Cruise Control Warning light on when I'm not using cruise control

[TybeeGenesis]

Hello. First time posting. I just purchased a used 2012 Genesis 3.8l Technology Sedan with 70,000 miles. I love the car, and purchased it knowing the Cruise Control radar was not working. I also knew the expense in the repair, but I never use cruise control, so I wasn't worried. I did turn on the cruise control to verify that it wasn't working and saw the error light on the center information screen (red front end of a car, speedometer and an exclamation mark).
The warning light that comes on when you try to use the cruise control has also come on sporadically while driving without the cruise control being turned on. Is this something that is telling me that the cruise control is not working, or is the same warning also used for another issue?
I've searched extensively about this, but the only issues I have found relating to that warning light apply to cruise control.
Thanks for your help. I've already learned tons from this forum and look forward to being involved.

 

[rtrofimovich]

Could be Steering angle sensor issue. Scan the car with diagnostic computer and see if you have any SAS codes

 

[TybeeGenesis]

Thanks rtrofimovich. I'll get it scanned next time it pops up.

 

[16UltV6Guy]

Don't necessarily have to wait for the light to be on. Most cars will store a history of any CELs that popped up, or pending ones.

 

[TybeeGenesis]

Thanks 16UltV6Guy. I'm wondering if it would be beneficial to purchase a code scanner. I'll do some research since I live on an island that's a bit of a trek for us to head to a mechanic or auto parts dealer.

 

[16UltV6Guy]

If you can swing it, they're a great tool to have. Have other uses too besides just reading codes.

Can also make you popular with friends/neighbors when they find out you have one. I'll let you determine whether that's a good thing or not.

 

[TybeeGenesis]

Ha! I'd keep it a secret. I have enough with old lady neighbors asking me to change out tail light bulbs and check tire treads.
I've used them in the past, and now that I'm done owning new cars except for the sunday driver, I'll be using one more often for our two newer cars. It will take a bit of research since I'm not sure which ones are compatible with which cars, or if they are universal. My wife will be giving up her Toyota and moving into a Tesla or another weird car this year. Thanks again for your help.

 

[Gunkk]

The red dash Smart Cruise warning light can be triggered by failure of any part of the smart cruise system: stability control system, ABS, or radar cruise units:

• Wheel speed sensor failure
• Steering angle sensor failure
• HECU/ABS failure
• Radar module failure
• etc.

The $15 ebay/amazon variety of ELM OBD2 readers are really good for check engine lights (ECU standard P#### codes). But they cannot interrogate Hyundai's advanced subsystems (ABS, airbags, etc.). So while very useful to have in one's modern toolbox, they aren't much help pointing you in the right direction in this case. You're better off going to a local mechanic who has the multi-hundred-dollar advanced readers that can scan Hyundai codes, because if they've invested in one they will know how to use it. And most important: they will know how to source replacement parts for repairing our cars.

I can say from personal experience twice that when the HECU/ABS unit fails, you'll know it because you'll lose partial brakes (yawing) or full brakes (pedal to floor) depending on model and year of the car.

 

[TybeeGenesis]

The red dash Smart Cruise warning light can be triggered by failure of any part of the smart cruise system: stability control system, ABS, or radar cruise units:

• Wheel speed sensor failure
• Steering angle sensor failure
• HECU/ABS failure
• Radar module failure
• etc.

The $15 ebay/amazon variety of ELM OBD2 readers are really good for check engine lights (ECU standard P#### codes). But they cannot interrogate Hyundai's advanced subsystems (ABS, airbags, etc.). So while very useful to have in one's modern toolbox, they aren't much help pointing you in the right direction in this case. You're better off going to a local mechanic who has the multi-hundred-dollar advanced readers that can scan Hyundai codes, because if they've invested in one they will know how to use it. And most important: they will know how to source replacement parts for repairing our cars.

I can say from personal experience twice that when the HECU/ABS unit fails, you'll know it because you'll lose partial brakes (yawing) or full brakes (pedal to floor) depending on model and year of the car.

Thanks Gunkk. I am not having any issues with the brakes, and the ABS functions as it should. I learned that when a wheel came off of a car going the opposite direction and almost hit me the day after I bought it.
I'm going to take your advice and head to the dealer to get the code read. If it's the radar, I'm going to probably let that go since I don't need the cruise control. I'm getting brake pads replaced next week, so I'll have them check everything out at that point.