Hyundai Elantra 2009 is one of the cars that is known for its good performance and durability. However, like any other car, Hyundai Elantra 2009 also requires regular maintenance to ensure that the car continues to function properly and minimize the risk of damage. Car owners should pay attention to routine maintenance such as engine oil changes, air filter replacements, and brake replacements at intervals recommended by the manufacturer.
In addition, there are several maintenance steps that can be done at home to extend the life of the car and avoid expensive repair costs in the future. This article will discuss some simple maintenance tips that can be done to maintain the performance and durability of Hyundai Elantra 2009.
ENGINE COMPARTMENT
- Engine coolant reservoir
- Engine oil filler cap
- Brake fluid reservoir
- Air cleaner
- Fuse box
- Negative battery terminal
- Positive battery terminal
- Auto transaxle oil dipstick*
- Radiator cap
- Engine oil dipstick
- Windshield washer fluid reservoir
- : if equipped
MAINTENANCE SERVICES
You should exercise the utmost care to prevent damage to your vehicle and injury to yourself whenever performing any maintenance or inspection procedures. Should you have any doubts concerning the inspection or servicing of your vehicle, we strongly recommend that you have an authorized Hyundai dealer perform this work.
An authorized Hyundai dealer has factory-trained technicians and genuine Hyundai parts to service your vehicle properly. For expert advice and quality service, see an authorized Hyundai dealer. Inadequate, incomplete or insufficient servicing may result in operational problems with your vehicle that could lead to vehicle damage, an accident, or personal injury.
Owner’s responsibility
✽ NOTICE
Maintenance Service and Record Retention are the owner’s responsibility.
You should retain documents that show proper maintenance has been performed on your vehicle in accordance with the scheduled maintenance service charts shown on the following pages. You need this information to establish your compliance with the servicing and maintenance requirements of your vehicle warranties. Detailed warranty information is provided in your Owner’s Handbook & Warranty Information Book.
Repairs and adjustments required as a result of improper maintenance or a lack of required maintenance are not covered. We recommend you have your vehicle maintained and repaired by an authorized Hyundai dealer. An authorized Hyundai dealer meets Hyundai’s high service quality standards and receives technical support from Hyundai in order to provide you with a high level of service satisfaction.
Owner maintenance precautions
Improper or incomplete service may result in problems. This section gives instructions only for the maintenance items that are easy to perform. As explained earlier in this section, several procedures can be done only by an authorized Hyundai dealer with special tools.
✽ NOTICE
Improper owner maintenance during the warranty period may affect warranty coverage. For details, read the separate Owner’s Handbook & Warranty Information Book provided with the vehicle. If you’re unsure about any servicing or maintenance procedure, have it done by an authorized Hyundai dealer.
⚠ WARNING – Maintenance work
- Performing maintenance work on a vehicle can be dangerous. You can be seriously injured while performing some maintenance procedures. If you lack sufficient knowledge and experience or the proper tools and equipment to do the work, have it done by an authorized Hyundai dealer.
- Working under the hood with the engine running is dangerous. It becomes even more dangerous when you wear jewelry or loose clothing. These can become entangled in moving parts and result in injury. Therefore, if you must run the engine while working under the hood, make certain that you remove all jewelry (especially rings, bracelets, watches, and necklaces) and all neckties, scarves, and similar loose clothing before getting near the engine or cooling fans.
OWNER MAINTENANCE
The following lists are vehicle checks and inspections that should be performed by the owner or an authorized Hyundai dealer at the frequencies indicated to help ensure safe, dependable operation of your vehicle.
Any adverse conditions should be brought to the attention of your dealer as soon as possible. These Owner Maintenance Checks are generally not covered by warranties and you may be charged for labor, parts and
lubricants used.
Owner maintenance schedule
When you stop for fuel:
- Check the engine oil level.
- Check coolant level in coolant reservoir.
- Check the windshield washer fluidlevel.
- Look for low or under-inflated tires.
⚠ WARNING
Be careful when checking your engine coolant level when the engine is hot. Scalding hot coolant and steam may blow out under pressure. This could cause burns or other serious injury.
While operating your vehicle:
- Note any changes in the sound of the exhaust or any smell of exhaust fumes in the vehicle.
- Check for vibrations in the steering wheel. Notice any increased steering effort or looseness in the steering wheel, or change in its straight-ahead position.
