hyundai has noted that the 4cyl has an oversized belt which may become loose and cause intermittent/total loss of power to transmission.

Could you ask some of your techs to confirm if this is true or not. One fellow mentioned Hyundai planned on announcing a recall on 4cyl models to fix the problem with new belt tensioners.

Hope you can help!

Thanks...

jericho_ave

here is the update on the problem I have with my santa fe.

After spending three days in the service dept of the dealership, the word is: there is no word!!!

the techs can't give me an answer as to what the problem is. in the mean time, they didn't give me a loaner the first time I was there because they have to see first if it will take days to fix. but they didn't bother to touch the car while I was there.... I was taken back home using their service car with one of their guys.

now they're saying I can go there to have a loaner that I could use (duh?!). I'm not happy at all at the way they handle things down there. I didn't bought my santafe there, but this shouldn't matter right? Somehow this doesn't surprise me about them, because they are same dealer that was marking the SF up to $1500 when I was still shopping around.

Anyway, nea14drive also posted a similar problem. I'm eager to wait for his next posting to see if everything is OK with his santafe.

bobcook54

Apparently there were some 4cyl(ONLY) that the timing belts have come loose and caused it to jump a tooth or two. The symptom is rough idle. My source says it's not that the belt is oversized.At this point,there is no plan for a recall because it's apparently relatively few models. They are going to change,at the factory, the front cover of the belt casing to avoid belt jumping.If the Sante Fe is diagnosed as having this problem,the dealer will replace both the belt and tensioner if necessary. By the way, I suppose that it would cause lost of power to the tranny eventually,but first there would be no power from the engine!!!!

tonyg6

Thank you [and your staff] for the prompt and clear reply.

As you know many people can gather alot of different info.

Thanks!
Tony G.

tonyg6

Sorry jericho_ave...

But could refresh our memories as to what exactly your engine problem was.

tonyg6

>from #1572 -
Apparently there were some 4cyl(ONLY)

Is the [potential] problem specific to a mfg date or version?

Is there anything else that could be checked to indicate that a problem may arise from the current belt installation before it happens?

Thanks again!

tonyg6

I read your msg #1562...

You mentioned you wired your SF rear reflectors and then disconnected them out of fear of it affecting existing wiring loads. Then you mentioned you had SF problems.

Can you clarify for me the problems you've had with your SF.

Thanks!

jericho_ave

tony I posted my experience at message# 1520.
you can check it and let me know what you think about it. like I said, it is similar to what happened to ne14adrive.

hung0820

Towing:
There should not be a problem to toll just a water jetski. The average water jetski range about (500-700 lbs). Regardless what you have on the Santa Fe (FWD or AWD). Tolling the water jetski is a "PIECE of CAKE". The RAV4 AWD that I used to have doing it very well. You still probably easy to toll 2 instead of 1 jetski.

LSD (Limited Slip Differential).
The Santa Fe AWD, ABS, & TCS does not really need the LSD. The LSD will be available for the next year modern. LSD will be more benefit if you do alot of off-road condition. However, I found that the AWD with TCS is doing "VERY", "VERY" excellent on off-road already. Most-average people do not even use the Off-road anyway.

hyundaima

Do you have a 4-cyl. SF? looks like someone is making a mountain out of a molehill...Your SF has a Sirius II engine, same as the one goes into Sonata base model. It's rock-solid, silky -smooth engine. been around quite some time. Also disregard the message about timing belt cover. A cover is a cover and it doesn't do anything to timing mechanism or other moving parts. Whoever said that doesn't have a clue on the workings of the engine. I know he is just relaying the info, but I thought I should point that out...sorta preemptive strike...you know some bozo might jump in alleging impending recall on timing belt cover.

tonyg6

Yep...I have the 4cyl SF.

I hope you're right. I like to think that the engines they put in the 4cyl are proven. Of course I realize there is always the possibility of some problem/failure along the way.

Hopefully as you mentioned those are isolated cases and not potential major problems. Only time will tell.

Thanks

hyundaima

Yes, they ARE proven engines. Call the regional office and ask to speak to the tech guy, the instructor or engineer. They'll tell you there's been no pattern failure regarding the timing system.

