Reverse Glow Guages

Santa Fe: Serious SUV

It has the muscle to move seven people speedily.

NOT long ago we tried out the Hyundai Tucson whose styling and practicality earned praise after it was put through the wringer by one of our resident testers. Along came the Tucson’s bigger brother, the Santa Fe, and it is time to give it the third degree as well.

The second-generation Santa Fe is locally assembled and licensed by Inokom for the typical re-badging and cost-savings purposes. Call it Inokom Santa Fe to be politically correct but it’s a Hyundai at heart.

It’s the same face-lifted vehicle that was launched during the Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show 2010 in December; it also comes in a 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol variant that supersedes the 2.7-litre V6 guzzler.

Looks-wise, the Santa Fe still is a handsome beast while featuring enough changes to make it look refreshing. But frankly, it doesn’t look as distinctive as the compact Tucson is.

On the outside, what are new are the usual parts: bumpers, front and rear lamps, front grille, driving lamps, rear spoiler, exhaust tail piece and the inclusion of roof racks.

What’s more, local distributor Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors Sdn Bhd has loaded the latest Santa Fe with some premium touches.

On board now is a smart key that affords keyless entry for convenience and engine start/stop button. The electrically-powered retractable door mirrors have built-in turn signal lamps this time – though we say it’s about time since such a feature is already standard across a wide range of vehicles.

What is appreciated and will certainly set it apart from the usual SUV are the addition of an integrated GPS set, a sun roof, a reverse camera, and an electrically adjustable driver’s seat.

Independent ratings have also buoyed the SUV’s credentials. The Santa Fe was recently voted the most reliable car in America’s Consumer Reports 2010 Annual Auto Reliability Survey and turned in a 5-star NCAP (New Car Assessment Programme) safety rating.

To have such a stellar ranking means the four-wheel drive vehicle is equipped with ABS and traction control, electronic stability programme and a total of two airbags (six in markets such as Australia and the United States).

Bear in mind that this is a big people carrier since it’s a seven-seater, with a flexible seating setup that can be adjusted to suit a multitude of roles. The last two seats are stored flushed in the floor when not in use and are suitable for carrying children or adults on short hops. These last-row seats even have adjustable headrests.

Problem with reverse glow gauges - DSM Forums

So i have the Euro Reverse Glow Gauges (Blue) on my 1997 Eclipse, and they don't light up anymore. They used to, then they slowly took longer and longer to warm up before coming on, then one day they just went out altogether. Any tips? I've checked the fuses, all seem to be fine. There is a Faze 3" little square thing for my air fuel ratio/boost gauges, but I don't see any wires or anything for my display.

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