Hyundai Santa Fe (2006 and earlier)

billtung

Hi Todd!
There is nothing u should apology to me! Acutually I'm the one feel guilty, hope you can forgive me!
From now on I think I should STOP using the words "F?OLI?H" & "S?UP?D" to anyone!

BTW, have u visit http://www.santafeforum.com to read all the SF's problems?

manoy

Let us all focus on SaFe problems and improvements and not be sidetracked. I checked where the air intake hose leads to. The engine splash cover underneath does not have to be removed. It is the tire cover that has two screws can be loosened so one can see the end of the hose that ends under the battery. The battery and holder should be removed to really see the air hose. The air hose looks fine the way it is designed. Looks like no maintenance required. Just change the air filter when it is due. So, there it is, curious SaFe owners.

hung0820

Manoy:
Thank you for the information! Good for sharing!

Wood dash:
I have finished updated my website with the 36 pieces of wood dash installed. You can check it at www.y2kcatalogs.com/santafe. I also put in the installation tip for everyone who really needs to install wood dash as well. When you visit my website wait for the menu on the left to load and then click on INTERIOR and then WOOD DASH. (I hope this information will help someone later)

kcorcoran

well, we dropped the truck off at the body shop monday and the insurance adjudster went out there yesterday.

the insuance company is paying out $4280 for the wreck which again can be seen at

http://www.keithcorcoran.com/accident

my other question is about my warrantee... what happens to this? am i still covered if something goes wrong in the front end? do i need to tell them i was in a wreck when i go in for any service?

i havent heard anyone address this yet.

later,

kc

PS... i once commented on hung's accessory mobile but the post about the new HM trim level is hilarious... sorry hung, to each his own and there are some things i like about your SF... but that post was just funny.

mtnrunner1

Nice feature I didn't know about...
The other day I had my intermittent wipers on in the setting with the least amount of pause. I have found that once you begin to accelerate above 25 mph, the wipers run continously. I like it. Makes sense, if you are at the fastest intermittent setting, then more than likely as you speed up you will need continuous.

Wood trim kit - i just installed the medium burlwood 30 piece kit from edashkit on my Black Santa Fe with grey interior and love it. Where is the 36 piece kit coming from? I think I would like the trim piece that goes on the shifting area - my 30 piece kit did not include this.

Mike

roadkill55

Along with the variable speed intermittent wipers I have also discovered another feature with the power windows. Or at least I think that it is a feature and not a problem. Many times I will turn off the engine before rolling up the windows. Usually I have to turn the key back to the on position to roll the windows up. But, It would seem that if I do not take the key out and leave my foot on the brake that I can still operate the power windows. Even with the key in the off position! Has anyone else experienced this phenomenon? I have duplicated this only two times.

hung0820

adjuster:
When the insurance company is paying for the damage the body shop will try to adjust the higher cost so that they can make more money but do a better job than if you are paying (but at lesser cost).

Wood Dash:
Edashkit.com make me 36 pieces and I really paid extra for those 6 pieces. 1 at the shift gear, 1 at the center upper dome light, and 4 surround the door handles. I have requested for other pieces but they do me these kind of pieces; however, I really love the color that they send it to me. The best wood dash color that I ever had.

Power window:
When you turn off the key the Santa Fe will allow you to have power for a few minutes or minute after the time run out then no-more power.

nonstopjeff

The wipers on my SF also run continously. When you slow down, they intermittent again.
TO ALL SF OWNERS:

I`m at 25,500 miles now, I have not rotated the tires yet. Thay look like I just baught the car yesterday.I did do the oil change about four times. Man, I had a 97 eclipse turbo , a grand prix GT 97 alos, and I LOVE MY SF THE BEST.

billtung

How long u owned you SF? Any major problems so far? If I am correct, then your SF has the most milage so far I know. BTW, the userID matchs your SF's milage!

