Hyundai Santa Fe (TM): Convenience features / Exterior features

Hood

Opening the hood

1. Park the vehicle and set the parking brake.

2. Pull the release lever to unlatch the hood. The hood should pop open slightly.

3. Go to the front of the vehicle, raise the hood slightly, push up the secondary latch (1) inside of the hood center and lift the hood.

After the hood has been lifted halfway, it will raise completely by itself.

Closing the hood

1. Before closing the hood, check in and around the engine compartment to ensure the following:

- Any tools or other loose objects are removed from the engine room area or hood opening area
- All glove, rags, or other combustible material is removed from the engine compartment
- All filler caps are tightly and correctly installed

2. Lower the hood halfway (lifted approximately 12 in. (30 cm) from the closed position) and push down to securely lock in place. Then double check to be sure the hood is secure. If the hood can be raised slightly, it is not securely locked. Open it again and close it with more force.

WARNING

• Before closing the hood, ensure all obstructions are removed from around the hood opening.
• Always double check to be sure that the hood is firmly latched before driving away. Check there is no hood open warning light or message displayed on the instrument cluster. Driving with the hood opened may cause a total loss of visibility, which might result in an accident.
• Do not move the vehicle with the hood in the raised position, as vision is obstructed, which might result in an accident, and the hood could fall or be damaged.

Liftgate

Opening the liftgate

Make sure the vehicle is in P (Park) and set the parking brake.

Then do one of the following:

1. Unlock all doors with the Door Unlock button on your remote key or smart key. Press the liftgate handle button and open the liftgate.

2. Press and hold the liftgate open button on the remote key or smart key. Press the liftgate handle button and open the liftgate.

3. With the Smart Key in your possession, press the liftgate handle button and open the liftgate.

Closing the liftgate

Lower the liftgate lid and press down until it locks. To be sure the liftgate lid is securely fastened, always check by trying to pull it up again without pressing the liftgate handle button.

WARNING

Always keep the liftgate lid completely closed while the vehicle is in motion. If it is left open or ajar, poisonous exhaust gases containing carbon monoxide (CO) may enter the vehicle and serious illness or death may result.

NOTICE

To prevent damage to the liftgate lift cylinders and the attached hardware, always close the liftgate before driving.

Information

In cold and wet climates, liftgate lock and liftgate mechanisms may not work properly due to freezing conditions.

WARNING

Do not hold the part (gas lifter) that supports the liftgate. Be aware that the deformation of the part may cause vehicle damage and a risk of injury.

WARNING

• NEVER allow anyone to occupy the luggage compartment of the vehicle at any time. If the liftgate is partially or totally latched and the person is unable to get out, serious injury or death could occur due to lack of ventilation, exhaust fumes and rapid heat build-up, or because of exposure to cold weather conditions. The luggage compartment is also a highly dangerous location in the event of a crash because it is not a protected occupant space but is a part of the vehicle’s crush zone.
• Your vehicle should be kept locked and keys should be kept out of the reach of children. Parents should teach their children about the dangers of playing in luggage compartments.

Emergency liftgate safety release

Your vehicle is equipped with the emergency liftgate safety release lever located on the bottom of the liftgate. When someone is inadvertently locked in the luggage compartment. The liftgate can be opened by doing as follows:

1. Remove the cover.

2. Push the release lever to the right by a key.

3. Push up the liftgate.

WARNING

• For emergencies, be fully aware of the location of the emergency liftgate safety release lever in the vehicle and how to open the liftgate if you are accidentally locked in the luggage compartment.
• No one should be allowed to occupy the luggage compartment of the vehicle at any time. The luggage compartment is a very dangerous location in the event of a crash.
• Use the release lever for emergencies only. Use with extreme caution, especially while the vehicle is in motion.

Power Liftgate

Power liftgate operating conditions

The power liftgate operates when the gear is in P (Park) with the engine running. However, the power liftgate will operate regardless of the gear position when the engine is off. Also, the liftgate can be opened only when vehicle speed is below 1.8 mph (3 km/h).

For safety, before attempting to open or close the liftgate, make sure the vehicle is in P (Park).

WARNING

• Never leave children or animals unattended in your vehicle. Children may operate the power liftgate. Doing so can result in injury to themselves or others and can damage the vehicle.

Make sure that there are no people or objects in the path of the power liftgate or smart liftgate prior to use. Serious injury, damage to the vehicle or damage to surrounding objects (for example, walls, ceilings, vehicles, etc.) may result if contact with the liftgate occurs.

