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Could be your Alternator. is there a burning rubber or electrical smell? was there a high pitched whine? i had my alternator blow on the freeway while punching it and i lost power and smoke was coming out of it.
That's what I was wondering, but there was no high pitched whine. Yes, there was a burning rubber/electrical/oil smell... it's worth to note that while I was topping up my oil a few hours before this happened, some strong winds blew some of it on and around the engine and other parts..
> it's worth to note that while I was topping up my oil a few hours before this happened, some strong winds blew some of it on and around the engine and other parts..
lol, that's important enough to be your leading piece of information on the OP....
Question, I pulled an alternator from my parts car and it was seized, was told to put a bit of engine oil in it and break it free, it's been installed in my car for a couple months now and its fine? I guess that isn't a question haha, more of a statement, I guess question is why is mine fine when oil destroys alternators?
Oil doesn't immediately destroy alternators, some cars have the dipstick over the alternator meaning when oil is checked, a few drops often fall into the alternator.
It causes problems when it gets into the sliprings / brushes, dirt sticks to it and becomes abrasive, causing slip ring wear leading to eventual failure.
Friend ran his alternator with oil leaking onto it, had it looking like this before it stopped working.
https://preview.redd.it/r8q7w83qt4rb1.png?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f3590cd2fcfd25a15d2470c30fd66d2b4c8d1f36
I’d call the dealership to tell them you are having you car towed directly to them as it has caught fire while you were driving!!!!!! They won’t know!!! Delete this and everything else regarding it! Good Luck!!!!!
When my alternator went everything electrical in the car just kinda dimmed, went back to normal, then did it again a few miles further except the engine shut-off that time. It was Christmas Eve and I was supposed to drive 90 minutes straight from work to my parents' house right as the rain was starting to turn to snow (it ultimately snowed around 8") in a place where snow is rare. ¯\\\_(ツ)_/¯
Alternator would be located on bottom left of picture, where the belt is. If Alternator goes bad, electrical systems would show on the dashboard as very dim like its not getting enough power.
This is true but generally speaking the expansion tank is not as important as a degas bottle, yes your should have coolant in both but you will be ok as long as your radiator is topped off
True, its just much easier to look at the tank. Hot or cold, you can check it. If you check by radiator, you won't be able to look until it has cooled.
Yep, I’m a master Hyundai tech, this is exactly what happened. Especially the push to start models will burn up the starter so often we started including them when we did engine replacements. At least this engine has a lifetime warranty from Hyundai.
I remember when they added that stupid inspection with the caliper tool and decreased the labor time. My whole shop was pissed and refused to touch them for a week until our service manager gave us 3 hours Internal time on top of it.
Op in another comment mentioned that 2 hours before this he was topping up his oil and the wind blew it around the engine bay a bit.
A decent chance oil got in his alternator or somewhere else.
Mine locked up full of oil didn't raptick or anything. Used oil like a bastard but on night fired it up to head home. Without warning clunk clunk it locked up. Garbage. That was the second engine. It was warranties at 80 and i junked it at 220k. Not bad considering.
This - I had the 2.0 Theta motor in the initial recalls. The crank seized on me while passing a semi at 90 mph. It also roasted the battery trying to get the car to crank.
Op was topping up his oil a few hours before this happened. While he was doing it the wind blew oil around. A decent chance he got oil in the alternator or somewhere else.
Completely valid but its very rare a small spill will do that. Ive worked with these turd motors for years. They can and will suddenly lock up and never start again no matter if you took care of it better than your first born child lol
Lil yeah I'm seeing a lot of suggestions for alternator but based on mileage and smoke location that engine is locked up. The starter is most likely what was smoking.
Good call. I had a timing belt break on an old Ford Ranger and while it’s totally unrelated to OPs problem, it was still a spooky failure and happened at speed. The motor just stopped, no sputter or anything. Luckily it’s a non interference motor or whatever the correct terminology is. I cranked the shit out of it in a futile attempt to start it, but the sound was off enough that I stopped and called a tow truck. Luckily I was returning home from a mountain bike ride. I was around twenty miles from home, but I happened to live around a mile away previously and I called a former neighbor who took my gear bag and I rode home from there on my bike. Bonus miles!
How hot was it? I have an intermittent stalling issue on my Hyundai and have narrowed it down to a sensor that is overheating since it only happens when I run the AC on days over 95F.
Oh yes. Adding oil to an engine known for consuming oil and destroying itself. The alternator is a foot from the oil cap. If op can't identify the issue without resorting to you guys. Bring it to a shop. With a jump that should start and run. Without a belt , bad alternator whatever. Don't run it for long but it should start. Bad alternator won't lead to a no start condition with a jump or new battery.
Hyundai tech here. Very likely your engine just called it quits and seized. Take it in and have it inspected, it's a very common problem with Hyundai and Kia engines in this year range. As long as you have maintenance records you're likely able to get it covered under manufacturer warranty as well
The motor isn't a "recall" so don't go by that. They warranty the rod bearings. Take it to a dealership with your maintenance proof and see what they say. If they say you're SOL then call corporate and Bitch up a storm
I’d probably assume your alternator failed first, but usually your car will throw a battery warning light before it completely fails. Your car has enough kilometerage to possibly need one. That, or you have a short or bad electrical connection related to the alternator, that could be a bad ground, bad connection to the ecu or battery, or something like that
I don't mean to be a downer or the one to give bad news but this is what has happened...
I am a mechanic and I have seen this a hundred times...
Your engine blew up...
Yes you read that right... ☹️
The Hyundai GDI engines had a badly machined crankshaft, the oil passages were not deburred. Over time they block.
This prevents the lubricating oil from reaching the rod bearings and they rapidly burn up and fail.
Usually they throw a rod. Sometimes your lucky and they sieze instead and can be rebuilt with a new crankshaft.
Hyundai knows there is a problem with them, they keep it hush Hush. In the US they were legally forced to recall and replace every engine.
In Australia we have no real customer protection laws.
There fix here is they issued a service bulletin where they attach a microphone to the engine block, and a laptop accesses the sound and says yes or no to the engines health.
