Why is the gear not engaging when shift to Drive
What is the cause of 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe gear not engaging when the shift is moved to Drive

The Hyundai Santa Fe has quietly snuck up on the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander over the years, growing in size, quality, and reliability to become a viable competitor in the midsize SUV market. Available in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive (intended for better traction on slippery surfaces, rather than off-roading), the 2009 Santa Fe comes in base GLS, mid-line SE, and top-of-the-line Limited trims.
Preparing for a 2010 refresh, the SUV sees few changes this year. USB and iPod inputs are now standard, and both the SE and Limited get cross rails and a standard trailer prep that allows these trims to tow up to 3,500 pounds. A new option bundle for the SE offers a power driver's seat and a universal garage remote.
Nearly as roomy as the Pilot and Highlander, the 2009 Santa Fe offers two rows of seating for up to five passengers, with an optional third row available on the SE and Limited. Both rows split-fold, but only the third row folds flat, for a cargo range of 33 to 78 cubic feet. For more storage space, a roof rack is standard only on the SE and Limited. Rear legroom can comfortably fit adults, though longer rides may feel uncomfortable. While wide doors offer good access to the second row, third row access can require some acrobatics.
All trims come equipped with tilt and telescopic steering, power accessories, a CD player, and wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls. The SE adds automatic headlights, leather trim, and a trip computer, while the Limited goes all out with heated leather seats, a power driver's seat, a 7-CD changer, sunroof, and a rear spoiler. Now earning five stars in NHTSA crash tests and a Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute, the 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe boasts dual front-side and side curtain airbags for the first two rows, traction and stability control, and 4-wheel ABS brakes. Base trims ride on 16-inch wheels, while the SE and Limited get 18-inch alloys.
Powering all this are two engines. A slightly sluggish 2.7-liter, 185-hp V6 inhabits the GLS. Paired with either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic, its 17/24 mpg delights some owners and disappoints others. The much peppier 3.5-liter V6 puts out 242 hp with the same fuel economy numbers. A 5-speed automatic is its only transmission. Tight handling, good maneuverability for an SUV, and high safety ratings earn high marks from owners and critics, along with the roomy versatility of its seating and cargo configurations. With its long list of standard features and surprisingly upscale quality cabin materials, the 2009 Santa Fe represents a good buy, considering its relatively low pricetag and long-term powertrain warranty. A desire for more power and better fuel economy top the list of driver complaints.
What is the cause of 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe gear not engaging when the shift is moved to Drive
I am 6'2" and have a long body. I cannot drive our Santa Fe. My wife is much smaller but is equally uncomfortable as a passenger because the front seat is too close to the dash. This has restricted our usage from traveling in comfort. How far can we move the seats back and reduce the height of the seats. All other aspects of the vehicle are fine. However in 3years only 18000 miles(30000 km). Our 2008 Mitsubishi Endeavor is a competitor but has ample comfort and seat room both front and back.
About a couple days ago my hyundai santa fe (2009) did not want to start . So first thought it was battery, all it did was turn over..Lights inside the car on..keep trying to turn it on. Wasn't going . So I got a boost , mechanic took a look and said in order to start it I have to put it in neutral..obviously wasn't pleased. So I tried that for a day and after awhile it stopped letting me doing it that way. Died wouldn't even let me move the shifter back to park. So I brought it back he said it was the cable or neutral switch . He said the cable looked alright , and it was the switch. So we got a new one. Worked fine for about not even a week. And bam , didn't want to start again(when I tried turning it on this time it clicked) . I was obviously pissed so got it boosted and looked at, I kept getting blamed that I don't drive it often or that I leave my inside lights on..which I don't. He said it could be the battery seizing up..even though he checked the battery before and said it was fine. We ended up changing it out yesterday for a new one. At first it didn't want to start, it turned over like last time but no start..but he kept being aggressive for it to finally start up. So today it started like normal..I kept trying it. Went for a drive and came back ..parked and turned it off. Then it didn't turn on, called him..he said put it in neutral..I did and it started . So I said honestly figure it out because I shouldn't have to do this neutral stuff if it got fixed and the battery got changed . I brought it there and went to park it..and all of sudden it was rolling back..like what . So does anyone have an idea what it is ? (New battery, new switch..didn't want to start only in neutral again and now rolls back in park) thankyou!
