Instrument cluster indicators (Hyundai Sonata EF)

Instrument Cluster (North American Models)

Note: (European models) The speedometer scales (km/h and mph) are reversed.

Instrument cluster indicators

1. Parking brake system status and low brake fluid level indicator.

• a) The indicator lights up when the ignition key is turned to the "ON" or "START" position and goes out after a few seconds.
• b) The indicator lights up or remains lit if:
• parking brake engaged;
• low brake fluid level or brake booster leak;
• the electrical circuit of the indicator is faulty;
• the EBD system is faulty (the braking force on the rear brakes is not adjusted).

Note: If the EBD system is faulty, the anti-lock brake system (ABS) and parking brake status and brake fluid level indicators will illuminate simultaneously.

• c) If the indicator lights up while driving, you must slow down, pull off the road and carefully stop the car. You can slow down by braking with the engine and using the parking brake, but do not forget to press the brake pedal to turn on the brake lights to warn drivers behind you about braking.

Please note: Due to the malfunction, the braking distance will be increased.

• d) Check the parking brake, it may be on. If the parking brake is off and the indicator lights up after it is off, there is a problem with the brake system.
• d) Check the brake fluid level in the reservoir.
• If the brake fluid level is low, check the vehicle's braking efficiency in a safe location. If you think the brakes are still working well, carefully drive the vehicle to the nearest repair facility. If the brakes do not work, the vehicle must be towed or removed for repair.
• If the brake fluid level is normal, then the brake booster may not be working effectively or the indicator electrical circuit may be faulty.

Warning: Driving a vehicle with low brake fluid is dangerous.

2. Anti-lock braking system (ABS) indicator.

• a) After turning the ignition key to the "ON" position, the indicator lights up and goes out after a few seconds.
• b) If the indicator lights up when the engine is running, lights up while driving, or does not light up for a few seconds after turning the ignition key to the "ON" position, this means that there may be a malfunction in the ABS system (the ABS system does not work and only the regular brake system works).

Caution: Pressing the brake pedal repeatedly may cause the indicator to come on for a few seconds.

3. Battery charge indicator.

• a) The indicator lights up when the ignition key is turned to the "ON" position and should go out after the engine starts.
• b) If the indicator lights up while driving, pull off the road and stop the vehicle immediately. Open the hood and check the condition of the alternator drive belt. If the belt is broken or loose, the vehicle must be towed or evacuated for repairs.

Caution: Operating the engine with a broken or loose alternator drive belt will cause overheating and engine damage due to the design (this belt drives the coolant pump).

• c) If the belt is intact and its tension is normal, then the charging system is faulty. In this case, the engine will continue to run until the battery is completely discharged. Turn off additional electrical equipment (air conditioning, heater fan, radio, etc.) and move to the repair site.

4. Low engine oil pressure indicator.

• a) The indicator lights up when the ignition key is turned to the "ON" position and should go out after the engine starts.
• b) The indicator lights up if the engine oil pressure is too low.
• c) If the indicator flashes or lights up while driving, you must pull over to the side of the road and turn off the ignition.
• The indicator may flash after sudden braking or when the engine is idling. There is no malfunction if the indicator goes out with a slight increase in engine speed.
• The light may come on when the engine oil level is too low. However, this light is not intended to indicate low oil levels, so check the level periodically with the dipstick.

Material was obtained from an official resource [hyundaibook.ru]



5. Check engine light (CHECK ENGINE).

• a) The indicator lights up when the ignition key is turned to the "ON" position for a few seconds and then goes out, informing the driver that the engine management system is being checked.
• b) If the indicator continues to light or lights up while driving, this indicates that there are faults in the electronic engine management system. In this case, you need to go to the repair shop and diagnose the engine management system.

6. Driver's seat belt indicator.

The indicator lights up when the ignition key is turned to the "ON" or "START" position for approximately 6 seconds and then goes out. If the driver does not have a seat belt fastened, the indicator on the instrument cluster starts flashing continuously.

7. Indicator of open or not tightly closed door.

The indicator remains on until all doors are securely closed.

8. Indicator of open or loose trunk lid.

The indicator remains on until the rear door is closed securely.

9. The high beam indicator lights up when the high beam headlights are turned on.

10. Turn signal indicators. The indicators flash when the turn signals or hazard warning lights are on. Excessive flashing of the indicators indicates a poor connection in the turn signal circuit or a failure of the turn signal bulb.

11. Airbag system (SRS) indicator.

• a) The indicator lights up when the ignition key is turned to the "ON" position, for approximately 6 seconds, and then goes out.
• b) If the indicator does not light up or lights up while driving, there is a malfunction in the SRS system components.

12. Automatic transmission selector lever position indicators.



When the automatic transmission selector is moved to any position, the corresponding indicator lights up on the instrument cluster. For a more detailed description, see the section "Driving a car with automatic transmission".

13. Low fuel indicator. The indicator lights up when the ignition key is in the "ON" position and the amount of fuel in the tank is less than 8 liters. Depending on the vehicle's configuration, the fuel may be enough for 40-60 km of travel on a good road. On slopes or when turning, the indicator may light up due to fluctuations in the fuel in the tank.

Warning: Do not drive with too little fuel in the tank. Running out of fuel can cause damage to the catalytic converter.

14. Cruise control system operation indicator.

The indicator lights up when the cruise control system is turned on. For a more detailed description, see the section "Cruise control system".

15. The front fog light indicator comes on when the front fog lights are turned on.

16. Traction control system (TCS) operation indicator.

• a) The indicator lights up when the ignition key is turned to the "ON" position and goes out after the engine starts.
• b) The traction control indicator blinks when the TCS operates while the vehicle is moving. The traction control indicator will illuminate when the TCS is turned off using the switch.
• c) If the indicator light flashes continuously or comes on while driving when the TCS is not turned off using the switch, this indicates a malfunction in the traction control system. Contact your dealer.

Table. Instrument cluster indicators.