- Notice if your vehicle constantly turns slightly or “pulls” to one side when traveling on smooth, level road.
- When stopping, listen and check for unusual sounds, pulling to one side, increased brake pedal travel or “hardto-push” brake pedal.
- If any slipping or changes in the operation of your transaxle occurs, check the transaxle fluid level.
- Check automatic transaxle P (Park) function.
- Check parking brake.
- Check for fluid leaks under your vehicle (water dripping from the air conditioning system during or after use is normal).
At least monthly:
- Check coolant level in the engine coolant reservoir.
- Check the operation of all exterior lights, including the stoplights, turn signals and hazard warning flashers.
- Check the inflation pressures of all tires including the spare.
At least twice a year (i.e., every Spring and Fall) :
- Check radiator, heater and air conditioning hoses for leaks or damage.
- Check windshield washer spray and wiper operation. Clean wiper blades with clean cloth dampened with washer fluid.
- Check headlight alignment.
- Check muffler, exhaust pipes, shields and clamps.
- Check the lap/shoulder belts for wear and function.
- Check for worn tires and loose wheel lug nuts.
At least once a year :
- Clean body and door drain holes.
- Lubricate door hinges and checks, and hood hinges.
- Lubricate door and hood locks and latches.
- Lubricate door rubber weatherstrips.
- Check the air conditioning system.
- Inspect and lubricate automatic transaxle linkage and controls.
- Clean battery and terminals.
- Check the brake (and clutch) fluid level.
SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE SERVICE
Follow Normal Maintenance Schedule if the vehicle is usually operated where none of the following conditions apply. If any of the following conditions apply, follow Maintenance Under Severe Usage Conditions.
- Repeated short distance driving.
- Driving in dusty conditions or sandy areas.
- Extensive use of brakes.
- Driving in areas where salt or other corrosive materials are being used.
- Driving on rough or muddy roads.
- Driving in mountainous areas.
- Extended periods of idling or low speed operation.
- Driving for a prolonged period in cold temperatures and/or extremely humid climates.
- More than 50% driving in heavy city traffic during hot weather above 90°F (32°C).
If your vehicle is operated under the above conditions, you should inspect, replace or refill more frequently than the following Normal Maintenance Schedule. After 120 month or 150,000 miles (240,000 km) continue to follow the prescribed maintenance intervals.
NORMAL MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
The following maintenance services must be performed to ensure good emission control and performance. Keep receipts for all vehicle emission services to protect your warranty. Where both mileage and time are shown, the frequency of service is determined by whichever occurs first.
R : Replace
I : Inspect and, after Inspection, clean, adjust, repair or replace if necessary.
NORMAL MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE (CONT.)
R : Replace
I : Inspect and, after inspection, clean, adjust, repair or replace if necessary
NORMAL MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE (CONT.)
R : Replace
I : Inspect and, after inspection, clean, adjust, repair or replace if necessary
MAINTENANCE UNDER SEVERE USAGE CONDITIONS
The following items must be serviced more frequently on cars normally used under severe driving conditions. Refer to the chart below for the appropriate maintenance intervals.
R : Replace
I : Inspect and, after inspection, clean, adjust, repair or replace if necessary
SEVERE DRIVING CONDITIONS
A – Repeatedly driving short distance of less than 5miles (8km) in normal temperature or less than 10miles (16km) in freezing temperature
B – Extensive engine idling or low speed driving for long distances
C – Driving on rough, dusty, muddy, unpaved, graveled or salt- spread roads
D – Driving in areas using salt or other corrosive materials or in very cold E – Driving in sandy areas
F – Driving in heavy traffic area over 90°F (32°C)
G – Driving on uphill, downhill, or mountain road
H – Towing a Trailer, or using a camper, or roof rack
I – Driving as a patrol car, taxi, other commercial use or vehicle towing
J – Driving over 100 MPH (170 Km/h)
K – Frequently driving in stop-and-go conditions weather
EXPLANATION OF SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE ITEMS
Engine oil and filter
The engine oil and filter should be changed at the intervals specified in the maintenance schedule. If the car is being driven in severe conditions, more frequent oil and filter changes are required.
Drive belts
Inspect all drive belts for evidence of cuts, cracks, excessive wear or oil saturation and replace if necessary. Drive belts should be checked periodically for proper tension and adjusted as necessary.