NOTICE

• Do not close or open the liftgate manually. This may cause damage to the power liftgate. If it is necessary to close or open the liftgate manually when the battery is discharged or disconnected, do not apply excessive force.
• Do not operate the power liftgate more than 10 times continuously when the engine is not running. Use the power liftgate with the engine running when the power liftgate is used repeatedly to prevent battery discharge.
• Do not leave the power liftgate open for a long period of time. This may drain the battery.
• Do not apply excessive force when the power liftgate is operating. Doing so could result in vehicle damage.

Do not grab or hold on to the liftgate support struts at any time. Damage to the liftgate support struts could result. Deformation of the liftgate support struts may cause vehicle damage and personal injury may occur.

• Do not modify or repair any part of the power liftgate by yourself. This must be done by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer.
• Do not operate the power liftgate under the following conditions. The power liftgate may not operate properly.
  - One side of the vehicle is lifted to inspect the vehicle or change a tire
  - Parking on an uneven road such as a slope, etc.
• Close the liftgate completely and lock all doors and liftgate using the central door lock button before using an automatic car wash.
• Do not spray high pressure water directly on the power liftgate outside open/close button. The liftgate may open unintentionally.

Information

• If the liftgate is not fully closed and vehicle speed is at or above 3 km/h (1.8 mph), a warning will sound 10 times. Immediately park the vehicle at a safe place, close the liftgate, and check that the liftgate open warning on the instrument cluster is turned off.
• In cold and wet climates, the outside power liftgate open/close button may not work properly due to freezing conditions. If this occurs, remove the ice before using the outside power liftgate open/close button or use the power liftgate open/close button on the smart key or the instrument panel.
• Operating the power liftgate more than 5 times continuously could cause damage to the operating motor. If this occurs, the power liftgate will not operate to prevent the motor from overheating. If any of the power liftgate buttons are pressed to try to open the liftgate, the chime will sound 3 times, but the liftgate will remain closed. Allow the power liftgate system to cool for about 1 minute before operating the system again.

Operating the power liftgate

Power liftgate open/close button (Smart key, Instrument panel)

Press the power liftgate open/close button for 1 second. The liftgate opens or closes with a warning sound.

While the liftgate is opening or closing, press the button to stop liftgate operation.

If the smart key is not within operation range (approximately 10 m) from the vehicle, liftgate operation will stop with a warning sound for 5 seconds.

Power liftgate open/close button (Outside the power liftgate)

When the liftgate is closed, press the power liftgate open/close button to open the liftgate.

If the vehicle is locked, press the power liftgate open/close button with the smart key in your possession.

If the liftgate is unlocked, the liftgate will open or close with a warning sound when the power liftgate open/close button is pressed without carrying the smart key.

Power liftgate open/close button (Inside the power liftgate)

Press the power liftgate open/close button. The liftgate opens or closes with a warning sound.

Automatic reverse

During power liftgate operation if the power liftgate senses any obstacle, the liftgate will stop or will fully open. The automatic reverse feature may not operate properly, or it may operate unexpectedly under the following circumstances:

• The automatic reverse feature may not detect the resistance if the detected resistance is below a certain level, or if the liftgate is almost fully closed near the latched position.
• The automatic reverse feature may operate if a strong impact is applied with no obstructions placed.

WARNING

Never intentionally place any object or part of your body in the path of the power liftgate to make sure the automatic reverse feature operates. Serious injury, or damage to the vehicle or object may occur.

Information

The power liftgate may stop operating if the automatic reverse feature operates more than two times while attempting to open or close the liftgate. If this occurs, carefully open or close the liftgate manually, and then after 30 seconds try to operate the power liftgate automatically again.

Setting the power liftgate

To use each feature, you must select the opening speed or opening height from the settings menu. Deselect the settings when you do not want to use the feature.

Power liftgate opening speed

To adjust the power liftgate speed, select 'Setup -> Vehicle Settings -> Door/Liftgate -> Power Liftgate Opening Speed - > Fast/Slow' in the infotainment system (Default setting is ‘Fast’.)

User height setting

1. Position the liftgate manually to the height you prefer.

2. Press the power liftgate open/close button located inside the liftgate for more than 3 seconds.

If ‘User Height Setting’ is selected for the power liftgate opening height, the power liftgate will automatically open to the height manually set by you.

Information

• If the power liftgate opening height has not been manually set, the power liftgate will fully open when ‘User Height Setting’ from the infotainment system is selected.
• If one of the height setting (Full Open/ Level 3/Level 2/Level 1) is selected from the settings menu in the infotainment system, and then ‘User Height Setting’ is selected, the liftgate will open to the height manually set by you.
• The power liftgate opening speed and opening height settings change according to the linked User Profile. If the User Profile is changed, power liftgate opening speed and opening height settings will change accordingly.

