2001 Hyundai Santa Fe

2001 Hyundai Santa Fe questions and answers

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Q: What are common problems of a 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe?
I just went to test drive someones used 2001 Santa Fe. They are selling it for 2,994. When you start the car its kinda loud but I am used to that since we have an old chevy car that does the same thing. I really need a car and my brother says that its too much for that car and he thinks it has been in an accident. I think he is just saying that because he LIVES by chevy. I need a car experts advice? What should i do? I really want this car and can deal with the fact that its not perfect, but i just don't want it to explode or anything crazy while I am driving it. Help?

A: Is it a 2.4L four cylinder or 2.7L V6? Either way, the input and output speed sensors in the gearbox are prone to failure, and the transfer cases are quite prone to leaking (these may have been picked up on and rectified previously under manufacturer's warranty however, if it has service records be sure to take a look). Early four cylinder models had a dual-mass flywheel which is only available as a genuine part through Hyundai and can be costly (>AU$1000), later models had a single-mass flywheel which is able to be sourced aftermarket. Interior plastics, particularly the black plastic around the centre binnacle are susceptable to peeling and stickiness. The headlamps and known to glaze due to the plastic construction. Be sure to check if it has been properly maintained according to the logbooks, the V6 models have platinum spark plugs which are changed every 90,000km, and to replace the rear bank of plugs involves the removal of the plenum chamber, a costly excercise in itself, let alone the cost of the platinum plugs. Check if the timing belt has been done every 90,000km, and whether the timing belt tensioner has been replaced at the same time as it is prone to failure, and normally replaced as a timing belt service. That said, its a pretty capable vehicle and, if properly maintained, a reliable vehicle. Just be sure to get it properly checked over by a capable mechanic particularly if there is concern that it has been involved in an accident (the engine being loud is a bit of a concern as well, as they are normally pretty quiet..)

Q: 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe - Code P0421 Help!?
I have an 01 Hyundai Santa Fe 2WD 4Cyl and have been having issues with this stupid code (P0421 Warm Up Catalyst Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1) ) for a while. At first we fixed one of the catalytic converters, but the light came back on. Then we fixed the muffler (we had some sort of leak) but the light came back on. We just recently fixed the bank 1 O2 sensor with a universal oxygen sensor from Shuck's and after a day the light came back on. I really do not want to have to spend money to fix the 2nd Catalytic converter if that's not the issue. Ive taken it to mechanics and everyone says just fix the O2 sensor and everything will be fine - well its not and I hate this stupid car now! Does anyone have any idea what could be wrong with this code? I read something about freeze frames, but don't know what that means. Thanks so much! And to top it all off - my husband just found a crack in the manifold. Love foreign cars!!

A: What do you mean by 'fix the converter'? A crack you tried to epoxy or weld? Did you hollow it out, thinking it was plugged? Unfortunately, the best option for defective converters is to replace them. Fixes usually don't fix anything at all in these instances. And the exterior is cast iron, so a really good welder is usually needed to do it properly. Even then, replacement is best. Computers can detect even the smallest of leaks. The P0421 code is for the catalytic converter on the exhaust manifold. There is an 8 year/ 80,000 mile federal emissions warranty on the converters, even if you are the 10th owner. Assuming you are out of warranty, the cheapest way to go would be to try a junkyard (although they usually scrap them). OE from Hyundai for the cat. is $835.00 and that doesn't include gaskets, studs or labor. Over the years, I have dealt with many complaints about aftermarket oxygen sensors and the light coming back on - even though the sensor isn't defective. I suggest replacing with an OEM sensor and it usually takes care of the problem. Return the sensor to Shuck's and get your money back-tell them it's defective. Is the only issue that the light won't go off? Is there anything different about the performance of the vehicle? Hesitating, loud, poor gas mileage etc... If you drove the vehicle to turn the light off, the code will remain in the computer and will always pop up when scanning, perhaps confusing the issue. If you shut the light off with the computer hookup and the light comes on with the same code: if it was repaired, the repair didn't hold; if it was replaced, the part may be defective. Call a Hyundai dealer with your VIN and inquire on any recalls that may need to be performed or any service bulletins that match your issue. I suggest taking it to a Hyundai dealer, or a place that is familiar with them. DIY doesn't always save money.

Q: 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe Code P0421?
I've been having trouble with code P0421... I replaced the catalytic converter and it went away. Two days later the check engine light came back on so I went back to the mechanic and he cleared the code... then 3 days later the check engine light came back on again. I don't know whats going on... could it be that the oxygen sensors are faulty? Also when I come to a stop at a red light somewhere... sometimes the car feels like it jumps... it doesn't move forward but it just feels like some sort of bump. It runs fine but the only problem that comes up is code P0421... anyone have any suggestions? Thanks.

A: Freeze frame is diagnostic data for the moment the code sets not a problem in this case. II f you have any sort of an exhaust leak it can set this code, because it dilutes the exhaust gas tricking the sensors. So I would remedy any leaks first. Then i would graph pre and post o2s to find faults. Take it to a dealer they have all equipment for this.

