Here are two articles I found this summer while doing research on the 07 SantaFe AWD system. Very informative. I though it would be a nice addition to this forum.

"Hyundai's all-wheel drive system

By Jim Kerr

Hyundai has just introduced the 2007 Santa Fe and one of the features available on this mid-size SUV is all-wheel drive. It is a new system for Hyundai and is a good example of how electronics are improving all aspects of driving.

All-wheel drive systems are confusing for many people. I must admit to wondering myself to what type of system is being described in the sales literature. Let's see if we can simplify it. All-wheel drive provides power to all the wheels, as opposed to front-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive systems that only provide power to one end of the vehicle. That's clear enough, but some systems are also called four-wheel drive. Those systems also drive all the wheels, but are not designed to operate in 4wd mode all the time. The driver has to select 4wd when traction conditions are poor. But operate in 4wd mode on hard pavement and you will soon be paying for expensive driveline repairs.

Click here to find out more!
All-wheel drive however, can be operated on hard road surfaces. Some systems drive all the wheels all the time. A viscous coupling or a variable clutch inside the transfer case controls the rate of slip between the front and rear axles. Subaru and Audi are examples of great all-wheel-drive vehicles that use these controls.

Many of the compact and mid-size SUVs such as the 2007 Santa Fe use a front-wheel drive system with an auxiliary rear-wheel drive to provide all-wheel drive. This is better than it sounds. Modern control systems allow the vehicle to operate with front-drive only for most driving to optimize fuel economy, but engage the rear-wheel drive as soon as additional traction is needed.

Hyundai's new system uses a computer-controlled clutch mechanism mounted in front of the rear axle to engage the drive. It is a Borg Warner system that can provide up to 99% of the torque to the front wheels, but automatically diverts up to 50% of the torque to the rear wheels when needed. The driver can push a button on the dash as an input to the computer, commanding it to "lock" the torque transfer at 50/50 for getting out of slippery parking spots in winter or ploughing through some soft sand. While there is no low range in the Santa Fe all-wheel drive system, it is more than capable of handling many off-road excursions.

Because the torque transfer to the rear wheels is variable, a dependable, durable clutch mechanism is needed that can be instantly engaged. To do this, the computer monitors wheel speed, accelerator pedal movement and steering inputs. When 4% or more front wheel slip is detected, the rear axle starts to engage. It can also anticipate the need for additional traction and engage the AWD system when the driver accelerates the vehicle. Another feature is it can disengage the rear axle during ABS events to optimize ABS stopping.

The computer controls a large solenoid coil in the clutch housing. When energized, the solenoid pushes against a multi-plate clutch, which in turn holds a washer-like plate from turning. Ramps and balls between this plate and a second plate cause the two plates to be forced apart, placing pressure on a second larger multi-plate clutch that connects the driveshaft to the rear axle. The path of torque is complete and the rear wheels drive.

A button on the dash can lock the clutch to provide 50% torque to the rear wheels, but this only occurs below 35 kph. Above that speed, the computer pulses the solenoid to disengage the clutch mechanism, but it will automatically engage it again when vehicle speed lowers.

Finally, the system monitors steering wheel angle. Turn the steering wheel, such as when parallel parking or turning a tight corner and the computer will decrease the torque applied to the rear wheels to there is no driveline binding during the turn.

Computer controls, electric solenoids and data communication between computers are all used to provide smooth traction regardless of the driving conditions and optimize fuel economy too. That's modern all-wheel drive."
http://www.canadiandriver.com/articles/jk/060802.htm

On the BorgWarner website I found this info.

" The BorgWarner High Energy ITM3e™ AWD System is the first industrialized all-wheel drive (AWD) coupling that combines a mechanical system, active gerotor pump, thermal management and new AWD control algorithms into a fully dynamic system that provides world-class performance in a package space only passive systems could achieve previously.

The ITM 3e™ is unlike any other active AWD product. The design features a third friction element, which provides maximum torque transfer in a package size optimized to allow installation in smaller passenger cars and crossover vehicles (CUVs). It also combines best-in-class drag torque performance, which improves fuel economy. The ITM 3e™ was recently launched in the Hyundai Santa Fe and in the Chery Tiggo produced in China. A new North American CUV program and a European high-performance application will begin production later this year.