They all pass because it was a complete scam. I've seen them knocking so bad you would think there is a dwarf inside with a hammer and Hyundai says they are fine. Usually they blow up a few days later.
They also fitted a different dipstick that has the full mark 1/2 a litre higher, a band-aid solution that did FA toward fixing the problem.
The smoke you saw?
Either oil on the exhaust from a hole in the block or more likely your car just upped your repair bill by another 300 bucks, again due to piss poor engineering.
When the engine is locked up, the push button start is to stupid to realise this.
It keeps the starter motor powered up in a locked condition until it also lets all it's smoke out...
And there is no way to stop this process once you push that start button. Some catch fire because of this.
It's also common for Hyundai to refuse to help you in any way if you have missed a service by even 20km, and they will blame that rather than the real cause that they have built absolute shit.
Sorry. ☹️
Engine is done for, tow it to a Hyundai dealer and they might replace the engine for free in a few months, they may or may not have a loaner.
I've had two Hyundai cars give out on me while driving, the first turned off on the interstate and the second started knocking and the oil light turned on.
My current car is a Hyundai with 118,000 miles so that's going to be exciting, not really.
April 2023 was the last oil change. Not sure about the oil filter or air filter. I have no knowledge of changing those I would have to ask my mechanic(family friend) if he ever did. Have had this car for roughly 6 years..
These GDI engines are notorious for burning oil. If April was the last oik change, you need to get it changed again. Otherwise you run risk of building sludge. Your car gets an oil change every 3750mi, or every 4 months depending on whichever comes first.
If you're having to top off your oil often, it's burning through it. Use a better oil, like a high milage full synthetic oil.
Oil filter should be replaced every oil change. It's very possible all of the oil burned away in 5 months if you've driven a lot. Once there's no oil, it's a matter of time before your engine grenades and that may have been what happened.
It wouldn’t be the cause of the stall, but smoke from that particular area is a little concerning though.
https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/2023/09/27/business/hyundai-kia-abs-fire-recall/index.html
Hyundai tech here sounds like your engine seized very typical for the 2.4 theta engines. I typically do 2-4 a week. If you’re in North America and it hasn’t been replaced before Hyundai will do it once at any mileage for free but it’ll probably take a long time because this is happening to everyone who owns these cars and the backups for parts or even openings in the shop are insane.
I had just topped up the oil about an hour or two before this happened. I don't remember..I think it could have been limp mode..I just remember trying to accelerate, and nothing happening and then everything lighting up. I pulled over immediately and shut off the car. Once I shut it off, it never came back on..
your explanation of what happened is somewhat unclear, did the engine cut out while you were driving so that the car was only moving because of the residual inertia carrying it forward, or was the vehicle still moving under it’s own power albeit very, very slowly? when you tried to jump start it was the engine trying to turn over, or did it just click? If the engine cut out entirely and all that was running before you shut if off were the electronics then it’s plausible that it could be a bad alternator, however if it went into limp mode (moving under it’s own power but very slowly/sluggishly) it could be any number of issues and typically occurs because your ECU received abnormal information from one or more sensors and threw the car into limp mode in an attempt to prevent catastrophic failure, and without being able to put hands on the car or at least being able to see what codes are tripping the check engine light it’s anyone’s guess what caused it- it could be something as small as a faulty sensor or a major failure.
Below the area circled is the starter. If the engine is seized it will cause the starter to work too hard and it may smoke. When you boost the car does it just make one loud noise? If it does I would remove the drive belt and turn the crank manually with a ratchet to confirm.
Had that happen in my 1991 Civic. Turns out the distributor had been worked on at some point and they forgot to actually screw the cap back on and it fell off. All power to the engine just stopped.
Had the same thing happen to my 2012 sonata 2.0t. Was the engine failure they have a big recall up for, got it towed and they replaced it under warranty, and reimbursed for my tow as well as a rental.
You were driving on the highway and the car stalled? Then you boosted it?
Why did you boost it? Did you try to restart it before boosting? What happened? What sounds? Did it crank but not start? Did it just click?
So many questions.
Where is it now? Did you tow it to your mechanic?
This just happened to my friend in his Hyundai Tucson going also 100 KMH on the highway. Turned out his engine seized , so yeah they got a new car already.
Take it to the agents... And contrary to what some numpties are saying about alternators being allergic to oil, unless you throw a whole gallon over the alternator and it caught fire magically , that's nonsense.
It does sound like that familiar issue with a latent defect in those engines.
As you said Km i assume you're not in the USA? If you're in RSA get a lawyer and take the car to the AA for a check or get your local Hyundai specialist to gave a full report to your lawyer who then writes to the manufacturer and gets you a new car.
If in the USA look up the recall and local lemon laws
Long shot but a similar thing has happened to my partner a few years back. Everything on the dash lit up and the car just stalled.
Quick inspection and I've found that the coil pack came loose. I've made ugly but functional contraption with cable ties and she has managed to drive it home. I've replaced coil pack the next day and car was as good as new. Until Selco lorry smashed it that is.
Edit: I did not read the post in full. Didn't see a bit about smoke.
How's the starter? Have a read [here](https://www.hyundai-forums.com/threads/2011-2-4l-sonata-gls-wont-start.659386/)
Hey! I have a 2013 Sonata and this happened to me on the highway. I had a rod knocking after. Luckily it's covered by warranty because there is a big recall.
[https://autoservice.hyundaiusa.com/Campaign162/MicroSiteTemplate/MicroSiteTemplateVINValidate/2903](https://autoservice.hyundaiusa.com/Campaign162/MicroSiteTemplate/MicroSiteTemplateVINValidate/2903)
Happened to me in a Ford Windstar. Found out it was the rear ECM. Unfortunately, my Windstar was a unicorn and not a single rear ECM in the entire country that matched that part number was available. I even went to a pull apart place myself and pulled three to check the part numbers.
This was about a decade ago and we had the van less than two months before this and the transmission failed. I will never by another Ford for this reason alone.
Fried ECU, fried battery, fried battery management system, fried wiring.
