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Kia Sedona (2005 and Earlier)

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Comments

  • jster381jster381 Member Posts: 17
    I called the local Kia service department and they told me that "yes" having tires inflated to 40 psi was a problem. They said they should each be deflated to 35 psi. Also, thanks to all the lighting feedback, I now have the 2nd and 3rd row lights dimming properly.

    I bought my Sedona in early March. It came with four separate floor mats (2 in the front row, 1 in the 2nd row, 1 in the 3rd row). Did anyone get a floor mat that covers the cargo area (behind the 3rd row)? mfbono2 does the mat you just received cover all the way back to the cargo area?
  • wberndtwberndt Member Posts: 18
    Does anyone know how to adjust the headlights? Mine seem to be a little too far to the right and left, leaving a dark V in the middle where the light doesn't overlap enough. They also seem to be pointed just a little too far down since they don't really illuminate far enough in front. I know this is something I should have the dealer do but it's a long ride there and, frankly, I don't have the time to bring it in and wait for the adjustment. I'll take it in if that's the only way, but if I can fiddle with them myself, I'd rather try that first.
  • mfbonomfbono Member Posts: 48
    Yolo.. see post 1454 from mikeymike.. I then emailed Kia's customer assistance at ca@kia.com and I referenced the reply from Paul Stapleton at Kia which stated that any van purchased as of February 2002 should have gotten the rear mat. I didn't get a reply to my email but the box from Fed Ex had Paul Stapelton as the sender, thank you Paul if you are reading. I did mention it to the sales manager at my dealer when I went there on Saturday and he said he would check it out, I dont know if he did, he took my home phone number but hasn't called. I assume that Mr Stapleton took it upon himself to be proactive and send it out.... now if I could only get that free oil change coupon the sales manager promised .. still waiting to fill out that survey... keep the customer happy.. what a concept !!
    jster381.. the mat just fits the space between the 2nd and 3rd row.. nice custom fit.. it's a little darker gray than the other mats.. matches the carpet under more than the mats.. try this link for a mat for the rear ( behind the 3rd row ) http://www.mats4less.com/dimmincarmat.html ..looks like it might work.. only $20..
    ... :>)
  • mikeymike01mikeymike01 Member Posts: 31
    mfbono: Glad you got your floor mats. Still bummed out that those of us that bought our Sedonas before February 2002 don't get the mat. I've had quick replies from Mr. Paul Stapleton with Kia and am glad to hear he proactively sent you the 3rd row mats.

    I am going to go to bat for all of us Sedona owners who bought their minivans pre-February 2002 and ask Mr. Stapleton that we all get free 3rd row mats. It makes no sense why owners who purchased Sedonas before February 2002 get left out. I'll be sure to post a follow-up message on this board.
  • bluedevilsbluedevils Member Posts: 2,554
    mfbono2's success prompted me to fire off an email to ca@kia.com. I am hoping/expecting the same positive response.
  • bluedevilsbluedevils Member Posts: 2,554
    I'm confused-- are you one and the same? Why the 2 different IDs?
  • mfbono2mfbono2 Member Posts: 22
    yes, I have 2 Id's..when I created the 1st one I did it from home.. the 2nd one I created from work because I couldn't remember the password...
    I know.. lazy... I will sync em up.... :>)
  • bob57bob57 Member Posts: 302
    Trying to adjust the headlights yourself may cause more problems than what you have now. It's a specific alignment thing.
    I "adjusted" the lights on a car (several times) I had a few years ago and it turned out that it was good for seeing birds in tall trees at night and rocks 2 foot in front of the car....
    Take it to the dealer.
  • jlngwrjlngwr Member Posts: 51
    The mat thing is not 100% pre and post Feb. I bought my LX in August and got a mat in the 3rd row.
  • mfbono2mfbono2 Member Posts: 22
    yup.. thats what I've been reading here and therein is where the confusion lies. I was just refering to what was replied back from Kia's customer assistance .. all our Sedona's are 2002 models so everyone should get all the mats... maybe I should change my screen name to matty.... :>)
  • hoyahenryhoyahenry Member Posts: 399
    I saw another Sedona - in motion, on the road....

