How Hyundai Engine Cylinders Are Numbered

On most modern Hyundai engines, cylinder #1 is located at the timing belt/chain end of the engine, and cylinders are then numbered sequentially along the engine: 1–2–3–4 (for four‑cylinder engines) or 1–3–5 / 2–4–6 (for many V6 engines). However, exact numbering can vary by engine family and layout, so checking service documentation for the specific model and engine code is essential.

Why Cylinder Numbering Matters on Hyundai Engines

Understanding how Hyundai numbers its cylinders is crucial for correctly diagnosing misfires, wiring ignition coils or injectors, replacing spark plugs, interpreting trouble codes (such as P0301–P0306), and following factory service procedures. Misidentifying cylinder positions can lead to replacing the wrong part, persisting engine problems, or even damaging the engine.

General Principles of Cylinder Numbering

Before breaking down Hyundai layouts, it helps to understand the general principles manufacturers use. Hyundai largely follows industry norms, but there are important details by engine type and by which side of the engine faces the timing system or transmission.

Inline (Straight) Engines

Inline engines place all cylinders in one row. Hyundai primarily uses inline‑4 engines in its small and midsize vehicles, as well as inline‑3 in some markets. These are among the easiest to number and understand.

The following list explains the basic rules Hyundai typically uses for inline‑engine cylinder numbering.

• Reference point is cylinder #1: Cylinder numbering always starts at cylinder #1; all other cylinders are counted from that position.
• Cylinder #1 at the timing belt/chain end: On Hyundai inline engines, cylinder #1 is at the end where the timing belt or timing chain, crank pulley, and accessory drive are located.
• Sequential numbering: Cylinders are then numbered in order along the crankshaft: 1–2–3–4 for four‑cylinder, 1–2–3 for three‑cylinder, 1–2–3–4–5–6 for six‑cylinder inline layouts (rare for modern Hyundai passenger cars).
• Transverse FWD installation: When the engine is mounted sideways (common in Hyundai FWD vehicles), #1 is typically on the passenger side in left‑hand‑drive markets (U.S., Europe), but the key is still the timing-belt side, not the fender.
• Longitudinal RWD installation: On longitudinal inline engines (e.g., some Genesis models with older inline powertrains in specific markets), cylinder #1 is closest to the front of the vehicle, at the timing components.

In summary, for Hyundai inline engines, finding the timing belt or chain end of the block will almost always reveal cylinder #1, with the remaining cylinders numbered in simple numerical order along the engine.

V-Type Engines (V6 and V8)

Hyundai V6 and V8 engines use two cylinder banks arranged in a “V.” Cylinder numbering must distinguish both the front-to-rear order along the crank and which cylinders belong to each bank. Hyundai generally follows the common industry convention of assigning all odd-numbered cylinders to one bank and all even-numbered cylinders to the other.

The following list outlines how Hyundai typically numbers cylinders on V-type engines.

• #1 cylinder at the timing-belt/chain end: As with inline engines, cylinder #1 is located at the end of the engine where the timing belt/chain and crank pulley are mounted.
• Odd vs. even banks: One bank usually carries odd numbers (1, 3, 5, 7 for V8), and the opposite bank carries even numbers (2, 4, 6, 8).
• Front-most cylinder defines #1 bank: The bank whose front cylinder is physically closest to the front of the engine is the “Bank 1,” where cylinder #1 is located.
• Numbering direction: Most Hyundai V6s number cylinders from the front of the engine toward the rear; for example, Bank 1: 1–3–5 and Bank 2: 2–4–6.
• Consistency within engine family: Once one Hyundai engine family (e.g., Lambda V6, Tau V8) adopts a numbering pattern, that pattern remains consistent across displacements and turbo/non‑turbo versions within that family.

The key with Hyundai V engines is identifying Bank 1 (which contains cylinder #1) and remembering that numbers increase along each bank from the front of the engine to the rear, with odd numbers on one side and evens on the other.

Hyundai Inline‑4 Cylinder Numbering by Layout

Most Hyundai passenger vehicles use inline‑4 engines mounted transversely for front‑wheel drive. While the physical orientation in the bay varies, the logic for numbering does not: find the timing components and count outward.

Transverse FWD Inline‑4 (Elantra, i30, Tucson, Kona, Santa Fe 4‑cyl, etc.)

In a typical FWD Hyundai with a transverse inline‑4 (for example, the 1.6L or 2.0L GDI/MPi engines), the transmission is on one side of the engine bay and the accessory/timing belt side is on the other.

The list below describes the usual numbering seen in modern transverse Hyundai inline‑4 installations.

• Cylinder #1 at the accessory/timing end: Cylinder #1 is at the end of the engine where the timing chain cover and crank pulley reside.
• Left-hand-drive orientation: In most LHD markets (U.S., Europe), standing at the front of the car facing the engine, cylinder #1 will usually be on the passenger side, closest to the timing components, with cylinders proceeding across the engine bay: 1–2–3–4.
• Right-hand-drive markets: Physical position relative to driver changes, but numbering does not: #1 still sits at the timing side, proceeding across the engine: 1–2–3–4.
• GDI and MPi families: Popular engines like the Gamma (1.6L), Nu (1.8L, 2.0L), and Smartstream G1.6/G2.0 broadly adhere to this same 1–2–3–4 progression from timing side to transmission side.
• Misfire DTC mapping: OBD‑II codes P0301, P0302, P0303, and P0304 correspond to cylinders 1, 2, 3, and 4 in that physical order along the engine.

