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Hyundai Santa Fe Maintenance and Repair (2006 and earlier)

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Comments

  • shivelytshivelyt Member Posts: 46
    Has anyone had recent experience with the cost of replacing the compressor drive belt, also known as a serpentine belt? Dealer keeps telling me it needs to be replaced because temperatures out here (Las Vegas) are so hot. Car just turned 50K and he has been telling me this for the last 40K. Owner's manual says to check it periodically. Dealer quotes $180. Seems like a lot for a belt costing about $35 and around 15 minutes of labor to slip off the old one and slip on a new belt.
  • billysbeepbillysbeep Member Posts: 21
    Hi
    I I did one on my daughters SFit .takes a little more than 15 minutesYou have to remove the tensioner pulley and so forth I would check around on the prices,here in Ny My buddy told me he charges 75 dollars 180 is really alil to muchWhen you here it starting to squeak its timeGo to your dealer for only serious things
    Bill
  • grizzlydudegrizzlydude Member Posts: 6
    I have a subtle issue with my 2004 3.5L Santa Fe transmission shifting. I am wondering if anyone else has noticed this. The car does not have a 3-2 downshift (only 3-1). This can be observed in the SPORT mode by slowly coming to a stop and observing that the transmission never passes through 2nd gear (only directly from 3 to 1). During normal driving in the DRIVE mode this is burdensome if I slow down, but do not come to a complete stop, and then accelerate. Under these conditions, the car labors upon acceleration because it stays in 3rd gear. Even if I press on the accelerator, the car never downshifts to 2 (only directly to 1 if I slow down enough). The only work around is to change to SPORT mode and manually downshift to 2 under these conditions. I drove a friend's 2004 3.5L Santa Fe and it behaves the same way, so I am wondering if this is a generic issue. My suspicion is that this is a glitch in the programming of the car and can be handled with a software upgrade under a TSB (like the jackrabbit start issue), if Hyundai addresses it. If I can confirm that this is a common nuisance, I will meet with the district manager to get it referred to Hyundai.
  • targettuningtargettuning Member Posts: 1,371
    If I understand your concerns properly the car doesn't automatically downshift into 2nd gear when the car slows appropriately enough to be in 2nd gear but instead remains either in 3rd upon acceleration(with the resultant sluggish results) or downshifts to 1st skipping 2nd entirely(causing the engine to over-rev for the speed of the vehicle). All this is in the "auto" mode of the shiftronic ? I do know that if you are in the shift-it-yourself or manual shift mode the transmissions tends to remain in whatever gear you choose i.e. if in 5th gear and you desire quick acceleration instead of a forced downshift to 4th or even 3rd the car WILL remain in 5th and I believe this condition exists in all gears if you manually choose them. I am not sure if this is the basis of your concerns or not. I also own a 3.5 liter AWD 2003 S.F. but I cannot say I have experienced this but I will try to duplicate it. At what speeds does this lack of a downshift occur? I presume it is around 20 MPH more or less. And can you approximate a throttle position, by this I mean do you "floor" it to re-accelerate or use a less vigorous attempt. I will update this post once I find more.
  • grizzlydudegrizzlydude Member Posts: 6
    In my discussion I used the shiftronic mode only to verify what gear the car is in. The anomoly occurs in Drive (automatic) mode. Once you are looking for the effect, it is fairly noticable when "drifting" through a stop sign - slowing down to several MPH (like 3 - 5 MPH) and then reaccelerating. Not a hard acceleration, just the light throttle you would use in every day driving. If you have this "problem" you will sense that you would have liked the car to have downshifted to second gear. When you feel the sluggishness, shift to shiftronic mode and you will see that the car is still in third gear.
  • targettuningtargettuning Member Posts: 1,371
    I re-read your post and I believe a certain response of the transmission as you stated is normal. If left in "manual shift" mode 3rd gear and coming to a stop... since the transmission is esentially "locked" in 3rd it will over-ride your choice, in this case 3rd gear, and default to 1st. I believe this to be the case no matter what gear you may manually choose...if left in any of the higher gears (3rd-4th-5th) and if you were to come to a stop in the shift -it -yourself mode it will default to 1st gear for a restart just as it will automatically shift to a higher gear if you were to exceed the engine redline in, say, 3rd gear if manually chosen. Hyundai has provided an automatic response if stupidity prevails such as downshifting into 2nd at 80 MPH.
  • grizzlydudegrizzlydude Member Posts: 6
    I verified how my shiftronic mode works. It allows me to manually upshift once the car exceeds a threshold speed for each gear. At a given speed, it WILL NOT downshift in response to increased throttle. However it WILL downshift sequentially as speed decreases (but skipping 2). In other words if I am in 5 going 40 MPH, as I slow down to a stop it will shift 5-4-3-1. I suspect this is the same way it downshifts in automatic (D), with the exception that it will downshift on demand with increased throttle, but always skipping 2. I have no issues with how the shiftronic mode works (after all, if I am in this mode, I want to do the shifting), only automatic. Bottom line is, whether I am in D or shiftronic mode, there is NEVER an automatic 3-2 downshift. Since I find this to be somewhat of a nuisance I would like to refer it to Hyundai, but would like to first verify how widespread and problemetic the quirk is.
  • targettuningtargettuning Member Posts: 1,371
