Belt squeal question - 2000 Sonata

It sounds like your alternator belt may be too loose. It'll tend to squeal when a/c and other items are turned on.

If it's just a chirping noise, you may need to replace the belts to eliminate it.

Thanks hyundaitech. I did replace the belts a couple weeks ago. I did bring it into my mechanic and he did indeed tighten the alternator belt and the squeal did go away.

By the way, is it normal for the AC light to come on, on the dash when I turn on the front defrost?

Not so much of a reply but maybe some encouragement. I am also in Ontario, the GTA and I am experiencing the same problem with my 2000 Sonata 4 cylinder. I used belt dressing (a spray) and the problem got worse immediately then went away completely after a few days, unexpectedly it started up again this morning. I am going to replace the belts can any one give me some instructions and a graphic on how to do this?

Have you looked on the Hyundai web site for the free on-line manual yet? Look there and if you don't like what you see you can always go buy a Haynes manual for under $20, or a one year subscription to All Data for $25.

Also check for any water leaks onto the belt from the water pump area. I would also check the tightness of the belt again, the tightner is kinda tricky, some mechanics don't do it right. But, I am thinking of the Accent, perhaps the Sonata is diffrerent. Have you had the water pump, timing belt replaced? Sounds like it's time.

Timing belt yes, water pump no, this car has been taking me to the cleaners lately last time out was oxygen sensor. Not sure I could stand the hit for a water pump but you are probably right.

Bummer, it's best to do both at once, since they have ot remove the timing belt to get to the water pump :). also a good time to just change all the belts too. Good luck!

Thanks, I used that belt dressing spray and there has been no noise for about a week. I will do an inspection this weekend and check for leaks. would the water pump trigger a "check engine" light?

Absoloutly not! :) And mechanics HATE that spray stuff, they have to clean it out when they put a new belt back on, since belts have multiple groves on them now.