Hyundai 2003 Sonata User manual

2003

A000A01A-AAT
This Owner's Manual should be considered a part of the car and remain with it when it is sold for the use of the next
owner.
OWNER'S I.D.
ORIGINAL OWNER
ADDRESS
CITY STATE ZIP CODE
DELIVERY DATE
(Date Sold to Original Retail purchaser)
DEALER NAME DEALER NO.
ADDRESS
CITY STATE ZIP CODE

A010A02A-AAT WARRANTIES FOR YOUR HYUNDAI VEHICLE
o New Vehicle 60 Months/60,000 Miles Limited Warranty
o New Vehicle 120 Months/100,000 Miles Limited Powertrain Warranty (first owner only)
o Anti-Perforation Limited Warranty
o Emission Defect Warranty - Federal Vehicle
o California Emission Control System Warranty (if applicable)
o Emission Performance Warranty - Federal Vehicle
o Replacement Parts and Accessories Limited Warranty
NOTE:
Detailed warranty information is provided in your Hyundai Owner's Handbook.
A020A01A-AAT RESPONSIBILITY FOR MAINTENANCE
ThemaintenancerequirementsforyournewHyundaiarefoundinSection5.Astheowner,itisyourresponsibility
to see that all maintenance operations specified by the manufacturer are carried out at the appropriate intervals.
Whenthevehicleisusedinseveredrivingconditions,morefrequentmaintenanceisrequiredforsomeoperations.
Maintenance requirements for severe operating conditions are also included in Section 5.

OWNER'S MANUAL
A030A04Y-AAT
Operation
Maintenance
Specifications
All information in this Owner's Manual is current at the time of publication. However, Hyundai reserves the right to make changes at any
time so that our policy of continual product improvement may be carried out.
This manual applies to all Hyundai Sonatas and includes descriptions and explanations of optional as well as standard equipment. As a
result, you may find material in this manual that does not apply to your specific vehicle.
HEF-080A

A040A01A-AAT FOREWORD
Thank you for choosing Hyundai. We are pleased to welcome you to the growing number of discriminating people who
drive Hyundais. The advanced engineering and high-quality construction of each Hyundai we build is something of which
we're very proud.
Your Owner's Manual will introduce you to the features and operation of your new Hyundai. It is suggested that you read
it carefully since the information it contains can contribute greatly to the satisfaction you receive from your new car.
ThemanufactureralsorecommendsthatallserviceandmaintenanceonyourcarbeperformedbyanauthorizedHyundai
dealer. Hyundai dealers are prepared to provide high-quality service, maintenance and any other assistance that may
be required.
A050A04A-AAT HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
Note:Because future owners will also need the information included in this manual, if you sell this Hyundai, please leave
the manual in the vehicle for their use. Thank you.
CAUTION:
Severe engine and transaxle damage may result from the use of poor quality fuels and lubricants that do not
meet Hyundai specifications. You must always use high quality fuels and lubricants that meet the specifica-
tions listed on Page 9-3 in the Vehicle Specifications section of the Owner's Manual and which also appear
in the Service Station Information on the back cover of the Owner's Manual.
Copyright 2002 Hyundai Motor Company. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in
any retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of Hyundai Motor
Company.
!

A090A01A-AAT SAFETY AND VEHICLE DAMAGE WARNING
This manual includes information titled as WARNING, CAUTION and NOTE.
These titles indicate the following:
WARNING:
This indicates that a condition may result in harm, serious injury or death to you or other persons if
the warning is not heeded. Follow the advice provided with the warning.
CAUTION:
This indicates that a condition may result in damage to your vehicle or its equipment if the caution is
not heeded. Follow the advice provided with the caution.
NOTE:
This indicates that interesting or helpful information is being provided.
!
!

A070A01A-AAT CAUTION: MODIFICATIONS TO YOUR HYUNDAI
Your Hyundai should not be modified in any way. Such modifications may adversely
affect the performance, safety or durability of your Hyundai and may, in addition, violate conditions of the limited
warranties covering the vehicle. Certain modifications may also be in violation of regulations established by the
U.S. Department of Transportation and other federal or state agencies.
A080A01S-AAT TWO-WAY RADIO OR CELLULAR TELEPHONE INSTALLATION
Your vehicle is equipped with electronic fuel injection and other electronic components. It is possible for an
improperly installed/adjusted two-way radio or cellular telephone to adversely affect electronic systems. For this
reason, we recommend that you carefully follow the radio manufacturer's instructions or consult your Hyundai
dealer for precautionary measures or special instructions if you choose to install one of these devices.