    OK I think I follow now and will try to duplicate it. Since I mostly drive another vehicle I'll have to specifically take the Santa Fe out for a drive and I will let you, and all others here, how mine works under similar conditions.
  • targettuningtargettuning Member Posts: 1,371
    OK I have tried this and I have found the following:
    1.) If left in the "shiftronic" mode while slowing from highway speeds it will automatically show a progression of 5th-4th-3rd-1st skipping 2nd as noted.
    2.) If accelerating gently from 5-10 MPH it WILL upshift from 1st to 2nd to 3rd etc.although it doesn't hold 2nd gear very long before upshifting to 3rd (confirmed by starting in auto or normal mode and quickly sliding the shift handle over to Shiftronic to view what gear you are currently in) I think the shifts under light acceleration are smooth and quick and easy to miss so you will be in 3rd before you know it. However, mine and I'm thinking yours too, does use 2nd under a near stop...re-accelerate situation.
  • grizzlydudegrizzlydude Member Posts: 6
    Upshifting, whether in auto or shiftronic is not a concern - it always upshifts sequentially from whatever gear it is in when I reaccelerate. My issue is with downshifting only, in that it goes directly from 3-1, whether in auto or shiftronic. Auto is the real concern, because if I'm in shiftronic, then my intent is to do the shifting myself. I verified this on another 2004 and maybe its different on the 2003's. However, given that your downshift sequence is 5-4-3-1 (like mine), suggests that in auto you may also go 3-1 directly. Remember, experiment by coming to a near stop (5-10 mph), and then reaccelerate and see if you ever downshift automatically from 3-2. Mine will not.
  • targettuningtargettuning Member Posts: 1,371
    Yes, correct, mine also skips 2nd gear while coming to a stop however it is already in 1st by the time I am going that slow (5-10 MPH) so accelerating in 3rd doesn't seem to be an issue. Remember that since it seems to skip 2nd it will go directly into 1st then progressively upshift through all forward gears. Also remember that with Shiftronic we have the option to start in 2nd by placing the shifter in "2" so maybe this has some bearing on why it skips 2nd on its way to a stop. I think this skipping 2nd is normal for whatever reason...and I don't know it either. As far as reaccelerating from low speeds it also seems to be in the correct gear for the conditions and I don't think the fact it misses 2nd on the way down is an issue because it will go into 1st at that low speed then 2nd etc. All seems OK with the way it functions to me, I guess I don't necessarily care that I am not catching 2nd in a normal stop.
  • stationhousestationhouse Member Posts: 1
    My 2002 SF 2.4 FWD has just blown its clutch at 18000 UK miles. Having searched on the web for other unfortunates I came across this discussion and approached both my dealer- very helpful- and Hyundai UK-very secretive and almost obstructive! However having quoted above TSB and various Consumer Protection Laws Hyundai have agreed to repair under warrenty. By the way there is a later TSB on this subject but I have not found it yet. Can anyone help?Anyone in the UK who suffers the same problem and would like to know how squared Hyundai UK please contact me. Apart from the above this vechile is a firm favorite with me and the wife and as country dwellers its abilities have helped several times.
  • nortsr1nortsr1 Member Posts: 1,060
    My sister-in-law has the following problem. With the igntion key "on" but the motor not running, she can get her AM stations perfectly clear.(The FM stations work o.k. also) Once the motor is "turned on and running" she gets nothing but static in the AM but not the FM. She took the car to her Hyundai dealer and they installed a "glass amplifier". It still does the same thing and the dealer told her they "cannot fix it"!
    I read the previous posts here and that seems to be the "only answer". Can anyone help. I think she needs somd kind of .resistor or surpressor???? hooked up somewhere. Please help if possible.
    She has the antenna that is in the rear window glass.
  • surfer146surfer146 Member Posts: 3
    Took my 2001 Santa Fe AWD in for some gearing issues - to the dealer (yikes, but tranie is still under warrant) - simple soln - need new plugs and wire - fair enough but then I am told that all the transmission fluid is gone. Dry as the Sahara. Technician reports no leaks. Any one aware of alien abductions reports on transmission fluids of late??? Also told I needed a new ball joint which I had replaced - not by dealer - in June. I smell something......
  • targettuningtargettuning Member Posts: 1,371
    Impossible!!! car cannot drive at all with severely low transmission fluid let alone none. If towed in and there is actually none in the transmission there is a big time,or small time for that matter, leak...fluid does not evaporate... period.
  • surfer146surfer146 Member Posts: 3
    That's what I said!!!! Spoke to other more qualified non-patronising mechanics. Finally took it back to dealership, who continued to deny problem. Forced them (service manager now involved) to test drive it with us, (running engine on a hoist is useless evaluation for this problem) only after experiencing the bucking between gear shifts (auto) they admitted there was a problem. Faulty transmission fluid pump. Apparently difficult to detect - so were told. Won't or can't - I question motive. New transmission on order. Will not be returning to that dealership after this.
  • jwp31nycjwp31nyc Member Posts: 5
    Hi,
    I also own a 2001 and have alot of mileage on my car, I have taken to the dealer for repairs, my warranty has also ran out. I think when you take your car in to the dealer for one thing they do something to your car to cause another problem. Right now I am having a problem with the check engine light which keeps coming on :mad:
  • jntjnt Member Posts: 316
    Nortsr1,