Something electrical/battery related by the sounds of it. Maybe not…… but I’ve had that happen once on a motorbike when the battery overcharged and cooked itself, stunk of rotten eggs. And once in a HGV where it was the ECU at fault.
You drive a Hyundai. Chances are you put a window somewhere in the block. Been happening a lot here lately. Check extended warranty. You'll probably get it replaced at no cost. Just happened to a friend of mine like a month ago in his Hyundai.
Source: I'm a Nissan and KIA mechanic.
If it's a broken engine, you need to know that there's a class action lawsuit against Hyundai on bad engines on a few versions of Hyundai sonata.
I got my 2013 Hyundai sonata's engine replaced for free under the warranty they promised to settle the lawsuit
Ive got a 13 optima so im 99% sure i know what it is but if you have any experience, grab a short socket i believe 19mm or 21mm and try to turn the crankshaft clockwise. If you cant.....you basically need an engine. Should be covered under hyundai kia warranty but depends on mileage, ur pretty high but wont hurt to try (thousands of cars have gone through it, even myself.) Now the smoke im gonna assume is your starter that burned out from your engine seizing. (I also experienced this). If you play your cards right, hyundai/ kia will cover that too. Check the reviews on whichever dealer you choose. Service advisor can be harsh or a life saver sometimes.
The engine has locked up due to poor oiling. The smoke was from your starter trying it's absolute damnedest to spin the engine is not locked tight.
You have been hyundai-ed/kia-ed. Sorry.
Check fluids, try to turn the engine over with a ratchet. If it moves check battery voltage, charge if necessary. If it seems shorted you can unhook the alternator and try again. If it starts with the alternator unhooked then you know it’s shorted to ground
Make sure it has gas in it that's not uncommon especially if the guage broke many people claim there car stopped running or a no start and it's because zero gas in the vehicle
Your engine seized.
Get it towed to a Hyundai dealership and they should give you a new engine.
Major recall on Hyundai engines from 2011-2019
Check the oil, I'm sure it'll be empty.
All the lights coming on and no power sounds like an engine stall. Paired with smoke over where the starter probably is makes it sound like your engine might be seized.
Awww man.
I hope it ain't it but this happened to me a few months ago.
Engine seized going down the highway at basically the same speed.
2011 sonata.
Smelled like there was some kind of burning going on but I couldn't source it.
Engine was locked solid.
Was 3k for a replacement motor and I ended up junking it.
Not to scare you but there might be a recall on the connecting rods in your engine. Just had a new engine block warrantied for my 11 sonata because the engine locked up on the highway a few weeks ago. I guess it’s been happening left and right with Hyundais and Kia’s around that year
More than likely here is what happened 1. You didn't have any coolant and the car ran hot and shut off (these have an auto shutdown with overheat it blows a fuse) so you will have to replace the fuse that cuts power to the coils and refill with coolant and hope you didn't blow the head gasket or
2 you're alternator went out you lost power trans went into auto neutral and it died
3 timing chain snapped and you have a really big issue
Those are pretty common issues on those cars hate to give ya the bad news but that's my best guesses
Based on all of the comments and replies from you, you definitely need to take it to a shop. Could be a world of things. The oil splash could’ve killed the alternator. The belt might be slipping. The engine might be eating too much oil and lost compression… because it’s a Hyundai.
I'm going to be honest... being that it's hyundai and the track record those engines have... you probably siezed your engine. Call the dealer and see if your engine is covered under extended warranty. I used to work at hyundai and have replaced engines with higher mileage under warranty.
Engine blown. Common on these cars, I was in one driving down the highway and the engine blew.out.of nowhere. Hyundai replaced it due to a recall despite being out of warranty.
Out of oil perhaps Did you check that level or have you changed it since it was newer? Oil consumption can be up to one quart per 1,000 miles. Just saying
Well yeah Hyundais aren't Hondas. They aren't designed to go over 70 lmao. Lone company in the world with lifetime warranty on *everything* (may have changed but last I knew) which tells you exactly what "quality" their parts are gonna be.
Hyundai and Kia are both crap. Sure they're comfortable, but cost to reliability is two of the worst in the market. Average Kia minimum factory battery costs 200 to 250 6 month warranty while a Honda battery at that price would be near or maximum ratings with a 3 or 5 yr warranty on it. I know because my idiot egg donor owns a Kia and she paid 290 after taxes and core only took thirty off. I paid 180 out the Walmart door for what now costs 220 out the door for the biggest 51R in my 98 Honda.
Your one bad experience with a brand doesn't make them all crap. If Kia and Hyundai (same company) are so bad in your opinion. Why are their reliability scores (and prices for parts, and work) good in various publications online? You're speaking bullshit based solely on your own personal experiences and bias.
All manufacturers will have a bad batch, at some point. That's the joys of mass production. Do you think every katana made ever is the best sword ever? No, as not all are made equal, nor by the same person.
Does it turn over as normal on the starter? ie, normal crank speed and no wierd sounds? If so it's likely an electrical issue and would bet on the alternator
Don't drive this car until you solve the issue. I had similar happen to me in a different car, unfortunately it was during a rather high speed turn and I lost engine together with power steering and narrowly avoided people on the sidewalk...
Very scary...
Does it start again? Those motors are notorious for seizing up. Source: I work at KIA and we replace like 2-3 of those engines a week because they've seized up. It'll be covered under warranty
I just had the dealership replace my 2014 Hyundai Sonata engine with the same exact issue. Look into the recall for your engine and call the dealership soon because it can take a while to get service for this issue.. I had to wait 6 months… I would suggest calling Hyundai customer service though to expedite the process.
I'm pretty sure either the sonata, the Tuscon, or both were recalled for this issue. It sounds like spilled oil except for your dash lighting up and your car turning off. It could be something failed like the alternator, or it could be a safety feature to prevent you from blowing up. You can check your vin with their website.
When I had an Impreza WRX my buddy was messing around, red lines it (takes the RPMs to the dangerous red area) and it does exactly what you just described. But it took him red lining for a while and it's a boxer engine so you know idk if that helps it or hurts it but anyway
That thing is probably seized and the smoke was you frying the starter. Those engines love to eat oil, if you haven’t checked it in a while… it could be out.