A100A03A-AAT
Guide to Hyundai Genuine Parts
1. What are Hyundai Genuine Parts?
Hyundai Genuine Parts are the same parts
used by Hyundai Motor Company to manu-
facture vehicles. They are designed and
tested for the optimum safety, performance,
and reliability to our customers.
2. Why should you use genuine parts?
Hyundai Genuine Parts are engineered and
built to meet rigid original manufacturing
requirements. Using imitation, counterfeit or
used salvage parts is not covered under the
Hyundai New Vehicle Limited Warranty or
anyother Hyundai warranty. In addition, any
damage to or failure of Genuine Hyundai
Parts caused by the installation or failure of
animitation,counterfeit orusedsalvagepart
is not covered by any Hyundai Warranty.
3. How can you tell if you are purchasing
Hyundai Genuine Parts?
LookfortheHyundaiGenuineParts Logoon
the package (see below).
HyundaiGenuinePartsexportedtotheUnited
States are packaged with labels written only
in English.
HyundaiGenuinePartsareonlysoldthrough
authorized Hyundai Dealerships.
" To find the closest authorized dealer
call 1-800-826-CARS "
A100A01L A100A02L A100A04L
A100A03L

YOURVEHICLEATAGLANCE
B250A04Y-AAT
INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
HEF-042
12 34 5 6 78 9 10 11 12
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22

YOURVEHICLEATAGLANCE
1. Hood Release Lever
2. Instrument Panel Junction box
3. Multi-Function Light/Front Fog Light Switch
(If installed)
4. Steering Wheel Tilt Lever
5. Horn and Driver Airbag (If installed)
6. Windshield Wiper/Washer Switch
7. Hazard Warning Switch
8. Digital Clock
9. Audio System
10.Heating and Cooling Controls
11.Passenger Air Bag (If installed)
12.Glove Box
13.Traction Control System (If installed)
14.Panel Brightness Control Knob (Rheostat Switch)
15.Cruise Control Switch (If installed)
16.Power Outlet
17.Ashtray
18.Cigarette Lighter
19.Shift Lever
20.Parking Brake Lever
21.Cup Holder
22.Center Console
CAUTION:
When installing a container of liquid air freshener inside a vehicle, do not place it near the instrument cluster nor
on the instrument panel pad surface. If there is any leakage from the air freshener onto these areas (Instrument
cluster, instrument panel pad or air ventilator), it may damage these parts. If the liquid from the air freshener does
leak onto these areas, wash them with water immediately.
!
NOTE:
Switch arrangements from No. 13 to No. 15 can be changed according to options.

YOURVEHICLEATAGLANCE
B255A01Y-AAT
INDICATOR SYMBOLS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL
* A detail explanations of these items will be found on page 1-35
SRS (Airbag) Service Reminder
Indicator
Turn Signal Indicator Lights
High Beam Indicator Light
Oil Pressure Warning Light
Parking Brake/Brake Level
Warning Light
Charging System Warning Light
Tail Gate Open Warning Light
Door Ajar Warning Light and Chime
Low Fuel Level Warning Light
Malfunction Indicator Light
Seat Belt Reminder Light
Traction Control Indicator
Cruise Indicator
ABS Service Reminder Indicator
Front Fog Lamp Indicator Lamp

TABLEOFCONTENTS
SECTION PAGE
1. FEATURESOFYOURHYUNDAI ...........................................................................1-1
2. DRIVINGYOURHYUNDAI .....................................................................................2-1
3. WHAT TO DO INAN EMERGENCY .......................................................................3-1
4. CORROSIONPREVENTION&APPEARANCECARE...........................................4-1
5. VEHICLEMAINTENANCEREQUIREMENTS ........................................................5-1
6. DO-IT-YOURSELFMAINTENANCE .......................................................................6-1
7. EMISSIONCONTROL SYSTEMS .........................................................................7-1
8. CONSUMERINFORMATION&REPORTINGSAFETYDEFECTS ........................8-1
9. VEHICLESPECIFICATIONS .................................................................................9-1
10. INDEX ..................................................................................................................10-1
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