wales1

Hey Hyundaima...I tried to call HMA in Auroa ILL. to speak to a training instructor (Jim Kubosky) about the tire pressure issue I had posted a while back. Got that name from tech at local dealership..He said.."call and ask for Jim K. well he will fax that info to you with no problems"....Well, let me tell you this. They told me in Ca.and in Arizona (the 800 # for HMA that dealership gave me) and went three weeks of calling them, and was told, and I am quoting here "You will never speak to Jim Kubosky..he is not allowed to talk to consumers." So ... as far as talking to a training person, etc..GOOD LUCK !! I talked to 5 different people and NONE of them were trainers..all were CUSTOMER SERVICE people. Maybe others will have better luck. Already had to have my SF in the shop today for hmm...7 items that need looking at. Some minor..some major. Will have to take it back next Friday and leave it all day to get it all looked at. One thing is when I have cruise set at 60 mph or more, and use button to "accell" is slows down really fast, and almost caused several wrecks. I am making sure I am pressing the "accell" button too ! And then the car hesitates and power fluctuiates when I accell with gas peddle, NO CRUISE IN USE. Again..some minor..some major problems. But overall..so far so good. BTW..don't you just love the wiper motor buzzz sound when you listen to the A.M. stations.. Just got the cargo liner, looks good too !

hyundaima

What Hyundai dealership are you talking about? What's the mechanic's name?

wales1

The dealership I had gotten info at is Bluegrass Hyundai in Louisville, KY and the mechanic is Vic. After I finally got info from Tim McAndrews at Hyundai in Ill. He told me that Jim Kubosky says he never said anything to ANY mechanic and Vic has even retracted his story to a certain degree. Seems like after I asked questions, everyone zipped their lips. Seems odd to me, but oh well. The CS person I was speaking with in CA. was "Greg" and in AZ. it was "Howard". Greg told me I will never speak to Jim Kubosky and he is not allowed to talk to consumers. BTW..I did not buy my vehicle there but insted bought it at a dealership app. 30 min away from Louisville.

lexconner

I went to Rick case in Fort Lauderdale. Not only did they sell their cars at full retail. they added a 2500 dollar ADM fee(greed free). They said if I won't buy one some one else will they were wrong I won't...... On the up side they had about 12 Santa fas on the lot but no lx-awd. All the dealers that I have been too basically feel like they are doing you a favor if they sell you a car. Thanks to the people that replied to my message. I'm wondering can you call the regional reps. yourself or must you go thru a dealer to try to get an lx-awd. sent to a dealer of my choice? Thanks in advance for your replies

rsharp83

I purchased my LX 4WD via one of the internet car buying services. I had a good experience and got mine below sticker when everyone else was paying MSRP. (the dealer sold several SFs the week I got mine)

Worth a try! Use different zip codes to get different dealers, look for a dealer that has a dedicated Internet Sales Department.

I got mine in mid January and I know demand has only increased since then.

mrmagoo55

I have had an experience maybe other have had. I bought an oil filter at one dealer, $7.99
Same filer at other dealer, $5.00. Similar experiences with mudguards. $49.00 for the rears, at other dealer $37.00.
I called Hyundai Corp and they said that each dealership can charge whatever the traffic will bear. It's funny since the higher charge was dealer I bought car from. I will call and not go
back. It's an odd policy. This is the only prob so far, I'm an earlier participant (#373, 11/22/00.)
Thanks to all who give their time and info on this site. Keep those cards & letters coming.

hunter36

Irchome/Hung: Thanks for the tips but unfortunately, I've tried them. However, I did come across a local Mobil station that has gas pumps that fill at a slower rate and I got a good fill-up with only a couple of extra 'clicks'.

wales1

I too have noticed the dealerships charging different prices. I priced several accessories parts, and soem were up to $75.00 differance. So guess which place I bought from? I have three Hyundai dealer ships within 30 min of me, and trust me, I shopped them all when I was looking for my SF. Got mine for $1,500 cheaper than the one I first spoke with. And the one I bought had more features on it too. Take the time to shop around. It may take a few extra days to get what you want, but its worth it.

hung0820

Yes Hunter36:

If you really need to fully fill up then you need an old type of gas nozzle pumps. They are slow but easy to fill up. The latest model are very fast and find it hard to fill up even if you try is in low speed pump.

dognut1

Over Washington's Birthday weekend, Royal Ford, the auto writer for the Boston Globe gave the Santa Fe a kind review. This week he replies to someone who makes a "don't want a Hyundai" comment by writing-"I would not write off Hyundai out of hand. They are making good cars at good prices-and backing them up with 100,000-mile warranties." It put a smile on my face over morning coffee to see that Hyundai is getting some respect from the pros these days. This guy has a sarcastic sense of humor and writes reviews that are very enjoyable reading. There is also a picture of the Terracan in the column. I posted a new topic on that elsewhere.

ricefish

I think I have identified the source of the chemical odor in my new Santa Fe. I thought there was a chemical leaching out of the plastic or perhaps the seat foam. Having read through many of the messages on this board it seems like the problem is the undercoating put on the car by the manufacturer. The odor is very strong and really takes away from the fun of getting in a new vehicle. I would think Hyundai would want to make better first impressions. Does anyone know how long it takes for this odor to finally go any? Is there any way to speed up the process?