The BorgWarner High Energy ITM3e™ AWD System and The BorgWarner Turbo & Emissions Systems Gasoline Turbocharger with Variable Turbine Geometry have been named finalists for the 2007 PACE Awards."

Guess who developed Acura's popular SH-AWD system? Thats right, BorgWarner.

I also read that the ITM 3e™ was also used and adapted to the 2006 and up Porche 911TT's!

Pls feel free to add....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IJqvgoCMOY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h95DS27fBT8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUlNkHR_PfI

This site will show you all the Tech info on the Santa Fe.
Link:
http://www.hmatraining.com/hmalegacy/HMA_2...Model/main.html

Press Release June 11, 2007 from IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety)

Hyundai Santa Fe earns 2007 TOP SAFETY PICK award

ARLINGTON, VA — The 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe, a midsize SUV, meets the criteria to earn the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's TOP SAFETY PICK designation. The Santa Fe earned the top rating of good for front, side, and rear crash protection and is equipped with electronic stability control. Now 21 cars, SUVs, and minivans earn TOP SAFETY PICK status.

"The performance of the Santa Fe makes good on Hyundai's promise to provide the highest level of safety to its customers," says Institute president Adrian Lund. The Hyundai Entourage and twin Kia Sedona also earned TOP SAFETY PICK for minivans. The Institute recognizes vehicles with this award to help consumers distinguish the best overall choices without having to sort through multiple crash test results.

"Criteria to win are tough because they're intended to drive continued safety improvements such as high crash test ratings and rapid addition of electronic stability control, which is standard equipment on the Santa Fe," Lund says. The Santa Fe also is equipped with side airbags as standard equipment to protect the heads of people in all three rows of seats.

Redesign improves rear crash performance: Hyundai engineers redesigned the Santa Fe's seat/head restraints to improve performance in rear impacts. The seats and head restraints in this vehicle's predecessor model were rated poor overall. The new seats include head restraints designed to automatically move up and toward the heads of people in the front seats during a rear impact. These new seat/head restraints are rated good overall.

The number to the right of the vehicle is the overall score out of 1000

Small SUV Segment

1 Hyundai Santa Fe 885
2 Toyota FJ Cruiser 882
3 Jeep Wrangler 4-door 873
4 Honda CR-V 866
5 Hyundai Tucson 865
6 Saturn Vue 860
7 Toyota RAV4 859
7 Dodge Nitro 859
9 Kia Sportage 855
10 Pontiac Torrent 847
11 Chevrolet Equinox 844
12 Honda Element 840
13 Jeep Wrangler 2-door 838
14 Ford Escape 835
15 Jeep Liberty 833
16 Mitsubishi Outlander 832
17 Mercury Mariner 829
18 Mazda Tribute 817
19 Jeep Compass 814
20 Subaru Forester 808

Segment Average: 853
Scores not available for Suzuki Grand Vitara and XL-7

Complete ratings for all segments can be found at Strategic Vision

After years of perfect annual safety inspections, my dealership decides that the HIDs I installed a long time ago will keep my car from passing inspection. Now, don't get me wrong, I know that the DOT has ruled the kits are not street legal and that should be enough to keep my car from passing inspection, but why now?

The part that really confused me was that he told my wife to "just take it home, put the original bulb back and I'll pass it, then your husband can install the kit again"... say what? Why not just look the other way then (as it has been done in previous years) instead of making me go out in the cold just to change a bulb?

They also decided that since I didn't do my maintenance with them when the car hit 15K, I'm not entitled anymore to the free oil changes we agreed upon when I bought the car. I guess the other Hyundai dealership advertising free oil changes for Hyundai owners (no matter where you bought it) will be getting my business now.

Somewhere I read about Santa Fe;s automatically locking at 20 MPH. My 07's do not do this. Is there some kind of programming I can do to get my Santy's to autolock?????

thanks,

Whoda

Hi Guys
Someone knows where is the ECM/ECU located?
Thanks!
Hermes

I installed low beam HIDs and fog light HIDs and my fog 10A fuse keeps poping, i just had replaced one and poped within seconds of turning on. Should i use higher Amp fuses? Or whats goin on lol Any Suggestions?

