Hey all. Good forum. Been reading and researching as much as I can.

My '01 2.7 Santa Fe is taking too long to start only when cold. Check
engine light is functioning normally and does not indicate a problem.
Cranking is normal and strong. I just have to pump the pedal a few times
to get it going. There is a gas smell after I get started. Runs fine
after that although its possible I have lost a little mileage. I got 22
mpg on a tank today doing a leisurely highway drive where I would
normally expect 24. Not exactly hard evidence, but possible info.

My regular oil change guys did a pressure check and told me it was low and
I needed a fuel pump. Their quoted price was high enough to inspire me to
look at doing it myself. However, as I began researching the problem I
have become suspicious of their diagnosis. My local dealer was also
helpful on the phone and believes that the pumps are usually very
reliable. He suggested a possible vacuum loss which sort of makes sense
as it "feels" like the fuel isn't getting to the injectors initally and
might have bled off or drained down hill back to the tank.

He suggested I pull off the vacuum line above the injectors and check for
drops of fuel. It was dry. I didn't check any other sections of the hose
as they were buried back between the engine and the firewall.

What else can I look at before paying the dealer to run the diagnostics ?
I think I am able to replace the pump on my own if needed. I am suspicious
of the fuel pressure regulator as well, but have no idea how to check that.
Plus, I get nervous about anything on the fuel line itself if I don't see
an easy way to disconnect.

I am just over 90,000 miles and have been really happy with only needing
light bulbs and a couple ball joints in this vehicle for non-scheduled
maintenance.

 

I'd say the fuel pressure regulator is a strong candidate. While some fuel
pressure regulators fail in a way that bleeds fuel into the vacuum line,
this is rarely the case with Hyundai. More frequently, the regulator
fails to seal and bleeds the fuel pressure off into the tank while the
engine is not running. You then experience the long crank time because
the fuel pump must build the pressure back up.

It'd be good to know the fuel pressure readings from the shop that did the
fuel pressure check, too.

If you can replace a fuel pump yourself, you'll also be able to replace
the fuel pressure regulator yourself. Unclamp and remove hose, unbolt
regulator, and remove. I think you'll also find that the price of a
regulator is at least competitive with diagnosis. If this were my vehicle
and I didn't have a fuel pressure gauge available, I'd toss the regulator
on and see if it took care of the problem.

 

Thanks much Hyundaitech.

Put the regulator on (you are right, it was easy) and everything is good
now. Starts right up warm or cold.

As an interesting aside, I could only find the pressure regulator locally
at the dealership. (About five parts franchises available in town) Seems
a lot of Hyundai parts for the Santa Fe aren't stocked yet. Probably
related to the warranty periods only beginning to run out I would guess.

Thanks again !!