Kia Sorento

dried

brooklyn1951: thanks for the info on the manual. Kinda dissapointing that it isn't more clear, but oh well. I work with Japanese quite frequently and you get used to the language style after awhile, but sounds like the manual lacks in content period.

By the way if anyone is interested, I found a class III 6000 pound rated tow hitch for the Sorento at www.hitchesonline.com ($129 and still have to do the wiring). So it looks like some of these are starting to become available. IMHO, I think towing more than 3000 pounds with this engine is pushing it, but I live in Colorado so gotta think about altitude and high passes. However, based on past experience with a similar weight car and similar sized engine, with 2 adults, 2 teenagers, 150 pounds of dogs, a 2500 pound camper and supplies for 4 nights, it should do really well. I don't care about getting there fast, just getting there. I'll leave the getting there fast to the people with a V8 and and a lotta cash for gas money.

Do people see the Sorento still selling well at their dealers?

Take care
  Dave

paisan

I have a trooper that has slightly more power and can tow 5000 in the US and 7500 outside the US. My old '97 Rodeo had a 3.2l V6 with 190hp and that was rated at 4500lbs.

-mike

lok888

It was a quiet day here yesterday. I was going to say something. But it was too cold to talk. The AMB read 5 degrees yesterday morning. The heated seat was turned on all the time with 80 degrees in the cabin.
Anyway, it was the first time to put the rear seats down because I had to make room for a fully asembled baby crib. I think Kia should make it more easier by just fold the rear seats back down like most cars. For the Sorento, I had to lift the seat cushions up against the front seats first. Then fold the rear seats with the headrests removed. I properly lost 3 inches space with the seat cushions up against the front seats.
Also, when I lift the seat cushions up, I noticed there is a 6"x6" cut out underneath the rear right passenger. I lift the carpet up (with tape) and saw a 6"x6" black metal cover with a wire or hose. Does anyone know what is this? Can someone try this and see what is this?
Finally, I noticed there are some dents (no scratch) on the leather seat surface and the seat back because of the weight of the child seat. Does anyone how to fit it?

paisan

The problem is that if you want a flat folding floor you need to put the seat somewhere. As for the tube, it's probably the gas-line sender unit.

-mike

lok888

I think the rear folding seats is fine for me. And this creates a flat folding floor too. But if Kia can low rear the seat level a bit. So we can just fold the rear seats down and without lifting the seat cushions. This is a two-step job now. And this is a different type of rear folding seats (60/40) than other cars and SUVs.

I also think the tube is related to the gas tank. It must be an easy access for service. I first saw this (underneath the seat cushions and the carpet) and thought it was a place for some special tools. I want to know if brookyln1951 can find this on the service manual.

paisan

That system is similar to the one found in the rodeo and Axiom. In my trooper the back of the seats folds forward and down on top of the base cushion, then that whole unit folds up against the back of the front seats.

Very rarely do I fold them more than the back down this gives me a longer area to put items such as a bookcase.

-mike

ivygrnsorento

ummm...lok888, if you lowered the back seat so the seatback could fold down flat, don't you think your knees would be touching your chin if you were sitting in the back seat??? I'm sure Kia explored every option to come up with the best arrangement.

paisan

It has to do with cost I think. Basically the back of the seats in my trooper are free-standing and have a more complicated mechanism to fold the back of the seats onto the base.

Sorento/Axiom/Rodeo:

   _/ folds to |_

Trooper:
   _/ folds to = then ||

-mike

lok888

No at all. I am not an engineer. But I think Kia can make the folding rear seats work like those on cars. So you can have the flat surface and without leave the seat cushions up. However, if they lowered the rear seats (about the thickness of the seat cushion), the vehicle need to be lowered. Not a good idea for SUV. Anyway, I look around to see if I can find a better example.

Also, can anyone help me with the impression cause by child seat on the leather seat surface and seat back? I have to make sure the seat belt is tight for the child seat. I put a towel before I put the child seat. This leaves no scratch mark. But the weight caused the impression.

paisan

The problem with this is that there is stuff under there, unlike in a car. The gas tank, driveline, etc. are all placed under the vehcile.