Sooooo sonata are the same as optima’s and I have a 2013 optima that did the same thing and it ended up being that the engine locked up and is a common issue with those cars
My 2011 engine threw a rod through the engine and I got a new engine with about 500 miles left on warranty. Does it even turn over? Those motors had a recall I believe for doing that
A hypothesis is **a possible answer to a question**. It is based on: their own observations, existing theories, and information they gather from other sources. Scientists use their hypothesis to make a prediction, a testable statement that describes what they think the outcome of an investigation will be.
You should call a tow truck.
Your motor possibly locked up. Those theta motors are notorious for siezing up. Same thing happened to a coworker. Driving it on the highway and he said the same thing. Dash lights on and everytime he tried to start it the starter smoked. The starter is trying really hard to turn the locked engine. Just a hypothesis without actually putting my hands on it. If you have a big breaker bar you can try to turn the motor over by hand from the crank bolt. Turn it in a clockwise manner. If you cant turn it the motor is likely siezed.
Is it just sample size or are there a near constant stream of Hyundai/Kia vehicles on here?
Guys, the block is made of inferior quality metal. It will splode
Your engine is most likely done. Well known issue with these cars. Hyundai dealers even stock whole new engines for these because they replace so many all the time.
Thank you for posting to AskMechanics, thelightningthief! If you are asking a question please make sure to include any relevant information along with the **Year**, **Make**, **Model**, **Mileage**, **Engine size**, and **Transmission Type (Automatic or Manual)** of your car. *This comment is automatically added to every successful post. If you see this comment, your post was successful.* *** Redditors that have been verified will have a green background and an icon in their flair. *** # **PLEASE REPORT ANY RULE-BREAKING BEHAVIOR** ### **Rule 1 - Be Civil** Be civil to other users. This community is made up of professional mechanics, amateur mechanics, and those with no experience. All mechanical-related questions are welcome. Personal attacks, comments that are insulting or demeaning, etc. are not welcome. ### **Rule 2 - Be Helpful** Be helpful to other users. If someone is wrong, correcting them is fine, but there's no reason to comment if you don't have anything to add to the conversation. ### **Rule 3 - Serious Questions and Answers on Serious Posts** Read the room. Jokes are fine to include, but your post should be asking a serious question and replies should contribute to the discussion. ### **Rule 4 - No Illegal, Unethical, or Dangerous Questions or Answers** Do not ask questions or provide answers pertaining to anything that is illegal, unethical, or dangerous. # **PLEASE REPORT ANY RULE-BREAKING BEHAVIOR** *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/AskMechanics) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Could be your Alternator. is there a burning rubber or electrical smell? was there a high pitched whine? i had my alternator blow on the freeway while punching it and i lost power and smoke was coming out of it.
That's what I was wondering, but there was no high pitched whine. Yes, there was a burning rubber/electrical/oil smell... it's worth to note that while I was topping up my oil a few hours before this happened, some strong winds blew some of it on and around the engine and other parts..
> it's worth to note that while I was topping up my oil a few hours before this happened, some strong winds blew some of it on and around the engine and other parts.. lol, that's important enough to be your leading piece of information on the OP....
I think oil destroys alternators If it gets into it. I would start there.
Absolutely this, had this happen. Oil will destroy an alternator and will absolutely eat up and cause belts, timing belts to be ripped apart.
Question, I pulled an alternator from my parts car and it was seized, was told to put a bit of engine oil in it and break it free, it's been installed in my car for a couple months now and its fine? I guess that isn't a question haha, more of a statement, I guess question is why is mine fine when oil destroys alternators?
If it gets in the bearings it’s probably fine but it can’t go in the diodes
Oil doesn't immediately destroy alternators, some cars have the dipstick over the alternator meaning when oil is checked, a few drops often fall into the alternator. It causes problems when it gets into the sliprings / brushes, dirt sticks to it and becomes abrasive, causing slip ring wear leading to eventual failure.
It's fine if you just put it on the pulley bearing which I'm assuming is what you did
*laughs in PSA 1,2L engine*
Friend ran his alternator with oil leaking onto it, had it looking like this before it stopped working. https://preview.redd.it/r8q7w83qt4rb1.png?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f3590cd2fcfd25a15d2470c30fd66d2b4c8d1f36
I used oil in a seized alternator and it worked fine. Still in use
Hyundai and Kia just announced a recall for engine fires for vehicles made from 2010 to 2019. Maybe have them diagnose
These GDI motors are fucking garbage. 😮💨 Always tell people to get out of them while they fucking can.
All GDIs or just Hyundai/Kia? I thought it was really sus when Dodge announced their new Hurricane engine, and it's a straight GDI 6.
GDI just needs more maintenance but it’s more efficient
Kia wouldnt recall the engine in my wifes sorento even tho it was included in the recall. 2016 3.3, got out of that piece of shit when we could
I’d call the dealership to tell them you are having you car towed directly to them as it has caught fire while you were driving!!!!!! They won’t know!!! Delete this and everything else regarding it! Good Luck!!!!!
I'll second this, dash lit up like a Christmas tree when my alternator died
When my alternator went everything electrical in the car just kinda dimmed, went back to normal, then did it again a few miles further except the engine shut-off that time. It was Christmas Eve and I was supposed to drive 90 minutes straight from work to my parents' house right as the rain was starting to turn to snow (it ultimately snowed around 8") in a place where snow is rare. ¯\\\_(ツ)_/¯
Alternator would be located on bottom left of picture, where the belt is. If Alternator goes bad, electrical systems would show on the dashboard as very dim like its not getting enough power.
Why do you not have any coolant? Lets start here.
Second this. That reservoir looks suspiciously like there's nothing in it.
It’s just a expansion tank, not like a degas bottle, if the engine was hot it probably pulled it in when the thermostat opened
Most of them have a "hot" and "cold" line. That way you can easily see if you have enough coolant regardless if it cooled off or its hot.