    Unfortunately, it is likely vehicle related problem: too much vehicle electronics noises and they jam certain AM frequencies that you tune to. The source of the noise could be: Electronics Injector noise, ignition noise, fan noise, electrical motor noises,...The fact that you hear more "static" sounds with the vehicle running confirms it: the noise level is higher than the signal level and radio latches on noise instead. AM is very vulnerable to these types of noises by nature of its modulation and its frequency range (near the noise frequencies). In fact, FM is susceptible to them too but may be at lesser degree.

    I agree that the Glass antenna module is not the cause of the problem since her AM radio works while engine is off. So replacing either radio or antenna module is useless. So the difference is the absence of noise sources when ignition is off.

    Now on the solution:

    1. It is best to control noise at the source. Normally, car maker add filter caps (noise suppressor) on noise source like across motor terminals, I/O lines. But you must know which is the noise maker. Do not attempt to filter the antenna since you will reduce the sensitivity of the radio for both AM/FM. Routing noisy cable away from antenna cable is helpful. Sometimes, adding Ground cable between some critical locations underhood could reduce the noise significantly. If other Santa Fe's have the same problem at the same frequencies then it is common design problem. If it is unique on your vehicle only: some electronics module in your vehicle is likely defective

    2. Glass antenna is nice for lower wind noise and some other things. But it has two significant drawbacks: directionality for FM reception and susceptible to vehicle electronics noises. That is why on the Hydrid Accord and Civic, Honda engineers are using the mini-whip antenna on the roof vs, their usual rear Glass antenna. The reason is these vehicles are very noisy since they have the big inverter that switches DC-AC for electric motor. Inverter is "Mother" of all noise. So, changing antenna type is helpful if you must have a better AM reception. The best antenna for AM/FM reception is the fender whip antenna that you see by a miliions on Chrysler minivan, Ford F150 or Chevy Silverado. You could do away the Glass antenna with the mini-whip antenna like the 05 Santa Fe. This is a compromise.