    2700 miles on mine; first one I've seen out in the wild besides mine. Well, I did see one in the Georgetown University parking garage last week, but that's not quite the same.
  • vanphanvanphan Member Posts: 41
    A few more questions or notes:

    1) With the key on accessory & radio off, will I run down battery over a 2-3 hour time? I like to charge our cell phone in the cars and all the power outlets in the Sedona are switched (not powered all the time).

    2) What is the carpet-covered plastic plate between front and 2nd row seats under the carpeted mat for? It looks like an access panel for something under the floor.

    3) The manual says change spark plugs at 25k for RC10PYP4 and 60k for PFR5N-11 and RC10PYPB4. Which plug do we have? Why are there 3 different plugs?

    4) The visible front windshield washer fluid tube is very small. The majority of the fluid looks like it resides below and unseen. Am I missing something or is there a better way to check this other than what is in this little tube? How much does this hold?

    5) Has anyone found metric locking lug nuts to fit under the center cap on the EX alloy wheels?

    6) I've had all five alloy wheels static balanced (i.e. wheel weights placed only on inside of wheel). The removed outside (rubber coated?) weights still scratched the wheels slightly. They say you can't get a true balance this way, but I've done this for years and have never had any problems. Good idea on an marklj's post #1427 about removing the center caps yourself before having tire workers "mishandle" them and your wheels.

    7) Does any one know where can I get / order child safety seats with the LATCH system? I see that Consumer Reports lists only two: Fisher Price Safe Embrace II 79704 (with LATCH) and a Cosco Triad 02-935 (with LATCH). We want to replace our car seat. It doesn't even have the top tether strap. Or, where can I get a LATCH strap for existing car seat?

    8) Do power converters invalidate warranties?

    9) Has anyone removed the folding extendable side table? It looks like 4 nuts behind plastic covers at the base of the passenger seat holds this on. We want to place a TV/VCR between the front seats on the floor for trips and there is not enough room with it folded down. A roof-mounted flip-down monitor is out of the question due to the sunroof.
  • bluedevilsbluedevils Member Posts: 2,554
    A friend of mine bought one at Toys R Us or Babies R Us, I think.
  • bluedevilsbluedevils Member Posts: 2,554
    vanphan, excellent question. I've been wondering the same thing. I forgot to pull a plug the other day when I had the plastic engine cover removed.

    I am very curious to know which plugs, because the replacement interval varies a ton depending on which plugs you have. Seems very strange.
  • mfbonomfbono Member Posts: 48
    Concerning the roof mounted flip down monitor, I too thought that it couldn't be done due to the sunroof but when I went to the dealer last Saturday for an oil change I went into the showroom and was checking out the Sedona EX and the dealer added an after market roof mounted monitor( an Audiovox I believe ) and had a VCR mounted under the drivers seat.. I was very suprised to see the flip down monitor with the sunroof but it can be done... :>)
  • yoloyolo Member Posts: 57
    I have a sunroof and I also had a dvd system installed with an XO Vision 6.8 inch flip down screen. Works perfect and no sunroff problems. It's probably easier to install the flip down with the sunroof because it has easier access from the front cavity in the headliner where the shade slides in.
  • yoloyolo Member Posts: 57
    I have a sunroof and I also had a dvd system installed with an XO Vision 6.8 inch flip down screen. Works perfect and no sunroof problems. It's probably easier to install the flip down with the sunroof because it has easier access from the front cavity in the headliner where the shade slides in.
  • huff119huff119 Member Posts: 13
    I have a Babies R Us ad/catalog from a few months ago (you can get them in the store). It shows several (more than 10) baby seats that are LATCH compatible. I believe Toys R Us sells most of the same models.

    Both stores also sell the LATCH kits for older seats (about $25). You should use the brand made for your car seat. I would go to the website for your carseat manufacturer to see if they make a LATCH kit for your seat.

