The brake light is on and I smell burning plastic

Asked by Sandra2011 Nov 09, 2011 at 08:12 PM about the 2000 Hyundai Sonata GLS FWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I was driving my 2000 hyundai sonota gls and noticed smoke but my temp guage wasnt going up.....Soon after I noticed the brake light and the battery light on...I went to Auto Zone and know that my alternator is going bad but the guy at Auto Zone had no idea why the brake light was going on or what the plastic smell coming from the brake area was....Anyone have any idea....

3 Answers
35

Abhimanyu answered 13 years ago

This happens pretty commonly with Hyundai cars... Try checking the fuse box.

1 people found this helpful.
Mark helpful
2,345

Joe answered 13 years ago

Actually it's not "pretty common" with Hyundai or any other car :-) Sounds like a stuck brake shoe

Mark helpful
7,720

James answered 13 years ago

since bot the brake and battery lights have come on you are losing charging voltage in the system somewhere. most likely the alternator. in my 11 years working on only hyundais(and unfortunately kia) i have never seen a melted fuse box not caused by an accident. i have however seen alot and i mean alot of alternator windingd melted.especially on the 99-01 sonata and the santa fe when it came out. the windings are coated in plastic and ust melt when the alternator stops charging. it is a very distinctive smell. have the charging system checked at a local auto parts store. that will tell you for sure

5 people found this helpful.
Mark helpful

Your Answer:

Related Questions

Sonata

Looking for a Used Sonata in your area?

CarGurus has 1,110 nationwide Sonata listings starting at $3,112.

Postal Code:

Shortcuts

Search Hyundai Sonata Questions

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    sumcon
    Reputation
    5,940
  • #2
    clifford
    Reputation
    2,220
  • #3
    toDumbToNotKnow
    Reputation
    2,070
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Hyundai Elantra
161 Great Deals out of 3,498 listings starting at $2,995
Used Honda Accord
43 Great Deals out of 907 listings starting at $1,599
Used Toyota Camry
48 Great Deals out of 979 listings starting at $2,212
Used Honda Civic
176 Great Deals out of 3,690 listings starting at $1,995
Used Nissan Altima
22 Great Deals out of 709 listings starting at $1,400
Used Kia Optima
14 Great Deals out of 255 listings starting at $3,999
Used Hyundai Santa Fe
59 Great Deals out of 1,594 listings starting at $3,950
Used Toyota Corolla
122 Great Deals out of 1,994 listings starting at $2,795
Used Chevrolet Malibu
54 Great Deals out of 1,151 listings starting at $1,295

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.