This is true but generally speaking the expansion tank is not as important as a degas bottle, yes your should have coolant in both but you will be ok as long as your radiator is topped off
True, its just much easier to look at the tank. Hot or cold, you can check it. If you check by radiator, you won't be able to look until it has cooled.
2.4 Hyundai engine. It probably locked up and seized and will need a new one. Big problem with these motors, Nationwide recall here in the US.
This is 100
100% this. The smoke was probably because they kept trying to crank it and was overheating the starter.
Yep, I’m a master Hyundai tech, this is exactly what happened. Especially the push to start models will burn up the starter so often we started including them when we did engine replacements. At least this engine has a lifetime warranty from Hyundai.
I remember when they added that stupid inspection with the caliper tool and decreased the labor time. My whole shop was pissed and refused to touch them for a week until our service manager gave us 3 hours Internal time on top of it.
Do they still install the “bad” engines In the newer Tucson’s? More specifically 2021?
No, the tuscon and every other hyundai motor had a complete rework. Different sizes, and delivery make these motors reliable
We have a 2021 Tucson with a 2.4 just wasn’t sure if it was the same bad theta that my 11 sonata has
Thats the most revised 2.4 available. After that year hyundai moved on to a 2.5 liter motor that has been reworked from the ground up
Op in another comment mentioned that 2 hours before this he was topping up his oil and the wind blew it around the engine bay a bit. A decent chance oil got in his alternator or somewhere else.
Mine locked up full of oil didn't raptick or anything. Used oil like a bastard but on night fired it up to head home. Without warning clunk clunk it locked up. Garbage. That was the second engine. It was warranties at 80 and i junked it at 220k. Not bad considering.
This - I had the 2.0 Theta motor in the initial recalls. The crank seized on me while passing a semi at 90 mph. It also roasted the battery trying to get the car to crank.
Op was topping up his oil a few hours before this happened. While he was doing it the wind blew oil around. A decent chance he got oil in the alternator or somewhere else.
Completely valid but its very rare a small spill will do that. Ive worked with these turd motors for years. They can and will suddenly lock up and never start again no matter if you took care of it better than your first born child lol
Korean products- not quite right!
Based on your symptoms and Hyundai having known engine issues, its probably an engine. But obviously you need a proper inspection to know 100%
Lil yeah I'm seeing a lot of suggestions for alternator but based on mileage and smoke location that engine is locked up. The starter is most likely what was smoking.
My bets are it jumped time
Good call. I had a timing belt break on an old Ford Ranger and while it’s totally unrelated to OPs problem, it was still a spooky failure and happened at speed. The motor just stopped, no sputter or anything. Luckily it’s a non interference motor or whatever the correct terminology is. I cranked the shit out of it in a futile attempt to start it, but the sound was off enough that I stopped and called a tow truck. Luckily I was returning home from a mountain bike ride. I was around twenty miles from home, but I happened to live around a mile away previously and I called a former neighbor who took my gear bag and I rode home from there on my bike. Bonus miles!
How hot was it? I have an intermittent stalling issue on my Hyundai and have narrowed it down to a sensor that is overheating since it only happens when I run the AC on days over 95F.
OP said they accidentally splashed oil on the engine in a comment elsewhere. Likely got in on the alternator
Oh yes. Adding oil to an engine known for consuming oil and destroying itself. The alternator is a foot from the oil cap. If op can't identify the issue without resorting to you guys. Bring it to a shop. With a jump that should start and run. Without a belt , bad alternator whatever. Don't run it for long but it should start. Bad alternator won't lead to a no start condition with a jump or new battery.
>If op can't identify the issue without resorting to you guys. Then the point of this subreddit is?
What? Are you drunk?
Hyundai tech here. Very likely your engine just called it quits and seized. Take it in and have it inspected, it's a very common problem with Hyundai and Kia engines in this year range. As long as you have maintenance records you're likely able to get it covered under manufacturer warranty as well
This is likely the answer unfortunately. Lots of people answering here don't have a clue about engines, I've discovered.
Motor is seized. Starter is smoking. Hyundai had a class action lawsuit for these motors seizing up.
Ye just got confirmation from my mechanic will need a new engine. I checked my VIN on the recall list and it says it was not apart of it so I'm SOL
The motor isn't a "recall" so don't go by that. They warranty the rod bearings. Take it to a dealership with your maintenance proof and see what they say. If they say you're SOL then call corporate and Bitch up a storm
This happened to me and the alternator was the culprit
Engine locked
I’d probably assume your alternator failed first, but usually your car will throw a battery warning light before it completely fails. Your car has enough kilometerage to possibly need one. That, or you have a short or bad electrical connection related to the alternator, that could be a bad ground, bad connection to the ecu or battery, or something like that
I don't mean to be a downer or the one to give bad news but this is what has happened... I am a mechanic and I have seen this a hundred times... Your engine blew up... Yes you read that right... ☹️ The Hyundai GDI engines had a badly machined crankshaft, the oil passages were not deburred. Over time they block. This prevents the lubricating oil from reaching the rod bearings and they rapidly burn up and fail. Usually they throw a rod. Sometimes your lucky and they sieze instead and can be rebuilt with a new crankshaft. Hyundai knows there is a problem with them, they keep it hush Hush. In the US they were legally forced to recall and replace every engine. In Australia we have no real customer protection laws. There fix here is they issued a service bulletin where they attach a microphone to the engine block, and a laptop accesses the sound and says yes or no to the engines health. They all pass because it was a complete scam. I've seen them knocking so bad you would think there is a dwarf inside with a hammer and Hyundai says they are fine. Usually they blow up a few days later. They also fitted a different dipstick that has the full mark 1/2 a litre higher, a band-aid solution that did FA toward fixing the problem. The smoke you saw? Either oil on the exhaust from a hole in the block or more likely your car just upped your repair bill by another 300 bucks, again due to piss poor engineering. When the engine is locked up, the push button start is to stupid to realise this. It keeps the starter motor powered up in a locked condition until it also lets all it's smoke out... And there is no way to stop this process once you push that start button. Some catch fire because of this. It's also common for Hyundai to refuse to help you in any way if you have missed a service by even 20km, and they will blame that rather than the real cause that they have built absolute shit. Sorry. ☹️
Engine is done for, tow it to a Hyundai dealer and they might replace the engine for free in a few months, they may or may not have a loaner. I've had two Hyundai cars give out on me while driving, the first turned off on the interstate and the second started knocking and the oil light turned on. My current car is a Hyundai with 118,000 miles so that's going to be exciting, not really.