    3. Does your vehicle has some Aftermarket Electronics (DVD player, Portable Charger for Phone)... hooked up permarnently to the car? PC, or Inverter for PC are also the culprits for making noises that falls on to the AM frequencies. Unhook them to see if that will help. BTW, that is why the airliners have you turn off all electronics during Taking Off or Landing since they worry about Electronics Interference between these things and the aircraft electronics

    Good Luck

    jt
  • nortsr1nortsr1 Member Posts: 1,060
    int:
    Just a note to let you know that my sister-in-law is takeing your advice and will pursue either a mini-whip antenna (she seems to think this would be expensive); however, I told her to call bestBuy or an electronic automotive type outlet and get a price and to also print out your suggestion and show it to the Hyundai Service Advisor.
    Thankyou for your very informative reply. That's what makes this Edmunds site such a good place to get an exchange of knowledgable info. Again, THANKS.
    Nortsr
  • tromboneboytromboneboy Member Posts: 12
    I was driving to work on Tuesday in my 2004 Santa Fe GLS (2.7L, 4WD) and the saw the yellow "Malfunction Indicator Light" come on and stay ON. It is apparently emissions related when you look at the manual. I was also following two "smoky" vehicles at times that morning.
    The vehicle has around 15.7 K miles, and it was purchased in May 2004. I've not had any issues prior to this one, other than a rear dome light that only comes ON around half the time I open the back door.

    I'm thinking of getting one of those diagnostic things to check the code, clear it, and then see if it comes back. It should be under warranty. I've done searches in a couple of forums, but haven't been able to come up with much.

    Good to post again. It's been a while...
  • surfer146surfer146 Member Posts: 3
    So was I. Could be anything simple (new O2 sensor) or major (trans). Suggest getting a diagnostic at any local trustworthy garage (not dealer).
  • tromboneboytromboneboy Member Posts: 12
    Would you mind relating what the problem was when your car's sensor went on?

    I did just send for the OBDII code reader, but I also have been using a good Colorado brakes outfit called "Brakes Plus" for more than just brake and suspension work on my 1994 Concorde.

    The dealer did a "complimentary" oil change and didn't re-install one of the bottom cover bolts. I've been doing the oil changes since then, as it is a thing with me anyway.

    I guess the "MIL" the closet thing the Santa Fe has to a Check Engine light, but Hyundai refers to it as a "malfunction indicator" - at least that is the lingo in my 2004 Santa Fe manual.

    I can't recall if I mentioned it, but the vehicle just has around 15.5K miles and was purchased 1 yr and 5 months ago.
  • miker2miker2 Member Posts: 3
    I just went thru this on my 2003 Santa Fe w/ 80k miles. I would hold off (if possible) until the timing belt change at 60k. Have them change both of the drive belts and the tensioner at the same time as the timing belt & its tensioner. This will save you almost all of that labor since all of the belts have to come off to get to the timing belt. Check with your dealer about some kind of extended warranty if yoy get the timing belt changed before you hit the 60k mark. My dealer mentioned it, but I was way over. I do mostly highway driving (35k per year) and some parts will last longer.

    Mike
  • falmarfalmar Member Posts: 7
    I filled my 2004 4-cyl (13,500 mi) with gas and later that night I noticed the check engine light came on, or was on. My first thought after reading the manual was I did not close the gas cap properly. After repeated attempts of removing and replacing the gas cap the "mil" light would not go off. Is there a way to reset this light without going to the dealer? The manual also states it could be a "exhust gas related component" what ever that is.
  • tromboneboytromboneboy Member Posts: 12
    I just did this tonight! (learned on another forum).

    I did this "warning light reset" on my 2004 Santa Fe (2.7L, 4WD GLS) by disconnecting the negative battery terminal for abot 30 seconds. The radio stations and settings are maintained, but you'll need to reset the clock on the dash.

    The MIL indeed went out after I restarted the Santa Fe. I'll drive it a bit tomorrow and see what happens. I saw at least one other forum post that once his light cleared it stayed that way. Since mine has just around 15.5K miles I'm hoping it was an anomoly.
    I also sent for an Actron OBD II code reader so I can check (and clear) the codes myself.
  • kyedenkyeden Member Posts: 1
    I was driving home after office. When I was about half way my santa fe stopped in the middle of the road all of sudden. I tried starting santa fee but couldn't do so. I called one of the mechanics and he tested all the fuse. The fuse are ok.

    Santa Fe was dragged to the workshop and no one in the work shop seem to have faintest idea about santa fee. I called the dealer and the dealer has sent mechanic. Even this mechanic doen't seem to know the problem. It been almost a week now since I have left my car in the workshop.