viperu

What are the best waxes to put on my car. I want to get (1) good wax and stay with, any ideas. And has anyone heard when they are coming out with the Oval nerf bars for the Santa fe?

georgefarmer

The damage from the rear end collision has been fixed. The body shop had it ready in 4 days but we are still waiting on the insurance check to show up to go get it. I will be glad to be rid of the rental Explorer. It is nowhere the vehicle that the SF is. Drives like a house.

billtung

Mine took about 1 month before the undercoat burning's smell completely gone.

hyundairacer

I was also wondering about the smell, so I asked my dealer. He said all the asian manufacturers use the undercoat to protect the engine and all other working parts during shipments. Toyotas use it too. It usually takes about 1000 miles to burn it naturally. That's how long mine took.

chas215

I'm giving up on ordering a 2001 SF. Does anyone know when 2002 SF's will be available to order?

pethaven

Does anyone know if there is a way to rewire 1 (or all) of the cigarette lighters so that they work when the Santa Fe is off? I've had mine since January and found out this past week that they don't work when the vehicle is off. I'm not a smoker but would like to use one for recharging my cell phone and also to power a refrigerated cooler but for when we travel. Thanks!

pro212

I just read a test of all car waxes, I believe it was published in Consumer's Report. What I remember was for best shine with very good durability, they recommended Zymoil. For very good shine with best durability, they recommended Prestone Bullet and Nufinish. They did not recommend any two or three stage system (eg Mothers 3 stage) for waxing as the results were no better than the one step but a lot more work. In practice, I've used Zymoil but felt it was a heck of a lot of work and didn't last as long as Meguir's Gold or Mother's Carauba wax. I haven't tried Bullet, through Nufinish did a good job. I prefer Meguir's Gold for it's deep finish and luster on dark colors. When the car is already clean, I prefer to just wax with Mother's carauba for a great shine and super durability.

ricefish

Thanks for the feedback on the under coating smell. Hopefully it will go away in a short time.

Chas215 - I got frustrated and trying to acquire a Santa Fe through two different dealers. Both had deposits but I never got to the top of their waiting lists. After three months, I finally figured out a short cut. I found the five nearest dealers, decided that I would settle for an LX in any color but green and started calling. On my third call I found a dealer with blue one and another with a green. Both had just arrived with the month's allocation new vehicles. I bought the blue one, $100 under list, but got a good trade on a year old Elantra. Find out when the new shipments arrive at the dealers and then start calling that day. I took me about an hour to find one with good timing. Good Luck.

hung0820

Cigar Lighter:
It has never been a recommendation for turning off the key to use the cigar lighter power because the Generator is not running and the battery will burn out fast. "Not Recommended" but yes there is way to work around it. Sorry! I have never done this before.

Bad Smell:
Take about the break-in period 1000-1200 miles depend on the weather on your area. If it is hot then they usually go away faster.

2002 SF:
Basically they are the same as 2001 SF but they will also comes out the Fuel System for test as well. A few more add-in options ship by manufacture: There might be a Side Airbags, LSD, Spoiler, and A/T Climate Control. (More Money)

steckswife

Just bought a new Santa Fe GL and absolutely love it. Got rid of a Chevy Venture (problem child). In reading through the posting here though I found something concerning about the 4cyl engine. This has only happened a couple times and I marked it up to a fluke or getting used to the manual transmission again after so many years. Along about 4th gear it seemed to lose power and jerk a couple times then it would stutter a bit before picking back up. It only lasted a few seconds usually going up a small hill at about 45-50 mph. It never actually quit, but was a little unnerving anyway. Could this be a problem with the timing belt slipping or the gas shut off in the engine?? Any other ideas or maybe it is just a fluke?? I now have 1457 miles on it and it has happened three times in the last three weeks since I've had it. Was going to ask about it when I get my first oil change, do you have any suggestions on how to approach the service tech, I find they can sometimes be very rude when they think you are telling them their job. The number one reason for ditching the Venture was poor customer service from Chevrolet and I would really like to avoid a repeat performance, so I would like to go in with a little bit of knowledge without sounding too bossy. I know Chevy told me several times that things were just normal operation until the warranty ran out (no chance of that here) then wanted to charge for the "fix". I don't want to here that excuse again if it's not true. As you might be able to tell, I am a little scared to go back to a service department even though it is a different dealer. Any advice you can offer would be very helpful and greatly appreciated.

hung0820

If you face this problem again then just drive back to the place where you bought it and have one of the salesperson/tech guy drive it on the freeway with you and have them fix the problem right away. Yes! 4 cylinders have the timing belt problem! The Timing Belt is to big for the engine. They already have a good solution to solve this problem and they should know this problem by now. Good Luck.