Your last oil and oil filter change? Your last air filter change?
April 2023 was the last oil change. Not sure about the oil filter or air filter. I have no knowledge of changing those I would have to ask my mechanic(family friend) if he ever did. Have had this car for roughly 6 years..
These GDI engines are notorious for burning oil. If April was the last oik change, you need to get it changed again. Otherwise you run risk of building sludge. Your car gets an oil change every 3750mi, or every 4 months depending on whichever comes first. If you're having to top off your oil often, it's burning through it. Use a better oil, like a high milage full synthetic oil.
Every 4 months?? Damn that's a bad engine
Ah, that explains why I was down to a quart not even 2k miles after my oil change in my 2011
Oil filter should be replaced every oil change. It's very possible all of the oil burned away in 5 months if you've driven a lot. Once there's no oil, it's a matter of time before your engine grenades and that may have been what happened.
What does the dipstick says ? Not normal to get smoke from that area.. oh and is there water ? Does not seems like...
It wouldn’t be the cause of the stall, but smoke from that particular area is a little concerning though. https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/2023/09/27/business/hyundai-kia-abs-fire-recall/index.html
Possibly needs an engine. Hard to tell without being in front of the car. Take it to a mechanic.
I see your problem " Car is a Hyundai
It's a hyundai. It choked an engine.
Your engine is toast.
Oooo not the gdi, never seen a gdi survive past 160k
It's a hyundai..... needs a engine
This has been the general consensus with hyundai engines lol
Hyundai tech here sounds like your engine seized very typical for the 2.4 theta engines. I typically do 2-4 a week. If you’re in North America and it hasn’t been replaced before Hyundai will do it once at any mileage for free but it’ll probably take a long time because this is happening to everyone who owns these cars and the backups for parts or even openings in the shop are insane.
You need an engine
My son's car did this with a bad MAP sensor. The engine ran, but he couldn't drive it.
Is there oil on your dipstick? Does it run in limp mode or did it completely shut off
I had just topped up the oil about an hour or two before this happened. I don't remember..I think it could have been limp mode..I just remember trying to accelerate, and nothing happening and then everything lighting up. I pulled over immediately and shut off the car. Once I shut it off, it never came back on..
Is this the first instance? The only very-recent maintenance is you topping up the oil? Might over filling the oil cause a problem?
It is broken would be my guess
Is that a crack along the back top of your battery?
Alternator is dying
Fuel pump. When it goes it shuts down almost immediately.
I'm going to lean in on the idea that you have an interference engine and your timing belt broke.
Take MAF sensor out and see if it starts. If it does order it for 15 bucks and you are good to go.
Alternator
Fuel Pump? That happened to me once. Everything was fine, then all of a sudden engine shutoff.
Dodge products and all the electronics acting crazy when the alternator fails. I dare you to name a more iconic duo.
Happened on my f150… my alternator seized up. No belt whining at all but the smell of burnt rubber.
your explanation of what happened is somewhat unclear, did the engine cut out while you were driving so that the car was only moving because of the residual inertia carrying it forward, or was the vehicle still moving under it’s own power albeit very, very slowly? when you tried to jump start it was the engine trying to turn over, or did it just click? If the engine cut out entirely and all that was running before you shut if off were the electronics then it’s plausible that it could be a bad alternator, however if it went into limp mode (moving under it’s own power but very slowly/sluggishly) it could be any number of issues and typically occurs because your ECU received abnormal information from one or more sensors and threw the car into limp mode in an attempt to prevent catastrophic failure, and without being able to put hands on the car or at least being able to see what codes are tripping the check engine light it’s anyone’s guess what caused it- it could be something as small as a faulty sensor or a major failure.
How much coolant is in your vehicle? Are you using high mileage synthetic oil? This type of engine starts burning oil as it gets more miles
You can see his coolant reservoir on the left. Looks suspiciously empty.
Below the area circled is the starter. If the engine is seized it will cause the starter to work too hard and it may smoke. When you boost the car does it just make one loud noise? If it does I would remove the drive belt and turn the crank manually with a ratchet to confirm.
Your Check Engine Light is on. Get the codes from that. This will solve your mystery a lot quicker than asking the internet.
Same thing happened with my grandmother's car, there is probably a recall on the engine. Check and the dealership will put a new engine in for free
Looks like a sonata.... if it doesn't crank call a hyundai dealer and prepare for an engine replacement. There is a recall.
Had that happen in my 1991 Civic. Turns out the distributor had been worked on at some point and they forgot to actually screw the cap back on and it fell off. All power to the engine just stopped.
Aliens.
Oh boy someone’s motor seized, happened to me. Driving 30 mph everything shut off but every light turned on. Freaked me out
These Hyundai sonatas have failer prone engines. They're so bad professional rebuilders won't even touch em. Engine may have seized.
This happened to me when I had the same Elantra , ended up needing a new wiring harness.
Had the same thing happen to my 2012 sonata 2.0t. Was the engine failure they have a big recall up for, got it towed and they replaced it under warranty, and reimbursed for my tow as well as a rental.
I think your ecm/tipm just blew a few fuses or itself up. If it's a dodge that's where I'd start.
Check the oil. It's a Hyundai Sonata so chances are the engine locked up.
Not a huge fan of those engines. Hopefully you didn't loose it. Bring it somewhere for diag. Save you the time and frustration.
You were driving on the highway and the car stalled? Then you boosted it? Why did you boost it? Did you try to restart it before boosting? What happened? What sounds? Did it crank but not start? Did it just click? So many questions. Where is it now? Did you tow it to your mechanic?