My SF have almost 18,000km now. Try to do tires rotation at 15,000km, but the tires shop owner(friend of mine) refuse to co-operate, he said:"Your tires are still look brand new, don't waste your $$$ to do tires rotation!".

billtung

Some old news:

http://www.autoweb.com.au/start_/showall_/id_HYU/doc_hyu0011131/article.html

No more Excel now, it already replaced by Accent

http://www.autoweb.com.au/start_/showall_/id_HYU/doc_hyu0102191/article.html

hung0820

NonstopJeff:
Wow! That was the biggest miles that I have seen so far on the Santa Fe too. Way to go! Still going without a problem. Wow!

Tire Rotation:
Actually everyone can do tire rotation themselve. You just have to jack up the car and move the rear tires to the front tires. However, If you drive the AWD system then tires rotation won't be that necessary because 4 wheel are running while the FWD need to rotated often. I'll do my tires rotation at every 10,000 miles plus tires balance as well. For FWD; I would have done it at 5000 miles. **Anyway, I do it mostly myself so therefore not a cost to me**. If you are paying someone to do it then I "think" for the FWD at 15,000 miles and AWD at 30,000 miles for best result.

Bill Tung:
Thank you for the link. That really proved to us that Hyundai quality is way different than many years ago. I am pretty much confident with Hyundai quality equal to Honda now-a-day.

hung0820

HDK updates their STORE sites today. If you want to visit then click on the link below.
Hdkautosport store

Hung Travis Nguyen

nonstopjeff

I bought my GLS in November. I drive to New Orleans once a week. I`ve put alot of miles on her, I know. With the factory stereo system, I installed a ten inch buzzuku and kicker amp. I did have problems with my clock blinking, but
I don`t notice the clock blinking so much with the stereo on loud. Sometimes, if I turn the radio off the blinking will stop. But out of all, it`s a great truck.

Tire Rotation: First I examine my tires if they are worn I rotate them myself, I know it is front wheel drive, because of this I realize front wheel drive wears quicker than the rear. This is not a complicated thing to do.

lrchome

It does not matter if you are using 2wd or 4wd the front tires should be rotated as recommended by manfacture. The reason to rotate is the extra weight on the front tires and the constant turning the front tires do they will wear out twice as fast as rear tires.

steckswife

Hello again. Just finished a 800 mile road trip and my Santa Fe was great. The kids had plenty of room and the dog too. I loaded three big totes, case of wine, a small box of computer parts, a sleeping bag, a 29" round table top, dog bed and 60lb dog all in the back. WOW!! more room than what I thought!! I thought that with so much weight it would be a problem, but it ran flawlessly. Also had two kids (and their toys), two birds, four blankets and a pillow all in the back seat. When I travel I really travel.
By the way the thing with the the windows is great, I discovered it by accident when my 5yr old rolled down his window after I turned off the truck. They work for thirty seconds after the engine is turned off or until any of the doors are opened.

nonstopjeff

(POST 2341) This is true. On a 2wd or 4wd, The tires wear more from making turns, mostly on the outside. I don`t see any wear, so I will not rotate them yet.
(JUST MY OPINION)
Jeff

hung0820

Tires:
Basically the Santa Fe have a good balance weight from front to back and therefore the tires will last longer. It is not neccessary to see the tires wear-out before you rotate. The Front tires will wear out faster than the rear tires. ***The tread-crack of the tires are need to prevent; therefore need to rotate the tires so that the tires will balance back and forth! Once the tires tread-crack then the wear-out will exist faster***! However, I think the Santa Fe will do much better than most of other vehicles in the market.

Steckwife:
Good story! Sound like a fun time to travel! So much loading in the Santa Fe! Wow! I can't wait for my chance to travel like that (a long trip).

Have anyone ever been able to load stuffs on the Santa Fe by folding the 2 rear seats yet? I have done it twice already (1st=300 lbs cardboard; 2nd=corner table & 36" TV stand).

Have anyone ever been load stuffs in the roof rack yet? I have also done it twice already (1st=2 long tables, 2nd=3 regular eating tables).

billtung

I'd seem a SF carried a 16' feet Coleman's boat on its roof rack in a mountain.

lrchome

When rotating the tires it is a good idea to use the spare tire in the rotation. Normally you would put the spare tire on one of the front wheels, and put one of the front tires in the spare tire rack. If you do this your tires will last longer as you are using 5 tires insted of 4.

