Hyundai Repair: 2004 Sante fe spark plugs, throttle position sensor, air flow sensor

Question
The car has recently had an oil change & now appears to be a bit more difficult when you start the engine when its hot & sometimes stalls within the first 10 seconds.  Once its going there is no problem at all.

The next service is a major one & don't want to do it until we've done some more miles.

I looked at the air filter & its not bad, but the plugs could be replaced - there is a ring around the white ceramic at the top of the plug.

Taking the front 3 out is no problime, but the back3 means taking off the intake manifold.  Is there another way that I'm missing, or do you have to take the air intake manifold (along with the carb etc) off just to change the back plugs ?

Thanks

Answer
There are a number of problems that could be causing the stalling.  The prime suspects would be the idle actuator, the throttle position sensor, and the air flow sensor.  If your check engine lamp is on, start with reading your diagnostic trouble codes.  AutoZone and AAMCO have advertised they'll do this at no charge.

You'll need to remove the upper half of the intake to replace the rear three plugs.  Unless you're experiencing a misfire, it's doubtful the plugs are the source of your problem.

You're welcome to follow up with the diagnostic trouble codes and anything else you'd like further assistance with.  But if you find yourself beyond your means for diagnosis, you shouldn't let your next major service keep you from taking the car in.  It's almost always possible to repair a vehicle without completing a major maintenance service.