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Kia Optima 2006 and earlier

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Comments

  • csandstecsandste Member Posts: 1,866
    The Rondo uses the Hyun/Kia/Mitsu/Chrysler World Engine (some changes between manufacturers, they're not identical). It wasn't used in the pre 06.5 Optimas.
  • yankeejimyankeejim Member Posts: 5
    Lately, at the a.m. start-up, the "check engine" light appears and I can't get any RPMs higher than 1,800 out of her. (38,000 miles, 37,000 of which came in the form of leased car prior to my purchase) I'll drive it for 5 minutes, shut her down for 10, go back -- and the engine becomes fully responsive again, but the "check engine" light stays on. The Optima will run fine the rest of the day ("check" light usually goes off during lunchtime errands), but then repeats this cycle 2 days later. Fuel / fuel delivery problem?

    Thanks, folks.
  • mickeyrommickeyrom Member Posts: 936
    Your car must be still under waranty...why not just take it to a dealer.BTW,have you replaced your gas filter?
  • yankeejimyankeejim Member Posts: 5
    Thanks, I'm much obliged for the suggestion. I ask only because I'd like to have an idea going in as to what it might be. That would dictate the timing of what I'll do, whether I have a few days I can work with or if it should go in immediately. Negative on the filter; I reckon I'll give that a shot first. I appreciate the help.
  • mickeyrommickeyrom Member Posts: 936
    Your'e welcome,but don't thank me yet.Changing the filter is pretty expensive and not covered by your new car warranty.It's located inside the gas tank.I would just take it to the dealer and describe your problem. Maybe you'll be lucky and it just might be another issue which is covered..... I just though of something...get a can of fuel line cleaner.That just might do it and it's pretty cheap compared to the alternative.Just be sure to follow the directions on the container.Good luck.
  • yankeejimyankeejim Member Posts: 5
    Update: Kia dealership service department didn't get to her for 26 hours and only after I called to find out the diagnosis. Off topic, but perhaps telling. An hour later, service manager called to say the part needed to be ordered and the job wouldn't be completed until the next day (tomorrow). The following conversation with the service manager transpired:

    "What's the problem?"
    "My guy says it's a brake (break?) switch."
    "Cool. What's that?"
    "I don't know."

    I'm trying to be optimistic.

    Thanks for the input, mickeyrom.
  • mickeyrommickeyrom Member Posts: 936
    Egads Jim,bet that service manager made you feel real comfortable with KIA service,didn't it...
    It took me three tries before I found a KIA dealership that I was fairly comfortable with. The Hyundai service at the same mega dealer on the other hand was outstanding..
  • yankeejimyankeejim Member Posts: 5
    Thanks, Mickey. I'd like to return the favor, but I don't know squat about today's autos, other than what I can deduce. I was just waxing nostalgic with the boss a few ago, telling him how as an early teen we'd steal a couple of beers from Pop's fridge, open the hood and work on a straight six easy as pie. Now I can't even see the freaking spark plugs...