Also if you leave the spare tire alone and dont rotate it it will eventually dry rot and will not be of any use. The average person only drives 12,000 miles a year, so the tires on the Santa Fe should last 5 or 6 years. If you waited 6 years to use the spare tire, I doubt it would last more than 2 or 3 years in service, before the side walls dry rotted and failed. If it was not dry rotted after 6 years.

The weight distribution on any suv is approximately 65% weight on the front tires and 35% weight on rear tires. This is if the vehicle is unloaded.

I am only pointing out these facts so an indivudial who may not be aware of tire wear and rotation , does not waste a lot of money by not rotating properly.

nonstopjeff

Yes, I have put a table on the roof rack. I put a piece of cardboard on top of the roof racks first, Then placed the table on top and tied it down. I put the seats down and put the chares in. My wife could not believe it!
irchome: I forgot about the spare tire. I will put the spare tire on one of the front wheels.When I rotate my tires. Thanks for the reminder...

billbo1970

So far, I have:

1) Bought a new resin patio table. I tied this to the roof (and I don't even have cross-rails).

2) Had to fold down the seats to bring home my new Grillmaster barbecue (now that there's almost no assembly to these things, the boxes are huge!!

It took me more time to re-arrange all the stuff that I have accumulated in the back, than it did for me to fold down the seats & load up the barbecue!!

Bill

billbo1970

If you are qoing to rotate the spare as well, you should do this with every oil change. It's VERY IMPORTANT that the tread wear matches on each set. If you wait too long, there will be too much disparity between the unused tire & the tires in service. If you get it done with your oil change, they will usually do it for $10. That's not much to pay for maintaining your beautiful new $20,000 truck!

Bill

hung0820

When I was in Sacramento and it was my sister 24th Birthday! I have to put about 2-3 (twice; 2 trip) long tables to the picnic area. I put it on my roof rack and about 400 more lbs of stuffs in my rear trunk and rear passenger seats as well. I don't know exactly how much the tables are weighting but I drove about 5 miles to the picnic area. I can tell you that I drove my loaded of stuffs Santa Fe as normal I driving on a daily basic (Yes! Normal). I don't even feel the weight exist in my Santa Fe. **Remember! I have a good sport roof rack and easy to tie and let the table stay very stable on the roof rack**. No kidding I will write this story when I have time about this picnic party. My older brother and friends was very shock when I was doing this and they even help me loaded and unloaded the stuffs too. It is a very big picnic party.

Wow! Good point about the 5th tire (spare tire). I really like the idea. I never thought of it. Next time I'll drop my spare tire to the front as well. Thank you for the information.

drew_

65% front and 35% rear for ANY SUV is too much. For example, the BMW X5 has near 50/50 weight distribution. The MB M-class has only about 53% of its weight sitting over the front wheels. The Acura MDX has 57% of the weight sitting over the front wheels. If the vehicle is heavily front weight biased, this would be detrimental for handling since the tailend would be able to break loose more easily in emergency maneuvers. With 57% of the weight over the front wheels, Consumer Reports, Motorweek, and Car & Driver already noted that the Acura MDX's tail can get very happy if the vehicle is pushed. 65% would obviously be much worse.

FYI, the Sante Fe's weight distribution is 60% front and 40% rear. This apparently the same torque split ratio for the AWD system.

For more information about tires, check out the Tires, tires, tires topic in the Aftemarket & Accessories message board.


Drew
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards

sandyscar

Have had my GLS AWD for about 6 weeks (1000 miles) and have a question about the door locks. They work fine (both powered and manually) but after the first few days, and after either locking or unlocking the doors, there is now a noticeable "click" that seems to be coming from the button console after about a 1/2 to 1 second delay. Do others have this too? Normal? Signs of upcoming maintenance? Thanks.

lexconner

Steel belted tires can only be rotated front to back. If you rotate the spare in to the mix it must always be kept to the same side. Cross rotation breaks the belts in the tires by rotating them in the opposite direction. Now if you want those 17 inch rims you now know how to speed up your tire decay.

nonstopjeff

GREAT INFO! I never thought about that, If you were to slam on the gas, My SF will pull to the right. That tells me the right side will wear quicker. When I rotate the tires, I will keep the spare on the right side.
sandyscar:Sorry to here about the door locks, I would take it in for maintenance.