Although engine bays can look crowded, locating the timing cover and belt/chain housing is the fastest way to orient yourself; from there, numbering 1–2–3–4 across the engine is consistent on modern Hyundai inline‑4 FWD layouts.

Longitudinal Inline‑4 (Less Common in Recent Hyundai Models)

Some older or market-specific Hyundai vehicles have longitudinal inline‑4 engines, particularly where rear‑wheel drive configurations have been used or in light commercial platforms.

The following points summarize how Hyundai typically numbers cylinders on longitudinal inline‑4 engines.

• Cylinder #1 at the front of the vehicle: With the engine mounted front‑to‑back, the cylinder closest to the radiator and timing components is #1.
• Progression toward the firewall: Cylinders then increase in number toward the rear: 1–2–3–4.
• Applies to older series: Older Beta, Alpha, and related inline‑4 engines used in longitudinal applications generally follow this rule.
• Simplifies ignition and injector wiring: Harnesses are usually routed in physical order, matching the 1–2–3–4 sequence from front to back.
• Service manuals confirm orientation: Hyundai repair documentation will almost always show this front‑to‑rear numbering for longitudinal inline‑4s.

Even when layouts differ, Hyundai retains a consistent logic: cylinder numbers increase from the timing/front end of the engine toward the rear, making longitudinal inline‑4 identification straightforward.

Hyundai V6 Cylinder Numbering

Hyundai’s V6 engines—such as the Lambda and older Delta series—are used in many mid‑size and larger models. Correctly identifying cylinders is important when addressing bank-specific issues like O2 sensor faults, catalytic converter codes, or isolated misfires.

Typical Hyundai V6 Layout (Lambda, Delta)

Modern Hyundai V6 engines are usually mounted transversely in FWD/AWD vehicles (Santa Fe, Palisade, Sonata V6 in earlier generations, Azera, some Kia siblings), with two banks facing different sides of the engine bay.

The following list presents a commonly documented Hyundai V6 cylinder numbering scheme (check your specific engine family to verify).

• Bank 1 contains cylinder #1: Bank 1 is the side of the engine that includes cylinder #1; this bank often faces the firewall on transverse V6 Hyundai models.
• Odd numbers on Bank 1: On many Lambda V6 engines, Bank 1 is numbered 1–3–5 from the timing end toward the opposite end.
• Even numbers on Bank 2: The opposite bank (Bank 2) is then numbered 2–4–6, again from the front/timing end to the rear.
• Front-most cylinder rule: If it’s unclear which bank is Bank 1, the bank whose leading cylinder is slightly more forward toward the timing end of the engine is considered Bank 1.
• OBD‑II bank and cylinder mapping: Codes like P0301, P0303, P0305 will refer to misfires on Bank 1 (odd side), while P0302, P0304, P0306 refer to misfires on Bank 2 (even side). Bank‑specific codes (P0171 Bank 1 lean, P0174 Bank 2 lean) align with this odd/even bank convention.

Because some model years and platforms flip which bank faces the radiator versus the firewall, always verify with a diagram or under‑hood decal; nonetheless, odd-on-one-bank and even-on-the-other is a consistent Hyundai V6 pattern.

Hyundai V8 Cylinder Numbering

Hyundai’s V8 engines, like the Tau series found in some Genesis and Equus models, follow a broadly similar approach to V6 numbering but with eight cylinders split across two banks.

Typical Hyundai Tau V8 Pattern

While exact schematics vary by generation and platform, Hyundai’s V8 engines generally mirror common global conventions for V8s.

The list below summarizes the usual V8 numbering logic used by Hyundai.

• Bank 1 with cylinder #1: As with V6s, Bank 1 contains cylinder #1 and is identified as the bank slightly more forward at the front of the engine.
• Odd numbers on Bank 1: Bank 1 is typically numbered 1–3–5–7 from the front/timing end toward the rear.
• Even numbers on Bank 2: Bank 2 then carries 2–4–6–8, again increasing from front to rear.
• Longitudinal installation: V8s in Hyundai’s higher‑end rear‑wheel‑drive platforms are mounted longitudinally, so “front” clearly points toward the radiator and accessory drive.
• Bank-specific diagnostics: Misfires, O2 sensor issues, or catalytic converter codes that specify Bank 1 or Bank 2 map directly to these odd/even cylinder groups, aiding targeted diagnosis.

Although Hyundai’s V8 engines are less common than its four‑cylinders and V6s, they stay consistent with the familiar odd‑on‑Bank‑1, even‑on‑Bank‑2 strategy used across many global manufacturers.

How to Identify Cylinder #1 on Your Specific Hyundai

Given that there are variations across generations and regional models, it’s wise to confirm the numbering for your exact engine rather than relying solely on general patterns.