    This car was purchased 1 yr and 2 months ago...Strange...the sole dealer is taking so long to contact the manufacturers and find out the problem.
  • nortsr1nortsr1 Member Posts: 1,060
    What kind of "loaner" vehicle did they give you???
  • targettuningtargettuning Member Posts: 1,371
    First off, if a vehicle just stops it usually is one of three things...SPARK(plugs, battery, alternator, wiring, coil packs, ignition module,engine management module AKA computer) FUEL (fuel pump, filter, injectors, and again engine management module) AIR (filter, throttle body and associated parts).One other thing..a broken timing belt...but it seems your car doesn't have enought miles for that to be a problem. There are also a mess of sensors in modern motors. The thing is, if there is a hard failure, enough to cause engine stoppage there most certainly be a fault code logged and for sure a Hyundai dealer will be able to diagnose the problem by accessing this code or codes. For a dealer to have the car for a week without a clue, well, not a reasonable prospect because they have acess to TSB's diagnostic code readers factory rep assistance if needed so really no reason for that.
  • michaelw2michaelw2 Member Posts: 11
    just have a santa fe GLS 3.5L 4wd, now just 800 miles on it.

    the city mpg is around 14, and high way ( ~70-75mile) around 17, with AC off,

    is this just normal or problematic? will it increase later after the break in ? thanks
  • u292264u292264 Member Posts: 2
    The same thing happened to me today. I filled my tank with gas this morning before work and had no issues on the 30 mile drive to the office. Left work this evening and as soon as I turned the car on (2004 Hyundai Santa Fe - 17,800 mi) the "MIL" light is on. It stayed on all the way to my daughter's daycare and came back on when I started the car back up to head home.

    I've had no issues with the vehicle. I'm wondering if it could be a sensor coming on because I am behind on my oil change? I'm taking it in first thing in the morning to my neighborhood car service station for the oil change and will hope that will take care of it.

    The manual is less than helpful as far as giving possible reasons for the MIL light.
  • tromboneboytromboneboy Member Posts: 12
    Ha! I drove the Santa Fe a for at least 70 miles today (mostly highway) and the MIL/CEL indicator never came on. I'm wondering now if it was a "false" reading. I'll keep an eye on it, but it doesn't seem to be a major issue with the vehicle.

    Don't forget, to clear it to see if it's really a problem simply disconnect the negative battery lead for a little bit. You'll just need to reset your clock.
  • targettuningtargettuning Member Posts: 1,371
    I think I can address this because I had this same set-up..2003, LX, AWD, 3.5 liter. When traded two weeks ago it had just short of 5K miles (yeah, we didn't drive it much with 2 other cars in the household). On one of several all highway trips...full tank to low fuel light on... driven at between 68-72 MPH on cruise with few bursts of full throttle on mostly level (but some mountain) driving through western Pa. I was pleasantly surprised to get 23.4 MPG. On this trip I was driving carefully with no "road rage" or racing the idiots who seemed intent on goading me into one. On another trip same route but driving faster (up to 80-82 MPH) for several stretches of 20 miles or so but mostly keeping at about 72-75 MPH we got 20.6 MPG. As an aside on our car the "low fuel" light came on with about 4 gallons left in the 19 gal. tank. As for city we seemed to get about 16 MPG or so. Yes, increased break-in mileage on Hyundai cars/SUV's seem to increase fuel economy. I feel that the Santa Fe got great fuel economy for a SUV...just not good enough in these days of way over $2.00/gal fuel costs. We bought a new car mainly for fuel economy this time but I still like the SUV concept so we may look at the Tucson next time around..if gas doesn't go and stay above $3.00/gal. I would personally like to see Hyundai import the turbo diesel option (currently on sale in most of the rest of the world) for their cars and SUV's. Hope I have been helpful.
  • kelatexkelatex Member Posts: 1
    This just happened to me two weeks ago. I was driving along on a busy road and my car just stopped running. Dash board lights were on but no engine. When I turned the key I could hear it trying to start but it wouldn't. I found out later that a tiny sensor named the crank shaft senor went haywire and needed to be replace (it should be covered by the warranty.) When I got it back that day it purred like a kitten.

