QuestionQUESTION: 2002 Accent: In the morning when I start the car, it seems like the idle is not stable, it goes high then low and repeats for few times and then settles at the desired level.
2003 Santa Fe (2.4 L): The idle seem to be high, when I start in the morning. Idle seems to be around 1500 RPM and the suggested value is under 1000. When I put it in the gear, the RPM drops. Another question is about the fuel filter, The manual says to replace it after 52,500 miles. Does it needs to be changed. Where is the fuel filter, inside the fuel tank or outside and what is the procedure to change it.
Does the ignition timings/timing belts etc needs to be checked/replaced for any of the above 2 cars.
Thanks,
Manoj
ANSWER: '02 Accent: It's possible that the car needs to properly learn its idle. You may be able to cure this by letting the car idle for 1/2 hour or so with the a/c off, and then repeating again when cold with the a/c on. If this doesn't work, it's possible you have an intermittent problem with the throttle position sensor or a vacuum leak. A frequent place that vacuum leaks occur is the PCV hose.
'03 Santa Fe: Starting at 1500 and quickly dropping to 1000 doesn't sound abnormal. When cold-- even 90 degrees F is cold for your engine-- the engine will typically go to a fast idle. The fuel filter is located on the fuel pump assembly inside the fuel tank. To replace, you'll need to remove the left rear seat and the access panel underneath the carpet there. Then, disconnect the electrical connectors and fuel lines, and unbolt and remove the fuel pump assembly. Use extreme caution when removing the screws attaching the fuel pump. They can get rusty and may break off. If that happens, you may need to replace the fuel tank. Once you have the fuel pump out, you'll need to disassemble the fuel pump assembly to replace the filter. Although Hyundai recommends replacing this filter at 52,500 miles, I've never seen a failure of a Hyundai fuel filter. If there's any question as to whether you'll be able to remove the fuel pump without breaking the screws, you're better off to leave everything in place.
Both: The timing belt is recommended to be changed at four years or 60,000 miles. So your Accent is due regardless of mileage, and the Santa Fe may be due depending on the date of original sale. Regardless, do not delay on replacing the Santa Fe timing belt once you reach four years. I've seen the belts on the 2.4 liter engine fail numerous times in very close proximity to the maintenace interval. Although the Accent has been due for longer, depending on mileage, it may not be as critical. I've never seen a timing belt failure on either the 1.5 or 1.6 Accent that was anywhere close to the maintenance interval. In both cases, a timing belt failure is likely to cause engine damage.
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Thanks a lot of the response, follow up question
Accent 2002 (1.6 L): I will try what you suggested. Does this car has one serpentine belt that needs to be replaced or it has more than one belt (like timing belt and some other belts). Please let me know, how many belts this car has and which one you suggest to replace.
Santa Fe (2003 2.4 L): I checked this morning, the idle starts at around 2000RPM and within 1-2 minutes drop to 1500 and stays there (I had to go, so didn't check for longer). Once I put it in gear, it drops around 1000RPM. When I drove for few miles. I stopped the car and restarted it, The idle was around the recommended level (1000RPM).
Can you also please tell me, how many belts are in this SUV as well as I can see more than one and which one needs to be replaced.
Thanks again
Manoj Singla
Answer'02 Accent: You have three drive belts (A/C, alternator-water pump, and power steering) and one timing belt. Since you'll have the drive belts off when replacing the timing belt, this is the time to replace them unless they're relatively new.
'03 Santa Fe 2.4: You have two drive belts, a timing belt, and a balance shaft belt. You should replace the timing and balance shaft belts at the same time, and the same criteria as above should be used for the drive belts.
I'm still not convinced you have an idle problem, but I'll say it's possible. You might take it in to the dealer or good driveability shop to have it checked. Mostly, I'd be looking for someone to hook up a scan tool and make sure all the data values seem appropriate. Depending on conditions, the ECM may command a high idle of 2000 RPM or so. The fact that you say this doesn't happen after the car has been driven suggests that it may, in fact, be normal.