    I haven't seen any of the LATCH compatible seats or LATCH kits anywhere else (I've been looking), but I expect they will start showing up soon.

    Hope this helps!
  • mfbonomfbono Member Posts: 48
    where's the dvd player , under the seat ? What did the system cost ?
  • jcrider2jcrider2 Member Posts: 46
    I was at the Kia dealer today to check on getting a stone chip repaired on my windshield. He had 5 new EX's and and 1 LX on the lot and in the showroom. Two of the Ex's had cloth interior and sunroof. All the EX's were two tone paint. I bought a wind deflector for my sunroof and some touchup paint while there. The wind deflector is make from 1/4 inch plastic with KIA's name on it and made in Canada and installs with two clips and screws. Very easy to install. Very sturdy feeling and looking. Price was $45.00. I had seen others at Advance Auto but they seemed flimsy and were $35.00 or so. Now will see if it cuts any wind noise when the roof is open.
  • vanphanvanphan Member Posts: 41
    jcrider2, The sunroof deflector sounds good. But where do the clips and screws go? There's no drilling I take it? Keep us informed on how well this cuts down on the wind noise.

    I bought the bug deflector from Kia and it too was a fairly easy install. It attaches to two existing bolts at the top of the grill, then four clips attach to the edge of the hood. I hope it functions as good as it looks. excelent3: How is your "Sedona" bug deflector working out?

    yolo, on your dvd system with the 6.8 inch flip down screen. I've seen a few LCD monitors where they look great if you sit directly in front of it or maybe 30 degrees, give or take, left or right. This is my concern with the sunroof, since it would sit back closer to the 2nd row seats. I don't want the 2nd row seat occupants to get a "pain in the neck". Does this swivel, also?

    And thanks, bluedevils and huff119, for the info on the LATCH seats. I'll check it out!
  • mom23girlsmom23girls Member Posts: 75
    #1523 & #1524 Man that's just what I've been waiting for!! Could you give us an idea what that costs!

    I e-mailed Kia about the third row mats, I find their response unacceptable, and will not buy another Kia until later in the year when they decide what Standard Equipment will actually be included.

    Mr. Stapleton
    I purchased my Sedona EX in November '01. It did not come with the 3rd row floormats. I read your response to a gentleman who posts on Edmunds.com, that anyone who purchased as of February '02 would receive 3rd row mats and those who purchased prior to February are out of luck. I also understand that some American customers who purchased in 2001 did receive 3rd row mats.
    I feel that this is a real insult to those of us who went out on a limb and gave your company a chance to prove your reputation wrong.I hope that you will reconsider and send 3rd row mats to those of us who request them.
    I currently am at work and do not have the vin# to the van. Should you choose to do the right thing by your charter customers and send us the third row mats, just let me know and I will send it to you if needed. I hope that you will reconsider your position, especially since there seems to be a great deal if inconsistancy.

    His response....

    Thank you for your correspondence regarding the third row mat in the Kia Sedona. The retail market place is dynamic. Kia has made a change, which is directed in light of those market changes. Owners of 2002 Kia Sedona'a purchased prior to February 1,2002 may contact their dealer to purchase a mat. Please remember many factors influence our change, however Kia can not go back and redo all of the negotiations after the fact.

    Kia Motors America
  • yoloyolo Member Posts: 57
    The whole system was $900 installed. I got a 12v dvd/mp3/svcd/mpeg player with remote, 6.8" screen with lights and remote, 3 cordless headphones, fm modulator and a gameport. The dvd player is under the driver's seat. To be honest, I have never sat in the back of the van to view the screen. My 3 kids don't complain about it not being visible so I assume it's fine. If I had to do it again, I would have gotten the smaller 5.6 screen and saved close to $200. The 5.6 is more than adequate imo. I had a custom car audio shop do it. What's cool is that I can now play burned onto cd mp3's too and I'm not limited to the stock cd player. Plus, passengers with the headphones on can listen to different music than the stock stereo being listened to by the driver. I could have gotten the tv antenna and tuner included but I have heard that they are useless while moving to watch any tv broadcast so I opted not to even have them install it. The antenna is fairly long and visible through the glass too. I just wish they would have given me some credit for not wanting it but they couldn't. Maybe the 3 cordless headphone made up for it because there are usually only 2 included?
  • yoloyolo Member Posts: 57
    How long does it take for you guys that have e-mailed Kia to get a response? I sent one over a week ago and nothing yet. I sent another yesterday.
  • mfbonomfbono Member Posts: 48
    who is the manufacturer of the DVD player ?
  • mom23girlsmom23girls Member Posts: 75
    My response came the following day.
  • mom23girlsmom23girls Member Posts: 75
    My response came the following day.

    I guess that I wasn't diplomatic enough to get the desired result. It just makes me mad that they don't treat all of us 2002 Kia EX owners equally. That doesn't send out a very good message to me. Like I said before I'd definitely recommend to potential buyers of the 2003 model to wait...you get more for your money evidently.
  • casselmancasselman Member Posts: 8
    I purchase a Kia Sedona on 2.20.02. I did not get the 3rd row floor mats.

    On Tuesday 4/9/02 at about 11:30 p.m. I sent an e-mail to Kia about not getting the floor mats.

    Guess what. My wife just called me at work and a package from FED EX arrived with our 3rd row floor mats. Just in time for my 1200 mile trip to Orlando, FL.

    BTW, KIA did not respond to my e-mail. They just sent the package.
  • annam1annam1 Member Posts: 14
    Just received our 3rd row floor mat after having e-mailed a request on April 10th. The sender was Paul Stapleton and he sent the mat without responding to my e-mail. He is probably to busy in the mail room! It came FedEx priority overnight. I'm impressed. Kia should take care of this employee, he knows the meaning of customer service. I'm sending him a thank you note.
  • yoloyolo Member Posts: 57
    The dvd player is made by BOSS. The 3 cordless headphones are Audivox.
  • mobilmacmobilmac Member Posts: 60
    a access panel to the fuel pump, when replacement is needed.
    Thats interesting that you asked, that was my question the first time i saw it.
    I haven't heard anyone else ask that.
    Btw, i don't know if we have the 3rd row mat or not, it was late saturday evening on march 2,02 around 10:30 pm, and we had a 3 hr. ride ahead of us to get home, the night we picked our van up.
    Thats why my oil was low, tires were severely overinflated, and i didn't get my full tank of gas that night, no prep, but they did seen me a fuel voucher for a fillup.
    The mats are still in the shipping plastic and we haven't taken them out. Actually when we got home, some of the white shipping tape was still on the on the roof and other exterior areas of the car. The floors still had the plastic on them so we left it that way, plus it protected the carpet until we have time to regroup and put the mats in.
    We have over 2k miles on it now maybe this weekend i will get the mats in.
  • mobilmacmobilmac Member Posts: 60
    the saving of over 2k dollars, compared to a closer dealer, who was grossly incompetent in other areas and wanted thousands more.

