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Thank you.
It is not unreasonable to recognize a problem whether it occurs in one unique vehicle or in the entire line. A problem is still a problem.
Additionally I did not ask anyone to agree with me, only to make others aware of a type of problem I was having and the reaction I got from my dealer and Hyundai.
And quite frankly, it is my business if I own two Sonatas and if I decide to take my business elsewhere in the future.
This getting personal about someones discussion item seems to indicate a rather small character, or perhaps a vested interest.
I apologize.
Now, what happened with the noisy engine 4?
The Sonata 4cyl is smooth feeling, but has the typical raspy 4cyl sound under moderate/hard acceleration, which is the same thing I've experienced with all other 4cyl engines except the Accord.
I've also noticed most 4cyl cars tend to be noisier when cold, compared with most V6/V8 engines. Any engineers in here who could explain this?
What they should have done, though, is add an addendum to the manual in the newer assembled cars, which would cost them pennies to produce.
---- Just this morning I was at my Honda dealership, asking them to check my wife's Accord V6 which is vibrating noticeably at idle speed (in D and N as well)... They checked it and claimed it's normal. I told the SM that my Sonata, which is a 4-banger, is idling smoother than the V6 Accord. His response was "Yes, I believe you"....
The tire pressure sensor may be sensitive and cause the indicator light to illuminate from a slight drop in pressure. If your area is having cold nights, I wouldn't worry if your tire pressure is a little low in the mornings.
As far as vibration is concerned, I'd say the Hyundai and Honda engines equally smooth.
... Or unless you can set it up to give you a warning ONLY when the pressure goes under a certain level which YOU tell it to. Which is not the case here, probably...
--- Well, reading what V6 Sonata owners are claiming, their car is so smooth at idle speed, some get the impression their engine died while waiting at a stop light... If that's the case, then, no, the Accord's V6 is significantly more vibrating than the Sonata's. Again, my I-4 is smoother idling than my wife's V6 Accord. My hand on the wheel, I can feel the difference easily.
1) occasional binding/rubbing noise in steering wheel
This mainly occurs when the vehicle is first driven, and can be heard (and sometimes felt through the steering wheel and even the gas or brake pedal) while rapidly turning the wheel during low speed maneuvers (like while backing out of a parking space). It's not a constant noise/feeling, but just happens during certain parts of the steering process. I hope it's minor and is just something in the system that needs to be lubricated.
2) clicking noise from the shifter
Each time I come to a full stop or press the brake pedal when the car is in park, there is a clicking noise coming from the shifter. I'm guessing there's some sort of solenoid that needs to be replaced, and it's probably related to the shift interlock system.
3) rattling noise from bottom of passenger seat (when unoccupied)
When going over certain types of bumps, I can hear a rattling noise coming from the bottom of the passenger side front seat. It's definitely not coming from the seat belt buckle or from the headrest. I noticed I could make it go away for the most part by sticking my hand in between the seat cushion and the center console. I ended up stuffing a small hand towel in this area for now, and hope the dealer will be able to take the seat apart and figure out what's making all this racket!
As for my 3 problems, the first started in the last week or so when we started to get colder weather (30 and below). The others have been around for about a month or so, and don't seem to be weather-related.
Anyone else have these issues at all, then?
I'll make sure to post an update after I've visited my dealer.
A. "1) occasional binding/rubbing noise in steering wheel" --- are you sure it's not the ABS self-check, which is a "click" that shows up at the first 5-8 mph of your morning drive. I learned over the years that this "click" can sound/feel different every day, very inconsistent in nature and in volume, sometimes more pronounced, sometimes hardly felt. Bottom line, the ABS self check is normal, it's good, it's something you want your car to perform.
B. Dealers are mostly NOT too good at cooperating with customers when it comes to noises, rattles, clicking and all sorts of SUBTLE things which are usually VERY time consuming to find their sources, and repair. So don't be surprised if your dealer will tell you "I don't hear it" or "could not duplicate it" or "all is normal" or "all within specs"....
....Just my 2 cents.
