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Comments
My first tank was 17 mpg mostly city/rural. I expect 20 mpg after break in of 5k miles just like my Odyssey.
The ABS system ran the entire time. I was not able to use engine braking because the engine would not "speed up" during the steeper grades, because there was not enough traction on ice to overcome the engine so the SUV would slide.
I found that if I put the SUV in neutral and let the ABS system control the speed there was no sliding. On the steeper grades the SUV would actually gain speed on the ice, but there was no sliding, the ABS computer modulated the brakes accordingly.
Unfortunately, the problem you have will not be easy to fix. The dealer/KIA will say that is normal on snow or ice, but it is not. Most people will not test the system like you did and even if they did most would not know what to expect.
surfmaster, schip1 and hicaffa - I did went to my dealer and tried one of their Sorento. It has the same thing. I can see all the warning lights came on and chime sound for few seconds when I turned the key. Then I started the car and not wearing a seatbelt. The seatbelt warning light didn't come on to remind me to wear a seatbelt. The manager said this is also normal as some Ford and GM cars. Isn't it something?
Now people want them. I guess things change.
Do you use the overdrive when driving under 50 MPH?
Or just when you are driving over 50 MPH?
Please let me know.
Fuel economy has been very poor. They definitely have to improve that in the 2004 Sorento.
I don't like how every time you start up the Sorento and overdrive is automatically on.
Is this the case in your Sorentos as well?
I would think that they would have engineered it so it was off by default until you want to turn it on ie when you are getting on the highway.
Let me know what you think..
Most automatics I know nowadays it is pretty much in the background, and you have a button to disable "hunting" for on mild inclines or traffic conditions. Otherwise, it is a no brainer as far as just let it do its thing.
When is yours kicking into OD? Maybe there is a problem.
??
Driving in overdrive... as with many 4x4 pickups like my Ranger there is a OD switch to disable it. Many manufacturers say to shut the OD off when driving in the city or around a lot of stop and go traffic. Doing this the tranny will not hunt and search as often in changing gears. Leaving it on will not hurt the tranny either it will just change gears more. Also with many pickups when you shut the OD off and then shut the engine off and restart the OD is back on again. Also when driving around the city when there is snow its better to turn the OD off and this will improve traction by have the gearing be lower.
ABS in the snow... We had 6 inches just yesterday in CT. and we have had no problem when applying the ABS and having to steer. In fact I thought I read this in the manual that the engine/tranny will sense the slippage of any or one wheel and the ECU will engage the ABS to allow for traction and automatically slowing down the engine rpm for better control. I know that we have tried this in or area...bad weather, snowing and about 3 inches of snow going down a grade I could sense tranny do a drastic downshift and feel a sense of better traction come over the Sorento like the ABS kicked in by it self. Has anyone else felt this.
He says you would only turn off overdrive when you are towing....This makes sense to me..
My Sorento is an automatic.
Who here has towed with their Sorento?
What did you tow, and how much weight?
How did it pull? Any overheating? Handling?
He says you would only turn off overdrive when you are towing....This makes sense to me..
My Sorento is an automatic.
If going down deep inclines ie mountains,etc.
you can turn it off and this will give you better traction....You can also turn on 4w low in this situation.
Anyone know how to use the trip odometer? I didn't see anything on this in owner's manual.
I noticed there was an A and B trip.
thanks again
thanks!
73
Randy
"If the driver's lap/shoulder belt is not fastened when the key is turned ON or if it is unfastened after the key is ON, a chime sounds and the safety belt warning light remains on for 6 seconds. If the system does not operate as described, see an authorized Kia dealer..."
Mine works as described only when turning the key to on , but not after is On and unfastened, I'll be visiting the dealer and ask them...
On the chip in the key... I talked to parts manager and service manager and they stated that there is no chip in the Sorento key, or else you couldn't go and get an after market key say at a lock smith or a home depot. Which someone posted that they were able to get. I had to purchase a chip key once for My mother's Buick the key alone was almost 80 dollars and then to program it was xtra as well.
On the seat belt issue I think if most of the readers would check it out, that even in many other cars the indicator for the seat belt goes off after a few seconds and it dosen't come back on when you unlatch the belt. Only if you restart the car. Remember its only an indicator to remind you to buckle up what you do with your life as to wear it or not is up to you.
mdsorento - Maybe you just missed my previous posts. I read the owner's manual and I went to the service. I also tried another Sorento in the showroom. They told this is a normal condition (nothing wrong), just like some Ford and GM cars & trucks. They told the warning light will come on only when the seatbelt is malfunctioned. I just sent email to Kia Consumer Affair. I hope I can get an answer from them today.
Thanks for the information on the odometer (1438)
I'll try that later when I get home..
I think that is a cool feature to have.
"Having driven the Sorento off-road on the press introduction in northern Idaho, I found it to be as capable an off-roader as the top vehicles in its class. What's more, the full-time awd version includes a hill descending assist feature (no need for the driver to touch the brake; the car maintains a safe, slow speed automatically by invoking the ABS) normally found in the expensive luxury SUV segment."
http://www.roadandtrack.com/reviews/firstdrives/articledisplay.asp?articleid=393
Thanks for the information on the odometer (1438)
I'll try that later when I get home..
I think that is a cool feature to have.
She still has some slight Vib. at certain speeds but I'm certain that is easily corrected by a tire spin balance. She has not yet been to the local dealer for any other post purchase issues. SO far so good. About 1700 miles.
Johnson KIA in Crystal River. Very good people....but could'nt deliver her color before Holler Kia. Suze or Dan (the Owner) are you contacts. Again you can ref. Betty & Ed. They will remember us even though we did not buy from them.
My suggestion is that the next time it snows find a deserted parking lot and practice using it. It will help you out a lot.
-mike
hicaffa & schip1 - I just found out more about Homelink, home lighting control. I have to buy a vehicle interface, home control and plug-in lamp module at Sears and Radio Shack. They properly cost about $60 for everything.
-mike
-mike
nrooks: I also have a slight buzzing vibration coming from the pillar where the seatbelt attaches to it. I've found re-adjusting the height of the seatbelt stops the buzzing. The sound does re-surface after a couple of days but I simply adjust the height again and it's gone.
Hope it helps.
-mike
-mike
Also, I spoke to the other locations mentioned and they are looking for me... Once again, Thanks to both of your comments.
-mike