    Best to ya
  • dirtball3dirtball3 Member Posts: 2
    I just tried to replace the battery in my daughters 2002 optima. I got the new battery in but the horn is blowing an the wipers going I tried using the key fob but it didn't help. an it won't start either. Anybody know how to fix this?
  • yankeejimyankeejim Member Posts: 5
    Back again! Upon startup, RPMs won't go over 1,700, and at that it's a very rough idle. Run it for 2 minutes, turn it off, start it again and sometimes it's fine, but sometimes it takes 2-3 off/on cycles to get it to proper RPMs. (This had happened twice before and the dealer "fixed" it both times, last time about a month ago. Now it's back.) Anyone have an idea?
  • griff252griff252 Member Posts: 2
    I have a kia Optima 5 speed with approx 50,000 mls. I got it used with approx 32000 miles 3.4 years ago. No problems at all, its been a great car. A month or so ago I was driving along and it bucked a bit, not when shifting, just as I was driving. Didnt happen again. Last week my gas was low but no light on and I was in 3rd and driving along and it bucked again, I didnt see the engine light on and assumed it was just low gas. So I filled it up with regular gas and it still happened. I then filled it again with mid grade gas, had the oil changed and checked the air filter. It was fine. No engine lights on. I did travel alot these past 2 months, approx 6-800 miles. It is still happening without warning and no lights on. Spoke to dealer and another shop and both want to charge 100 or so to run tests/codes cause they arent sure what is going on. Couple friends have said that maybe it is the fuel filter (was camping with dirt roads for a few days and near the ocean too so near dirty roads) another said maybe plugs. All are baffled that the engine light doesnt come on. Hard part is I am not in a position to pay $100 to diagnose then pay for parts too. Can I change the fuel filter myself? Does it sound like that is it? Should I just change plugs? Would appreciate any input you have. I have another trip this weekend and worried but I need to go so have to find out what the concern is. Thanks
  • phosho1989phosho1989 Member Posts: 2
    the fuel filter is extremely easy on this car. it is located in front of the drivers side rear tire and is rather visible. the part is about $15 at autozone, and only requires a wrench set for instalation. but expect to get gas on yourself. other suggestions, spark plugs and wires, dirty injectors, or fuel pump.
  • phosho1989phosho1989 Member Posts: 2
    i recently bought this car with 73000 miles on it and soon after it started to have a rather rough idle. i have asked a few of my mechanic friends and they say that it is a misfire due to a slight suction at the tailpipe when the engine seems to be misfiring. i have tried many things to fix this problem but with no luck. the engine is not throughing any codes so i think i am shooting in the dark.
    things i have done
    1 oil
    2 plugs
    3 wires
    4 air filter
    5 fuel filter
    6 injector cleaner
    7 induction service
    8 found and fixed a vacume leak to the pcv valve
    i just cant think of anything else that would cause the engine to misfire like this. please help!
  • mfrank63mfrank63 Member Posts: 1
    Hi Folks,
    No authority on the subject, but we own an 04 optima that had similar problems. The wife was complaining that "her" car would start to buck then the problem went away. it was intermittent and didn't happen when I drove it soo... at first I tossed it as bad fuel as there were NO CODES. After another week or so, it totaly quit in the driveway. I got it to limp at 2-3k rpm and went to a local autozone (no affiliation!) where they will run a scan for free!! the error code pointed to a crank position sensor (error code P0335). Limped it to the dealer (warranty item) and they fixed it. About a week later, same problem only a LOT worse. Back to autozone this time it was another sensor (can't find the paperwork sorry..I "think" it was a timing sensor) had to have it towed from autozone to the (this time there was no limping it at all it took all I had to get it the mile to the AZ) dealer where they replaced the crank sensor AND the new sensor error. two months so far so good.
    Good luck, I hope this helps and you back on the road!
  • newbergmannewbergman Member Posts: 1
    About 2 months ago I purchased a 2006 KIA Optima LX V6. I like it for the most part. However I have run my battery dead twice now because I left my headlights on. My car does not make a warning sound when the headlights are on, the ignition is off, and the door is open. I had a 1993 Honda Civic that did the same thing. I was able to fix this problem by finding a site that gave me instructions on how build and connect a warning device. Does anyone know if there is the same option for my KIA?
  • csandstecsandste Member Posts: 1,866
    This surprises me because on my 07 Optima and my 01 Elantra, the lights go off when the ignition is shut off. I thought that was pretty much standard on all HyunKias. Are you sure you haven't done something to change the normal headlight switch setting?
  • 73chevyimpala73chevyimpala Member Posts: 16
    I like my 2005 Optima so much, I'm ready to buy it again! planning on buying my wrecked Optima for salvage value, which is $1200. Just before I had the wreck, I had a new timing belt and water pump installed. The vehicle has been VERY cheap to maintain, and other than those pesky light bulbs, has not required any attention. The vehilcle has 68008 miles on it, it's the 2.4 liter automatic.

    Just as a PSA, the Optima does lose a ton of value as it ages. My insurance company totaled the vehicle for damages of $4500 + my body shop said they might uncover more damage after they pulled off the door. The front passenger door was bashed in pretty good.

    I have found the cheaper body shop in the area, and I plan to get if fixed far cheaper than the $4500.

