[Nanobot_FPS]

Hello I have a 2001 Sante Fe that I purchased as used in Jan 2010 from a reputable garage, I have had almost no problems since then. I had the radio upgraded at Best Buy (had a bargain for the instalation price), then had the rear trailing arms replaced according to the recall. This morning I had two 20 minute trips then went back this afternoon, opened the car put the key in the ignition all the usual dash lights came on and then turned it on - the lights went out and the car did not start. No lights in the dash, no starter nothing. Looked at the fuses under the hood and in the cabin next to the left driver's knee, and did not see any blown fuses. Tried to start it again, and saw a dim light in the dash but no success. Tried it again, and had a flicker of all bright dash lights for about 1/2 second. Did it again and was back to the dim light in the dash and no success.

The car has an aftermarket immobilizer system where I have to hold down the left turn signal to start the car. It also has some custom 12V wiring to the rear tailgate and an aftermarket on/off rocker switch at the driver's left knee near the cabin fuse box.

Any hints? I searched this forum and did not find any simple solutions.

UPDATE
Went back to the car after writing this (about 30 minutes later) and noticed, the brake lights were not working, the interior dome light was dim and flashing at the same pace as the alarm light. Went looking under the dash and found what I think is the main security system box, jiggled the wires on that and everything else, and the dome light became bright. I got back in, turned the key on and the dash became normal with all lights working, then turned it to start and click, nothing, everything went dark, except for one dashboard light dimly lit.

UPDATE 2
Discovered that I should be referring to an immobilizer aftermarket system not a security system (edited above in bold)

thanks

Nanobot_FPS

 

[Nanobot_FPS]

Well the problem is resolved.

I feel foolish to write this but it could help someone else.

I called CAA (Canadian AAA) to come in and help. They sent their battery truck rather than a tow truck. The battery technician looked at the issue and within two minutes diagnosed it as a loose connection to the battery. Over time one terminal became loose, and ended up providing partial and intermittent power to the engine. Because I have an immobilizer, there wasn't sufficient power for the immobilizer to do its job and it complicated the situation. The technican took off the connection, cleaned up and trued the terminal, reconnected the terminal and everything was back to normal. I plan to have the immobilizer removed.

He also noted my battery was over six years old, was a small battery for the Sante Fe and here in Ottawa, Canada, a battery only lasts seven years at the most. Hyundai batteries are all custom sizes and only recently are the aftermarket suppliers catching up with their versions. Also CAA is a non-profit organization and has a battery program where they will sell you a battery at their cost, come to you to test your old battery, if necessary instal a new battey and give you a good warranty as well. In winter this battery program saves them from a lot of battery boost calls.

 

[sbr711]

QUOTE (Nanobot_FPS @ Aug 28 2010, 09:47 AM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=352518

He also noted my battery was over six years old
At 3-4 yr on OE Hyundai battery, start to keep eyes and ears open..


a battery only lasts seven years at the most.
If you adventurous to leave it in that long till it leaves you stranded at inoportune time.. I went 9yr 5 month with an AC DELCO Professional Series Group 35... was couple minutes from house, stooped by train, so I shut off... train gates open, I turn key to start, BLACK.....

Hyundai batteries are all custom sizes and only recently are the aftermarket suppliers catching up with their versions.
Wrong answer... thre are 2 std battery groups for Hyundai, until GENISIS came about... the majority of the product line uses a 24F,,, everyday on shelf battery at store for over 25yr.. The smaller battery for Accent/Elantra beeen a 26 I think it is, but could use 24F for slight more CCA..

In winter this battery program saves them from a lot of battery boost calls.

 

[Hyundai_81]

my battery was starting to go after 4 years.. so I went ahead an replaced it anyways, my luck it won't start when I least expect it. I went to Canadian Tire and got the Eliminator with the biggest I could get for my 06. (875 Cold Cranking Amps/1075 Cranking Amps) should do me really well especially when I put a car stereo in it some day, what I was always told and makes sense is get atleast the next one up from what you had before as in cranking amps/cold cranking amps.. just that much better start in really hot and cold conditions, plus alittle better warrenty is a plus too.. mine was $120 bucks before taxes. :grin: