The Santa Fe, named after the city of New Mexico of the same name, is one of Hyundais best-sellers.
Like any other vehicle, the Santa Fe uses beeps, chimes and various noises to alert the driver.
If you’re unsure why your Santa Fe keeps beeping, this article is here to help.
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Why Your Hyundai Santa Fe Keeps Beeping:
The most common causes of a Hyundai Santa Fe beeping are proximity alerts, red light camera alerts, exterior temperature warnings, BCM issues, faulty door latches, 12V battery low on charge, weight on the passenger seat and issues with the body control module.
Common Reasons Why A Hyundai Santa Fe Beeps
Listed below are the main reasons as to why your Santa Fe might be beeping.
Proximity Alerts
When you are driving and your Santa Fe gets too close to an object, this will trigger a beep to warn you that you are very close to hitting something.
These are known as proximity alerts.
To disable this sound, there should be some buttons on the console below the “D”, when the beeping starts, try pressing the button closest to you.
This should stop the beeping, although the image on the infotainment screen will remain.
You will need to press this every time you get in the car.
The volume of driver assistance warning features can be adjusted although they cannot be muted without turning the vehicle off.
Weight On the Passenger Seat
A common cause of mysterious beeping from a Santa Fe is weight on one of the passenger seats.
This could be a laptop, a bag, your pet dog or even a water bottle.
The vehicle will mistake this for a person sitting on the seat without their seatbelt on.
You can either remove the item or simply plug in the seat belt to stop the beeping.
If you have a baby seat plugged into the isofix then this can also trigger a warning unless the standard seat belt is plugged in too.
Red Light Camera Alerts
A very common cause of beeping on the Santa Fe is the warning beep given when approaching a red light camera.
These cameras are used to deter people from running red lights and also to help prosecute light-runners.
Depending on model year you can adjust your alert settings by going to:
Settings> Navigation> Alerts> Camera Alert Distance> pick your preference.
If none are selected, you will not get any alerts.
Low Temperature / Frost Warning
On the Hyundai Santa Fe, there is a temperature warning feature that will beep when the outside temperature is 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower.
This is to remind you to drive carefully as the roads will be slippery and your tires will have less traction.
There is no way to disable this feature as it is considered an essential safety feature.
Low 12V Battery
If the 12V battery is starting to die you may hear a warning beep to indicate this, most 12V car batteries last 3-4 years on average. HOwever, having a 12V battery that is low on charge can cause a wide range of electrical issues that may lead to mysterious beeping.
You can get your battery checked by a local mechanic or for free at AutoZone.
You can always check the battery life yourself with a voltmeter, by measuring the voltage across the battery’s terminals.
If it’s under 11V then this is likely whats causing the beeping and you’ll need to replace it.
Low Key Fob Battery
If your key fob battery is low then your Santa Fe may beep to warn you of this.
Keep Hands on the Steering Wheel Warning
On certain Santa Fe models, a warning beep will be triggered if you take one or more hands off the steering wheel.
The beep is to remind you to use two hands whilst driving as this is much safer.
This is accompanied by a message that should appear on the dashboard however there is no dash icon for this.
Apple Car Play Whilst on the Phone
If you are using Apple Car Play for navigation whilst on the phone with someone, rather than give voice directions during the call, the system will beep instead to let you know of directions that are coming up.
This is so you do not have voice commands whilst on the phone.
Related: 18 Best & Worst Hyundai Santa Fe Years (With Facts & Stats)
BCM Issues
A common reason why a Hyundai Santa Fe keeps beeping is due to a faulty body control module.
The body control module or ‘body computer’ is the electronic control unit responsible for monitoring and controlling various systems associated with the vehicle’s body such as the alarm, immobilizers, power windows etc.
The body control module can develop corrosion on the pins or connections can become loose.
It could also be a ground issue, and it’s worth giving any ground connections a clean and making sure they are tight.
Other common symptoms of a bad BCM include:
- Repeated battery drain
- Starting problems
- Erratic electrical functions e.g. horn, wipers, lights, lights on the dash
- Security and alarm system problems
Dirty Sensors
The Santa Fe has various sensors located on the vehicle for driver assistance features such as lane keep assist and forward collision warning.
If the sensors become dirty, covered with ice or blocked it can trigger unwanted beeping.
Check all the sensors and make sure they are clean and free of debris.
Parking Brake
If the parking brake is not released when you begin to drive, a chime will sound warning you that the parking brake is still on.
Lane Departure Warning
A common cause of beeping is the Santa Fe’s lane departure warning.
When activated, a visual and audible Lane Departure Warning will sound and make a beeping noise anytime the vehicle veers out of its lane.
Faulty latches or Sticking Door Mechanisms
If you’ve got a door latch that’s sticking this will make the Hyundai think you’ve got a door open or ajar when you haven’t.
This is a common cause of beeping on many car models.
Try giving a good clean to all door mechanisms and lubricating with WD-40, make sure they all open and close properly.
It’s also a good idea to make sure every door, including the trunk and hood, are closed properly before driving.
Oil & Fluid Levels
It’s a good idea to check fluid levels are all correct, such as:
- Engine oil
- Coolant
- Power steering fluid
- Brake fluid
- Windshield washer
Related: Hyundai Santa Fe Alarm Going Off? (7 Most Common Causes)
Alternative Suggestions For Beeping Problems
Disconnect the Battery
Disconnecting the battery for a certain length of time resets the Powertrain Control Module (your vehicle’s brain) and other electronic systems.
Disconnect the battery for 60 seconds.
Alternatively, you can try disconnecting for 24 hours.
Check the Dashboard for Warnings
When the beeping occurs can you see any lights come on at the same time on the dash?
This can give a big clue as to what’s causing the beeping.
On some vehicles, a warning beep indicates a bulb in the gauge cluster is blown.
Take it to a Hyundai Dealership
If needed, take your car to the dealership.
Tell them you are NOT paying for a check on what the problem might be.
Ask them if they will check it for free.
Most dealerships and other places do quick/initial diagnosis for no money as they plan to make money for the repair of your vehicle.
Check for Recalls or TSBs:
By entering your vehicle’s VIN number on Hyundai recall page you can determine whether or not there is a recall for your vehicle and if there is you’ll want to get it fixed.
Similarly, a quick google search will help you determine whether there is a Technical Service Bulletin for your Hyundai.
These are less serious but may give a reason why your vehicle is beeping.
A recall is issued by a vehicle manufacturer for issues that are safety-related, while a TSB covers components that may be malfunctioning but don’t compromise the safety of the vehicle.
Diagnosing Beeps With a Scanner
Another possible option if you’re hearing a beeping sound is to use an OBD2 diagnostic scanner tool.
These are fairly easy to use, you simply plug them into your car – there’s usually an OBD2 port under the steering wheel.
Once you have the scan codes you can research these online specifically for the Trailblazer.
There are also OBD apps available so you can connect your Hyundai straight to your smartphone (either with a cable or Bluetooth) without even needing a scanner.