gtgtcobra

I just found out that my Brand New LX is on it's way. I will be getting it within 2 to 3 weeks. It's been a LOOOOOONG 4 month wait.

iluvmysephia1

Congrats on your new Santa Fe being on the way, gt! Are you going to glue the wood dash kit in or just go stock? Also the reflector lights on the rear. Leaving them reflectors only?

iluvmysephia1

If it does and Hyundai can keep prices down they could probably open a plant in US just to make Santa Fe's. The cost of ownership issue with the fuel cells is critical to it working. If it's too expensive or too much of a pain to repower it's going to cause people to balk at the idea, eh?

gtgtcobra

When I get my Santa Fe LX I will keep it factory stock. I don't mind putting a wooden dash kit in it, but I would rather get used to the regular factory dash for the time being. I am afraid to bring it to any dealer and have them take apart the dashboard and put any scratches on a stock factory virgin dashboard. Otherwise, I would put the wooden dash kit in it in a heartbeat.
As for the rear red reflector lights, I will keep them stock. I don't want to do any wiring or rewiring and have any electrical problems.
I ordered a Nordic White Santa Fe LX with ABS/Traction Control and Leather/Heated Seats with the Electronic Night Mirror. My dealer told me that the Nordic White LX which I ordered is due to come into his dealership from the port and that he knows that it is an LX model with LEATHER, ABS and Traction Control, but he DOES NOT KNOW if it has the HEATED SEATS and the ELECTRONIC NIGHT MIRROR. The vehicle is still on its way from Korea on the ship and the dealer does not have a VIN# yet. He told me that this particular vehicle was on the allocation sheet for his dealership and that the allocation sheet only said that it was an LX model with LEATHER, ABS and Traction Control. The allocation sheet DID NOT say whether or not this particular vehicle that he was getting in had HEATED SEATS or the ELECTRONIC NIGHT MIRROR. The allocation sheet did not have the VIN# of the vehicle either.
I was told that he would have the VIN# info sometime early next week.
Does anybody here know whether all the LX's that come with LEATHER, ABS and Traction Control ALSO come with the HEATED SEATS and the ELECTRONIC NIGHT MIRRORS? I am hoping that after waiting 4 1/2 months for this vehicle in the color choice that I wanted, that it WILL come with the HEATED SEATS and ELECTRONIC NIGHT MIRROR because it is an LX model and because it has leather seats in it. Do all LX's with Leather seats also come with heated seats? I am going to be really mad if mine doesn't have them. I want my LX to have the HEATED SEATS.

iluvmysephia1

Hey, gt, thanks for your update on options for your baby coming in on the boat. Here's to hoping you'll get your leather seats. You deserve them after the wait,'ya know? I admire your persistence and happy motoring. You've got to be excited!

fitnessman42

A few weeks ago I purchased a 25 cubic foot side-by-side refrigerator. Believe it or not I got it into the back of my SaFe without the need to remove the fridge doors. No kidding! Of course it did hang out the back a couple of feet but it still fit. I have digital pic to prove it if anyone is interested in seeing it. Also, on a previous trip I was able to get a new stove totally inside the back compartment and was able to close the hatch of the SaFe. There's more room back there than I ever gave it credit for.

gtgtcobra

It's the HEATED SEATS that I want in my LX. I am not worried about getting leather seats in my LX because the LX DOES come with Leather seats. What I am concerned and worried about is not having the HEATED SEATS come with the LX. The dealer said that my LX, which is still on the ship, has ABS and Traction Control with Leather Seats, but he does not know if it also has the HEATED SEATS and the ELECTRONIC NIGHT MIRRORS. The reason he told me this is because the dealer knows that the HEATED SEATS and ELECTRONIC NIGHT MIRRORS are separate optional equipment on the LX.
He got the info about my vehicle having ABS/Traction Control from the allocation sheet which he gets on a weekly basis. The dealer does not have the VIN# or any more info as to whether or not my vehicle was built with the heated seats and electronic night mirrors.
I ordered my vehicle with ALL these options (HEATED SEATS, ELECTRONIC NIGHT MIRRORS, ABS/TRACTION CONTROL).
Does anybody here know if the LX model comes with HEATED SEATS and ELECTRONIC NIGHT MIRRORS if it is ordered with the ABS and Traction Control? I need to get a straight answer from someone who knows the answer to this question.