    Unfortunately I've been experiencing more than my share of problem with my Santa Fe. In the past two weeks alone I have had to replace my brakes, the battery, and a part in my exhaust. I've become very disillusioned by Hyundai and was wondering if anyone else was experiencing the same problems.
  • targettuningtargettuning Member Posts: 1,371
    You fail to state the mileage and year of your Santa Fe. The crank shaft sensor problem is well known on mostly 4 cyl models and has been replaced via a TSB on many early cars. This can occur on any engine size (2.7 liter V-6...3.5 liter V-6, 2.4 liter 4 cyl.) however because they all use it so a natural, one time, failure can occur. Brakes, well certainly ALL cars need brake replacement sooner or later. Battery??...ditto. As for exhaust, you fail to state if you hit some road debris, tried "off roading" and hit a stump or rock, and damaged it. In my experience exhaust replacement is pretty much a thing of the past...I have a 1995 Stratus (153,000 miles) with a totally original exaust system including muffler, and a 1987 Taurus with 270,000 miles and it also has original pipes, muffler replaced at around 200,000 miles. And unless you are talking about the cat. converter which can be damaged by running rich or the oxygen sensor which lasts a long time, BUT can fail, only physical damage should warrent any exhaust replacement for a very, very, long time. In summary, you should not be disillusioned by Hyundai mainly because you are not experiencing anything that is not common to any model or make of vehicle in the universe. So, if this is the sum of your problems...no problem, especially if it is a 2001-2002 with normal miles or higher than normal miles for the year... And yes, all other Santa Fe owners have or will experience at least the brake and battery "problem" eventually.
  • falmarfalmar Member Posts: 7
    After driving around doing errands and such, I let the car sit in the driveway overnight. I was going to remove the neg battery terminal as suggested before going to the dealer. As I started the car the "mil" light did not stay on or come on since.Could have been just a bad signal sent to that command or the gas had a chance to settle over night and the fumes in the tank disapated. Anyway thanks for the suggestions.
  • rdm1rdm1 Member Posts: 1
    I had the same problem--2003 Santa Fe with 22k miles 3.5 V6. It started in Ohio and followed me out to Colorado. Squeals were coming from several wheels.
    I took it into my new Colorado dealer. They charged me $33 dollars just to look at it. The back left pads had practically zero mm left, the back right had 4 1/2 mm and the fronts were both within tolerance--6 mm. They said the uneven wear was just a "wear-n-tear" issue--not covered by warranty. The noise up front was from the pads--just the nature of those particular pads. Again, not a warranty item. I could replace them, of course, at my own cost, or live with the horrendous noise until they wore thin and then replace them.
    My thinking is that a normal "wear-n-tear" issue should affect brakes evenly--otherwise it's a mechanical issue. Also the noise from "within-tolerance" pads is also a mechanical issue--either poor design,manufacture or product problem.
    So much for bumper-to-bumper coverage.
    .
  • targettuningtargettuning Member Posts: 1,371
    The fact is that front and rear brake pads do not wear evenly due to the normal front to rear brake pressure bias..in other words it used to be that the proportion of pressure was delegated to the front and they did most of the braking work(they wore out first) and the rear brakes mostly went along for the ride...i.e. rear brake shoes that lasted 100K miles. Now many manufacturers are starting to utilize what Hyundai calls EBD or electronic brake distribution. As I understand it, it alters what used to be a fixed front to rear bias during braking and now the rear brakes can do as much or more braking (depending on conditions) than the front. As a result vehicles with this can experience rear pad wear out faster than the front pads. In addition, with the elimination of asbestos as a component in pad materials the new composition causes the pads to not last as long...this from an independent garage owner who also says about 20K miles is about normal for them. He is fielding questions from people, like some here, who are complaining about shortened pad life.
  • u292264u292264 Member Posts: 2
    Just wanted to give an update in case anyone runs into this issue themselves. After having the MIL light come on for my entire drive home, I found that it was still on the next morning. I went to the auto shop around the corner from my house. They said they'd charge me $89.95 to run a diagnostic on it to see what the problem is. They took forever to get to my car - so 45 minutes later I told them I'd come back on the weekend. Drove to work with the light on - left work and it was one - made two stops on the way home and when I got into the car after the second stop, it was off. I had also burned off about a half a tank of gas, so I think the problem was bad gas. It's been fine since with no more MIL light and no problems running.

