2002 Hyundai Sonata have a timing belt or chain

My rule of thumb for Timing belts:
replace at 60,000 miles, and every 40,000 miles thereafter. Having said that, I often let
cars go until the timing belt starts showing signs of wear (usually every 50K - 75K miles)

But www.autozone.com (register free at www.autozone.com) is recommending for your
car driving in "severe driving conditions" (aka normal stop-start driving) that your 2000 Sonata
have:
60,000 miles - replace
90,000 miles - inspect for wear
120,000 miles - replace
150,000 miles - inspect for wear

The 155 page owners manual (I found one at the link below - you may prefer to try Hyundai)
makes no mention of the timing belt at all.

http://www.scribd.com/doc/29113477/2000-Hyundai-Sonata-Owners-Manual

the reason Hyundai suggest a belt change at 60k is that when it does snap, your looking a $3 to $4000 for a engine rebuild,and in England we have an unlimited mileage warranty for 5 years and the belt/engine is covered, if its changed at the proper time(60k).i think its called insurance,you have to have it,but you hope it never happens...ask someone who has had a belt snap.....any make...
some makers are going back to chains.....

Yes, the timing belt, spark plugs and spark plug wires, fuel filter, O2 sensor/s, a transmission service too.

3.3 litre engines have a timing change.

timing chains should only be changed if there is noise or problem in that area. if it has a belt most belts need to be changed at 60,000 miles and some at 100,000. Engine damage may occur in many engines run with a timing belt that breaks.

more than likely you have a bad oil control valve if in fact you have an 06 sonata. They are chain driven engines... You can ohm out the valve and get a good reading even when the valve is bad. Pull it out and check to see if it is clogged, if it is thats more likely your problem. If it is clean, go ahead and replace the valve. Hyundai calls them the oil control valve (OCV) and usually located on the head close the the variable valve sprocket.

look at the belt for visible cracks and frays if visible replacement is needed and i believe they are under 20.00

If it has a cam belt then change it.if it runs with a timeing chain leave it till about120k miles.Good car if serviced at recommended times

60k

If it is a chain then no it does not need to be changed. I would call the local dealer and give them the vin# to make sure 100% if it is a chain or a belt. Achain does have guides made of plastic that you may want to think about along with the tensioner. Good luck.