manoy

Hey GT. You are buying top of the line model. Your car more than likely have all the options you want. But just in case heated seats and electronic mirror are not included, you can still have the dealer install them. Worst case scenario is just refuse that car and re-order till they get all your right package.

nonstopjeff

Ask the dealership if your SF LX has this Option Pkg. 12 LX 261.00 295.00
(Limited Availability) (N/A GL or GLS) (Std. w/Option Pkg. 13-AM & 16-AP) Includes Luxury Pkg. Which Consists of Heated Seats.

hung0820

Heated Seats:
Ahh Do not worry about Heated Seats because at www.hdkautosport.com they sell Heated Seats for the Santa Fe anyway.

Electrochomic rearview mirror:
I have electrochomic rearview mirror but I don't really used it anyway. I bought the wider rearview 20/20 vision rearview and attach over the electrochomic rearview mirror. I also bought this item from HDK. Basically the electrochomic rearview mirror is good for those car don't have privacy glass (tinted glass). You will see thing kind of dark and I don't really like it; especially when you drive at night it even get darker.

Santa Fe Loading:
I find is too amazing on the Santa Fe for loading stuffs. The Santa Fe is wider than most it competitors and therefore it has a wider space to load stuffs. Not just that the Santa Fe is amazing to load weights too. **I just love it**

GtGtCobra:
I hope these information will help and beside you are trying to buy something hard! Just like me! I want something that is hard to find. The Santa Fe I am driving right now is the kind of Santa Fe you are looking for. Wow! Be patient! Good thing will comes to those who wait. Who know you might even have the H290 stereo system which I don't have perhaps the 8 discs cd changer too.

sleepy5

I had dinner tonight with an old college friend who happens to currently work for a fuel cell manufactor. He said that Hyundai has been pushing very hard for a 2003 model year release of a new fuel cell system. According to him, the major problem with a fuel cell (high levels of heat) has been solved. They have gotten the weight down to a reasonable amount, and tax incentives mean the price may be the same as current models. I just canceled my order for a 2002 Santa Fe, I'm going to wait it out for a bit. This is a major bit of news!! I'm happy to see a forward-looking company like Hyundai lead the world in automobile advancements! I'm going to visit my buddy on Tuesday, so let me know of any questions you guys have.

hunter36

Can someone give me a definitive tow rating for a FWD V-6. Is it 1500 or 2700 lbs.?? I've seen both limits referred to in different places.
Thanks.

iluvmysephia1

I have a question? What's the projected mpg? Watch out-that's a trick question. What's the mileage range per tank might make more sense. 2003? Whew. Thought they were going to try for the 2002 model year with it. Heat problem solved? That's great. I, too, agree that Hyundai is taking a large stride towards making a better vehicle for all of us if they can make one that pollutes less. Way less. Post more info. fuel cellers!

rbork

The following towing limits are out of the owner's manual. Since the difference in limits seems to be whether or not you have a trailer brake, it seems Hyundai is more concerned with the SF's stopping capability than the towing ability. FYI - there is a limited discussion at santafeforum.com with a real life towing story. Apparently the poster had no trouble at all, and I believe he may have been pushing the posted towing limits.

CAUTION:
The following specifications are recommended when towing a trailer. The loaded trailer weight cannot safely excced the values shown below:
1a. Engine -2.4(2WD) w/brake - Max Trailer=1200lbs Max Tongue=120lbs
1b. Engine -2.7(2WD) w/brake - Max Trailer=2700lbs Max Tongue=270lbs
2a. Engine -2.4(2WD) w/o brake - Max Trailer=1000lbs Max Tongue=100lbs
2b. Engine -2.7(2WD) w/o brake - Max Trailer=1200lbs Max Tongue=120lbs
2c. Engine -2.7(4WD) w/o brake - Max Trailer=1200lbs Max Tongue=120lbs
3a. Engine -2.4(2WD) w/o brake+ABS - Max Trailer=1200lbs Max Tongue=120lbs
3b. Engine -2.7(2WD) w/o brake+ABS - Max Trailer=1500lbs Max Tongue=150lbs
3c. Engine -2.7(4WD) w/o brake+ABS - Max Trailer=1500lbs Max Tongue=150lbs

keithatwork

HDK motorsports has these on thier site for everything but the SF. they do have the "clear" white tailights which might look good on a silver or white SF but not my sandstone.

