2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 Hyundai Sonata 2.4l – V6 – Battery Light On? ABS/ECS Light On? It’s most likely your alternator. It’s not expensive to replace the alternator yourself, less than $180, it takes just common tools, and alternator replacement only takes about an hour to hour and a half if you know the tips to avoid mistakes and make alternator replacement on the 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 hyundai sonata easy.
I’ve worked on my 2006 Hyundai Sonata for years. I had to replace the alternator last year because of the head gasket oil leak. And it was a cold February day and it took me 4 hours because I didn’t know the quick tips I’m showing you in this video. Since I had to replace the alternator again in my Sonata V6, I decided I would help all the other Hyundai owners out and save them some $$. Follow these steps to replace the alternator in your Sonata and pay a mechanic for the hard stuff.
These secret tips also work for making easy work to replace the serpentine belt on a 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 Hyundai Sonata 2.4L V6
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got the job done good stuff thanks
Oh yeah, wanted to mention I saw a guy talking about this in a Hyundai forum and he said it's way easier changing these thing from underneath – dropping it out the bottom – if you can get it on a lift of decent size ramps even.
Thanks Paul, that was most edifying. I just went through having the gasket replaced on my 2007 Sonata because of this, what seems to be the standard, oil leaking on to the alternator for every friggin Hyundai made. I can't believe they designed the engine like this with this common a flaw and that bad a design. Really? An alternator that oil can leak onto and is the biggest PITA to swap out.
I'm pretty pissed because the battery finally died today as I'm assuming the alternator gave up the ghost somewhere in the last day or two. And when they were doing the work I asked them if we should just replace the serp belt and alternator while they had everything apart because what's an extra $200 at that point…precisely to avoid the problem I just ran into – and they said, 'Nah they're fine.' So we'll see what happens Monday if they're going to cover the labor on this or we may have to end up in small claims court because damned if I'm paying for it after they said no.
I fully admit this car has never given me any problems at all over the last 10 years but now at the 10 year mark it almost seems like its falling apart at the seams where all kinds of things seem to be going wrong, and the front end is squeaky as hell in the winter, driver power seat is half busted, etc. I'm really perplexed because everyone and there dog always goes on about how great and reliable Hyundais are. At this point, when I'm done with this car in the next year or two I seriously doubt I'll be looking at a Hyundai again.
Question: You mentioned something about a recall for this very problem with oil leaking onto the alternator. I couldn't find anything about that relating to Sonatas – at least the 2007 model I have – but I've seen they've done several recalls for other Hyundai models for this exact same problem. Was the recall for the Sonata? Maybe it's just a US thing as I'm in Canada? Anyway, rant done. Thanks!
Just used this great video to change an alternator on an 06 Hyundai Azera. By doing it myself using this great video I saved $350. Nice job Paul and thanks
This is a good video, but there are few things I noticed. I have owned a mobile auto repair business for almost 11 years and I have bailed out so many people after they have viewed some of these videos. A person called me today that is stuck doing an alternator on a 2006 Hyundai. I will only charge him $170 because I am in a good mood, but it's not a bad job if things go well. I am in the Northeast and some things just don't come apart so easily and the job turns ugly. I think an hour to hour & 1/2 is a bit generous from start to finish, but definitely less than 3 when doing it the correct way.
Please always put the positive on first and the negative on last. There is a reason for this. The car is negative ground. If you put the negative on first & while putting on the positive touch anything metal, it will arc or short to ground(negative). When you put the positive on first, this will not happen while putting on the negative because as I mentioned, the chassis is negative ground. It's the opposite for battery disconnecting or removing. Negative First, then positive to disconnect the battery.
Helpful video, thanks. Crazy complex just to gain access to an alternator.
What additive do you recommend to help stop/slow the oil leak on the alternator?
Dude! This was VERY helpful!! It took me longer because I left my socket extensions at another location. Ugh! Ended up to be 6 hr. Job. I especially liked the idea of covering the radiator fins with cardboard to protect it from damage. Good call! My harmonic dampener pulley ended up going bad days later. So I would recommend replacing that and the belt while you have it apart and available. Now I have to take it all apart again! 🙁 FYI…my Sonata has 132,000 mi. On it,.
Thank you for sharing this video!
you mite see good voltage like 14.2 volts but still have the battery light on n the dash but it could have a intermenting problem or the altenator not putting out the amps that need to run every thing car mite not have the amps to run the lights at nights
thanks, this was very helpful! uninstalled and reinstalled in about 4 hours.