Engine Mechanical System

Repair Procedures

10steps
~60min
3/5difficulty
0102030405024.518N·mlb·ft
Tightening torque found on this page
Done 0 of 10

Compression Pressure Test

If engine power is insufficient, oil consumption is excessive, or fuel economy is poor, measure the compression pressure.
  1. Warm up and stop the engine. Allow the engine to warm up to normal operating temperature.
  2. Disconnect the injector extension connector (A).
  3. Disconnect the ignition coil connectors (A).
  4. Remove the ignition coils (A).
  5. Remove the spark plugs (A). Using a 16 mm spark plug socket, loosen and remove the 4 spark plugs.
  6. Check the compression pressure in the cylinder.
    1. Insert the compression gauge into the spark plug hole.
    2. Fully open the throttle valve.
    3. While cranking the engine, measure the compression pressure.
      Always use a fully charged battery to make sure the engine cranking speed is 200 rpm or more.
    4. Repeat steps (1) through (3) for each cylinder.
      This measurement must be done as quickly as possible.
      Compression Pressure: 1373 kPa (14.0 kgf/cm², 199 psi) Minimum Pressure: 1226 kPa (12.5 kgf/cm², 178 psi) Difference between each cylinder: 100 kPa (1.0 kgf/cm², 15 psi) or less
    5. If compression is low in one or more cylinders, pour a small amount of engine oil through the spark plug hole into the cylinder and repeat steps (1) through (3) for the cylinders with low compression.
      A. If adding oil improves compression, the piston rings and/or cylinder bore are likely worn or damaged.
      B. If pressure remains low, a valve may be sticking or seating improperly, or there may be leakage past the head gasket.
  7. Reinstall the spark plugs.

    Tightening Torque: 14.7 – 24 N·m

  8. Install the ignition coils.

    Tightening torque: 9.8 ~ 11.8 N·m

  9. Connect the injector connectors and the ignition coil connectors.
  10. Some DTCs may remain after the inspection test and may need to be cleared manually using GDS.

Test yourself

A quick Hyundai Tucson LM quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.