The Sonata was redesigned in 2002, and with its long list of standard and optional features, some consider it Hyundai's first serious competitor in the family sedan market. The all-aluminum V6 is thoroughly conventional, so maintenance is simple. The timing belt drives the water pump, and the ignition coils fire cylinders 1 and 4, 2 and 5, 3 and 6.
Service information is available at no charge from the hmaservice.com Web site, and although it's a little thin and some specs are difficult to find, the search function is a big help.
There are only a few important service bulletins that apply specifically to this model. MIL illumination with DTC P0133, P0153 (oxygen sensor codes) requires a new updated oxygen sensor. An earlier technical service bulletin (TSB) called for reprogramming, so check to see if that's been done before replacing the sensor.
Alternator output at idle has been a problem. Hyundai has released a new alternator with a smaller 58mm pulley and a new powertrain control module (PCM) that maintains a higher idle speed under certain conditions.
Various automatic transmission shifting complaints are addressed with PCM reprogramming, and transmission leaks may be due to a faulty torque converter seal or porous transaxle cases.
