Maintenance

Emission Control System

~5min read

The emission control system of your vehicle is covered by a written limited warranty. Please refer to the warranty information contained in the Owner's Manual and Warranty Information booklet in your vehicle.

Your vehicle is equipped with an emission control system that meets all applicable emission standards. There are the following three emission control systems.

(1) Crankcase Emission Control System
(2) Evaporative Emission Control System
(3) Exhaust Emission Control System

To ensure proper operation of the emission control systems, it is recommended that your vehicle be inspected and serviced by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer in accordance with the maintenance schedule given in this manual.

CAUTION

For inspection and maintenance (with Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system)

  • To prevent misfiring of the vehicle during dynamometer testing, turn the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system off by pressing the ESC switch (ESC OFF indicator illuminates).
  • After completing the dynamometer test, turn the ESC system back on by pressing the ESC switch again.

1. Crankcase Emission Control System

The Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) system is used to prevent air pollution caused by crankcase gases escaping into the atmosphere. This system supplies fresh filtered air to the crankcase through the air intake hose. Inside the crankcase, fresh air mixes with the crankcase gases, which then pass through the PCV valve into the intake system.

2. Evaporative Emission Control System, including the Onboard Refueling Vapor Recovery (ORVR) system

The evaporative emission control system is designed to prevent fuel vapor from escaping into the atmosphere. The ORVR system is designed to capture fuel vapor from the fuel tank and store it in the canister during refueling at a gas station, preventing fuel vapor from escaping into the atmosphere.

Canister

Fuel vapor generated inside the fuel tank is absorbed and stored in the onboard canister. When the engine is running, the fuel vapor absorbed by the canister is drawn into the intake manifold through the Purge Control Solenoid Valve (PCSV).

Purge Control Solenoid Valve (PCSV)

The Purge Control Solenoid Valve is controlled by the Engine Control Module (ECM). When the engine coolant temperature is low at idle, the PCSV closes so that evaporated fuel does not enter the engine. After the engine warms up during normal driving, the PCSV opens to supply evaporated fuel to the engine.

3. Exhaust Emission Control System

The exhaust emission control system is a highly effective system that controls exhaust emissions while maintaining good vehicle performance.

When the engine starts or fails to start, excessive attempts to restart the engine may cause damage to the exhaust system.

Vehicle Modifications

  • This vehicle must not be modified. Modification of your vehicle may affect its performance, safety, or durability, and may even violate safety and emissions regulations. In addition, damage or performance problems resulting from any modifications are not covered by the warranty.
  • Use of unauthorized electronic devices may cause the vehicle to malfunction, wire damage, battery discharge, and fire. For your safety, do not use unauthorized electronic devices.

Engine Exhaust Precautions (Carbon Monoxide)

  • Carbon monoxide may be present in other exhaust gases. If you smell exhaust fumes of any kind inside your vehicle, drive with all windows fully open. Have your vehicle inspected and repaired immediately.

WARNING

Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide (CO). Although colorless and odorless, it is dangerous and can be fatal if inhaled. Follow the instructions on this page to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

WARNING

CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65 WARNING

Engine exhaust, and some vehicle components and parts, including interior trim components, contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. In addition, some fluids contained in vehicles and certain component wear products contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

  • Do not operate the engine in enclosed or confined areas (such as garages) any longer than necessary to enter or exit the area.
  • When the vehicle is stopped in an open area for more than a short time with the engine running, adjust the ventilation system (if necessary) to draw outside air into the vehicle.
  • Never sit in a parked or stopped vehicle for a long period with the engine running.
  • When the engine stalls or fails to start, excessive attempts to restart the engine may cause damage to the emission control system.

Catalytic Converter Operation Precautions

WARNING

The exhaust system and catalytic converter become very hot during and immediately after engine operation. To avoid SERIOUS INJURY or DEATH:

  • Do not park, stop, or drive the vehicle over or near flammable materials such as grass, vegetation, paper, leaves, etc. The hot exhaust system may ignite flammable materials under the vehicle.
  • Keep away from the exhaust system and catalytic converter, otherwise you may get burned. Also, do not remove heat shields around the exhaust system, do not seal the underbody, and do not apply corrosion-proofing coating to the vehicle. Under certain conditions, this may create a fire hazard.

Your vehicle is equipped with a catalytic converter.

To prevent damage to the catalytic converter and your vehicle, observe the following precautions:

CAUTION

  • Use only UNLEADED FUEL for gasoline engines.
  • Do not operate the vehicle if there are signs of engine malfunction, such as misfiring or noticeable loss of performance.
  • Do not misuse or abuse the engine. Examples of misuse include coasting downhill in gear with the engine off.
  • Do not run the engine at high idle speed for a long time (5 minutes or more).
  • Do not modify or tamper with any part of the engine or the emission control system. All inspections and adjustments must be performed by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer.
  • Avoid driving with a very low fuel level. Running out of fuel may cause engine misfires and damage the catalytic converter.

Test yourself

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