Why a new battery and alt? Is the alt OEM? ESC could be a brake switch.

 

Bummer. Ever noticed a valve cover gasket leak making a mess of your alternator? Any chance that this leak has done you in again?

http://www.hyundai-forums.com/187-cm-2007-2012-santa-fe/163234-battery-indicator-seatbelt-light.html

 

Just had it into shop, bad alternator and claim caused by bad valve cover gasket. Approximately how much should replacing the valve cover gasket cost?

 

I'm on my 3rd front valve cover gasket and my second rear. It has ruined 2 alternators for me already. ESC+Seatbelt+Battery= Charging system problem. Do you also notice your tachometer occasionally bouncing up and down?

 

I'll chime in. I had a leaky front valve gasket. Instead of replacing it i removed the passenger side headlight and applied permatex from where the timing cover meets the valve cover and toward middle spark plug hole where valve cover meets the block.

Oil free for 10,000 miles. I was afraid that after replacing the gasket since it wasn't under warranty that it would still leak and I would have to do again so I went for the quick fix until it starts leaking again.

You need to remove the headlight so you can easily apply the sealant and not make a mess.
I also used a small mirror to see where the leak was coming from and used dye to confirm it in the oil with UV flashlight. Cleaned the area very well with Brake Clean then applied permatex.

 

I replaced the valve cover gasket 2 years ago;
http://www.hyundai-forums.com/187-cm-2007-2012-santa-fe/136312-valve-cover-gasket-6.html#post1032660

but I do agree that your QUICK FIX without opening the cover should be good enough to stop the oil,
if cleaned well and applied RTV generously to cover that major leaking area.

 

ZERO since you're the original owner and <100k miles -- you have the powertrain warranty. So far, those NAM members here who have encountered this have been covered under that 10/100.

I assume that it was not the dealer who installed your previous alternator? I ask, because we are also seeing alternators that have been destroyed due to valve cover leaks being covered many times as 'secondary failures' attributed to cause covered by 10/100. Taking it to the dealer for that last alternator might have cost you nothing at all.

Previous shop (whatever it was) should have recognized reason for original alternator failure and dealt with gaskets THEN. I'd say whoever it is owes you a new alternator for free, even if not the dealer. This is a known issue on this vintage Santa Fe.

Where have you been taking it, and where are you taking it now?

 

valve cover gasket replaced under warranty

Mechanic who had replaced my alternator a few months ago advised problem was leaking valve cover gasket ruined the alternator. He replaced the alternator for no charge. I took the car to the dealer and he replaced the valve cover gasket under my 100000 mile guarantee. 2007 Sante Fe Limited, 88000 miles.

 

Mechanic who had replaced my alternator a few months ago advised problem was leaking valve cover gasket ruined the alternator. He replaced the alternator for no charge. I took the car to the dealer and he replaced the valve cover gasket under my 100000 mile guarantee. 2007 Sante Fe Limited, 88000 miles.

A GREAT day, huh? :thumbsup: I like stories that end well.

 

Just and FYI the picture posted by SN20202020 indicates the exact area where I applied the RTV.

 

OK, just started experiencing the battery light indicator, followed by the seat belt not fastened indicator. This, just one week after having the 60K service. Based on what I ready here, we're looking at a gasket failure and perhaps alternator problem. The battery is virtually new, as it was replaced a few months ago. Should I just go in and tell the dealer what is going on along with my suspicion, or let them "do their thing"? I have just under 61K, and am the original owner. Thanks.

 

You are certainly looking at an alternator problem. If you see oil on the alternator, by all means point this out to the dealer with a word about the gasket issue to assure that they actually fix the source of your problem!

 

canderson, you have been a bevy of help, and it is all much appreciated. Reading other threads (branching off of this one) I can expect that the 10/100K warranty will kick in? I only ask as branches off of the thread refer to secondary drive-train warranty, etc. Like I said, I am just over 60K, and had that service done less than two weeks ago. Why, oh why do I start having issues now?!

 

Update. Left rocker gasket is leaking/worn. Falls under warranty. State the alternator should be addressed, and replaced. State the alternator does not fall under 10/100K. The car has just under 62K. It's an '09. Does the alternator fall under warranty? I am pressing the service rep on the warranty issue. They will get back to me. Do I have a leg to stand on? Thanks.

 

Here's what we have seen.

Advise the dealer that the alternator was a secondary failure that occurred as a result of a covered warranty item. We have had quite a few owners here who have been able to successfully press that case and have the alternator included in the gasket repair under warranty. Let the dealer know that there are many reported cases here where Hyundai America accepted that as an explanation on the work order.

 

canderson, thanks. I have stated that I was going to press the warranty on the alternator. You have given me a "more better" explanation to give the dealer. Again, much appreciated.

A question: should I expect a brand, new alternator? Sorry to ask, but in this throwaway society we have become, refurbished seems to be the new new.

 

canderson, thanks. I have stated that I was going to press the warranty on the alternator. You have given me a "more better" explanation to give the dealer. Again, much appreciated.

A question: should I expect a brand, new alternator? Sorry to ask, but in this throwaway society we have become, refurbished seems to be the new new.

Addendum: I guess I should also have asked, although canderson alludes to it, is the left rocker gasket the same as the valve cover gasket?

Apologies. I am not a car guy, though I desire to become one, and I want to make sure that my chambers are not empty when the dealer comes back and tries to pull that $800.00+ bill out of me.

 

Addendum: I guess I should also have asked, although canderson alludes to it, is the left rocker gasket the same as the valve cover gasket?

Yup - same item, just different terminology. Guess the transition may have been due to the shift to OHV? Never gave it much thought.

 

Hyundai dealers do have access to a range of remanufactured OEM (Hyundai) alternators, but given their history with these, I wouldn't be at all fussed if that's what they installed.

 

Again, thanks! I don't mean to :beathorse: . I certainly would not fuss about it. Just want the thing to run well. I don't need it to break down with a 5-year old and a 3-year old, in it. Summer is coming. Road trips.

 

I would have to say its most likely a fault with the battery given its age. A charge does nothing to fix a fault in a battery and unless discharged by something left on faulty charging systems (none of which was diagnosed) only the battery based on age can be expected to the candidates

Testing when its not working is the best course as already mentioned.

 

Update: Got a call from the dealer. They put in a request, after I had stated I would push them on the warranty (I tried to be tactful), to corporate. Got word back that the alternator, along with the gasket, would be replaced under warranty.

I have to thank all of you for your input and help. Without this site, I am sure I would have just said to go ahead and charge me the $800.00 + for the alternator. Again, much obliged.

 

Excellent! As I say, HMA has been fairly cooperative about this issue with other owners who have faced the same situation under the 10/100. It's been the dealers that have had to be convinced. Glad we were able to save you some $.

 

Speaking of cash. Maybe it's time I ponied up to become a premium member. Would the $ be for maintaining this site, I presume?