Resetting the power liftgate

In some circumstances resetting the power liftgate operation may need to be performed. Some instances where resetting the power liftgate may be required include:

• When the 12-volt battery is recharged
• When the 12-volt battery is reinstalled after removal or replacement
• When the related fuse is reinstalled after removal or replacement

1. With the engine off or running, put the gear in P (Park).

2. Press the power liftgate open/close inner button (A) and outer button (B) simultaneously until a chime sounds.

3. Slowly close the liftgate manually.

4. Press the power liftgate open/close outer button. The power liftgate will open with a chime sound.

Wait until the liftgate fully opens to complete resetting. If the liftgate stops before it is fully open, resetting cannot be completed.

Information

If the power liftgate does not operate properly after the above procedure, have the system inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer.

Emergency liftgate safety release

To unlock and open the liftgate manually from inside the luggage compartment, perform the following procedure:

1. Insert a long, flat object, such as a key into the opening at the bottom of the liftgate.

2. Slide the latch in the direction of the arrow to unlock the liftgate.

3. Push the liftgate to open.

WARNING

• For emergencies, be fully aware of the location of the emergency liftgate safety release latch in the vehicle and how to open the liftgate if you are accidentally locked in the luggage compartment.
• No one, including animals, should be allowed to occupy the luggage compartment of the vehicle at any time. The luggage compartment is a very dangerous location in the event of an accident.
• Use the release latch for emergencies only. Use extreme caution, especially while the vehicle is in motion.

Smart liftgate

On a vehicle equipped with a smart key, the liftgate can be opened with handsfree activation using the smart liftgate system.

Using smart liftgate

The hands-free smart liftgate system can be opened automatically when the following conditions are met:

• The smart liftgate option is enabled in the Settings menu in the infotainment system screen.
• The smart liftgate is activated and ready 15 seconds after all the doors are closed and locked.
• The smart liftgate will open when the smart key is detected in the area behind the vehicle for 3 seconds.

Information

The smart liftgate will NOT operate when:

• A door is not locked or closed.
• The smart key is detected within 15 seconds from when the doors were closed and locked.
• The smart key is detected within 15 seconds after the doors are closed and locked, and within 60 in. (1.5 m) from the front door handles. (for vehicles equipped with Welcome Light).
• The smart key is in the vehicle.

1. Settings

To activate the Smart Liftgate, go to User Settings Mode and select Smart Liftgate on the LCD display.

2. Detect and Alert

The smart liftgate detecting area extends approximately 20~40 in. (50~100 cm) behind the vehicle. If you are positioned in the detecting area and are carrying the smart key, the hazard warning lights will blink and the chime will sound to alert you that the smart liftgate will open.

Information

Do not approach the detecting area if you do not want the liftgate to open. If you have unintentionally entered the detecting area and the hazard warning lights and chime starts to operate, move away from the area behind the vehicle with the smart key. The liftgate will remain closed.

3. Automatic opening

After the hazard warning lights blink and the chime sounds 6 times, the smart liftgate will open.

Deactivating smart liftgate

1. Door lock

2. Door unlock

3. Liftgate open (Liftgate) Liftgate open / close (Power liftgate)

If you press any button on the smart key during the Detect and Alert stage, the smart liftgate will be deactivated.

Make sure to be aware of how to deactivate the smart liftgate for emergency situations.

• If you press the door unlock button (2), the smart liftgate will be deactivated temporarily. But, if you do not open any door for 30 seconds, the smart liftgate will be activated again.
• If you press the liftgate open button (3) for more than 1 second, the liftgate opens.
• The smart liftgate will still be activated if you press the door lock button (1) or liftgate open/close button (3) on the smart key as long as the smart liftgate is not already in the Detect and Alert stage.
• In case you have deactivated the smart liftgate by pressing the smart key button and opened a door, the smart liftgate can be activated again by closing and locking all doors.

Detecting area

• The smart liftgate detecting area extends approximately 20~40 in. (50~100 cm) behind the vehicle. If you are positioned in the detecting area and are carrying the smart key, the hazard warning lights will blink and the chime will sound for about 3 seconds to alert you that the liftgate will open.
• The alert stops once the smart key is moved outside of the detecting area within the 3 second period.

Information

• Smart liftgate may not operate properly if any of the following occur:
  - The smart key is close to a radio transmitter such as a radio station or an airport which can interfere with normal operation of the transmitter.
  - The smart key is near a mobile two way radio system or a mobile phone.
  - Another vehicle’s smart key is being operated close to your vehicle.
• Smart liftgate detecting area may change when:
  - The vehicle is parked on an incline or slope.
  - One side of the vehicle is raised or lowered relative to the opposite side.

