A 2007 to 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe with problems like an erratic fuel gauge or idle is a couple of the top 5 common problems experienced by the 2nd generation. We review their symptoms, causes, and fixes in this article and video.
Common Hyundai Santa Fe Problems: 2nd Generation (2007 to 2013)
1. Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure
Symptoms of Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure
- Check engine light
- Stalling while driving
Causes of Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure
Sometimes the crankshaft sensor can fail, and sometimes there’s a problem with the wiring.
How to Fix Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure
Grab a scanner and check and confirm the code is for a crankshaft position sensor. If the scanner can graph, test the function of the crank sensor. The crank sensor is located underneath the hood on the transmission bell housing underneath the cylinder head on the left side.
Read more about crankshaft position sensors
2. Automatic Transmission Problems
Symptoms of Problems with the Automatic Transmission
- Shiftability problems
Causes of Problems with the Automatic Transmission in the 2007 to 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe
Shiftability problems are known to occur on the 2nd gen Hyundai Santa Fe, like the RPMs increasing without the normal shifting to follow. It might feel like the transmission is abnormally shifting through gears on its own.
How to Fix Automatic Transmission Problems
Typically, you’ll want to service the transmission to fix this problem. Before doing that, make sure you’re up to date on all your maintenance. If you haven’t serviced your transmission in over 100,000 miles, there could be damage to it, and one way to tell is by seeing metal chunks in the fluid, which means the transmission is destroyed.
To service the transmission, steps include removing the transmission pan and letting the fluid drain. Replace the fluid with specific Honda recommended fluid. Then it’s next best to reset the transmission adaptives, which is not something you can generally do on your own. You could with a scanner or someone who’s experienced, and you can also bring it to the dealership and have them update it to the most current version.
After completed, test the car and make sure it shifts perfectly. If it doesn’t after being serviced, check the transmission fluid and make sure it’s full. Make sure the level stays between the hatch lines on the dipstick where the full level should be. If that doesn’t work, you’ll likely need to replace the transmission.
3. Fuel Level Sensor Failure
Symptoms of Problems with the Fuel Level Sensor on the 2007 to 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe
- Check engine for p0463
- Erratic fuel gauge on dash
Causes of a Bad Fuel Level Sensor
The sensor can get debris, build up, or wear down and that can cause an inaccurate reading with the sensor. The fuel level sensor is located inside the fuel tank. The fuel pump has a fuel level bar with a float. When you add fuel, it’ll lift the float and the bar will come across the gauge to tell the computer how much fuel is in the tank.
How to Fix a Faulty Fuel Level Sensor
If the fuel level sensor is damaged, replace the fuel pump.
4. Alternator Problems
Symptoms of Problems with the Alternator on the 2nd Gen Hyundai Santa Fe
- Low battery
- Electrical parts like headlights not working
- Electrical problems
Causes of Issues with the Alternator
Oil can run down the engine onto the alternator, which can cause problems with generating electricity.
How to Fix the Alternator
The alternator is on the front side of the engine down along the bottom of the passenger side and it will have a belt running across it. Check the alternator for dirt, which is a sign of an oil leak.
Fix the oil leak, clean the alternator, and test it. Before replacing the alternator, test the charging system to confirm it’s not the battery that’s dead.
5. EGR Valve Issues
Symptoms of Problems with the EGR Valve on the 2007 to 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe
- Erratic idle
Causes of EGR Valve Issues
The EGR valve on the 2.7-liter V6 and 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engines can clog up with carbon. A faulty EGR valve can cause an erratic idle, like when sitting at a red light and seeing the RPMs rise and maybe feeling a shutter in the vehicle. This happens because a dirty EGR valve can disrupt the vehicle’s ability to maintain the proper RPMs. The check engine light could turn on too, but this is less likely.
How to Fix an EGR Valve Causing an Irratic Idle
Carbon is a hard, black substance that typically needs to be scraped out of the system. Remove the EGR valve and clean any carbon from it with carburetor cleaner and a wire brush. Replace the gasket, plug it in, clear the code, and take it for a road test.
If this doesn’t fix it, continue diagnosing. You might have to replace the EGR valve.
2nd Generation Hyundai Santa Fe Model Years
- 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe
- 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe
- 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe
- 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe
- 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe
- 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe
- 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe
Shop Parts
- Brakes & Wheel Bearing
- Steering & Suspension
- Headlights & Lighting
- Exterior, Body Parts & Mirrors
- Interior
- Engine & Engine Management
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I had to look up what you meant by lest side of the car. I am a layman and only knew passenger side and drivers side. But this video was VERY helpful anyway.