MD Tips & Tricks

[lovemysantafe]

Tips and Tricks

I'm putting this sticky together for those who have just bought or are long-time owners of an MD Elantra. I decided to put this together because I find the owner's manual very vague and too packed with warnings so just keep in mind that your Elantra may not have all the features listed here.

An asterisk (*) indicates 'If equipped', meaning the feature is not standard or available on all models.

Steering Wheel Audio Controls*

Powering On and Off
> If the stereo is off, press 'MODE' to turn it on.
> If the stereo is on, you can press and hold 'MODE' to turn it off.

Seeking/Scanning
> To seek up or down instead of moving through the presets, press and hold the up or down button on the wheel until a beep is heard. The radio will start seeking or scanning in that direction.
> Release the button to stop seek/scan.
> Tap either button to return to your presets.

Auto-Dimming Rear View Mirror*

> If the green light is on, the mirror will dim automatically in response to following headlights in dark conditions. To disable this, press the power button and the green light will turn off. Keep in mind the mirror will default to automatic mode the next time the ignition is cycled.
> To turn off the compass display in the mirror, press the compass icon button (on the far right on the mirror). Press it again to turn the compass back on.

Adjusting the Compass Zone & Calibrating the Compass - The compass defaults to zone 8 but on the off chance you don't live there, you might notice your compass isn't spot on. Click here for a compass zone map and follow the instructions below to set the zone to your place of residence.

> Press and hold the compass button for no less than three but no more than six seconds. The display will switch from your present heading to the zone that the compass is set to. Chances are it will zone 8.
> Tap the compass button until you come to the number where your location falls on the map. For example, my town of Portland, Oregon is in zone 4.
> When you reach your zone, release the button and the compass will revert to its heading within 5 seconds.

My compass was slightly off after I set the zone so you might need to calibrate yours. Here's how to do that. I suggest doing this in a wide open space like a parking lot or cul-de-sac where you can make several complete circles with the car without hitting anything. Be aware that you will be given funny looks doing this.

> With the heading displayed, press and hold the compass button. The zone number will come up but continue to hold it until a 'C' appears in the display.
> Start driving in a circle at no more than 5 mph (8 kph) until the heading reappears in the display.
> You may need to make up to three rotations although mine popped back up after less than one.

Note: After a long journey where the vehicle has passed through one or more zones, you will likely notice a loss of compass accuracy. This is normal. Calibrating it upon arrival at your final destination should solve any inaccuracies you may observe.

Programming Homelink for a Rolling Code Garage Door Opener - Homelink Mirror Only - The owners manual is very poorly worded in regards to this and because of its lack of useful instruction, I struggled to program my Homelink for well over half an hour. I'm putting this in here to save you from needless aggravation and wasted time. Please be aware that all garage door openers manufactured in 1996 or later are rolling code designs.

> Make sure the car is away from the door and that pets and children are clear of the area.
> Turn the ignition to 'ON' but don't start the engine.
> Take your existing pre-programmed clicker and hold it up to the mirror. Choose the button on the mirror that you wish to program (1, 2 or 3) and press and hold it while pressing and holding the existing clicker. The red light on the mirror will flash slowly.
> Continue to hold both buttons until the red light on the mirror flashes rapidly, then release both buttons.
> Locate the 'Train' or 'Learn' button on the opener motor itself and press it. You should have between 30 seconds and one minute to complete the process, depending on the make and model of garage door opener.
> Return to the car and press and hold the button you programmed to the clicker. Your garage door opener light should flash and/or make a clicking sound to indicate the programming was successful.
> Test the button on the mirror to confirm successful programming.
> If you continue to experience difficulties, consult the manual for your garage door opener.

Bluetooth Phone Contacts not Syncing to Car - Android

Some Android system phones will require authorization for the car's Bluetooth system to access contacts and recent calls, even after pairing. Should you experience this, follow these instructions and you should be good to go.

> After you pair the phone with the car, you'll see a message scroll across the top or pop up that says something to the effect of 'ELANTRA is attempting to access your contacts list'.
> Drag down the top menu bar and tap on the Bluetooth message (Motorola phones)
> It will ask you if you want to give the car permission to access the contacts and recent calls lists.
> Say yes and make sure the box is checked to 'Allow Every Time'.

Bluetooth Phone Contacts not Syncing to Car - iPhone

The iPhone usually applies these settings by default but should you want to change them or are having difficulty accessing contacts, check the following.

> Select 'Settings' and choose the 'General' option.
> Select 'Bluetooth' and click on the blue arrow in the 'ELANTRA' bubble.
> Make sure 'Sync Contacts', 'Phone Favorites', and 'Phone Recents' are all set to 'ON' and that 'All Contacts' is checked in the 'Other Groups' bubble.

Power Glass Sunroof*
> The sunroof is one-touch for open and close so only a brief push in the desired direction is needed.
> You will have to hold the switch operate the tilt function.
> The sunroof is not part of the delayed power accessory so ensure it is completely closed before parking the car, especially if you park your car outside.

