There is an easy fix to a well-known Hyundai issue that has been plaguing owners for years.
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Car communities are a great place to learn useful information about the vehicle of your choice. I spend a lot of time on such forums, and my latest find is from the Genesis Coupe Owners group on Facebook. Like me, other owners are sharing their car experiences, and this one is about a well-known issue that has been a thorn in the side of many Hyundai owners.
As someone who also owns, maintains, and occasionally fixes a used sports car from the Hyundai brand, I was happy to learn of the easy fix to this seemingly expensive issue. Here's what a fellow member shared regarding the issue while also showing an image of the “culprit” (image below):
“Bk2 A/C quit blowing cold, still held a charge. No leaks. This was the culprit! A/C compressor solenoid valve. A 20$ fix that a mechanic shop would've charged me thousands to " fix"! Don't swap compressors unless you know for sure it is the compressor or a leak in the system!”
While I don't think any sensible mechanic would have charged “thousands”, it would have likely been a $600-$1,000 job at most repair shops. Most places will charge you at least four hours of labor for changing an A/C compressor. Hourly rates for car mechanics in the US range between $25 to $130, depending on location, type of repair, demand, and other factors. The A/C compressor for a Hyundai Genesis can be found for anywhere between $150 and $400. You can do the math.
The A/C compressor solenoid valve controls the air pressure of the system and is known to fail on some Hyundai models. In case you wonder, the part number is 976742S000. The solenoid valve is typically located at the back of the A/C compressor.
The part isn't exclusive to the Genesis Coupe as it also fits other models like the Accent and Tucson. And yes, it really costs $20. That said, it is always worth checking if the part you need has the same number. Here are a few testimonies from other owners who had the issue:
Dana Day: “Yessir! Replaced mine at 75k miles, and it’s been icy ever since. At 231k miles now.”
Angel M Rivera: “My mechanic charges me $270.00 to have the car ready in 4 hours. Still hurts knowing it's a 20$ fix.”
John Bost: “I just paid $1,300 for an A/C kit too... wondering if this was the culprit or not. Does this get replaced in a standard kit?”
Important to note!
If the solenoid valve turns out not to be the culprit and you still must replace the A/C compressor, make sure you get the right one. In the case of the Hyundai Genesis Coupe, there are two different engines – 2.0 turbo and 3.8 V-6. They, both, use different A/C compressors, so make sure you get the right one. There is a popular Reddit thread that addresses the Genesis Coupe A/C compressor issue.
Problems with the air condition are present in newer Hyundai models too. In fact, there was a class action lawsuit due to premature A/C compressor failure on Hyundai Elantra, Palisade, Santa Fe, Sonata, and Tucson manufactured between 2018 and 2022.
One owner also pointed to a “design flaw” in the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe that causes some concerns. On the other hand, Hyundai recently issued one of the largest service recalls, and it includes vehicles dating back all the way to 2007, so credit where it's due.
At the end of the day, having the problem diagnosed correctly can save you money. If your A/C doesn't blow cold, don't be in a rush to change the AC compressor, even though this is a known weak point on the Hyundai Genesis Coupe (and a few other Hyundai models).
Dimitar Angelov's automotive interests made him an expert in a wide variety of vehicles. Japanese brands like Toyota are closest to his heart, although performance cars in general are his favorite segment, which is why he is constantly on the lookout for the best deals on the market. Dimitar Angelov's car passion and knack for the written word led him to complete a Master of Arts in Media and Communications and classic car restoration. Dim is happy to get behind the wheel of any car and share his impressions. You can follow Dimitar on X, Linked-in, Instagram, and Facebook.
Image source: Brady Rankin via Facebook / Genesis Owners Club and Autoviva via commons. wikimedia.org
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