Practical Ways to Confirm Cylinder Numbering

Several straightforward methods can help you accurately verify the cylinder numbering on a specific Hyundai vehicle without deep mechanical disassembly.

The following list outlines common methods owners and technicians can use to confirm Hyundai cylinder numbers.

• Check the factory service manual: Hyundai’s factory workshop manuals usually include a labeled cylinder layout diagram in the “Engine Mechanical,” “Ignition,” or “Fuel System” section.
• Look for engine-bay labels or decals: Some models include a schematic under the hood that shows cylinder positions and firing order.
• Use reputable online service data: Paid databases (e.g., Alldata, Mitchell, or official Hyundai tech sites) provide engine‑specific diagrams for cylinder locations.
• Follow ignition or injector harness routing: Coil and injector wiring often runs in numerical order; connector labeling or wire colors may indicate cylinder numbers.
• Verify with scan tool and misfire counters: Bi‑directional scan tools that show per‑cylinder misfire data can be correlated with unplugging coils or injectors one at a time (only done carefully) to confirm which physical cylinder matches which number.

By cross‑checking documentation with what you see in the engine bay and, where necessary, using a scan tool, you can reliably pinpoint cylinder numbering for any Hyundai engine configuration.

Common Pitfalls and Misconceptions

Misunderstandings around cylinder numbering are common, especially when diagrams from other brands are incorrectly applied to Hyundai engines or when engine layout in the bay appears reversed.

Errors to Avoid When Working on Hyundai Cylinders

Being aware of typical mistakes can save time and prevent misdiagnosis in Hyundai engine work.

The following list highlights frequent errors made when identifying Hyundai cylinder numbers.

• Confusing driver/passenger sides with banks: Banks are defined by engine geometry (Bank 1 vs. Bank 2), not automatically by left/right or driver/passenger side, especially on transverse engines.
• Assuming all brands use the same pattern: Some manufacturers place #1 in different positions; applying a generic diagram to a Hyundai can lead to swapped cylinders in diagnosis.
• Mixing firing order with cylinder numbering: Firing order (e.g., 1‑3‑4‑2 for many inline‑4s) is not the same as physical cylinder layout; cylinders are numbered geometrically, not by firing sequence.
• Relying solely on internet forum sketches: User‑drawn diagrams can be inaccurate or refer to different markets/engines; always confirm with official or trusted service data.
• Ignoring engine family differences: Even within Hyundai, older engine families (Alpha, Beta) and newer Smartstream or Lambda variants can differ slightly, demanding engine‑code‑specific verification.

Staying aware of these pitfalls and defaulting to engine-specific diagrams helps ensure you work with the correct cylinder when dealing with Hyundai engines.

Summary

Hyundai generally numbers cylinders starting from the timing belt/chain end of the engine, with inline engines using a straightforward front‑to‑back or timing‑side‑to‑transmission‑side sequence (1–2–3–4), and V‑type engines splitting odd and even numbers between two banks (e.g., 1–3–5 / 2–4–6 on V6s, 1–3–5–7 / 2–4–6–8 on V8s). Cylinder #1 is always at the timing or accessory drive end, and Bank 1 is the bank that contains cylinder #1. Because specific layouts can vary by engine family and vehicle platform, the most reliable approach is to confirm numbering in the factory service manual or trusted service data, then verify visually in the engine bay. This ensures accurate diagnostics, correct interpretation of misfire and bank‑related trouble codes, and proper execution of maintenance and repair tasks on Hyundai engines.

How do I know which cylinder is which?

On an inline engine: the number one cylinder is located at the front of the engine, closest to the timing cover. On a V type engine: one cylinder head is slightly forward of the other, toward the front of the engine. Cylinder number one is the forward most cylinder in that bank. Still have questions?

Which cylinder is cylinder 3 on a Hyundai Elantra?

Okay so the ignition wire routing. You’ll notice towards the back of the engine. You’ll have two coil packs. And each coil pack fires. Two ignition wires.

What firing order is 1 8 4 3 6 5 7 2?

The firing order 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 is a classic V8 engine configuration common in many Chevrolet, Mopar, AMC, and Buick engines, designed to balance power pulses and reduce crankshaft stress. This sequence ensures that the firing of adjacent cylinders is spaced out to create a smoother and more balanced engine operation.
 

• Engine balance: By firing the cylinders in this specific sequence, the engine’s rotational forces are distributed evenly along the crankshaft, preventing it from deforming or breaking. 
• Companion cylinders: This firing order also pairs specific cylinders that reach top dead center (TDC) at the same time, such as 1 and 6, or 8 and 5. They are in different phases of their power/exhaust stroke, which helps balance the engine’s operation. 
• Common applications: This firing order is famously used in small- and big-block Chevrolet engines, as well as many Chrysler and Buick V8s, making it one of the most well-known engine specifications. 
• Distributor rotation: For many engines with this firing order, the distributor rotates clockwise. 

Which cylinder is cylinder 4 on a Hyundai Sonata?

Order guys on that hyundai sonata. So for instance you need to replace ignition curve on cinder. Number. Two it means that it’s this ignition. Curve. If you have code for engine misfire.