    Has anyone experienced problems with their a/c.
    I notice, that when i turn our a/c on without turning the rear air on, the front vents temp never get cold enough(never below 55 degrees) until i turn the rear on, then the front vents temp drops like it should to a more pleasing vent tempature of around 40 degrees.
    This a problem that is most difficult for the rear passengers, their windows are tinted, where as the front driver and passenger side windows are not. We get direct sunlight.
    So we are inclined to be hotter than the rear, and do what we have to, freeze the rear out, just for our comfort. We live in the south, between the humidity and the heat, a/c is mandatory. That was the purpose of rear air, i never had that problem with my olds silo. I guess thats some thing i need to add to my list when we go in for service.
  • mobilmacmobilmac Member Posts: 60
    tempature is, yes, i have a a/c thermometer stuck in the vent at all times. Its good practice to know whats going on,and have accurate information when you suspect something is amiss.
    Since each of us are different, and likewise our skin sensations, especialy when it comes to describing what's cold or cool, coming out of a a/c vent, thermometers helps when you are describing a a/c cooling problem.
  • yoloyolo Member Posts: 57
    My wife just called and said a package from Kia arrived and it's a 3rd row mat. SWEET! I would publicly like to thank Kia for their great customer service. This whole experience from beginning to now has been the best I have ever encountered from the dealer all the way up to corporate Kia in any transaction that I have ever entered into. Thanks Kia! I guess actions speak louder than words because I never got a response to my e-mail but the mat arrived promptly.
  • yoloyolo Member Posts: 57
    I e-mailed Kia to thank whoever it was that arranged this and I just received a reply from Paul Stapleton that it was he who arranged it. Thank you Mr. Stapleton. This is the same person that others have posted about who resolved their 3rd row mat not being shipped with the Sedonas sold after February.
  • bluedevilsbluedevils Member Posts: 2,554
    I don't know if Paul Stapleton is the only guy handling the email inquiries, but if he is then he is doing a tremendous job.
  • bluedevilsbluedevils Member Posts: 2,554
    Excellent analysis on the A/C. I will keep all that in mind and check things out when the weather's warm enough here in Michigan.
  • bluedevilsbluedevils Member Posts: 2,554
    I know some pre-Feb '02 buyers are ticked that they aren't gonna get a 3rd row floor mat, and it's even more annoying that some pre-Feb '02 buyers somehow received one. But this sort of thing - minor changes (such as standard equipment) to vehicles in the middle of a model year - happen all the time.

    I would be mad if I didn't get a mat (I presume that one will be coming my way via FedEx soon - we bought on Feb. 19 and I emailed Kia 2 days ago), but Kia's position on this is understandable and typical of auto manufacturers nowadays.

    Overall, I think Kia is doing an excellent job of responding to customers' questions and concerns.
  • mfbonomfbono Member Posts: 48
    Nice to hear that Kia is sending out the mats to many customers.. they really should do it across the board, it's only fair... also thanks to Edmunds for providing this forum for us... it has taken away much anxiety with buying a new model and provided an interesting "vehicle" for our concerns.. thanks again to Kia & Edmunds .... :>)
  • austinsedonaaustinsedona Member Posts: 15
    After a month or so of watching this board, I've finally found a van with the options I was looking for. I took delivery of a new red/beige ex loaded with everything except the spoiler. I want to thank everyone for the great info being posted to this discussion group. It definitely helped me in my purchase decision. The van drives excellent and I don't think their is a better value available in the minivan market. My price paid was 22760+TTL. It was missing the rear mat and had a couple of minor defects (small rip in seat, driver seat a bit loose), but the dealer ordered the rear mat (no charge) and scheduled for me to come back next week to take care of the other issues. I will let you know how the service goes.
  • bluedevilsbluedevils Member Posts: 2,554
    welcome to the group! Just curious - was your Sedona "new" ? Seems a little strange that it would have a rip in the seat.
  • bluedevilsbluedevils Member Posts: 2,554
    I cannot believe Kia's responsiveness! I emailed Kia's customer service folks 2 days ago, and I have the mat on my front door. Excellent stuff.
  • tinman08tinman08 Member Posts: 11
    I didnt end up using the screws. The tape seems strong enough. No problems yet.
    It looks like 12" is the distance from the ground, no problems with that.
    As for the crimp, I ran the wire through the hole driver side rear light. Just use pliers to crimp to the back up light. I ended up using the ground beside the jack. The key is taking the jack hold out and working from there. You can get to the opening on the bottom from there and every thing else.
  • jcrider2jcrider2 Member Posts: 46
    Vanphan:... The sunroof deflector is held on by two clips and two screws. No holes to drill. The clips are hooked over the lip on th edge of the sunroof opening and the screws go thru the plastic deflector, into nuts on the clips and the screws tighten down pulling the clips tight aginst the sunroof opening and the deflector.