    A couple of questions: If anybody has done this before.

    1. I'm guessing I will still have the remainder of my 10/100,000 powertrain warranty?(I'd rather not ask Kia if I don't have to)

    2. I will call my insurance agent on Tuesday to make sure he will still insure the car. Assuming he does, I'm debating betwen getting

    a. liability and uninsured motorist/underinsured motorist coverage
    or
    b. liability, uninsured/underinsured, and comprehensive.
  • indianacarguyindianacarguy Member Posts: 1
    We have an 04 optima v6 which we have been very happy with up until now. (A little background info, 46000 miles, all current services, all at the dealership) Last week my wife calls and says the car makes a “squeaking” noise when she turns, then calls back and says its hard to turn. I say take it into the local dealer. She is told that it is the power steering pump is going out and it will need to be replaced. They order the part and do the work and give me a call telling me to pick it up. When I show up the car is not ready because they “found” a broken bolt that held on one of the pumps (never could get a clear answer as to which pump), so they would need to keep it another day to fix it. When I did pick it up they said the broken bolt is from an accident 3 years earlier (my wife rear ended a car, that required body work ie bumper, head lights etc) we drove it home, Tuesday of this week she went out to start it and the smell of burning rubber is wafting from under the hood. I look at it and the Serpentine / drive belt is chewed all up and riding off the outside edge. We call the dealership service department and have the car towed in, they tell me it is the tensioner and it will have to be replaced. The next day I go to pick it up and they tell me that the whole serpentine / pulley / system is out of alignment due to the “accident” we had 3 years earlier (and all of this work will not be covered by the warranty). Here’s where I want a second opinion. We have driven the car for 3 years (oct 05 to 08) without eating up the serpentine / drive belt. Had it replaced only last week as part of the repair of the power steering pump. It was not frayed or worn. SO how in the hell can they say this misalignment is due to that accident and not the fault of the service department while doing the work last week? I have spoken to the head of service, who oversees all of the dealership’s various brand service departments, who said he would look into it on Monday, but the service head at the kia dealership is admit that this is not his departments fault and that the accident of three years ago is to blame. :mad:
  • capt4capt4 Member Posts: 32
    Hi all ,

    I have not been on the post in a while, just did the timing belt, Usually I do
    a water pump at the same time. the dealer said save the money wait until
    120K. They have been doing the Optimas for years and never replaced them early.
    They do about 6 timing belts a week. It was one of the first Kia dealers to open
    in the state

    The 70K service, went well, no over pricing add ons. I found cleaning the induction fuel injector system, throttle body was like another tune-up. BG products. Well worth the extra coins. Mileage picked up too . I found the driving lamps developed
    what seems to be a cataract, inside the housing lighting on 04's and 05's

    Kia would have replaced them if under the warranty, My dealer was to call me when the lamps came in but he sold the store before he called and I was over the 3yr, 50k. It kind of got me ticked to have to hear Kia in California who had this
    request on record say no to the new dealer to replace them.

    I did inform some other owners, and they had their headlamps replaced for free.
    Kia has really been quite good , to the owners about warranty items.

    Check you lamps if your in warranty and get them done.

    Running with the Yokohama replacement tires, AVID TRZ since 55,ooo miles
    Tire Rack has them $ 40 less per tire than the tire stores. Good in Wet and dry, forget snow
    one inch no tire does well unless your driving in 3rd gear, on the Kia tiptronic automatic. Brakes went at 50ooo in the front 72ooo in the rear, not to bad.

    Street and Road driving average is 24 mpg, straight highway is 30-33 mpg
    city 18 to 20 mpg. Using Amsoil Synthetic since the third oil change, its the best for me.