-mike

lok888

I agree.

brooklyn1951

lok888- the access panel under the rear seat is for the fuel system as you guessed. The combination electric fuel pump/fuel level sender sits in a well at the top of the fuel tank beneath this access panel. This is a good design since you would not have to drop the fuel tank, skid plate and trailer hitch to change the fuel pump as was necessary on my Jeep GC.
I got a Sorento accessories catalog from the dealer when they changed my oil the other day. (BTW, they used 5W-30). The brochure has an item on the back page called a bumper guard. From the picture, it seems to mount on the lower surface of the bumper and has 2 vertical guards that protect the air intake opening. It looks like the license plate is relocated and mounted on this assembly. Kia has a picture of it on the kiapartsusa website, but no price. The service manual shows this bumper guard as if it were a standard item. Has anyone purchased this and if so, does it seem worthwhile for the price?
Also, on my Jeep GC, I had an engine block heater that was factory installed in a core (freeze)plug opening. Although I didn't use it every night since my vehicles are garaged, it was great when travelling and on those below zero nights that we have had recently. Kiapartsusa lists the block heater and wiring harness for $33.00. Cheap enough, but has anyone installed one in their Sorento? If not, I might be the guinea pig to try it- not now, in the spring. If I do this, I will probably dump the original coolant and use one of the 5 year long life coolants such as Texaco's Dexcool.

lok888

brooklyn1951 - Thanks for the info. I don't know what you got. But the accessories brochure that I got from my dealer is only 4 pages long. The picture doesn't show the bumper guard very well. It said "late available". The www.kia.ca (Canada) shows a nice picture of it. It offers two colors: beige and gray which is color-keyed to your bumper color. I hope it is not expensive. Too bad that Kia only make the side steps for Sorento. I really like to see the molded running boards.
Also, how's the engine heater work and install? All my cars don't have this and start with no problem during frigid temparture.

larch99

MikeSF..
Adding the BMW side door guards is a great idea. I just caught your earlier post. Question: Any idea how much those cost at BMW? My LX is black so if they come in black, that would be perfect. Also how easy are those to install? And is it just one long strip per each side of car, in which you'd have to cut them to fit each door? And if you had to cut, what tool did you use?
And on another topic, how do you feel about the factory stereo they put in the LXs? Thinking of upgrading?

Brooklyn1951 or other "EX" owners...
Are your fog lights 3&1/2" or 4"? I'm adding aftermarket fogs to my "nonfog light LX", using the existing "capped" openings in the front bumber. "Ziebart" is probably where I'm going to have this done. $159 for two Pilot Fogs including installation.

brooklyn1951

lok888- The engine block heater is a small electric resistance heating element that is about 2" in diameter. It goes in the lower portion of the engine block on one side. To install it, you have to pop out a pressed-in engine block core plug (after draining the coolant). The heater has an expansion-type rubber seal on the inside. When you tighten the external screw, the seal expands to keep coolant from leaking out. A 120V electric cable connnects to the outside of the heating element on one side and the cable has a standard plug that you can connect to an extension cord on the other end. As far as operation goes, on my Jeep GC, it would keep the engine temperature warm enough, so that 5 minutes after starting, the temperature gauge would be halfway to normal. The main purpose of these devices is to keep the engine oil fluid and help starting. Although they may be available on the aftermarket in higher wattages for greater heat, they are merely a starting aid. To keep an engine close to operating temperature, you would need a tank-type heater and be prepared for a significant electric bill increase! There is a good photo on the kia parts website- www.kiapartsusa.com. I'll check out the bumper guard on www.kia.ca, thanks.
larch99-As far as the fog light size goes, I would estimate closer to 3 1/2". The aftermarket lights that you are going to buy are way cheaper and most likely better than the OEM lamps. Please post a picture for us to see when they are done!

lok888

brooklyn1951 - Thanks for the info. BTW, the Kia parts website should read like this: www.kiausaparts.com And when you go to the Canadian website (www.kia.ca) for Kia parts, also check out the Care Tips at the Owners section. And the Sorento TV ad on Fun Stuff. It shows the headlamp washer for the Canadian Sorento.

lok888

brooklyn1951 - I think you have told me the answer before but I properly forgot. Is the service manual tell any information on the light bulbs (headlight, turn signal, tail light) specs? Such as 9006, 9007 or H3... I think I have to open the hood and look for myself.

brooklyn1951

lok888- No trade numbers (9006,9007, H3, etc) for the light bulbs are given in the service manual- only wattages.
BTW, here's another service manual omission- there is nothing that tells you where the fuel filter is located or how to replace it, only the torque spec is given for the mounting bolt. I assume that like many vehicles, it is located somewhere in the fuel line close to the tank. This is not rocket science but it would be nice to have a picture in the manual of this regularly serviced item.

lok888

I wonder how mechanic (non Kia service people) and auto body shop people figure out the part and location when repair and service the vehicle. Like some posters mentioned this is not an user friendly vehicle. Did you hear some said there are two skid plates need to be remove (for better hand position) when preform an oil change?

brooklyn1951

larch99- Sorry but I erred in my posting of the Sorento's factory fog light diameter. The lens is 4" in diameter- NOT 3 1/2" Sorry for any confusion.

lok888

Does anyone know how many Sorento has been sold? So far, I saw 4 Sorentos (1 beige EX, 2 silver EX and 1 gray LX) on the road within the past few weeks. A silver EX was travelled in opposite direction of the road this morning. He was kinda smile to me. And we waved each other. He must think "there is another Sorento" or "welcome to the club".