Hey all -- I bought an OEM LG LAN-8670NH3 Santa Fe Navigation system for my wife's 08 SF LTD. The SF currently has the Infinity system installed w/XM, etc. On the 08 Navi equipped SF's, where is the navi GPS antenna located? A small part of me is hoping that it is part of the antenna assembly on the roof (with the XM and FM/AM antennas) and the truck is pre-wired.

Pics of antenna location or information would be great.

Mike

Just wondering if anyone has encountered the bass from the stereo causing an annoying rattling in the drivers side door only. I just bought this car new and the problem is there. I took it into the dealership and they checked a couple other limited's on their lot and they did the same. They told me they couldn't find the problem ( I don't even think they took the door panel off) They said they would get back to me if they find out anything from Hyundai. (I know that they aren't going to bother looking into something like that.) The volume doesn't even have to be that loud for it to rattle.

Let me know anyone if you have the same problem...........before I take the panel off.

Jason

I think the original poster got it in the phillipines?
Anyone aware of where or seen a kit with the brushed trim like in this picture for a double DIN deck?
[attachmentid=5630]

Hello. Just wondering what everyones experience is with the heated seats in the 07-08 Santa Fe's. Now that fall is coming in Canada and the mornings are getting much colder I have been using the heated seats more often. I find (for the driver) that the seat heats up just fine, then cycles off. I would expect this is normal, but it seems to stay off for longer then normal and the seat cools down somewhat, then it kicks back on and heats up again. Having been in another car (VW) with heated seats I would expect this to be more of a steady heat with the cycling imperceptable to the occupant?

The passenger seat seems even more fickle, my wife says it heats up ok then seems to turn off (or down) and won't cycle back up to full tempreature and stay steady either.

According to the owners manual the seats only work below 21C ambient (not sure if that is inside or outside the car) but all the times I have tested its been below 21C outside. Also not sure why the seats don't just work at any temp, if you have a sore back its nice to turn on regardless of outside tempreature.

If anyone could share their experiances that would be great. I am going into the dealer for regular service soon so I might need to get this looked at.

Thanks everyone!

I have a new SF Ltd.
On the dash is an indicator that records MPG.
What I don't know is:

Is it recording the MPG exactly at that moment?

OR

does it record the MPG as an average from the point I reset the gauge at the start of my trip?
No one seems to be sure.
Thanks for the help

First post - I've been poking around for the last week (just took delivery on Oct. 2), and thanks all for your collected wisdom so far!

I've got a 2008 Limited (Canadian model), and I can't seem to determine whether it has the TPMS on it, or not. The Canadian Owner's Manual has a helpful "If installed" comment in the section that deals with the TPMS, but I can't find any reference to the TPMS on the Hyundai Canada website in the features or specs section. I checked the internal fuse panel, and there is a 10 amp fuse in the spot reserved for TPMS, but there don't appear to be any TPMS-related warning lights in the dash on start-up.

Any ideas for how to figure this out? I'm actually hoping it's not TPMS-equipped, because of the extra hassle with winter wheels and tires...

Speaking of which, anyone have any tips on good winter tires for the SantaFe? I'm not yet familiar with the "Light SUV" class of tires. Tirerack.com seems to like Minus-sizing by 2, so 235/70R16 tires, and the reviews point to the Blizzak DM-Z3 or the Pirelli Scorpion Ice+Snows ...?

So being that i'm in Canada, i don't understand why our thermostat is shown in Fehrenheit and not in Celcius.

I saw a pic on here of a Santa Fe from Spain that has it in Celcius and i was wondering if everyone's in Canada is in Fehrenheit or if it can be changed to celcius.

If so, Is this something we can do ourselves? or should we ask the dealership to use their scan tool to change it.

is it even possible to have it changed?

Hello all, got another one. This board is so helpful I figured I would post another question to see if someone can shed some light on this.

When I have the climate control set to Auto and the temp at 22C (or any warm temp for that matter) what I find is after about 10-15 minutes (longer when its much colder obviously) of warming up the interior the climate control settles down, turns the fan down and just leaves it on the floor. All makes sense to me so far (hot air rises, etc). What I am finding (or feeling) is that while temp controlled warm air continues to come out of the lower vents, the dash defrost vents are somewhat cooler. It is only showing the floor setting on the screen, but I am wondering is the climate control doing more behind the scenes then it lets on (similar to the problem in the summer where it does not inform you when it is running the AC or not)? Perhaps this cooler air is meant to keep the windshield free? However what I find is that the cooler air (not outside temp but cooler then the floor) makes you feel like you need to turn the heat up, which solves the problem, until the climate control settles back down to a steady state.

