As we age, the memory is the second thing to be lost. I don't recall what's first.

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Look back about 6-7 months and see if you can find a thread about this. I remember seeing pictures of the ignition switch antenna and somebody said something about shorting the antenna connections, which would defeat the function of sensing the key in the ignition but would make everything work again. The memory is hazy (we don't have the system in the US) but it's here somewhere.

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I remember seeing pictures of the ignition switch antenna and somebody said something about shorting the antenna connections, which would defeat the function of sensing the key in the ignition but would make everything work again.

That's not quite right.

You remove the connector between the ring antenna and the SMARTRA unit, soldering the wires that would normally be connected to each side of the connector together. So your not shorting the ring antenna out, just removing the connector from the circuit. Apparently the problem is caused by oxidation/corrosion on the connector terminals which prevents the very small current in the circuit from flowing through the connector.

 

Update: Found that removing instrument cowl insert I could access the antenna screw, replaced the antenna coil and low and behold the key sensor light now comes on every time! And yes, it Starts!
Noticed the old immobilizer antenna had a small plastic spacer (hand made) under the old coil (dealer installed) I guess that was their attempted fix last time. Thanks for the suggestions, Robin

 

Robin

I also have a 2009 Santa Fe GLS (in Canada). I also have had the same issue as you. Intermittent no start. I can tell its the Immobilizer acting up as the 'key symbol' in dash does not light and santa fe wont start. Sometimes I have had to turn the key back and forth numerous time before I see the light on the dash (with 'key symbol'). Once I see the dash light - santa fe always starts.

I would guess I have had the issue for 5-6 years? Sometimes it has been bad - like happening multiple times per week and sometimes requires the key to be turned back and forth 5-6 times. But, in everycase the key symbol light eventually comes on. Often I can go for months where it only happens a few times.

During one "bad" week (maybe 8-9 months ago), I thought I would try and clean the wiring contacts around the Immobilizer Antenna as I read they can be an issue or I was just going to replace the Immobilizer Antenna with a new one. I seem to recall I could get a new Immobilizer Antenna online (from koraps or four green?) for around 30-40 USD

But, over last 5-6 months it has not been too bad.

Overall, my 2009 hash been pretty solid. Has around 156,000km. I replaced both lower ball joints about 4 months ago (well actually shop did this one for me - as they also did the alignment). I had the valve cover gasket replaced under warranty about 3 years ago - though its leaking again and I know Hyundai will fix it again - but leak is real tiny

I do routine maintenance. Oil / trans fluid, rad fluid. I have done the brakes a few times - used cheap ebay stuff on last one - and it seems decent. Replaced my starter about 4? years ago - replaced battery - redid the battery ground or one of the other nearby grounds? there is a post somewhere re: that.

I just flushed the power steering fluid as I thought I was hearing a slight whine when turning once in a while. I just used generic Power Steering fluid after reading what SBR711 said (he said in shop they use generic ps fluid). I also changed the serpentine belt. I thought it might have had a little oil on it and plus it was original. I used a "Bando 6PK2480 Serpentine Belt OEM" from ebay - that was $16 with free shipping. SBR711 said to take off the drivers wheel and remove the small cover (held on with four 10mm headed bolts) and then use 1/2" drive with reducer to 3/8" 19mm socket. The 19mm socket goes over the 19mm / 3/4" molded? nut which you turn counter clockwise to relieve tension. Once you remove the small cover you can see the 19mm / 3/4" molded? nut. SBR711 posted a pic on one thread (I thought on sonata? forum). Though when I installed the belt I didnt use the flex/u joint as was doing this myself and was a bit hard to leverage the ratchet and grab the belt and slide over last accessory.

My gas cap stopped clicking and I was seeing the odd P0442/P0456. I replaced the gas cap with a hyundai part (again from ebay) and cleared the codes. Will monitor and see what happens. Now , going to fix my sunroof. My nephew jammed my sunroof shade and sunroof would not close. I took headliner out (that is real ugly). What happened was the rear drip rail (that attaches to the sunroof with two arms/guides) broke.

A bit more info...I call it the rear drip rail (most sunroof diagrams just call it 'drip rail')..as front (and side drip rail) are molded into the sunroof and not replaceable. Anyway, the rear drip rail is a piece of plastic about 30" in length by about 4"..and it has has two legs/skis? on either side and these legs/skis ride in channels. The legs/skis on the drip rail are made of plastic and one of the legs/skis broke. I tried to repair but didnt work. I just ordered a new hyundai drip rail from fourgreen _ i think it was $19? but $36 for shipping...so $55..still not too bad. I will try and post some pics.