Fuel filter
A clogged filter can limit the speed at which the vehicle may be driven, damage the emission system and cause multiple issues such as hard starting. If an excessive amount of foreign matter accumulates in the fuel tank, the filter may require replacement more frequently. After installing a new filter, run the engine
for several minutes, and check for leaks at the connections. Fuel filters should be installed by trained technicians.
Fuel lines, fuel hoses and connections
Check the fuel lines, fuel hoses and connections for leakage and damage. Have a trained technician replace any damaged or leaking parts immediately.
Timing belt
Inspect all parts related to the timing belt for damage and deformation. Replace any damaged parts immediately.
Vapor hose and fuel filler cap
The vapor hose and fuel filler cap should be inspected at those intervals specified in the maintenance schedule. Make sure that a new vapor hose or fuel filler cap is correctly replaced.
Vacuum crankcase ventilation hoses
Inspect the surface of hoses for evidence of heat and/or mechanical damage. Hard and brittle rubber, cracking, tears, cuts, abrasions, and excessive swelling indicate deterioration. Particular attention should be paid to examine those hose surfaces nearest to high heat sources, such as the exhaust manifold. Inspect the hose routing to assure that the hoses do not come in contact with any heat source, sharp edges or moving component which might cause heat damage or mechanical wear. Inspect all hose connections, such as clamps and couplings, to make sure they are secure, and be replaced immediately if there is any evidence of deterioration or damage.
Air cleaner filter
A Genuine Hyundai air cleaner filter is recommended when the filter is replaced.
Spark plugs
Make sure to install new spark plugs of the correct heat range.
Valve clearance
Inspect excessive valve noise and/or engine vibration and adjust if necessary. A qualified technician should perform the operation.
Cooling system
Check the cooling system parts, such as radiator, coolant reservoir, hoses and connections for leakage and damage. Replace any damaged parts.
Coolant
The coolant should be changed at the intervals specified in the maintenance schedule.
ENGINE OIL
Checking the engine oil level
- Be sure the vehicle is on level ground.
- Start the engine and allow it to reach normal operating temperature.
- Turn the engine off and wait for a few minutes (about 5 minutes) for the oil to return to the oil pan.
- Pull the dipstick out, wipe it clean, and re-insert it fully
⚠ WARNING – Radiator hose
Be very careful not to touch the radiator hose when checking or adding the engine oil as it may be hot enough to burn you.
- Pull the dipstick out again and check the level. The level should be between F and L.
If it is near or at L, add enough oil to bring the level to F. Do not overfill. Use a funnel to refill the new oil comfortably. Use only the specified engine oil. (Refer to the section 9.)
Changing the engine oil and filter
Have engine oil and filter changed by an authorized Hyundai dealer according to the Maintenance Schedule at the beginning of this section.
⚠ PROPOSITION 65 WARNING
Engine oil contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects and reproductive harm. Used engine oil may cause irritation or cancer of the skin if left in contact with the skin for prolonged periods of time. Always protect your skin by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water as soon as possible after handling used oil.
ENGINE COOLANT
The high-pressure cooling system has a reservoir filled with year-round antifreeze coolant. The reservoir is filled at the factory. Check the antifreeze protection and coolant level at least once a year, at the
beginning of the winter season, and before traveling to a colder climate.
Checking the coolant level
⚠ WARNING – Removing radiator cap
- Never attempt to remove the radiator cap while the engine is operating or hot. Doing so might lead to cooling system and engine damage and could result in serious personal injury from escaping hot coolant or steam.
- Turn the engine off and wait until it cools down. Use extreme care when removing the radiator cap. Wrap a thick towel around it, and turn it counterclockwise slowly to the first stop. Step back while the pressure is released from the cooling system. When you are sure all the pressure has been released, press down on the cap, using a thick towel, and continue turning counterclockwise to remove it.
- Even if the engine is not operating, do not remove the radiator cap or the drain plug while the engine and radiator are hot. Hot coolant and steam may still blow out under pressure, causing serious injury.
Checking the engine oil level
- Be sure the vehicle is on level ground.
- Start the engine and allow it to reach normal operating temperature.
- Turn the engine off and wait for a few minutes (about 5 minutes) for the oil to return to the oil pan.
- Pull the dipstick out, wipe it clean, and reinsert it fully.
⚠ WARNING – Radiator hose
Be very careful not to touch the radiator hose when checking or adding the engine oil as it may be hot enough to burn you.
- Pull the dipstick out again and check the level. The level should be between F and L.