Just for clarification I understand with the auto settings that the air temp is only as warm as it needs to be to maintain the desired setting but either way the defost vents will always feel somewhat cooler (when the climate control settles down to maintain temp).

Anyone noticed this themselves, any explanations?

Anyone had any experience removing the washer pump from 2007 CDX Santa Fe. Do I need to take the bumper off, or just bits inside the wheel arch? Does it clip off or snap off or screw off etc?

Reason being it isn't pumping, but it does work, so I need to check to see if it is blocked. Thanks.

I am planning on purchasing the Pioneer AVIC-F700BT double din Navigation system with a XM kit that connect to this unit (GEX-P920XM). That kit comes with a XM antenna alread. I want to know if there is a XM antenna conversion kit so I can use my factory antenna?

I've noticed that when I start our new 2008 Santa Fe 3.3L, I notice that the engine RPM goes to about 2000 for a few seconds and then starts decreasing. This only happens when the engine is cold. . .when it's warm, it starts and idles at around 800-1000 RPMs. It seems that 2000 RPMs is excessively high, especially with a cold engine (I'm thinking of increased engine wear due to lack of lubrication right after start). Does anyone else notice this?

Hi Everyone, has anyone noticed that when they fill their Santa Fe they get gas overflow (more then what might be expected based on fill-ups)? Before anyone asks, I am not forcing more gas in when this happens. For example the last time I was filling as soon as the pump finally clicked off when the tank was full I noticed a dribble of gas running down the side of the car. This is not the first time for me, it seems to happen quite often, more then one would expect since I have owned this vechicle. In fact, this same night I drove our other vehicle up to the same station and pump to fill up and had no issues. On all my other cars I have never had this issue unless there was a noticable problem with the pump or I was trying to cram too much gas in.

Has anyone noticed that their FE has propensity to do this as well? If not perhaps another item for the dealer to look at. It is very frustrating since I am just simple filling up my car, its got to the point where I am not surprised when it does happen.

Wish I had a way to order them, look at how hot they are......

Plenty of pictures at the bottom of the page.
http://imotorroom.com/products/sub_view.as...=PRD&pseq=18911


I need a Korean contact person.

Hi All,

I was wondering if anyone has run into this before. this is regarding a 2007 santa fe.

Today I noticed my airbag warning light came on and stayed on driving to the store. At the store, I locked the doors with the remote, but when trying to set the alarm (second click of the remote) it would not arm (no lights/horn). About 30 seconds later, the alarm then sounded on its own. Had to hit "unlock" on the remote. 30 sec later, the door locks by itself (as it should) but then again, 30 sec after that, the alarm sounds.

Dont know if the airbag light and alarm issue are related. Sounds like a possible electrical issue but I was wondering if someone here might have more insight. We're bringing it in next week anyways, but if it's something simple that I can look for, it will save my wife a trip and gas.

Thanks!

Couple of times I've noticed this and I'd like to know if your 07 or 08's are the same..

Hands on the steering wheel in about the 10 and 2 position... your thumbs can easily work the steeriing wheel mounted controls. Now, above the hard control surfaces, there is an area of the wheel that sort of splits off in a T and curves over the wheel audio and cruise controls. Now and then I have had reason to honk the horn... kids on the road, idiots in other cars asleep or on their cell..when I push the horn area either on the left or right side aboove the contol pads, sometimes the horn works, sometimes no. There is no issue getting it to work if you press dead centre.. anyone else notice this?

The roof bars slide to the rear and slide out after removing plastic covers. The roof rails then will take an aftermarket bar. The Thule ones are wind noisy!! I have the "Prorack" model shaped like a wing. The fitting is the same as the Suzuki Grand Vitara. So ask retailer for that fitting or they won't know what you are talking about!! Quiet and looks good too.
http://www.roofracksgalore.com.au/PRORACK/PRORACKHome.htm
Bov

Hello everyone. Just wanted to know how everyone finds their Santa Fe's transmission shift quality? I find on my Santa Fe Limited that when first starting out (even in warmer weather) that the 2-3 shift can be somewhat abrupt (been like this since new). Once the vehicle has been run this shift is usually much smoother. Also, when driving I sometimes find when slowing to a stop and the transmission down shifts I will get a hesitation on the downshift just before a the vehicle stops.