    Do an oil filter change at 6000 miles top off the oil and get another 3000- 4000
    miles on the oil. You can easily stretch to 12 or 15 ooo miles for sure. :)

    The engine purrs like new. Oil was analyized and not much wear at oil at 65ooo
    Using a Wix or AMSoil high quality filter too. Change the air filter or go with the KN
    brand it makes a huge difference, on gas mileage and performance. :shades:

    Just replaced the first battery, at 78ooo miles this was a long life battery
    However since the change air bags light stays on the dealer wants $ 100 to :confuse:
    turn it off with the code machine. Anyone an do it for $20- $30
  • ProblemKiaProblemKia Member Posts: 2
    I have an 03 model with the same problem. Dealership wants 2K to replace the gas tank. If you find you anything let me know. I ordered a shop manual to see what I can find you about the tank. There has to be a bad vent valve that's causing this problem.
  • capt4capt4 Member Posts: 32
    Please tell me what post this was first seen in ?
    And is it a CEL Optima? US car, what part of country you live in?

    What is the problem with the gas tank? If this is under warranty
    or has it had many other owners experienced this problem?
    I am unaware of the issue. I suggest you check with other shops
    as to parts and labor
  • capt4capt4 Member Posts: 32
    Same here 04 EX Optima

    Lights stay on no bell noise to remind you, like when the key is in ignition.

    However mine shut off, when the lightswitch is in the auto mode
    In the winter this does not cut it. :surprise:

    I do not think they will shut off in any other mode for any model
    What is strange is no bell to remind you .
  • capt4capt4 Member Posts: 32
    Just replaced battery

    Now the airbag light stays on
    Only a Kia dealer can turn this off?

    Anyone know?
  • redptcredptc Member Posts: 78
    I have a 07 Amanti & a 04 Optima EX, both cars have the auto lights. I usally leave the parking lights on while i am driving. The lights will shut off after i take the key out and open the drivers door. The same with the headlights,but they will shut off after you turn the key off.You must have something wrong with the system. Check your owners manuel about the bell that you don`t hear. I beleve the dealer can reset your air bag light.-------GOOD LUCK--------( I think the EX model is the only one that does it.) :shades:
  • capt4capt4 Member Posts: 32
    We can all help one another, by posting the experience's of Service & Sales
    on Edmonds. Whether they are dealerships or local shops in our cities and
    towns.

    http://www.edmunds.com/dealerships/Virginia/Fredericksburg/FredericksburgKia/ser- vice.1.newOld.html
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    That's a great idea, capt4, right on!! Here's the link that will allow everyone to choose their own locations and go from there: Dealer Ratings & Reviews.

    Thanks for the suggestion!!
  • capt4capt4 Member Posts: 32
    Thanks Pat, I also think we should ask our friends to review some good local services ( shops ) the link is on the right side of Forums, TAB

    In that way we can all get the benefit of this Forum.

    Your welcome
    Capt4 :)
  • capt4capt4 Member Posts: 32
    I am confused one post says you can change the filter
    next to the rear tire, another is that it is in the fuel tank ?

    Can we get some clearance where the fuel filter is ?

    Thanks
  • capt4capt4 Member Posts: 32
    We should ask Kia for the badge like Volvo...

    http://www.volvohelp.com/volvo_high_mileage_club.htm

    get a badge for every 100,000 miles ?
    Anyone want to write Kia on this ?

    from the UK

    http://www.kiaownersclub.co.uk/
  • neenee1985neenee1985 Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2004 kia optima and my vehicle does the same thing. No one seems to know anything but now my cruise control is also messing up it wont come on and sometimes it wont respond.
  • lhylhy Member Posts: 48
    I am thinking about buying a used 2004 Optima LX with V-6 engine.

    What are your opinions about the reliability of this car, especially the transmission and engine?

    Are the general maintenance and repair costs expensive?

    Is there an issue with the timing belt wearing out prematurely?

    What kind of gas mileage do you get?
  • capt4capt4 Member Posts: 32
    TO be honest if there is no service records on any car whether dealer or
    small garage. serviced do not buy the car.

    The reliability is good if serviced. Service is no more or less than other cars
    in its class.
    Timing belts must be replaced by 70K you can also have the car checked
    by a reputable shop for around $50 and let them go over it
  • lhylhy Member Posts: 48
    Are there any problems with non-dealer mechanics working on the car? Or can most generic repair shops handle a KIA?