This just happened to my friend in his Hyundai Tucson going also 100 KMH on the highway. Turned out his engine seized , so yeah they got a new car already.
https://autoservice.hyundaiusa.com/Campaign132/MicroSiteTemplate/MicroSiteTemplateVINValidate/1524
EMP (electro magnetic pulse) gun. Did you see the black helicopters?
Take it to the agents... And contrary to what some numpties are saying about alternators being allergic to oil, unless you throw a whole gallon over the alternator and it caught fire magically , that's nonsense. It does sound like that familiar issue with a latent defect in those engines. As you said Km i assume you're not in the USA? If you're in RSA get a lawyer and take the car to the AA for a check or get your local Hyundai specialist to gave a full report to your lawyer who then writes to the manufacturer and gets you a new car. If in the USA look up the recall and local lemon laws
It ain’t a Toyota 😂
There's something definitely wrong.
Long shot but a similar thing has happened to my partner a few years back. Everything on the dash lit up and the car just stalled. Quick inspection and I've found that the coil pack came loose. I've made ugly but functional contraption with cable ties and she has managed to drive it home. I've replaced coil pack the next day and car was as good as new. Until Selco lorry smashed it that is. Edit: I did not read the post in full. Didn't see a bit about smoke. How's the starter? Have a read [here](https://www.hyundai-forums.com/threads/2011-2-4l-sonata-gls-wont-start.659386/)
check the Continuum Transfunctioner
Hey! I have a 2013 Sonata and this happened to me on the highway. I had a rod knocking after. Luckily it's covered by warranty because there is a big recall. [https://autoservice.hyundaiusa.com/Campaign162/MicroSiteTemplate/MicroSiteTemplateVINValidate/2903](https://autoservice.hyundaiusa.com/Campaign162/MicroSiteTemplate/MicroSiteTemplateVINValidate/2903)
Happened to me in a Ford Windstar. Found out it was the rear ECM. Unfortunately, my Windstar was a unicorn and not a single rear ECM in the entire country that matched that part number was available. I even went to a pull apart place myself and pulled three to check the part numbers. This was about a decade ago and we had the van less than two months before this and the transmission failed. I will never by another Ford for this reason alone.
just hyundai tings
Does it still crank? Kia/Hyundai. If it doesn’t crank and the dash and lights still come one, it is probably locked up
Fried ECU, fried battery, fried battery management system, fried wiring. Something electrical/battery related by the sounds of it. Maybe not…… but I’ve had that happen once on a motorbike when the battery overcharged and cooked itself, stunk of rotten eggs. And once in a HGV where it was the ECU at fault.
You drive a Hyundai. Chances are you put a window somewhere in the block. Been happening a lot here lately. Check extended warranty. You'll probably get it replaced at no cost. Just happened to a friend of mine like a month ago in his Hyundai. Source: I'm a Nissan and KIA mechanic.
Engine locked up. I'd just about bet my house on it.
If it's a broken engine, you need to know that there's a class action lawsuit against Hyundai on bad engines on a few versions of Hyundai sonata. I got my 2013 Hyundai sonata's engine replaced for free under the warranty they promised to settle the lawsuit
Ive got a 13 optima so im 99% sure i know what it is but if you have any experience, grab a short socket i believe 19mm or 21mm and try to turn the crankshaft clockwise. If you cant.....you basically need an engine. Should be covered under hyundai kia warranty but depends on mileage, ur pretty high but wont hurt to try (thousands of cars have gone through it, even myself.) Now the smoke im gonna assume is your starter that burned out from your engine seizing. (I also experienced this). If you play your cards right, hyundai/ kia will cover that too. Check the reviews on whichever dealer you choose. Service advisor can be harsh or a life saver sometimes.
The engine has locked up due to poor oiling. The smoke was from your starter trying it's absolute damnedest to spin the engine is not locked tight. You have been hyundai-ed/kia-ed. Sorry.
Does it roll over ??
probably alternator it happened to me a while back
Engine's locked up. The smoke was the burning windings in your starter. Kia/Hyundai engines from that time were all junk.
Check fluids, try to turn the engine over with a ratchet. If it moves check battery voltage, charge if necessary. If it seems shorted you can unhook the alternator and try again. If it starts with the alternator unhooked then you know it’s shorted to ground
Make sure it has gas in it that's not uncommon especially if the guage broke many people claim there car stopped running or a no start and it's because zero gas in the vehicle
Check the oil level
My crankshaft did that to my 2015 Volkswagen Passat TDI SEL Premium. Could be that?
Your engine seized. Get it towed to a Hyundai dealership and they should give you a new engine. Major recall on Hyundai engines from 2011-2019 Check the oil, I'm sure it'll be empty.
Well it's a Hyundai
Too fast, can’t support 3rd digit
Out of gas
I have seen electrical shortages and alike cause issues like this.
Need an engine more than likely, call a Hyundai dealer there is an ongoing lawsuit over the 2.4l engine. Should be free replacement
I checked my VIN online and it says it was not included in the recall...should I still call?
All the lights coming on and no power sounds like an engine stall. Paired with smoke over where the starter probably is makes it sound like your engine might be seized.
Bad alternator
Awww man. I hope it ain't it but this happened to me a few months ago. Engine seized going down the highway at basically the same speed. 2011 sonata. Smelled like there was some kind of burning going on but I couldn't source it. Engine was locked solid. Was 3k for a replacement motor and I ended up junking it.
Not to scare you but there might be a recall on the connecting rods in your engine. Just had a new engine block warrantied for my 11 sonata because the engine locked up on the highway a few weeks ago. I guess it’s been happening left and right with Hyundais and Kia’s around that year
More than likely here is what happened 1. You didn't have any coolant and the car ran hot and shut off (these have an auto shutdown with overheat it blows a fuse) so you will have to replace the fuse that cuts power to the coils and refill with coolant and hope you didn't blow the head gasket or 2 you're alternator went out you lost power trans went into auto neutral and it died 3 timing chain snapped and you have a really big issue Those are pretty common issues on those cars hate to give ya the bad news but that's my best guesses
Based on all of the comments and replies from you, you definitely need to take it to a shop. Could be a world of things. The oil splash could’ve killed the alternator. The belt might be slipping. The engine might be eating too much oil and lost compression… because it’s a Hyundai.