    So, my suggestion would be that if you just fill your tank and the MIL light comes on and you're not noticing any other probems - just drive a little and burn off some of the gas before you blow $90 to see that there is anything wrong.
  • targettuningtargettuning Member Posts: 1,371
    The most common reason for a "check engine", MIL... or whatever a manufacturer calls it... light is probably still a loose gas cap or faulty seal at the gas filler area. Hyundai and others have a pre-determined amount of engine starts so that if the gas cap fault is corrected (tightened usually) and no further faults are detected the light will automatically go out, no owner input required.
  • melissatinglemelissatingle Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2001 Santa Fe with 80,000 miles on it. I'm a second owner, so the warranty expired at 60,000 miles. Just a couple of weeks ago I was driving to class and noticed my RPMs were running way high. SO I let off the gas and everything kinds of went back to normal until I stopped at a red light. I was pushing on the gas and felt a delay before my car started moving (the RPMS got up to 2500 before I started moving). Then my car hesitated before it shifted hard to 2nd gear- it shifted so hard I thought I had hit something in the road. Then the check engine light came on. So I made it to school and fours hours later I came back out and started my car. The check engine light was still on, but the shifting was fine all the way home. The next day the check engine light didn't come on when I started the car. This happened twice that week....but the check engine light wasn't on for long. A week later my battery went dead and I replaced it and everything, but found out I needed new battery cables, so I took it to the dealer so I could ask them about my shifting problem while I was there. So they hooked it up to the machine because they said if the check engine light had been on, then it would have stored the codes.....but they didn't find any codes- That was this weekend. So last night I was driving home, and it did the same thing again....but now this morning the check engine light is off, so I can't go take it to get the codes pulled. Anyone have any clue about what the heck is wrong with my car?
  • tromboneboytromboneboy Member Posts: 12
    Thanks for that input. I have an update. Tonight the MIL/CEL went ON again after going 350 miles (at least) with it cleared - by removing the negative battery lead for a bit. I now have an Actron OBD II code reader (PocketScan, CP9125 - a good deal at around $70 mail order - use Google).
    The Actron read back:
    P0456 EVAP Emission Control Leak Very Small

    I double checked that I did the gas cap many clicks when I got gas, but the cap could be back, or there could be a faulty seal as you noted. In any case, it doesn't appear to be very serious. There is code (P0457) for the cap being loose/off, but that looks to be a more extreme case.

    I've seen other posts on this forum about the same issue since I did my original post, so I'm wondering how common this condition might actually be. :confuse:
  • tromboneboytromboneboy Member Posts: 12
    I found out that disconnecting one of the battery leads will clear the diagnostic trouble codes, which I used on purpose to clear my MIL/CEL when it went on the first time. Replacing the battery or a dead battery will apparently clear the codes, which is why none could be read after the new battery install.

    It is easy to read them yourself if you buy a Code Reader. I recently bought the low cost Actron CP9125 "Pocket Scan" mail order for just around $70. The access panel is under the steering wheel and slightly to the left - where the fuses are. You just pull the access door from the bottom to remove it. The connector for the OBD II code reader is to the right. I had to move a cable out of the way a bit to get the Actron connector plugged in.
    You then turn your Santa Fe key to ON and press "Read" on the reader. After around 10 secs, the code pops up. It is a standardized code, which is also in a booklet with the reader. You can also erase the code to see if it comes back. It of course comes with instructions.

