Struggling to start my 2018 hyundai sonata

I’m having trouble with my sonata that I bought used about a month ago with 36k miles. Almost every morning, when I attempt to start my car, the engine refuses to turn on. Everything else in the car, such as the lights, radio, and dashboard lights, seem to work fine, but the engine only starts after trying for around 5 to 10 times. It takes even longer to start when it’s really cold outside, which is the case right now in the northeast US. I checked my battery at a local auto parts store, and they told me it’s perfectly fine. Once the engine finally starts, it runs well for the rest of the day, but it won’t start after sitting overnight. This isn’t a push-start model, so any suggestions would be really appreciated.

You might want to get your battery tested again at another auto parts shop, maybe O’Reilly’s.

I dealt with a similar issue in my 2015 Sonata. I even got a new battery and checked the starter relay, which was fine too. What seems to help is when I turn the key to start, if I press the gas, it usually starts. You could try that. Also, it’s possible that the starter is failing, which is next on my list to check.

If it takes 5 to 10 tries to start, the battery is probably not the issue. The 2018 Sonatas have a reputation for starter failures. I just replaced my third starter this year.

This sounds like it could be a battery problem.

It might be your battery.

Cleo said:
It might be your battery.

I had it tested and was told it was fine.

Darby said:

Cleo said:
It might be your battery.

I had it tested and was told it was fine.

When it doesn’t start, have you tried jump starting it?

Cleo said:

Darby said:
Cleo said:
It might be your battery.

I had it tested and was told it was fine.

When it doesn’t start, have you tried jump starting it?

I’ve never been in a situation where I needed to jump it, so I’ve never tried.

Is your battery the original one? If that’s the case, you should at least have it load tested. I would personally replace it if it’s the original. How’s your air filter? If it’s dirty, it needs replacing. Are your spark plugs original? It may be time to change them. Are you using good quality gas? You might consider adding a bottle of TECHRON Fuel System Cleaner to help clean your fuel injectors. And since it’s Winter, using clean FULL SYNTHETIC Oil of the proper weight can help with cold starts. Please let us know what you find out. Good luck!

There’s a service bulletin regarding the in-tank fuel filter. It can cause the fuel pressure to drop, leading to starting issues.