i called them yesterday and they said call in early july because they are going to see if they can persuade thier supplier to produce SF altezza stlye tail lights.

if anyone knows if these are available anywhere else please advise.

thanks.
keith

PS. i am not trying to make my truck look like a lexus... enjoy your BMW's, explorer's, benz's and whatnot... we love our SF and the clear lights are slick.

LATER.

hung0820

My brother-in-law's brother bought the RX300 (not even top-model) and lived in Oakland. He paid $41k for the 2001 RX300 out the door. [fully paid cash] **Remember there were luxury tax involve**.
advantage on RX300 over SF>
1. powerseat, 2. premium sound, 3. bigger engine, 4. rear seat incline/decline 5. moonroof

I paid for my top-model Santa Fe for less than $25k out the door. [fully paid cash]
advantage on SF over RX300>
1. hidden cargo spaces, 2. TCS (versus above rx) 3. rear trunk window open 4. heated seats 5. warranty 6. wider (roomier) 7. price 8. aftermarket upgrade 9. SHIFTRONIC

Santa Fe have almost everything to upgrade aftermarket with a wonderful price. There are not much aftermarket products for the RX300 and even if they have (price will cry). Beside you can not really upgrade anything for the Lexus because almost every electrical system is running by computer. Look at the price of the maintain even hurt for the long run. You think the RX300 can upgrade to the MOBILE SYSTEM. Who will take the gut to mess with electrical/computer stuffs.

For Almost 30 more pieces aftermarket that I have added to my Santa Fe and the price come close to the $33k only. Not finished yet!
1. DMS + A/T AC (already included with price list above)
2. Rear monitor ($100-$150)
3. Chrome body panel upgrade ($100)
(see this link for detail chrome body panel upgrade
4. 6-7 seaters upgrade (a few more months $500-$600)
5. Clear Altezza Lenses (??)
6. ECU
*Not much more with the price*

****I guess at this time every Santa Fe owners are excited about the 6-7 seaters upgrade later and beside it will fold flat to the rear trunk too****

tonyg6

Ok folks,

I think I've read enough crap about comparisons AGAIN. Can those parties participating in these pointless discussions just drop it and let this board get back on track again?! Thanks!

lrchome

Lets stop comparing vehicles, there are other forums for that. Lets use this Santa Fe forum to discuss issues relating to the Santa Fe.

The nasty comments and down grading other vehicles does not belong here.

alphanstein

Why doesn't the host come in and stop the in-fighting on this board. Part of the rules, if you can't comment nicely, don't comment at all. I am not saying who started what, but cut it out. This bickering about who's got the best this and that is pointless. If you just stick to your vehicle and praise it for what it's worth, or not worth, then do it on your own boards. This is getting ridiculous and making it seem like there are 10 year old posting on the boards. Each of you know who you are and if you feel guilty, then shame on you.

watching

My spare key with the Id number and remote have been stolen. Does anyone know how big a deal it is to have locks changed on my Santa Fe?

gtgtcobra

My LX is almost here. It's LOADED! I can't wait til I get it. I'm going to take a trip with it and enjoy it.

hung0820

watching:
Only the dealers can change the lock for you as even they will have another set of remote with the different ID. Somehow, the dealer cost is very high. Check the price to see if it is worth to do it.

gtgtcobra:
Well! Good luck with your Santa Fe. I hope that you will get the options available as you requested. Can't wait to hear from you driving the Santa Fe soon.

watching

The cost may be high, but the thief has all of my ID, including driver's license, credit cards, address etc. I am just worried he/she will drive off with my car. I will check with the dealer tomorrow as to price. Hope it is not too costly.