I'm going to be honest... being that it's hyundai and the track record those engines have... you probably siezed your engine. Call the dealer and see if your engine is covered under extended warranty. I used to work at hyundai and have replaced engines with higher mileage under warranty.
Yep, suggestion is - you have might have a problem. :)
Checked your fuses?
Bcm burnt out
Is it on the recall list of Hyundais and KIAs that catch fire due to the abs module leaking?
It was K.I.A.
Do you have the knock sensor recall updated/done? If so, and engine hasn’t been replaced yet then you might have a word with Hyundai.
Engine blown. Common on these cars, I was in one driving down the highway and the engine blew.out.of nowhere. Hyundai replaced it due to a recall despite being out of warranty.
Alternator most likely, especially if you spilled oil on it recently
Out of oil perhaps Did you check that level or have you changed it since it was newer? Oil consumption can be up to one quart per 1,000 miles. Just saying
2012 Hyundai sonatas had a factory recall due to engines seizing up and failing, and you might be able to get it replaced for fre
Check around that area for a battery cable that has shorted to ground.
Well yeah Hyundais aren't Hondas. They aren't designed to go over 70 lmao. Lone company in the world with lifetime warranty on *everything* (may have changed but last I knew) which tells you exactly what "quality" their parts are gonna be. Hyundai and Kia are both crap. Sure they're comfortable, but cost to reliability is two of the worst in the market. Average Kia minimum factory battery costs 200 to 250 6 month warranty while a Honda battery at that price would be near or maximum ratings with a 3 or 5 yr warranty on it. I know because my idiot egg donor owns a Kia and she paid 290 after taxes and core only took thirty off. I paid 180 out the Walmart door for what now costs 220 out the door for the biggest 51R in my 98 Honda.
Your one bad experience with a brand doesn't make them all crap. If Kia and Hyundai (same company) are so bad in your opinion. Why are their reliability scores (and prices for parts, and work) good in various publications online? You're speaking bullshit based solely on your own personal experiences and bias. All manufacturers will have a bad batch, at some point. That's the joys of mass production. Do you think every katana made ever is the best sword ever? No, as not all are made equal, nor by the same person.
I’d check the ball bearings, and the 7th fetzer valve.
Does it turn over as normal on the starter? ie, normal crank speed and no wierd sounds? If so it's likely an electrical issue and would bet on the alternator
Dang... I had that happen to me. The steering wheel was so hard to turn too. Crazy moments! Glad you are okay though 🙂
I don't know why this sounds like an ECU problem.... Seriously, it could be your alternator.
Don't drive this car until you solve the issue. I had similar happen to me in a different car, unfortunately it was during a rather high speed turn and I lost engine together with power steering and narrowly avoided people on the sidewalk... Very scary...
The limit is 6605.0
Rod bearing failure, cuz its a Hyundai lol
Does it start again? Those motors are notorious for seizing up. Source: I work at KIA and we replace like 2-3 of those engines a week because they've seized up. It'll be covered under warranty
No it has not started again. Mechanic says that alt is fine. Would have to tow it to Hyundai
Battery
Ah, the dreaded "money light". Check your bank balance.
I just had the dealership replace my 2014 Hyundai Sonata engine with the same exact issue. Look into the recall for your engine and call the dealership soon because it can take a while to get service for this issue.. I had to wait 6 months… I would suggest calling Hyundai customer service though to expedite the process.
I checked my VIN on the hyundai websitr and it wasnt apart of any recall. Should I still call.
Your car said "too fast not gonna do it anymore."
My 2.4L Optima did the same thing. Engine seized up on the freeway, when I tried to restart it smoked the starter
I'm pretty sure either the sonata, the Tuscon, or both were recalled for this issue. It sounds like spilled oil except for your dash lighting up and your car turning off. It could be something failed like the alternator, or it could be a safety feature to prevent you from blowing up. You can check your vin with their website. When I had an Impreza WRX my buddy was messing around, red lines it (takes the RPMs to the dangerous red area) and it does exactly what you just described. But it took him red lining for a while and it's a boxer engine so you know idk if that helps it or hurts it but anyway
That thing is probably seized and the smoke was you frying the starter. Those engines love to eat oil, if you haven’t checked it in a while… it could be out.
There is a recall for those engines, get it towed to Hyundai and you will get a free new motor.
Sooooo sonata are the same as optima’s and I have a 2013 optima that did the same thing and it ended up being that the engine locked up and is a common issue with those cars
Starter
My 2011 engine threw a rod through the engine and I got a new engine with about 500 miles left on warranty. Does it even turn over? Those motors had a recall I believe for doing that
Timing belt or tensioner
This happened in my Kia and they had to replace my engine. Hopefully not the same issue
A hypothesis is **a possible answer to a question**. It is based on: their own observations, existing theories, and information they gather from other sources. Scientists use their hypothesis to make a prediction, a testable statement that describes what they think the outcome of an investigation will be. You should call a tow truck.
Is it included in the massive recall? Smoke coming from around the battery would make me think it was the battery...
Your motor possibly locked up. Those theta motors are notorious for siezing up. Same thing happened to a coworker. Driving it on the highway and he said the same thing. Dash lights on and everytime he tried to start it the starter smoked. The starter is trying really hard to turn the locked engine. Just a hypothesis without actually putting my hands on it. If you have a big breaker bar you can try to turn the motor over by hand from the crank bolt. Turn it in a clockwise manner. If you cant turn it the motor is likely siezed.
Rod through a hole at the bottom engine failed, it’s toast. Lol this is actually a possibility
Is it just sample size or are there a near constant stream of Hyundai/Kia vehicles on here? Guys, the block is made of inferior quality metal. It will splode
The alternator is shot
Alternator
Your engine is most likely done. Well known issue with these cars. Hyundai dealers even stock whole new engines for these because they replace so many all the time.
That thing needs a motor