I am not sure if this is because of the transmission or the drive by wire. I mentioned it to the dealer and he said since the transmission learns how you drive it will adjust its shift points to match your style of driving. So if you suddenly decide to accelerate slower one day (when you are normally a harder driver) the transmission might appear to shift abruptly. I am not sure if this is just dealer fluff or not. For the most part mine shifts smoothly but it does have the odd "off" shift.

Any thoughts? Does everyone find their Santa Fe's shift very smoothly?

Ok.... I got the glove box down to expose the cabin air filter.
I pulled on the 4 tabs, and they broke off.
Now what?
I can't seem to pull out the air filter. I put pliers on one of the "ribs" and pulled, but it didn't budge.
There must be an easy way, what is it?
Thanks
Nick

Shopping around for a set of winters + steel wheels. Has anyone seen any nice winter package deals in Mississauga? So far I found Mississauga Hyundai is going a package for 899+tax for 235 70 16+steels - tires23 has a few deals without steels for 620 tax in. Called cheap thrills and they have pretty much the same deal and about 300 for the steel wheels. Tires were ranging with all similar quality and not top of the line.

-SF

Hello, after two full model years on the road has anyone out there found a solution to the annoying Infinity sound system hiss at low volumes? This topic was discussed a lot when the Santa Fe was new but it has since died down. On my Santa Fe, if you have the volume on 1 and then are driving hard (accelerating) you can actually hear a change in the hiss as you accelerate so its definitly coming from the electrical system/engine.

I wonder if the 2009 will exhibit the same problem?

Is it worth calling Hyundai tech support line for this, has anyone tried?

I've been shopping around for a class III hitch for my 08 SE. I went over the installation instructions on etrailer.com and noticed that the torque specs for the mounting hardware varied as shown below.

Hidden Hitch, U-Haul, Draw-Tite 59 Lb. Ft.
Valley Hitch 53 Lb. Ft.
Curt 71 Lb. Ft.

Does anyone have access to the Hyundai factory torque specs for the mounting hardware?

SO I hear the engine tick/slight knock a bit when it's cold and it starts.. I can deal with that, but has anyone noticed a constant ticking in the motor after it's warm?
I popped the hood with the engine running.. 3.3 v6, and sure there is belt noise, but I've never had a new vehicle giving me ticking sounds like this.. not sure what it is.

Never owning a Hyundai before.. thought I'd ask.

Just bought a Limted 3.3L My book that came with the car says change oil every 12,000 km's or 12 mths. The dealership says that the book is wrong and it should be done every 6,000 or 3 mths. I live in Ontario Canada and my previous new car had two scheldules for different areas what you should follow. This book does not. If anyone knows let me know. Thanks

Jason

the windscreen screen wash is failing to squirt. Is this a common problem? Failing to squirt on front and back window. The pump appears to be whirring but no liquid coming out. Likely to be a blockage in pipe? Anyone had this problem before or got a clue where to start looking? Thanks.

How can that annoying seat belt chime be stopped or even weakened? Someone suggested pulling the fuse on my '08 Santa Fe but I can not find which one that is. Also I'm wondering if that fuse controls anything else. Does anyone know ANY WAY to kill that most irritating chime on the seat belt which goes off unnecessary like when the door is open or when I'm sitting still in park and unfasten my seat belt? HELP!!! Thanks and please email me at cd-mail@pobox.com and thanks in advance!!!

Can someone tell me how to get the air conditioning not to turn on ever? I've a UK 07 CDX. When I turn the engine on, if the heating unit was previously set to demist the windscreen, then the A/C light comes on. Note the demist button is not lit, I'm talking about the setting of the vents as shown on the display. If I turn the A/C off by pressing the A/C button, the next time I adjust the fan or temp, it seems to turn it back on again. I saw a post that said "Hit the A/C button twice and the air is off you can then raise the fan speed with the prper button" but that doesn't seem to be working for me.

And regardless of what I do, if I stop and start the engine the A/C light comes on if demist is on the display. Grim.