Note: The sunroof contains an anti-pinch function that will stop and reverse the closing sunroof if any obstruction is detected during the auto-close.

IMPORTANT! The sunshade can still be closed even if the glass is tilted up. Ensure the sunroof is completely closed before leaving the car or entering an automatic car wash.

Heated Exterior Mirrors* - This is a very handy feature if the mirror glass gets coated in frost, snow, ice or condensation. Do not use a scraper or credit card to clear the mirror glass as you'll risk scratching the surface.

Note: This feature is activated by the rear defroster switch.

Keep in mind it will take longer to clear the mirror of ice accumulations than it will light frost or condensation.

Clock

> To convert the clock to 24 hour time, press and hold the 'H' and 'M' buttons until the clock flashes '24:00', then release.
> To revert to 12 hour time, repeat the process until the clock flashes '12:00'.

Be aware that the clock counts in 24 hour time even when displaying 12 hour time (i.e. 8:32 in 12 hour time may be shown as 08:32 or 20:32) so keep in mind you may need to reset the hour after conversion from 12 to 24 hour time.

Changing Outside Temperature Display

> To convert the thermometer from one form of measurement to the other, press and hold the 'H' and 'M' buttons for three to four seconds, then release. The temperature display will flash three times to indicate success.

Automatic Climate Control - Limited w/Technology Package Only; Mid-2012 and newer

> To convert the display from Fahrenheit to Celsius (or vice versa), press and hold the 'MODE ˇ' and 'DUAL' buttons.
> To revert, repeat the process.

Delayed Accessory Power

> This will allow you to close any windows left open for up to 45 seconds after the ignition is switched off.

Note: The power delay will immediately cancel if a door is opened.

IMPORTANT! The sunroof is not included in the delayed accessory power so make sure it is completely closed before turning the ignition off.

Automatic Door Locks - This feature can be set by your dealer, usually at no cost.

Lock Settings - Car can be set to lock...
> When shifted out of park (factory default)
> At 20 kph (12.5 mph)
> At 25 kph (15.5 mph)
> At 30 kph (18.6 mph)
> At 35 kph (21.7 mph)
> At 40 kph (25 mph)
> Disabled

Unlock Settings - Car can be set to unlock...
> When shifted into park (factory default)
> When key is removed from ignition (button push to off on Tech models)
> Disabled

Note: The dealer's diagnostic computer shows the speed figures in KPH so you will have to tell your dealer what speed you want in KPH, even if you are in the USA.

Disable AC for Defrost - Press the RECIRC button 5 times in succession and it will then flash to acknowledge that the HVAC Logic is disabled, that means you can set the HVAC any way you like and it will not alter settings itself, it will start them up as you left them the last time, very handy feature indeed (This tip came from duhast)

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Specialty Warning & Indicator Lights

'PASS. AIRBAG OFF' - This amber 'OFF' light adjacent to the clock alerts you when the passenger airbag has been disabled. The car disables the airbag when the seat is unoccupied to reduce repair costs or if a lightweight passenger would not benefit from airbag deployment in the event of a collision. Note that the side and curtain airbags will still deploy in the event of a side-impact crash to protect rear-seat occupants, even if the front seat is empty.

'KEY OUT'* - This red light in the speedometer display will flash rapidly along with a five second continuous tone to alert you if the Proximity Key is removed from the vehicle with the ignition on. The tone will be sounded inside and outside of the car. (Limited models with Technology Package only)

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As I think and discover more of these helpful little features, I'll edit them here and you know of one I missed, don't hesitate to let me know.

[1badsr]

Very nice!

[Em-squared]

Very cool! It's amazing all the little things that the Elantra is equipped with that we don't even realize. Like the other day when someone mentioned that the gas door locks when the car does...didn't even know that!

[Louiceman]

Thanks for sharing.

[MikePA]

Thanks Andrew for the info! Some things I really didn't know about!

[jepank]

2012 elantra limited with nav has compass on rear view mirror? i didnt know that, LOL.
Thanks for tips n tricks.
good ones.

[lovemysantafe]

If the auto-dimming mirror was fitted, it will have a compass. Most car makers eliminate the compass from nav models but since the auto-dim mirror is a port-fitted accessory and not a factory installed option, they don't have the opportunity to discriminate.

[someguy]

Good stuff, hopefully Holly can help me clean up the stickies soon. We can probably ditch a few of the current ones.

[Em-squared]

You just let me know which ones!

[OkieRich]

Originally Posted by someguy

Good stuff, hopefully Holly can help me clean up the stickies soon. We can probably ditch a few of the current ones.

Atta-boy!!! Put her to work. She's probably tired of carpet cleaning, dog-sitting, job searching, and child rearing. Not that I can blame her one bit!

Holly: add this new skill-set to your resume! This is probably the one missing link that'll pull it all together for you!