Help Me Is My Hyundai santa fe '02' a dud????

Question

I just bought a 02 Gls santa fe V6 auto, Drove it home, and it purred like a kitten, it never missed a beat..I took it for a roadworthy and when the mech. dropped it back it would not start, after the mechanic looked at it again he said the starter may have overheated, and I should let it cool down, an hour later it started but I only managed to get about 1k down the road when the engine stalled, I had it towed to Hyundai dealer who said it was the starter motor, and the starter may have engaged causing the motor to stall? I had the starter replaced, but now the engine has a tinny knocking noise in it[which was not there prior] which speeds up and slows down with the revs. Also when I got the car i noticed a sticker under the bonnet about timing belt replacement i never had a good look at it, when the car came back from the R.W.C mech he said it needs a new timing belt[at a cost of 400$] and the stickers gone? The car has done 109,000ks and has been serviced regularly, next service due is 110,000.

I sold my hyundai excel to buy this car to expand my business, I have spent nearly all my monie on the purchass and starter, I need some sound advice. I'm a single mum and can't afford big problems. also is it possible the mech is taking me for a fool?? and if so does anyone know of a good mechanic in geelong area??

Answer 1

Sounds like you got a crooked mechanic. You need to find a new one a timing belt shouldn't cost that much. I got one put on my Hyundai and cost only 250 so you got takin there.

Answer 2

take it to a different mechanic.  the starter won't overheat while the engine is running and it won't cause the motor to stall.  if it does stay engaged you will hear it.

check the logbooks-  if the car had its 90,000km service it doesn't need another one for another 90000km or 5 years

next time they want to replace a part ask them to put the old part into the boot for you, then if you still have problems you can get someone to check they've replaced the right part.

people like that give mechanics a bad name.

*the knock wasn't there when you bought the car?

it seems a bit coincedental for it to start straight after you bought the car.  its actually very unusual for these motors to have internal problems.

is the noise definitely not tappets?

Answer 3

Tashfeen Qayyum is right about the dishonest mechanic and the starter.  I'm very concerned a Hyundai dealer would tell you a starter caused the problem.  Please call Hyundai Consumer Affairs (02 9763 3333) and report the repair and misdiagnosis.  Was it Blood Hyundai?

http://www.hyundai.com.au/Range/default....

The sticker for the timing belt means it has been replaced.  The only reason one would remove it is to replace it when you change the belt the next time.  If my conversion is correct, Hyundai recommends replacement of the timing belt every 96500k (60,000 miles).  You aren't due again until 193000k (?) or 120,000 miles.  Check with a different dealer for UK recommendations (I'm U.S.) - definitely do not go back to that mechanic or dealership.

If yours is the 3.5L V6, there is a bulletin regarding Unstable Idle, wherein the EGR solenoid valve is replaced.  

The knocking noise could be as simple as a bent oil fill flap (usually occurs when oil is added to the vehicle with a metal pump or funnel).  Could also be a faulty knock sensor.  Worst case scenario would be engine replacement.

Stalling can be many things from defective fuel pump/sender to oxygen sensor to bad gas.  Is the check engine light on?  Has it ever been on?  There may be a code in the computer the technician can use to determine the actual problem.  Unfortunately, you will probably have to locate another company to get the repair done.

I tried calling Cambur Hyundai in Frankston to see how close they are to you... but it's 2am there:-)

Answer 4

Sorry to hear your story. Your Mechanic is taking you for a ride. the starter never over heats, once it starts the car, its work is done. It is at rest till the next time you start the car.

You need to go to a decent mechanic or may contact the old owner to find out about the timing belt issue,

The RPM going up and down is related to vacuum leakage. Have the system checked. Since this mechanic is so dishonest, I will be tempted to think that he put some faults in the car so that you keep coming back.

Have the car checked once and for all at the dealership, spend some more for sustained peace of mind. Overall Sante Fe is not a  bad vehicle.

Answer 5

sounds like ur mechanic pulled one over on u.  i'd get another mechanic. sorry, but i'm in albuquerque