2006 Hyundai Elantra GLS

eBay: http://301url.com/2006_Elantra

 

Winning bid $7,400

 

---------------- NOT MUCH IS IT? FOR A 2006 ? --------------

FACT IS, ELANTRAS ARE TROUBLE -- THE BATTERY, FOR EXAMPLE, IS almost
impossible to replace and service!

Hyundai DOESN'T want you even try to:

1) Check the fluid level in the cells.

2) Check the body and terminals for corrosion.

3) Remove the old battery and install a new one.

These tasks are almost impossible for the average motorist BECAUSE THE
BATTERY SITS IN AN ENCLOSED, SEALED CASE! You can't see much less
inspect the cell fluid levels. And half of the bolts under the hood
on the driver's side have to be removed to free-up the battery.

See, Hyundai wants you to go to a HYUNDAI DEALER, where a battery
costs $90, plus up to $50 more to install it. And at most Hyundai
dealers I know, you have to leave your car for an entire day -- then
hope it's ready when you return in the late afternoon or early
evening.

"Aw, we're sorry, but you see we got real busy and couldn't get to
yours. But tomorrow!"

AdvanceAuto Parts, AutoZone, Olympic Auto Parts, and Batteries Plus
sell the same battery for $52 to $69, some including free
installation.

Only problem? They can't get a sufficient supply of them to keep 'em
in stock!

And that's what your conniving, inscrutable Hyundai folks want -- to
force you to spend more on a new battery than a normal car owner would
expect. Parts companies list the Elantra batteries as "special." And
that they are!

Additionally, the OWNER'S MANUAL has neither a diagram or instructions
for accessing and servicing your Hyundai Elantra battery. Just a one-
paragraph entry that says, in effect, Be careful when servicing the
battery."

I've had my 2004 Elantra GLS for 3 years and the battery is already
shot. Needless to say, with problems also with the air bags, brakes,
power locks, and engine noise and vibration, I've bought my last
Hyundai product!

My advice to Hyundai? Hold up on building those factories in the
U.S. Too many one-time customers could make for sluggish, then
anemic, sales.


-------------------------

 

While I agree that Hyundai factory batteries are generally crap, the
Elantra battery (nor any other Hyundai battery for that matter) is not
particularly difficult to replace. While it's true the battery is sealed
and you cannot check the acid/water level, this is common for new
batteries, in part to help prevent spillage, which would create
environmental concerns. Remember that the OE battery in your Elantra made
its way here from Korea.

Here's the procedure I use to replace a 2001-2006 Elantra battery:
1. Remove the three retainers holding the plastic cover in place.
2. Loosen the negative terminal bolt and disconnect terminal.
3. Lift cover off positive terminal.
4. Loosen the positive terminal bolt and disconnect terminal.
5. Remove the 12mm bolt and remove the battery hold down bracket.
6. Hold the plastic cover out of the way and lift the battery out.
7. Installation is the reverse of removal.

If bending the cover out of the way insults your sensibilities, you can
remove another bolt, freeing the cover completely.

I'd imagine the above procedure is within the capabilities of just about
any do-it-yourselfer. Most likely, they'll be able to do the job in under
15 minutes.

I'm sorry your Hyundai has had so many probems, but I don't think your
experience is typical. At this point, you can be happy it's covered under
the new vehicle warranty (with the possible exception of the battery). If
at the end of the warranty period, you decide it's too much to stomach,
you can sell it and get something else. My experience with 2001-2006
Elantras is that they've been quite reliable cars.

 

This is true on almost all cars made in the last 20 years. Did you just
wake up from a long nap?

Matt