Hyundai 3.3 Mechanical Groan When Cold

[Rochev]

I have a 2016 V6 SantaFe and when the motor is cold and its below about 15F degrees (-9 C) the engine sounds (for lack of better example) almost exactly like Chewbacca, though lower in pitch. Its holds a steady high rpm but will do it for about 3 minutes. The colder it is, the longer it does it. Any ideas? I cant see anything related to an air or even oil pump for these cars.
It is internal and not an accessory or pulley.

 

[user52165]

High pressure secondary fuel pump on engine top is noisy on warm up - quite normal. But usually more like 30 seconds.

 

[das_peikko]

Might be the power steering pump bearing; or even an alternator bearing. Remove drive belt and see if noise goes away.

 

[KrisZ]

Bring it to the dealer and get it documented while it's still cold out. Make a video recording as well.

 

[Rochev]

Originally Posted by user52165
High pressure secondary fuel pump on engine top is noisy on warm up - quite normal. But usually more like 30 seconds.


I think you are probably right. I'm not used to a DI motor. Maybe when its really cold its staying on longer.
The steering is fully electric, otherwise I'd assume it was the pump. I'm the second owner at 90k miles so the warranty is long gone. Its very quiet if its closer to freezing and above. When it stops, its very sudden but will continue to idle high for whatever is normal for the current temp.

 

[JustinH]

The GDI fuel pump is LOUD. Mine is very loud on the sonata for the first minute or so, then it smooths out.

 

[caprice_2nv]

My girlfriend 2.4 GDI Sonata is also very noisy when cold started. It sounds to me like the high pressure pump along with the fuel injectors clicking away. Doesn't seem to have any piston slap or anything like that yet. I think all GDI engines will be a bit noisy on cold start.

 

[Nick1994]

This sound? If so it's normal for the High Pressure Fuel Pump, mine makes all sorts of racket when cold.

 

[user52165]

One of the cheapest, yet useful tools in my toolbox:

https://www.harborfreight.com/mechanics-stethoscope-63691.html

Is your engine cover in place? It should have acoustic damping material applied - which is of marginal value.

Absent that tool, use a length of rubber heater hose. Useful in all kinds of places.

 

[user52165]

Originally Posted by Rochev
Originally Posted by user52165
High pressure secondary fuel pump on engine top is noisy on warm up - quite normal. But usually more like 30 seconds.


I think you are probably right. I'm not used to a DI motor. Maybe when its really cold its staying on longer.
The steering is fully electric, otherwise I'd assume it was the pump. I'm the second owner at 90k miles so the warranty is long gone. Its very quiet if its closer to freezing and above. When it stops, its very sudden but will continue to idle high for whatever is normal for the current temp.


I could be wrong, but I seem to remember a Hyundai recall on this part. Not sure of the model or year. As the second owner, are you up to date on registration with Hyundai for notifications? You can also do a NHTSA search by VIN.

 

[Vuflanovsky]

Any GDI fuel pump noise I'm familiar with is closer to a high-pitch "ticky" valve sound and not a groan like is being described. Maybe it presents itself like that in the V6 application combined with cold, but I've never heard a GDI fuel pump groan or bellow versus just being a variation on "ticky" clatter that settles down in a couple minutes after the engine warms up. I would probably check elsewhere along with look up TSBs and any recall information.

 

[Rochev]

Originally Posted by Nick1994
This sound? If so it's normal for the High Pressure Fuel Pump, mine makes all sorts of racket when cold.



The hoarseness of it sounds similar. Theres no ticking on mine though.

 

[Stfrd97]

I have a 2016 V6 SantaFe and when the motor is cold and its below about 15F degrees (-9 C) the engine sounds (for lack of better example) almost exactly like Chewbacca, though lower in pitch. Its holds a steady high rpm but will do it for about 3 minutes. The colder it is, the longer it does it. Any ideas? I cant see anything related to an air or even oil pump for these cars.
It is internal and not an accessory or pulley.

Did you ever find out what was causing that noise? I’m having same noise when it’s below freezing on cold start in the morning.