They might dismiss issue #1 as normal, since it only happens after cold starts. It's actually common for some mechanical parts to not feel or sound 100% smooth in operation before they are "warmed up."
Depending on the dealership, you may be able to get the seat rattle fixed. In that side of the seat, where there are no seat position adjustment levers, there actually shouldn't be any small parts behind the upholstery. Since you are able to stop the sound by putting pressure on that area, or having someone sit in the seat, it is most likely just a loose bolt which could be tightened without too much work.
Good luck with everything.
I've done lots of research on the Sonata, and have not seen this problem reported by others, so it's very unlikely there will ever be a recall for it.
I can hear the binding/rubbing noise when rapidly turning the wheel even after driving the car for a while. It's definitely not normal behavior, as I never experienced this issue in the last two winters I drove the car.
The dealer I go to is pretty good about diagnosing noises like this. For example, I was hearing a louder-than-usual click noise coming from the driver side front door after rolling up the window. (The click in question is probably related to the auto-up feature.) They replaced a part (I can't remember exactly what it was -- I think it was the power window switches) and the noise went down to the more reasonable "normal" level.
I'll ask the dealer about this particular part when I go to pick up my car tonight.
At first, they replaced the clock spring and said that the noise was gone. As soon as I drove off the dealers lot the noise was still there.
Next, they tore it down and said that it was the steering angle sensor. Ordered the part and installed it when part came in. Tested vehicle and said problem was fixed. As soon as I drove off the problem was still there.
Next, they ordered the whole steering column due to a faulty bearing which they said could not be replaced by itself. (cost: $2,000 + labor luckily all under warranty).
When the part came in they replaced the whole steering wheel assembly and said that the problem was finally fixed. Drove off the lot and guess what - the problem is still there.
I have an appointment tomorrow with the service manager. I'll mention replacing the steering wheel to him.,
FYI: I'm in Hawaii where it would be nice to find a mechanic - (I mean specialist I think they call themselves now) that knows what he/she is doing.
Anyone have any idea why this is? I'll be taking into Dealer on Monday.
Thanks, :confuse:
I also discovered during my rattle hunt that the metal "legs" on the headrest can also clang against the headrest holder, but it's not something you would generally hear while driving over most bumps. However, if you ever do get an annoying seat rattle, take the headrest off first and then drive around to see if the rattle is still present.
I'm still feeling some slight resistance in the steering wheel when turning it rapidly in certain driving conditions when it's cold out. (It's kind like a thump sort of noise/feeling and lasts only for a fraction of a second.) It also happens even after driving the car for a while. I'll have to give the dealer another call about this and see what they can do. I think the cold weather has caused something in the system to rub against something else, and I can feel this resistance in the pedals as well. At least the dealership has ruled out any obvious causes, so I doubt the steering system is going to snap in half while I'm driving!
These issues are annoying, but I still like my Sonata! I'm just a bit disappointed in Hyundai right now considering all the bragging they did about taking 3 or 4 years to design the new Sonata, making sure they got everything right. For example, from http://www.forbes.com/business/global/2005/0425/024_2.html --
"Drive tests revealed a rattle coming from the Sonata's front doors. It took two months to fix: Engineers replaced the plastic strip at the bottom of the door with a more rubbery polymer at a cost of 40 cents more per car. Had the same problem occurred five years ago, "we'd probably leave it," says Don Hyung Jo, manager of the Asan factory quality control department."
I guess they just ignored the rattling in the seats. Then again, maybe they had quality control engineers sitting in them while driving around, not realizing their weight kept the rattle from occurring to begin with
To be continued... again...
For me the dealer replaced the shifter. It was fixed under the warranty. 2007-Sonata-I4-5000K miles
http://jerrystout.us/sonata/tsb/automatic%20transaxle%20control%20module%20relea- rn.pdf
in cans not bulk.He also uses genuine Hyundai filters and parts.
I'm ok with re-refined oil as long as it meets industry standards.
Ooops response to wrong post but you get the jist......sorry.
Don
I've only tried 1 Hyundai dealer so far, but they're great. They took care of 2 major TSB's on my early 06 on the same day, and were very prompt and professional. Just how many dealers have you tried?