Q: I swapped a motor, 01 Santa Fe, Its not cranking?? Help!!?
I JSUT SWAPPED A MOTOR ON A 2001 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. ITS NOT CRANKING WHEN TURNING THE KEY ON BUT IF I SHORT THE STARTER IT DOES CRANK. IS IT THE STARTER?? IS THERE AN ALARM FEATURE THAT NEEDS TO BE RESET?? IM COMPLETLY FED UP AT THIS POINT. CAN SOMEONE HELP? It just started working!! im not even gonna ask how or why, as long as it works!!!

A: Do you have the original key,It may have a chip.Possibly a safety feature in your shifter.Many vehicles will not start if there is something wrong with the switch. You also might look for an in-line fuse that has blown.

Q: Has anyone had any major problems with a Hyundai Santa FE?
Was thinking of buying a used 2001 model.

A: my mom has a 03 santa-fe and it runs great, no problems at all, i do all the oil changes on it myself with mobil1 oil and a factory filter. it has 35k on it now, and i don't see it ever giving her any problems.

Q: My immobiliser has stopped working, how can i override it?
i have an Hyundai Santa Fe 2001 and my fob has stopped working, i can unlock and lock the car using the key but the immobiliser stops me starting the car.is there any way i can disable the immobiliser so i can drive it to the dealer to buy a new fob. I have all the keys(purple and two black) and the key serial number.

A: Firstly check and renew battery. Check the button contacts as the solder joints tend to crack or develop dry joints after much use. Access alarm system control module located under drivers side lower facia. Set memory switch to set position. Press remote control lock or unlock button. Set memory switch to off. Press lock/unlock buttons to confirm syncronistion. Have you got the master key with hyundai logo on both sides? Look in the owners handbook, it tells you how to deactivate the system!

Q: Broken speedometer or electronics?
I've got a 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe and the speedometer works occasionally. Since the odometer and trip odometers are digital it doesn't record mileage properly. Could this be a bad cable or the electronics in the dash going bad? Or both?

A: I would check the cable where it go into the trans . It could be loose or the senser at the trans is faulty.

Q: Which car gets better gas mileage?
I currently own a 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe... it seems to be guzzling gas BIG time...I'm getting about 10 miles to the gallon highway... it's had it's oil changed and all of that good stuff... I'm looking into trading her in for a 2004 Jeep Liberty (I've found a good deal for one) does the Liberty get better gas mileage? I know it has a bigger tank, but I'm getting different information about the mpg! **I'm doing how many miles I drive to and from school and how many gallons I'm putting in. That's why I'm asking...online it says 22, but I'm find that sort of hard to believe as that's what they said about the Santa Fe, too! Pedro, I'm not an idiot. I had a tune up at the end of June and again at the beginning of August (after a long road trip)... I take really good care of my car... just recently it's been guzzling gas big time.

A: The motorcar that helps you good in fuel economy, high speed engine performances & smooth engine cleansing high.

Q: What happened?! Started the car this morning and brake wouldn't work!?
When I started the car this morning and I put the car in drive, I accelerated slowly, like not even 5 mph. When I tried to stop, I pressed the brake and nothing happened. The car kept rolling. I continued to press the brake as hard as I could and it began shaking/vibrating. I had to shift into park to stop the car! However, I decided to take the chance and drive it to the dealer right down the road. No more problems. What could have happened? Im scared to drive it now. It's a 2001 Hyundai santa fe 3.5 AWD. Never had any problems. Thanks for any help! The dealership called and told me they could not find anything wrong. They told me that I didn't have ABS on my car. Instead they tried telling me that it is because it was due to a cold start! No matter what your brakes should engage even if it is cold and you are pressing the brake pedal as hard as you can! I was only going 4-5 mph and did not slam on the brakes. The brake pedal was depressed but it felt like it would when you would normally brake. It just didn't do anything except vibrate - especially when I threw it into park

A: what did the brake pedal do when you pressed it? was it at the top and hard or did it sink to the floor?.............i have a thought about what might have happened, i'm thinking it might be more of an engine/transmission problem, heres why: when you first start most engines they go to a higher rpm idle speed, and if by chance you put it into drive and started to move the car and for some reason the torque converter in the transmission went into lock-up mode and then you tried to stop and the converter didnt unlock it would be like a manual shift car that you came to a stop with without pushing the clutch in, it would start shaking and bucking as the engine tried to stay running, its kinda far fetched, try to get it to do it again in an unpoupulated area, if it happens again try just putting the trans in neutral and see if it stops. good luck

Q: replacing rear view mirror?
I would appriciate anyhelp on replacing a rear view mirro that accidently got knocked off. It is on a 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe, The piece to hook mirror onto is still on the windshield. Thank you so much for your help.

A: An auto parts store will carry an adhesive made specifically for the rear view mirror. Just follow the directions, and it works. It usually costs around three dollars.