Workshop Manuals Factory service & repair Hyundai

Hyundai common faults and how to fix them

Faults that are well known on Hyundai models we hold manuals for: what the owner notices, what causes it, and the pages in our manuals that cover the repair.

Hyundai brake light switch recall: stop lamp switch on 2005–2008 models

Symptoms

The brake lights don't come on when the pedal is pressed, or stay on after it is released. The gear lever may not come out of Park, because the shift interlock relies on the same switch. The stability control (ESC) warning light can also come on, and the cruise control may not switch off when the brakes are applied.

Cause

NHTSA recall 09V122000 covers 531,894 vehicles: 2006–2007 Accent, Entourage and Sonata, 2007 Azera, Elantra and Santa Fe, 2005–2007 Tucson and 2007–2008 Veracruz. The stop lamp switch above the brake pedal may malfunction. A follow-up recall, 09V280000, added a further 3,011 2005–2007 Elantra, Tucson, Sonata, Azera and Accent models.

Fix

Check with a Hyundai dealer whether the recall has been done; the remedy is a new stop lamp switch, free of charge. If the car is stuck in Park, the Hyundai brake light switch is the first thing to check. When fitting a switch, set its adjustment exactly as the manual describes so the lights go off when the pedal is released. The later Hyundai stop lamp switch recall lists the extra cars.

Repair instructions on this site

Sources: NHTSA recalls 09V122000 and 09V280000.

Hyundai P0011: CVVT oil control valve, rough idle and camshaft timing codes

Symptoms

The check engine light comes on with a camshaft timing code such as P0011 (intake camshaft timing over-advanced), sometimes with misfire codes. The engine may idle roughly or feel slow to accelerate.

Cause

Hyundai engines with continuously variable valve timing (CVVT) move the camshaft using engine oil, switched by an oil control valve (OCV). If the valve sticks or the oil supply is poor, the camshaft can't reach the position the engine computer asks for. Hyundai's bulletin on inspecting the OCV applies to all its CVVT engines, and warns against replacing the valve if it works correctly.

Fix

Check the oil level and condition first, and change the oil if it is old. Then follow the Hyundai P0011 bulletin to test the oil control valve: if it works normally, don't replace it, and look for other causes such as the timing chain or belt position. If it is faulty, a new Hyundai oil control valve is fitted. Clear the codes and road test afterwards.

Repair instructions on this site

Sources: Hyundai technical service bulletin, CVVT oil control valve inspection.

Hyundai crankshaft position sensor: replacing it on the 1996–1999 Accent, Elantra and Tiburon

Symptoms

A failing crankshaft position sensor can make the engine cut out, stall or refuse to start and usually sets a crankshaft position sensor code such as P0335.

Cause

Hyundai changed the sensor in 1997 from a metal housing to a plastic one (part 39180-22050). Its bulletin for the 1996–1999 Accent, Elantra and Tiburon warns that the two designs fit differently. When an old-style sensor is replaced with the new style, the old O-ring and plastic washer left in the mounting hole must be removed first.

Fix

Confirm the sensor is at fault with the code and a check of its signal and wiring before replacing it. When fitting the new type, follow the Hyundai crankshaft position sensor bulletin: take out the old O-ring and plastic washer from the hole, then fit the new sensor with its own seal. Clear the codes and check the engine starts and idles normally.

Repair instructions on this site

Sources: Hyundai technical service bulletin, crankshaft position sensor replacement procedure.