Fuel filler door

Opening the fuel filler door

1. Turn the engine off.

2. Ensure Driver’s door is unlocked.

3. Press the rear center edge of the fuel filler door.

4. Pull the fuel filler door (1) outward to access the fuel tank cap.

5. To remove the fuel tank cap (2), turn it counterclockwise. You may hear a hissing noise as the pressure inside the tank equalizes.

6. Place the cap on the fuel filler door.

Information

The fuel filler door will unlock when Driver’s door is unlocked.

To unlock fuel filler door:

• Press the unlock button on your smart key
• Press the Central Door unlock button on armrest trim of driver’s door

The fuel filler door will lock when Driver’s door is locked.

To lock fuel filler door:

• Press the lock button on your smart key
• Press the Central Door lock button on armrest trim of driver’s door

* All doors will automatically lock after the vehicle speed exceeds 9 mph. Fuel filler door is also locked when vehicle speed exceeds 9 mph.

Information

If the fuel filler door does not open because ice has formed around it, tap lightly or push on the door to break the ice and release the door. Do not pry on the door. If necessary, spray around the door with an approved deicer fluid (do not use radiator antifreeze) or move the vehicle to a warm place and allow the ice to melt.

Closing the fuel filler door

1. To install the fuel tank cap, turn it clockwise until it “clicks” one time.

2. Close the fuel filler door until it is latched securely.

Information

Make the vehicle door to LOCK position and the fuel filler door completely closed in order to lock the fuel filler door.

If the fuel filler door is not completely closed, the fuel filler door will not be locked.

CAUTION

Keep the door into LOCK position when the vehicle is being washed (for example, high pressure washer, automatic car washer, etc.)

WARNING

Automotive fuel is highly flammable and explosive. Failure to follow these guidelines may result in SERIOUS INJURY or DEATH:

• Read and follow all warnings posted at the gas station.
• Before refueling, note the location of the Emergency Fuel Shut-Off, if available, at the gas station.
• Before touching the fuel nozzle, you should eliminate the potential buildup of static electricity by touching a metal part of the vehicle, a safe distance away from the fuel filler neck, nozzle, or other gas source, with your bare hand.
• Do not use mobile phones while refueling. Electric current and/or electronic interference from cellular phones can potentially ignite fuel vapors and cause a fire.
• Do not get back into a vehicle once you have begun refueling. You can generate a buildup of static electricity by touching, rubbing or sliding against any item or fabric capable of producing static electricity. Static electricity discharge can ignite fuel vapors causing a fire. If you must re-enter the vehicle, you should once again eliminate potentially dangerous static electricity discharge by touching a metal part of the vehicle, away from the fuel filler neck, nozzle or other fuel source, with your bare hand.
• When using an approved portable fuel container, be sure to place the container on the ground prior to refueling. Static electricity discharge from the container can ignite fuel vapors causing a fire. Once refueling has begun, contact between your bare hand and the vehicle should be maintained until the filling is complete.
• Use only approved portable plastic fuel containers designed to carry and store fuel.
• When refueling, always shift the gear to the P (Park) position, set the parking brake, and press the Engine Start/Stop button to the OFF position. Sparks produced by electrical components related to the engine can ignite fuel vapors causing a fire.
• Do not use matches or a lighter and do not smoke or leave a lit cigarette in your vehicle while at a gas station, especially during refueling.
• Do not over-fill or top-off your vehicle tank, which can cause fuel spillage.
• If a fire breaks out during refueling, leave the vicinity of the vehicle, and immediately contact the manager of the gas station and then contact the local fire department. Follow any safety instructions they provide.
• If pressurized fuel sprays out, it can cover your clothes or skin and thus subject you to the risk of fire and burns. Always remove the fuel cap carefully and slowly. If the cap is venting fuel or if you hear a hissing sound, wait until the condition stops before completely removing the cap.
• Always check that the fuel cap is installed securely to prevent fuel spillage in the event of an accident.

Information

Make sure to refuel your vehicle according to the “Fuel Requirements” section in suggested in chapter 1.

NOTICE

• Do not spill fuel on the exterior surfaces of the vehicle. Any type of fuel spilled on painted surfaces may damage the paint.
• If the fuel filler cap requires replacement, use only a genuine HYUNDAI cap or the equivalent specified for your vehicle. An incorrect fuel filler cap can result in a serious malfunction of the fuel system or emission control system.