    Very good idea to have an acess panel in the floor over the fuel tank to acess the fuel pump
    Most vehicles you have to drop the fuel tank out to change the pump. No easy task if tank is over half full..
  • lagavulinlagavulin Member Posts: 20
    Took my Sedona in for its 6,000 km oil change and had the following items checked:
    - My cruise control was operating intermittently. Sometimes it would just down right refuse to engage. The AUTO CRUISE light turns on and I am going above the minimum speed, but nothing happens when I press SET. Of course on the day I brought it in to the dealership, it worked fine. I asked the service manager to check it out but of course the mechanic found nothing.
    - On one occasion I had a noticeable hesitation when I went to accelerate; I pressed the accelerator and there was about a two second delay before the RPMs picked up. I seem to recall in an earlier post a Sedona owner that reported a similar problem. Once again, they couldn't reproduce it, so nothing was done.
    - My rough idle that I used to have seems to have disappeared with the warmer spring weather.
    - The middle row captain's chairs have a squeaky rattle to them. This time the mechanic said he could hear the rattle... but there was nothing he could do about it.
    - My outdoor air temperature indicator reads about 3 degrees Celsius too high (that's about 5½ degrees Fahrenheit). I was told that it's not adjustable.
    - When I set my HVAC control knob to defrost, the A/C light doesn't come on. Earlier posts in this forum would lead me to believe that it should come on. Dealer says that it doesn't. Is he feeding me a line of bull?

    Overall, I was fairly pleased with the service. The service manager was easy to deal with, but the mechanic IMO was an idiot.

    Speaking of idiots, I accidentally discovered a nice idiot-feature on the Sedona: if you drive with the parking brake on, it sounds a continuous warning chime until you release the brake. That feature probably saved me a set of rear brake shoes!
  • austinsedonaaustinsedona Member Posts: 15
    Yes, it was right off the truck. It was not really a rip but more like a cut. Looks like someone might have been careless with a sharp knife, maybe when removing the plastic wrapping the seats. Anyway, the dealer said they would repair it to my satisfaction or replace the entire seat if necessary.
  • bb8bb8 Member Posts: 60
    Try to understand your description of the cruise control problems, can you describe step by step what buttons do you push in sequence? what response do you expect from your Sedona? How did it misbehave?
    What is the outside temperature when all these problems happen?
  • lagavulinlagavulin Member Posts: 20
    Cruise Control normal operation:
    1. Turn cruise control on (dash-mounted button in the depressed position). Green "AUTO CRUISE" indicator on instrument panel is illuminated.
    2. Accelerate to desired speed (I believe the vehicle speed has to be at least 40 km/h (25 mph) otherwise the cruise will not engage).
    3. Press the "SET" button on the steering wheel (lower right) and take foot off the gas pedal.
    4. Voila! Speed is maintained until either the brakes are applied, "CANCEL" button is pressed, or cruise control is turned off.

    My intermittent problem is that I will go through steps 1 to 3, but as soon as I take my foot off of the gas, the van slows down. One time I was driving with the cruise control on, I slowed down to go through a town, then couldn't get it to re-engage once back on the highway.

    I don't think there is a pattern to temperature versus cruise control failure. It's been typical spring weather with temperatures just above the freezing point.
  • hoyahenryhoyahenry Member Posts: 399
    No big deal, but my curiousity is piqued. When the dvd player is installed under the seat, was anything done to block the heat vents?
  • bluedevilsbluedevils Member Posts: 2,554
    I checked this out on ours the other day. No matter what setting the dial is on-- defrost, floor, floor/upper combo, etc.-- the A/C green light in the middle of the dial does NOT turn on. I assume that the light would be on if the A/C is actually engaged, so my conclusion is that the A/C is not automatically engaged when the fan is set to Defrost.

    This contradicts what others have reported, and I'm not disputing their findings. Is it possible that this works differently on some Sedonas than others?
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