Hyundai Tucson: Checking and changing the engine coolant

WARNING: Do not remove the radiator cap when the engine is hot. When the engine is hot, the engine coolant is under pressure and may erupt through the opening if the cap is removed. You could be seriously burned if you do not observe this precaution. Do not remove the radiator cap until the radiator is cool to the touch.

Recommended Engine Coolant

Use a high quality ethylene-glycol coolant in a 50/50 mix with water. The engine coolant should be compatible with aluminum engine parts. Additional corrosion inhibitors or additives should not be used. The cooling system must be maintained with the correct concentration and type of engine coolant to prevent freezing and corrosion. Never allow the concentration of antifreeze to exceed the 60% level or go below the 35% level, or damage to the cooling system may result. For proper concentration when adding or replacing the engine coolant, refer to the following table.

To Check the Coolant Level

The coolant level can be seen on the side of the plastic coolant reservoir. The level of the coolant should be between the "L" and "F" lines on the reservoir when the engine is cool. If the level is below the "L" mark, add engine coolant to bring it up between "L" and "F". If the level is low, inspect for coolant leaks and recheck the fluid level frequently. If the level drops again, visit your Hyundai dealer for an inspection and diagnosis of the reason.

To Change the Engine Coolant

The engine coolant should be changed at those intervals specified in the vehicle maintenance schedule in Section 5.

CAUTION: Engine coolant can damage the finish of your car. If you spill engine coolant on the car, wash it off thoroughly with clean water.

1. Park the car on level ground, set the parking brake and remove the radiator cap when cool.

2. Turn the radiator cap counterclockwise without pressing down on it, until it stops. This relieves any pressure remaining in the cooling system. And remove the radiator cap by pushing down and turning counterclockwise. 3. Be sure your drain receptacle is in place. Open the drain cock on the radiator. Allow all the engine coolant to drain from the cooling system, then securely close the drain cock. 4. Check Section 9 for the capacity of the cooling system in your car. Then, following the manufacturer's directions on the engine coolant container, add the appropriate quantity of coolant to the radiator. 5. Fill the radiator with clean demineralized or distilled water. Continue to add clean demineralized or distilled water in small quantities until the fluid level stays up in the radiator neck.

6. Start the engine, top off the radiator with water and then add coolant to the reservoir until the level is between "L" and "F". 7. Replace the radiator and reservoir caps and check to be sure the drain cocks are fully closed and not leaking.

WARNING: The cooling fan is controlled by engine coolant temperature and may sometimes operate even when the engine is not running. Use extreme caution when working near the blades of the coolant fan so that you are not injured by a rotating fan blade. As the engine coolant temperature decreases, the fan will automatically shut off. This is a normal condition.

Changing the air cleaner filter

To change the filter, unsnap the clips around the cover. When this is done, the cover can be lifted off, the old filter removed and the new filter put in its place. Genuine Hyundai Replacement Parts are recommended.

CAUTION: o Operating your vehicle without a proper air filter in place can result in excessive engine wear. o When removing the air cleaner filter, be careful that dust or dirt does not enter the air intake. These may result in damage to the air cleaner filter.

Windshield wiper blades

The wiper blades should be carefully inspected from time to time and cleaned to remove accumulations of road film or other debris. To clean the wiper blades and arms, use a clean sponge or cloth with a mild soap or detergent and water. If the wipers continue to streak or smear the glass, replace them with genuine Hyundai replacement parts or their equivalent.

CAUTION: o Do not operate the wipers on dry glass. This can result in more rapid wear of the wiper blades and may scratch the glass. o Keep the blade rubber out of contact with petroleum products such as engine oil, gasoline, etc.

Filling the washer reservoir

The washer fluid reservoir supplies fluid to the front and rear washer systems. A good quality washer fluid should be used to fill the washer reservoir. The fluid level should be checked more frequently during inclement weather or whenever the washer system is in more frequent use. The capacity of the washer reservoir is 3.59 U.S. quarts (3.4 Liters).

CAUTION: o Radiator anti-freeze (engine coolant) should not be used in the washer system because it will damage the car's finish. o The washer should not be operated if the washer reservoir is empty. This can damage the washer fluid pump.

WARNING: o 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 its occupants could occur. o Windshield washer fluid is poisonous to humans and animals. Do not drink windshield washer fluid. Serious injury or death could occur.

Checking the transaxle oil (manual)

Transaxle lubricant in the manual transaxle should be checked at those intervals specified in the vehicle maintenance schedule in Section 5.

Recommended Oil

Use only HYUNDAI GENUINE PARTS MTF 75W/85 (API GL-4) or EQUIVALENT in the manual transaxle.

Manual Transaxle Oil Capacity

The oil capacity of the manual transaxle is 2.2 U.S. quarts (2.1 liters).

WARNING: It is always better to check the transaxle oil level when the engine is cool or cold. If the engine is hot, you should exercise great caution to avoid burning yourself on hot engine or exhaust parts.

To Check the Manual Transaxle Fluid Level

Park the car on level ground with the engine off. 1. Using a wrench of the correct size, loosen the oil filler plug by turning it counterclockwise and remove it with your fingers. 2. Use your finger or suitable tool to feel inside the hole. The oil level should be at its bottom edge. If it is not, check for leaks before adding oil. To refill the transaxle or bring the oil level up,add oil slowly until it reaches the proper level. Do not overfill. 3. Replace the plug and washer, screw it in with your fingers and then tighten securely with the wrench.

Changing the oil and filter

Checking the transaxle fluid (automatic)