    How about the issue with the front sub-frame recall?
  • jose4autosjose4autos Member Posts: 1
    My 2004 Kia Optima has it in the tank. Open trunk door, fold back seats of car. You will see a oval cover, remove (does not have screws), you will see a round cover with about6 screws, this is your fuel pump.
    I have not done the filter replacement yet, but according some postings it is part of the pump. Just be careful since you are dealing with a very flammable area.
  • analyzerlxanalyzerlx Member Posts: 23
    I have over 123,000 miles on the car. I get an average of 20 MPG in Las Vegas city driving. I haven't gotten any services done to the car. I need to replace the timing belt and water pump, along with other maintenance. Very well-built car in my opinion, totally changed my view of the brand.
  • capt4capt4 Member Posts: 32
    Thanks

    I understand that you need a special tool to take the fuel filter off
    the fuel pump which is attached to it

    The dealer stated that had to take out the back seat to remove the
    fuel filter, it was laborious.and costly somewhere around $ 200+ $$$$

    Any idea of what the cost is to replace a simple fuel filter and
    why the heck did they put it in such a place? :confuse: :confuse:
  • skalskal Member Posts: 5
    Did you ever find out what was wrong with you gas tank.I am having problems filling my gas tank. I have a 2003 Optima. Would like to find out the problem if possible.

    Thanks
  • skalskal Member Posts: 5
    I would like to hear from anyone that has a solution to fixing a problem with filling the gas tank. I have 2003 Optima and when I try to fill the gas tank the pump cuts off about every 2 seconds like the tank is full. It takes 15 minutes to put gas in the car.
  • pq6y657pq6y657 Member Posts: 2
    I have searched the web and cannot find this data. Specifications seem to be limited to basics about the engine but not this far.

    If you know or can refer me to the proper source I would appreciate it.

    Thanks!
  • bmaurerbmaurer Member Posts: 3
    my Optima over the past 2-3 weeks has been having problems firing or starting in the morning. It trys to "roll over" then when i try a second time it usually fires and starts. It has gotten harder to start day by day. After it runs for about a minute or less you can turn it off and then it starts up fine. My mechanic hooked up gauges to the fuel pump and fuel filter, but everything comes up as normal on the computer. He is gonna try to replace the spark plugs and see if that helps or fixes the problem. He also wanted to replace the spark plug wiring (total bill was close to $500) I don't have the money for that kind of fix.

    Any help would be appreciated!
  • skalskal Member Posts: 5
    I have a 2003 Optima and I just put new plugs in it. I have about 90,000 miles on it and my plugs were almost completely gone it had started idling rough. With the new plugs it runs like new. I would try just the plugs first before the wires. I ordered my plugs from Kia and they are $15.00 each, but the parts guy said that if you just buy them at a parts place they don't work as well (they could just ge lying too). The plugs are not difficult to change you just have to take the cover off the top of the motor and they are down deep towards the engine. You will need a plug socket that has the rubber insert so you can pull them and and put them back in, it take a 13/16 socket for the plugs. I would buy them from the parts place and just try them before I tried to buy the Kia plugs. Hope this helps. This is the number for parts: 800-996-9491 I spoke with Danny and his was very helpful.
  • skalskal Member Posts: 5
    2003 Optima I have solved the problem to filling the gas tank. You will need to change the charcoal canister filter located in the finder well behind where you fill the tank. When the filter goes bad it releases the tiny pieces of charcoal and it get stuck in the filler valve located on top of the fuel tank. So to correct the problem you have to replace both items. You can change the filter it is just in a plastic cover, but the filler valve is on top of the gas tank. If you let down your back seat and look in the middle you will find a black cover that is covering the fuel pump. To the right of that is a small valve and next to that one is the filler valve. I decided that is was not worth $900.00 dollar to drop the tank so I took sheet metal cutter and cut an hole over the filler valve big enought to get it out and replaced it. It takes a little effort, but it works. I ordered the filter and valve from Kia the filter is $180.00 and the valve is $30.00 the number is 800-996-9491 it takes both of them to correct the problem. Anyone that has any mechanical experience should be able to do this. Good luck I hope this help.
  • bmaurerbmaurer Member Posts: 3
    Thanks for replying~