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6 · 120 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.8 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.9 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: storage organizer · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.74
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: accent color · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: black · Paint: pearl · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: lamp failure
Lights
Headlights: Auto on
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Roof rack: with crossbars · Roof rack color: black · Sunroof: tilt/slide
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flip and fold · Upholstery: premium cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: underbody · Size: temporary
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 26 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 15 mm · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Truck Features
Running boards: step
Wheels
Wheel covers: partial · Wheel spokes: 5
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: intermittent · Tinted: front driver and passenger windows
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · IPod auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6 · 120 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.8 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.9 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: accessory hook · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Drivetrain
4WD Type: on demand · Axle ratio: 4.52
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: accent color · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: black · Paint: pearl · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning
Lights
Headlights: Auto on
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Roof rack: with crossbars · Roof rack color: black · Sunroof: power glass
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flip and fold · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: underbody · Size: temporary
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 26 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 15 mm · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Truck Features
Running boards: step
Wheels
Wheel covers: partial · Wheel spokes: 5
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: intermittent · Tinted: front driver and passenger windows
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · IPod auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6 · 120 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.8 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.9 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front, rear and third row · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: accessory hook · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.68
Engine
Oil cooler: auxiliary
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: accent color · Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome surround · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: pearl · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Roof rack: with crossbars · Roof rack color: black · Sunroof: wind deflector
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Passenger Seating: 7 · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flip and fold · Upholstery: premium cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: underbody · Size: temporary
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 26 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 15 mm · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Third Row Seat
Folding: split folding · Type: 50-50 split bench
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Towing and Hauling
Trailer hitch: ready
Truck Features
Running boards: step
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 6
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: intermittent · Tinted: windshield
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · USB auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6 · 120 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.8 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.9 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: storage organizer · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power
Drivetrain
4WD Type: on demand · Axle ratio: 3.68
Engine
Oil cooler: auxiliary
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: accent color · Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome surround · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: pearl · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Roof rack: with crossbars · Roof rack color: black · Sunroof: wind deflector
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Passenger Seating: 7 · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flip and fold · Upholstery: premium cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: underbody · Size: temporary
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 26 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 15 mm · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Third Row Seat
Folding: split folding · Type: 50-50 split bench
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Towing and Hauling
Trailer hitch: ready
Truck Features
Running boards: step
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 6
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: intermittent · Tinted: windshield
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · USB auxiliary audio input · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Infinity · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 10 · 605 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.8 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.9 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Door trim: leather · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front and rear · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: accessory hook · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.68
Engine
Oil cooler: auxiliary
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: accent color · Door handle color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: accent color · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: pearl · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Video monitor location: rear · Video monitor size: 8 · Video system: DVD player
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: lamp failure
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: manual folding
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: power glass · Roof rack: with crossbars · Roof rack color: black · Sunroof: wind deflector
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Passenger Seating: 7 · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flip and fold · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: underbody · Size: temporary
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 26 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 15 mm · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Third Row Seat
Folding: split folding · Type: 50-50 split bench · Upholstery: vinyl
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Towing and Hauling
Trailer hitch: ready
Truck Features
Running boards: step
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 6
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: intermittent · Tinted: windshield
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Infinity · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 10 · 605 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.8 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.9 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Door trim: leather · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 115V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: storage organizer · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
4WD Type: on demand · Axle ratio: 3.68
Engine
Oil cooler: auxiliary
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: accent color · Door handle color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: accent color · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: pearl · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Video monitor location: rear · Video monitor size: 8 · Video system: DVD player
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: tilt/slide · Roof rack: with crossbars · Roof rack color: black · Sunroof: wind deflector
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Passenger Seating: 7 · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flip and fold · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: underbody · Size: temporary
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 26 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 15 mm · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Third Row Seat
Folding: split folding · Type: 50-50 split bench · Upholstery: vinyl
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Towing and Hauling
Trailer hitch: ready
Truck Features
Running boards: step
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 6
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: intermittent · Tinted: front driver and passenger windows