If it is near or at L, add enough oil to bring the level to F. Do not overfill. Use a funnel to refill the new oil comfortably. Use only the specified engine oil. (Refer to the section 9.)
Changing the engine oil and filter
Have engine oil and filter changed by an authorized Hyundai dealer according to the Maintenance Schedule at the beginning of this section.
⚠ PROPOSITION 65 WARNING
Engine oil contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects and reproductive harm. Used engine oil may cause irritation or cancer of the skin if left in contact with the
skin for prolonged periods of time. Always protect your skin by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water as soon as possible after handling used oil.
ENGINE COOLANT
The high-pressure cooling system has a reservoir filled with year-round antifreeze coolant. The reservoir is filled at the factory. Check the antifreeze protection and coolant level at least once a year, at the
beginning of the winter season, and before traveling to a colder climate.
Checking the coolant level
⚠ WARNING – Removing radiator cap
- Never attempt to remove the radiator cap while the engine is operating or hot. Doing so might lead to cooling system and engine damage and could result in serious personal injury from escaping hot coolant or steam.
- Turn the engine off and wait until it cools down. Use extreme care when removing the radiator cap. Wrap a thick towel around it, and turn it counterclockwise slowly to the first stop. Step back while the pressure is released from the cooling system. When you are sure all the pressure has been released, press down on the cap, using a thick towel, and continue turning counterclockwise to remove it.
- Even if the engine is not operating, do not remove the radiator cap or the drain plug while the engine and radiator are hot. Hot coolant and steam may still blow out under pressure, causing serious injury.
Check the condition and connections of all cooling system hoses and heater hoses. Replace any swollen or deteriorated hoses. The coolant level should be filled between F and L marks on the side of the coolant reservoir when the engine is cool.
If the coolant level is low, add enough specified coolant to provide protection against freezing and corrosion. Bring the level to F, but do not overfill. If frequent additions are required, see an authorized Hyundai dealer for a cooling system inspection.
Recommended engine coolant
- Use only soft (de-mineralized) water in the coolant mixture.
- The engine in your vehicle has aluminum engine parts and must be protected by an ethylene-glycol-based coolant to prevent corrosion and freezing.
- DO NOT USE alcohol or methanol coolant or mix them with the specified coolant.
- Do not use a solution that contains more than 60% antifreeze or less than 35% antifreeze, which would reduce the effectiveness of the solution.
For mixture percentage, refer to the following table.
⚠ WARNING – Radiator cap
Do not remove the radiator cap when the engine and radiator are hot. Scalding hot coolant and steam may blow out under pressure causing serious injury.
Changing the coolant
Have coolant changed by an authorized Hyundai dealer according to the Maintenance Schedule at the beginning of this section.
⚠ WARNING – Coolant
- Do not use radiator coolant or antifreeze in the washer fluid reservoir.
- Radiator coolant can severely obscure visibility when sprayed on the windshield and may cause loss of vehicle control or damage to paint and body trim.
- Windshield Washer fluid agents contain some amounts of alcohol and can be flammable under certain circumstances. Do not allow sparks or flame to contact the washer fluid or the washer fluid reservoir. Damage to the vehicle or occupants could occur.
- Windshield washer fluid is poisonous to humans and animals. Do not drink and avoid contacting windshield washer fluid. Serious injury or death could occur.
BRAKES AND CLUTCH (IF EQUIPPED) FLUID
Checking the brake/clutch fluid level
Check the fluid level in the reservoir periodically. The fluid level should be between MAX and MIN marks on the side of the reservoir. Before removing the reservoir cap and adding brake/clutch fluid, clean the area around the reservoir cap thoroughly to prevent brake/clutch fluid contamination.
If the level is low, add fluid to the MAX level. The level will fall with accumulated mileage. This is a normal condition associated with the wear of the brake linings. If the fluid level is excessively low, have the brake system checked by an authorized Hyundai dealer. Use only the specified brake/clutch fluid. (Refer to the section 9.) Never mix different types of fluid.
⚠ WARNING – Loss of brake fluid
In the event the brake system requires frequent additions of fluid, the vehicle should be inspected by an authorized Hyundai dealer.
⚠ WARNING – Brake fluid
When changing and adding brake/clutch fluid, handle it carefully. Do not let it come in contact with your eyes. If brake/clutch fluid should come in contact with your eyes, immediately flush them with a large quantity of fresh tap water. Have your eyes examined by a doctor as soon as possible.