1.FEA1.FEA
1.FEA1.FEA
1.FEATURES OFTURES OF
TURES OFTURES OF
TURES OF YY
YY
YOUR HYUNDOUR HYUND
OUR HYUNDOUR HYUND
OUR HYUNDAIAI
AIAI
AI
FuelRecommendations ..............................................................................1-2
BreakinginYourNewHyundai ....................................................................1-3
Key (Immobilizer system) ...........................................................................1-3
Doorlocks (Theft-alarmsystem) .................................................................1-4
Powerwindows ...........................................................................................1-9
Seat .......................................................................................................... 1-10
Seat Belt...................................................................................................1-16
Child restraint system ...............................................................................1-22
Supplementalrestraint(AIRBAG)system ................................................. 1-28
Instrument cluster and indicator lights....................................................... 1-34
WarningLightandIndicator....................................................................... 1-35
Tripcomputer............................................................................................1-40
Multi-FunctionLightSwitch ....................................................................... 1-41
Windshieldwiper/WasherSwitch............................................................... 1-42
Sunroof ..................................................................................................... 1-47
Mirror ........................................................................................................ 1-50
HomelinkMirror......................................................................................... 1-53
HoodRelease ........................................................................................... 1-59
Cruisecontrol............................................................................................ 1-62
Heatingandcoolingcontrol ....................................................................... 1-65
Stereo sound system ................................................................................1-78
Audio system............................................................................................1-80
Antenna .................................................................................................. 1-100
1

1-2 FEATURESOFYOURHYUNDAI
!
CAUTION:
Your Hyundai's New Vehicle Limited War-
ranty may not cover damage to the fuel
system and any performance problems that
are caused by the use of fuels containing
methanol or fuels containing MTBE (Methyl
Tertiary Butyl Ether) over 15.0% vol. (Oxy-
gen Content 2.7% weight.)
B010B01A-AAT
WhatAboutGasohol?
Gasohol (a mixture of 90% unleaded gasoline
and 10% ethanol or grain alcohol) may be used
in your Hyundai. However, if your engine devel-
ops driveability problems, the use of 100%
unleaded gasoline is recommended. Fuels with
unspecified quantities of alcohol, or alcohols
other than ethanol, should not be used.
B010A02A-AAT
FUEL RECOMMENDATIONS
Use Unleaded Gasoline
Unleaded gasoline with a Pump Octane Rating
of 87 (Research Octane Number 91) or higher
must be used in your Hyundai.
If leaded gasoline is used, it will cause the
catalytic converter to become ineffective and
the emission control system to malfunction.
This can also result in increased maintenance
expense.
Toavoidaccidentaluseofleadedfuel,thelarger
nozzle used with leaded gasoline at service
stations cannot be inserted into the fuel tank
opening of your Hyundai.
B010C01A-AAT
Use of MTBE
Hyundai recommends that fuels containing
MTBE (Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether) over 15.0%
vol. (Oxygen Content 2.7% weight) should not
be used in your Hyundai.
FuelcontainingMTBEover 15.0% vol.(Oxygen
Content 2.7% weight) may reduce vehicle per-
formance and produce vapor lock or hard
starting.
B010D01A-AAT
Do Not Use Methanol
Fuelscontainingmethanol(woodalcohol)should
not be used in your Hyundai. This type of fuel
can reduce vehicle performance and damage
components of the fuel system.
B010F01A-AAT
OperationinForeignCountries
Ifyouaregoing todriveyourHyundai in another
country, be sure to:
o Observe all regulations regarding registra-
tion and insurance.
o Determine that acceptable fuel is available.
!
WARNING:
o Do not "TOP-OFF" after the first nozzle
shut off when refueling.
o The fuel cap must be tightened at least
3 clicks, otherwise " " light may
illuminate.
B010A03Y-1
UNLEADED
FUEL ONLY