    The transmission issue doesn't sound good. I owned an '82 Honda Accord that started doing that (purchased used) and I needed to have the transmission rebuilt after about a year. It seemed to "slip" more in hot weather as well. Ever since that incident and my long gone Plymouth Satellite having a transmission go many moon ago, I decided to faithfully flush the transmission, etc. every 30K miles and it has worked out well for me.
  • targettuningtargettuning Member Posts: 1,371
    It is virtually impossible to diagnose a modern vehicle "long distance" because of its complexity so whatever you may read here as an answer is, at best, an educated guess. I will make several guesses that only a dealer can confirm/disprove. The first thing I would think of with an automatic is very low transmission fluid. Low fluid can and will cause abnormal shifting and additionally the "2500RPM before moving" from a dead stop is also a classic symptom. BUT...if you had the car to a dealer, and assuming the techs. could find the hood release, that would have been the first thing checked. However, since the check engine lamp illuminated at about the same time that probably indicates that the electronically controlled transmission or its management computer had a momentary fault/glitch. Since you indicate transmission function and shift quality then returned to normal it may indicate the onset of a more permanent failure. I was under the belief that the codes were permanently stored in the buffer of the engine/transmission computer until they are pulled up, read, then cleared upon repair by a certain proceedure by a tech. using a handheld diagnostic tool/computer that is plugged into a port under the dash designed for this interface. I still think that these codes are retained despite the fact the battery was changed in the meantime. Yes, the light can be "reset" upon disconnecting/reconnecting the battery but I think the original code causing the light remains. Final guess is that you have some type of impending transmission failure and I urge you to try your dealer or another Hyundai dealer again because you may become stranded at a most inopportune time or place. On the other hand, I may be totally wrong because as I said up front it is impossible to give an accurate long distance diagosis.
  • panther16panther16 Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2005 Santa Fe with the 3.5 liter engine and love it. The only problem is the gas pedal is very touchy or jerky, mainly from a complete stop. Does anyone know if there's a reason for this? Or if there's a way to make the acceleration smoother? It's driving me crazy. (no pun intended)
  • targettuningtargettuning Member Posts: 1,371
    I owned a 2003 3.5 liter AWD and this abnormality was duly noted by Hyundai and at least one TSB was issued to correct it. The 3.5 liter cars have a "drive by wire" throttle control. There is NO throttle cable but instead the throttle position is controlled by computer interface with the pedal position. Mine was slightly touchy but I adapted to it so never got the TSB. The TSB involves reflashing the engine management computer with a revised program for the "drive by wire " system. There may have been more than one attempt to correct this or at least make the throttle feel more linear, but I would have expected the 2005's to feel more linear. I recently bought a 2006 Civic that also has drive by wire and never felt the difference from the old cable style.
  • michaelw2michaelw2 Member Posts: 11
    yeah, it is .

    when it come to a full stop, and you press the gas pedal again. it will not move at the first 1-2 second, and then suddenly move forward, I think it is due to delay of the computer system . Technically, that is because they use bad algorithm to control the "computer system" ,

    this is definitely a manufacture drawback, and hope they can make a recall to fix that for all customer, but currently , no good news,

    if you can not adapt to it. go to dealer to ask , maybe they can do something.
  • blwalkerblwalker Member Posts: 1
    Just have had what sounds like the exact same problem with our 2001 SanFe. The solution was some tranny sensor and it was covered under the 10/100000 warranty, but from the sounds of it the 30k/60k service is a very important item to pay attention to. Good luck.
  • musky1gfmmusky1gfm Member Posts: 36
    Looking for some input of true-honest hwy mpg of a 4wd 3.5 santa fe.I would be crusing about 70 mph for long periods of time.
    I posted this same ? on other boards with no reply,seems most people check this board more than others on edmunds.
  • targettuningtargettuning Member Posts: 1,371
    check my reply to a similar request a few entries above...in short, I got as much as 24.3 full tank to "low fuel" lamp on in a steady interstate drive (95% of the trip) and moderate to steep mountain secondary road driving (5% of the trip). The highway part was done carefully on cruise set from 68-70MPH and few full throttle passing gear situations...just steady on. The secondary mountain road driving was at lower speeds from 35-55 MPH but no forced throttle downshifts. Any downshifting was on the part of the car due to the steepness of some climbs. I think this represents about as good as it gets unless you were to drive at dangerously slow speeds...less than 65MPH... on a straight and level turnpike cruise. On a later trip using the same route and pretty much the same mix of highway/mountain driving BUT going significantly faster(up to about 80MPH) for several 25 mile or more stretches due to the fact I was about to be run off the road at 70MPH the car got 20.6 MPG. So, depending on terrain...speed...carefulness to adhere to a constant speed...I have found those readings. In both situations I had the auto climate control A.C. on. It is my feeling that the 24 MPG is probably about as good as the 3.5 liter will get because it, and indeed, most "older" design Hyundai motors(2.7 liter, 2.0 liter ) just aren't as fuel effecient as other makes in the same size range.
  • newton2newton2 Member Posts: 1
    i own a 2003 santa fe that the brakes are "bad" on, with only 27,000 miles
    on it... what is the best course of action to take about this problem..
    should i have it fixed at the dealer where i purchased the vechile?; or
    go elsewhere? from the sound of things i doubt that i will be able to have
    the dealer fix it for free... even though i think they should... was also thinking of
    calling hyundai; but it doesn't sound like i will be able to get anywhere there either..... just looking for maybe some answers........ HELP...
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