⚠ CAUTION
Do not allow brake/clutch fluid to contact the vehicle’s body paint, as paint damage will result. Brake/clutch fluid, which has been exposed to open air for an extended time should never be used as its quality cannot be guaranteed. It should be disposed of properly. Don’t put in the wrong kind of fluid. A few drops of mineral-based oil, such as engine oil, in your brake/clutch system can damage brake/clutch system.
AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE FLUID (IF EQUIPPED)
Checking the automatic transaxle fluid level
The automatic transaxle fluid level should be checked regularly. Keep the vehicle on the level ground with
the parking brake applied and check the fluid level according to the following procedure.
- Place the selector lever in N (Neutral) position and confirm the engine is running at normal idle speed.
- After the transaxle is warmed up sufficiently (fluid temperature 70~80°C (158~176°F), for example by 10 minutes usual driving, move the shift lever through all positions then place the selector lever in “N (Neutral) or P (Park)” position.
- Confirm that the fluid level is in “HOT” range on the level gauge. If the fluid level is lower, add the specified fluid from the fill hole. If the fluid level is higher, drain the fluid from the drain hole.
- If the fluid level is checked in cold condition (fluid temperature 20~30°C (68~86°F) add the fluid to “COLD” line and then recheck the fluid level according to the above step 2.
⚠ WARNING – Transaxle fluid
The transaxle fluid level should be checked when the engine is at normal operating temperature. This
means that the engine, radiator, radiator hose and exhaust system etc., are very hot. Exercise great care not to burn yourself during this procedure.
⚠ CAUTION
Low fluid level causes transaxle slippage. Overfilling can cause foaming, loss of fluid and transaxle malfunction.
The use of a non-specified fluid could result in transaxle malfunction and failure.
⚠ WARNING – Parking brake
To avoid sudden movement of the vehicle, apply parking brake and depress the brake pedal before moving the shift lever.
✽ NOTICE
“COLD” range is for reference only and should NOT be used to determine transaxle fluid level.
✽ NOTICE
New automatic transaxle fluid should be red. The red dye is added so the assembly plant can identify it as automatic transaxle fluid and distinguish it from engine oil or antifreeze. The red dye, which is not an indicator of fluid quality, is not permanent. As the vehicle is driven, the automatic transaxle fluid will begin to look darker. The color may eventually appear light brown. Therefore, have an authorized Hyundai dealer change the automatic transaxle fluid according to the Scheduled Maintenance at the beginning of this section. Use only the specified automatic transaxle fluid. (Refer to the section 9.)
Changing the automatic transaxle fluid
Have automatic transaxle fluid changed by an authorized Hyundai dealer according to the Maintenance Schedule at the beginning of this section.
WASHER FLUID
Checking the washer fluid level
The reservoir is translucent so that you can check the level with a quick visual inspection. Check the fluid level in the washer fluid reservoir and add fluid if necessary. Plain water may be used if washer fluid is not available. However, use washer solvent with antifreeze characteristics in cold climates to prevent freezing.
⚠ WARNING – Coolant
- Do not use radiator coolant or antifreeze in the washer fluid reservoir.
- Radiator coolant can severely obscure visibility when sprayed on the windshield and may cause loss of vehicle control or damage to paint and body trim.
- Windshield Washer fluid agents contain some amounts of alcohol and can be flammable under certain circumstances. Do not allow sparks or flame to contact the washer fluid or the washer fluid reservoir. Damage to the vehicle or occupants could occur.
- Windshield washer fluid is poisonous to humans and animals. Do not drink and avoid contacting windshield washer fluid. Serious injury or death could occur.
AIR CLEANER
Filter replacement
It must be replaced when necessary, and should not be cleaned and reused.
- Loosen the air cleaner cover attaching clips and open the cover.
- Replace the air cleaner filter.
- Lock the cover with the cover attaching clips.
Replace the filter according to the Scheduled Maintenance Section. If the vehicle is operated in extremely
dusty or sandy areas, replace the element more often than the usual recommended intervals. (Refer to “Maintenance under severe usage conditions” in this section.)
⚠ CAUTION
- Do not drive with the air cleaner removed; this will result in excessive engine wear.
- When removing the air cleaner filter, be careful that dust or dirt does not enter the air intake, or damage may result.
- Use a Hyundai genuine part. Use of nongenuine parts could damage the air flow sensor.