FEATURESOFYOURHYUNDAI 1-3
B010E01A-AAT
Gasolines for Cleaner Air
To help contribute to cleaner air, Hyundai rec-
ommends that you use gasolines treated with
detergent additives, which help prevent deposit
formation in the engine. These gasolines will
help the engine run cleaner and the Emission
Control System performance.
B020A01S-AAT
BREAKING IN YOUR NEW HYUNDAI
During the First 1,200 Miles (2,000 Km)
No formal "break-in" procedure is required with
your new Hyundai. However, you can contrib-
utetotheeconomicaloperationanddurabilityof
yourHyundaibyobserving thefollowingrecom-
mendations during the first 1,200 miles (2,000
km).
o Don't drive faster than 55 MPH (88 km/h).
o Whiledriving, keep your engine speed (rpm,
or revolutions per minute) between 2,000
rpm and 4,000 rpm.
o Use moderate acceleration. Don't start
quickly or depress the accelerator pedal
fully.
o For the first 200 miles (300 km), try to avoid
hard stops.
o Don't lug the engine (in other words, don't
drive so slowly in too high a gear that the
engine "bucks"-shift to a lower gear).
B030A01Y-AAT
KEYS
B030B01A-AAT
Record Your Key Number
o Whether going fast or slow, vary your speed
from time to time.
o Don'tlettheengineidlelongerthan3minutes
at one time.
o Don'ttowatrailerduringthefirst1,200miles
(2,000 km) of operation.
A code number is stamped on the number plate
that came with the keys to your Hyundai. This
keynumberplateshouldnotbeleftwiththe keys
but kept in a safe place, not in the vehicle. The
key number should also be recorded in a place
where it can be found in an emergency.
Ifyouneedadditionalkeys,or if you should lose
your keys, your authorized Hyundai dealer can
make new keys if you can supply the key
number.
For greater convenience, your Hyundai has
two master keys and a sub key. The master
keyswillopenalllocksonyourvehicle.Thesub
keywill only function in theignition and the door
locks.
Leaving your sub key with a parking attendant
will ensure that your vehicle's trunk, trunk lid
release, glovebox compartment and rear trunk
access may not be unlocked in your absence.
NOTE:
Before leaving your sub key with a parking
attendant, make sure that the lock levers of
the rear seat back lock and the trunk lid lock
are switched to the "LOCK" position.
B030A01Y B030B01B
Master key Sub key

1-4 FEATURESOFYOURHYUNDAI
!
B030C01Y-AAT
ILLUMINATEDIGNITIONSWITCH
(Ifinstalled)
B040A01A-AAT
DOOR LOCKS B040B01A-AAT Lockingandunlockingfrontdoorswitha
key
Whenever a door is opened, the ignition switch
will be illuminated for your convenience, pro-
vided the ignition switch is not in the "ON"
position.
The light will go off approximately 10 seconds
afterclosingthedoororwhentheignitionswitch
is turned on.
B030C01L
o The door can be locked or unlocked with a
key.
o Lock the door by turning the key toward the
frontofthevehicleandunlockitbyturningthe
key toward the rear.
B040B01Y
LOCK
UNLOCK
WARNING:
o Unlocked doors can be dangerous. Be-
fore you drive away (especially if there
arechildreninthecar),besurethatall the
doors are securely closed and locked so
that the doors cannot be opened from
the inside. This helps assure that doors
will not be opened accidentally. Also,
when combined with the proper use of
seat belts, locking the doors helps keep
occupants from being ejected from the
car in case of an accident.
o Before opening the door, always look for
and avoid oncoming traffic.

FEATURESOFYOURHYUNDAI 1-5
B040C02Y-AAT
Locking From the Outside
The doors can be locked without a key. To lock
the doors from the outside, first push the inside
lock switch to the "LOCK" position, so that the
red mark on the switch is not visible, then close
the door.
Thedoorwillnotlockifthekeyisleftintheignition
switch when the front doors are closed. This is
normal.
NOTE:
o When locking the door this way, be care-
ful not to lock the door with the ignition
key left in the vehicle.
o To prevent theft, always remove the ig-
nition key, close all windows, and lock all
doors when leaving your vehicle unat-
tended.
B040D01Y-AAT
Locking From the Inside
o To lock the doors from the inside, simply
closethedoorandpushthelockswitchtothe
"LOCK" position. When this is done, neither
theoutsidenortheinsidedoorhandlecanbe
used.
o The driver's door can be opened by pulling
theinsidedoor handleevenifthe lockswitch
is depressed.
NOTE:
Whenthedoor islocked,the redmarkon the
switch is not visible.
B040F01Y-AAT
Illuminated Door Key Cylinder
(Ifinstalled)
Wheneverthedriver'sdoor handle ispulled,the
keycylinderofthedoorhandlewillbeilluminated
for your convenience.
The light will go off 10 seconds after pulling the
door handle.
B040D02Y
B040F01Y
B040C01Y
LOCK
UNLOCK

