Q&A

The check engine light comes on when the vehicles control module sees a problem. It starts flashing when the control module sees a problem that is potentially damaging the catalytic converter such as a continuous misfire. Depending on how far you have to go it would probably be OK to drive it in. I would avoid highway speeds and limit it to a few miles. I doubt it is any kind of misrepresentation. Could even be as simple as a plug wire or coil pack did not get on a plug properly during service. Did you get any tune work done. If so I would check that first.

If you can get the check engine light to stay on go to an autozone and get a free 'engine trouble code readout'. The problem sounds like 'misfiring' caused by a faulty spark plug or bad spark plug coil pack. The readout will tell you which cylinder is misfiring and then you can change it out. I've had the same occurance on my ford escape and ranger always turned out to be the coil.

Its easy to turn off a check engine light, if they just turned off he light a professional scan tool can check "monitor status", if the light was just recently turned off the evap, cat converter and misfire diagnostics probably will probably not be in a passed state right now.A flashing check engine light should not be driven as damage may occur to the catalytic converter. Hyundai as a car manufacturer put a lot of free technical information and workshop manuals on line for Hyundai owners. Check out www.hmaservice.com lots of great information.
Reading the codes is the first place to start to fix the problem with the car. If the car has higher mileage make sure the timing belt was changed very important in that car.