    I did have the mechanic replace the plugs, the back 3 were completely shot. But this morning it did the same thing again. It seems so far like it happens after sitting for about 8 hours or more. Once it "turns over" and starts, you can turn it off and then turn it back on and it will start right up. Not sure what it could be, could it be a bad battery? Seems like once it runs for alittle while it will start up with no problems.
  • skalskal Member Posts: 5
    I had to replace my battery but it just quit I didn't have any trouble before hand. You can have your battery checks to see if it is weak. It should have a sticker on it telling when it was purchased. They usually only last about 4 years. Have you check the gas filter. It sounds like you have to get the car to turn over before you are getting the gas for it to start. I would think if it was the wiring it would be constant. I am sending you a web site to go to that gives you the maintenance manuel on your car. I was going to buy the book but they were out so she gave me the web site to look up things. It is not very user friendly, but it does give you some good ideas if you are persistent. It has one place that will let you trouble shoot your problem and it will give you options as to what the problem might be. Good luck let me know if you figure it out in case I might have the same problem. Web site www.kiatechinfo.com.
  • capt4capt4 Member Posts: 32
    I had the same issue happen last week
    The car stalled in traffic , Thinking there was water in the tank
    I bought some gas line anti freeze.

    Then the car refused to start could not crank over
    Check engnie light goes on this is good so you can find the problem

    Towed the car to the repair shop the computer showed " Crankshaft Sensor"
    Kia Service says this is a usual at around 80k miles as well as the Front
    Motor Mount which had to be replaced also..... Check around for labor the
    cost to replace sensor is the same as timing belt because the genious" at Kia
    put it in the most inconvienent place. If you need a Timing belt do it at the same time. plugs were changed at 75K they last long
    I am going on 92K never did the fuel filter, it is another weird location with
    labor that is high,

    Hope this helps :sick: :surprise:
  • bmaurerbmaurer Member Posts: 3
    I took my car into Wal-mart to get the battery checked, when they hooked up the battery checker it said to replace battery, so I did that and they thought that that might just be the problem. But after they put in the new battery and did another battery check, the handheld computer gave them an error message that they thought had something to do with the wiring from the battery to the starter. They think that a wire somewhere there is getting grounded or is bad. They also checked the starter with the same handheld computer and the starter checked out fine. I'm taking it to the dealership beginning of next week to explain to them what has been happening and what has been done so far to the car, hopefully I will get this figured out with not alot of money involved the the process, I only have about $500 to spend to get this fixed.
  • javmanamxjavmanamx Member Posts: 1
    clean the maf, mass air flow sensor, you have to use special cleaner for this, buy it at parts store, do not use carb cleaner, i just checked the maf on a 05 ford focus, hard to get to by the way, a small piece of a leaf was causing hard starting etc, also use throttle body cleaner on the throttle body, very important
  • capt4capt4 Member Posts: 32
    :) Thanks for the tip will do

    Ihave cleaned the Throttle Body with BG products bebfore
    How many miles should this be done?
  • jamesthenamejamesthename Member Posts: 1
    my mechanic has replaced the crank sensor 3 times and it blows out within 10minutes each time...and everytime the check engine light pops up calling for the crank sensor...could it be the computer and where is the computer located at?? i am tired of spending money on this, please someone give me some great advise, i would really appreciate it!!
  • capt4capt4 Member Posts: 32
    The most experienced folks I know are in Fredericksburg VA
    Call to the service manager, Lee. they have techs who know the
    product and you will not get burned if you use the service dept.

    Like many other manufacturers, Not all Kia service is quality
    Richard at Fredericksburg runs tight ship and his techs are top shelf.
    Tommy is a Master ASE Technician with 16 years experience

    I also had the crankshaft sensor recently replace by an outside shop.
    They not only replace the sensor, but when I went to pick up the car
    it was vibrating beyond control. I was told I needed motors mounts.

    Replace the front and told I needed three more
    Thanks to the folks at Fredericksburg Kia they re did the
    timing belt and lined up the belt and so that the balance shaft ( real cause of
    vibration was back in sync)

    It pays to go to Kia most folks cannot fathom these are Mitsubishi
    engines that have been on the market for years. This is a huge shout out to the
    folks at Frederickburg :) Kia
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