1-6 FEATURESOFYOURHYUNDAI
B070A01S-AAT
THEFT-ALARM SYSTEM
(Ifinstalled)
This system is designed to provide protection
from unauthorized entry into the car. This sys-
tem is operated in three stages : the first is the
"Armed"stage,thesecondisthe"Alarm"stage,
and the third is the "Disarmed" stage. If trig-
gered, the system provides an audible alarm.
B040G01Y-AAT
Central Door Locks (If installed)
Thecentraldoor lockingswitchislocatedonthe
driver's arm rest. It is operated by depressing
the door lock switch. If any door is open when
the switch is depressed, the door will remain
locked when closed.
NOTE:
o When pushing the front portion of the
driver'sdoorlockswitch,allvehicledoors
will lock.
o When pushing the rear portion of the
switch, all vehicle doors will unlock.
B040E03A-AAT
CHILD-PROTECTORREARDOORLOCK
Your Hyundai is equipped with a "child-protec-
tor" rear door lock assembly. When the lock
mechanismisengaged,thereardoorcannotbe
opened from the inside. It's use is recommend-
edwhenevertherearesmallchildrenintherear
seat.
To engage the child-protector feature so that
the door cannot be opened from the inside,
movethechild-protectorlevertothe" "position
and close the door. Move the lever to the
opposite direction of " " position when normal
door operation is desired.
If you wish to be able to open the door from the
outside, the outside door handle will function
normally.
B040G02Y HEF-131

FEATURESOFYOURHYUNDAI 1-7
B070B03Y-AAT
Armed Stage
Park the car and stop the engine. Arm the
system as described below.
1) Remove the ignition key from the ignition
switch.
2) Makesure that the engine hoodandtrunklid
are locked.
3) Lock the doors using the transmitter of the
keyless entry system.
After completion of the steps above, the turn
signal lamp will blink once to indicate that the
system is armed
NOTE:
1) If any door, trunk lid or engine hood
remains open, the system will not be
armed.
2) If this happens, rearm the system as
described above.
CAUTION:
Do not arm the system until all passengers
haveleftthecar.If thesystemisarmedwhile
a passenger(s) remains in the car, the alarm
may be activated when the remaining
passenger(s) leaves the car.
B070C03L-AAT
Alarm Stage
Thealarmwillbeactivated ifanyofthefollowing
occurs while the car is parked and the system
is armed.
1) A front or rear door is opened without the
transmitter.
2) Thetrunklidisopenedwithoutusingthekey.
3) The engine hood is opened.
The siren will sound for 30 seconds (This
happens3times).Toturnoffthesystem,unlock
the door or trunk lid with the transmitter.
CAUTION:
Avoid trying to start the engine while the
system is armed.
B070D05Y-AAT
Disarmed Stage
Thesystemwillbedisarmedwhen the following
step is taken:
The driver's or passenger's door is unlocked by
depressing the "UNLOCK" button on the trans-
mitter.
After completion of the steps above, the turn
signal lamp will blink twice to indicate that the
system is disarmed.
HEF-218
B070D02Y
!
!
Lock
Unlock
Trunk

1-8 FEATURESOFYOURHYUNDAI
B070E02HP-GAT
Replacing the battery
When the transmitter's battery begins to get
weak, it may take several pushes on the button
to lock or unlock the doors, and the LED will not
light. Replace the battery as soon as possible.
Battery type : CR2032
Replacement instructions:
1. Separate the case with a blade screwdriver
as shown in the illustration.
NOTE:
Once the system has been disarmed, it can
not be rearmed except by repeating the
arming procedures.
CAUTION:
Only the transmitter can disarm the armed
stage. If the transmitter does not disarm the
system, it is necessary to take the following
steps;
1. Unlock the door with the key, which will
cause the alarm to be activated.
2. Insert the key in the ignition key cylinder
and turn the ignition key to "ON" posi-
tion.
3. Wait for 30 seconds.
After completing the steps above, the sys-
tem will be disarmed.
Keyless Entry System
Lockingdoors
1. Close all doors.
2. Push the "LOCK" button on the transmitter.
3. Alldoorswilllockandtheturnsignallampwill
blink once to indicate that the system is
armed.
Unlockingdoors
1. Push the "UNLOCK" button on the transmit-
ter.
2. All doors will unlock andthe turn signal lamp
will blink twice to indicate that the system is
disarmed.
Releasing the trunk lid
Push and hold the trunk release button on
transmitter for longer than 1 second.
HEF-192A
!
Screwdriver