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2011 Sonata Neutral Safety (inhibitor) switch woes

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21K views 4 replies 3 participants last post by  C4RN1  
#1 ·
Hi, all - thought I'd share my adventure replacing this part to save other DIYers the same headache.

The symptom is the same shared by others: car randomly would not start, doing so only after 2-3 tries or after shifting into neutral.

Getting to the switch was fairly easy and only took about ten minutes. Here are the relevant service manual steps available online:

1 - inhibitor switch replacement
2 - battery and tray removal
3 - air intake removal

I bought the replacement part (42700-26500) from Amazon, noting that it looked a little different. The mounting points and critical dimensions and spacings were the same, so I figured the part had simply been upgraded.

After installing it, however, the car wouldn't turn over (much less start) and the shift indicator in the dashboard was blank. I disassembled and re-did everything to check connections, but no change. I then reinstalled the old part and car started again (though still wonky).

Thinking the switch was bad, I bought another one locally. It looked different even than the other two, but part numbers and crtical measurements matched so I installed it - same result!

After more searching online, a fine-print note on a website solved the mystery. I have a very early, 2010-build Sonata, and the part was apparently changed early in production.

My car's part number is completely different (42700-3B000 or replacement 3B010), and is listed for Tuscons, Santa Fes, Azeras and some Kias. The parts stores and many online sites only listed the later part as being a compatible.

I have the right part coming in a couple of days. I'll update this if the problem persists.
 
#2 ·
Thanks for that information.
I have forgotten that Hyundai and Kia make changes to their production line as time goes by.
In other words, they will continue to use an older part until it runs out
Then switch to a newer part later in the production run
All this to safe a little money and drive the owners wonkers
 
#4 ·
Well, the new inhibitor was the right replacement, with all the connector pins matching the old unit. Reassembled the other parts in 10 minutes and the car started and ran fine...for 3 days.

It stalled while we were out Friday night and almost required a tow. Luckily it started after waiting 20 minutes (and before the truck arrived).

While waiting for the truck, I went over the problem and recent work and had an epiphany. I check of my cars mileage (134k) confirmed my suspicion - the starter lever/fork must have broken AGAIN!

I'd replaced it before and - forgetting the miles accumulated since - didn't think it could be the problem again.

I took the starter out today and of course found a broken lever. I also picked up the replacement: four years later and the %^&# $8 part is still made of plastic. I can't believe Hyundai never upgraded it.

I ran out of time to put it back in, but have a new problem to solve. After 134k, the starter switch connector broke apart as I was disconnecting it. Will post a new thread seeking a part number if anyone knows it.
 
#5 ·
Sorry for your luck, at least you know what's going on with the car.

When i went to replace my inhibitor switch couple months ago I saw that I bought the wrong replacement as well (for the non turbo version). Then after I replaced it I left the alignment bolt in it when trying to test it. After 30 seconds I was like "duh, the alignment bolt is still in". Good thing I only set everything in place without installing the bolts.

Here's a much better tutorial on how to replace the inhibitor switch.

Uninhibit Hyundai inhibitor switch - Automotive Service Professional


As for the starter lever good luck, I haven't had to replace mine yet but I have it in my parts bin along with an ewga and a hpfp for when they all fail.