Hyundai Santa Cruz: All Wheel Drive (AWD) / AWD Operation

Four Wheel Drive (AWD) mode selection

WARNING

If AWD warning light () stays on the instrument cluster, your vehicle may have a malfunction with the AWD system. When the AWD warning light () illuminates have the vehicle checked by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer as soon as possible.

NOTICE

• Maintain AWD Auto mode when driving on roads in normal conditions.
• When driving under normal road conditions (especially when cornering) in AWD Lock mode, a driver may find minor mechanical vibration or noise, which is extremely normal phenomenon, not a malfunction. When AWD Lock mode is released, such noise or vibration will be immediately gone.

CAUTION

When driving on normal roads, deactivate the AWD LOCK mode by pushing the AWD LOCK button (AWD LOCK indicator light goes off). Driving on normal roads with the AWD LOCK mode, especially, when cornering may cause mechanical noise or vibration. The noise and vibration will disappear when the AWD LOCK mode is deactivated. Prolong driving with the noise and vibration may damage some parts of the power train.

NOTICE

When the AWD LOCK mode is deactivated, a sensation may be felt as the driving power is delivered entirely to the front wheels.

For safe AWD operation

Before driving

• Make sure all passengers are wearing seat belts.
• Sit upright and closer to the steering wheel than usual. Adjust the steering wheel to a position comfortable for you to drive.

Driving on snow-covered or icy roads

• Start off slowly by applying the accelerator pedal gently.
• Use snow tires or tire chains.
• Keep sufficient distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you.
• Use engine braking during deceleration.
• Avoid speeding, rapid acceleration, sudden brake applications, and sharp turns to prevent skids.

Driving in sand or mud

• Maintain slow and constant speed.
• Use tire chains driving in mud if necessary.
• Keep sufficient distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you.
• Reduce vehicle speed and always check the road condition.
• Avoid speeding, rapid acceleration, sudden brake applications, and sharp turns to prevent getting stuck.

CAUTION

When the vehicle is stuck in snow, sand or mud, place a non-slip material under the drive wheels to provide traction OR Slowly spin the wheels in forward and reverse directions which causes a rocking motion that may free the vehicle. However, avoid running the engine continuously at high RPM. Doing so may damage the AWD system.

Driving up or down hills

• Driving uphill

- Before starting off, check if it is possible to drive uphill.
- Drive as straight as possible.

• Driving downhill

- Do not change gear while driving downhill. Select gear before driving downhill.
- Drive as slowly using engine braking while driving downhill.
- Drive straight as possible.

WARNING

Exercise extreme caution driving up or down steep hills. The vehicle may flip depending on the grade, terrain and water/ mud conditions.

WARNING

Do not drive across the contour of steep hills. A slight change in the wheel angle can destabilize the vehicle, or a stable vehicle may lose stability if the vehicle stops its forward motion. Your vehicle may roll over and lead to a serious injury or death.

Driving through water

• Try to avoid driving in deep standing water. It may stall your engine and clog your exhaust pipes.
• If you need to drive in water, stop your vehicle, set the vehicle in AWD LOCK mode and drive under 5 mph (8 km/h).
• Do not change gear while driving in water.

Additional driving conditions

• Become familiar with the off-road conditions before driving.
• Always pay attention when driving offroad and avoid dangerous areas.
• Drive slowly when driving in heavy wind.
• Reduce vehicle speed when cornering. The center of gravity of AWD vehicles is higher than conventional 2WD vehicles, making them more likely to roll over when you rapidly turn corners.

• Always hold the steering wheel firmly when you are driving off-road.

WARNING

Do not grab the inside of the steering wheel when you are driving off-road. You may hurt your arm by a sudden steering maneuver or from steering wheel rebound due to an impact with objects on the ground. You could lose control of the steering wheel which may lead to serious injury or death.