I sent an email to one local Kia dealer. They don't have any info on bumper guard but expected to have that soon.

franzey

this might be off topic, but I saw some links to future models of Kia (including a model called the GH) does anyone know where I might find some updated pictures on future Kia models? Thanks!

mikesf

Thanks.

The cost for those was about $160 (Canadian) but since my best friend owns a BMW dealership, he just gave them to me. :-)
They come only in black.
Installation is quite easy. I did it myself. I used 3M automotive double sided tape and a very sharp box cutter. There are 4 strips in all, one for each door. The Sorento doors are approximately 2 inches shorter (width) than the X5 doors. Because the strips end at a 45 degree angle, I used one of the strips as a guide for the 45 degree cutting. Once cut they are hollow inside so get some black silicon caulk as a filler. If memory serves correct, I had to remove some plastic prongs that serve as anchors when installed on the X5 (they came off easily). My friend also went to his body shop to get a liquid that removes wax and what not to make the adhesive work properly. I used it sparingly only where the stips were to be set. Can't think of anything else except watch your hands. Those blades are quite sharp and working with materials that can suddenly give way can be hazardous!!!

As for the Stereo, I'm quite happy with it. It sounds great. I would love to go with one of those Pioneer or Alpine units with the 5 inch flip out screen but my priorities now are a new job and condo purchase.

Feel free to ask any other questions. I'll be in Texas this week so I might be a little slow in replying.

Cheers!

pmassche

I am looking at an LX right now,
with a $29,795 list price, they are willing to discount it by $1000 to $28,795 (or 3.5% discount).

I work for a land developer/homebuilder, and would be buying the car due to my job. I may be getting some sort of company or fleet discount.

Since I just bought a Ford Explorer 2 years ago, I am likely not going to do anything for another year or so. This gives me a lot of time to research what car I want.

The wife wants a Hyundai Santa Fe GLS. For $29,900, you get a moonroof, leather, heated seats, but it doesn't have low range 4WD?

Low range doesn't matter to her. Her opinion is for the same price, you get all the luxury options on the Santa Fe for the same price as a stripped down LX Sorento. She loves the looks for the Santa Fe, and dislikes the Sorento.

We'll see, She'll likely win!

pmassche

Mikesf said the following in message 952.

952 of 1747 Loyalone... by mikesf Nov 21, 2002 (6:33 pm)
In Canada, the LX comes with:
ABS
4WD
Mags (Alloy Wheels)
Fog Lamps
Roof rack

Check out the kia.ca web site. This crappy site lists heated mirrors, 4 wheel ABS, front fog lights, spoiler, and illuminated vanity mirrors as NOT being available on the LX model.

Check it out at http://www.kia.ca/english/showroom/specs.asp?m=38&t=116

But their "2003 Sorento Brochure" states all these items as standard on the LX. Check page 8 of 9.

http://www.kia.ca/english/showroom/images/pdf/SorentoBrochure2003- _Eng.pdf

Well I believe the brochure is correct, take a look and see what you think.

P.S. - Again, the web site sucks. Check out the US web site at www.kiasorento.com

Phil

kiaman3

How can you say that the web site sucks and for your information the site is actually one of the best sites on the net. It is the easiest site to use by far, Yes you can get all of the items that you listed on the Lx sorento

As for the 1747 message why don't you come to California and buy the sorento ex lux. package fully loaded and pay the price that you listed and believe me in a short while you will be sorry that you bought the hyundai sante fe because it is smaller, less room on the interior and it does not have a 9 crossmember truck frame under it so that means not as safe or not even as sturdy. The sorento can pull more and is more durable so really go with what you want and you will be writing me and saying that I was write talk about it later

tidester

Let's avoid providing specific contact information as it looks like promotion and solicitation. Providing just the name of a dealership will suffice when appropriate.

tidester, host

kiaman3

No I just know my prices and the sorento very well and I personally think that why would you buy anything else when you have all that you want in one single vehicle and you pay less money for more options common since tells me that. This message is on #1752

txblue

I apologize if this has already been discussed (I didn't have time to read every post). Has anyone noticed a whining or whistling noise when they have the A/C on? I only notice it then. I should probably just get it checked out by the dealer...could be a loose belt or something.

lok888

txblue - No at all. I haven't used the AC much since I bough the car in December. It is freezing here in Boston. I tried it couple times just to make sure it works. Each time last less than one minute. The temparture. is close to 40s this week. I will try it again for longer time. However, I can hear the sound of the fan (I don't know if I can call this is a noise) underneath the glove box area when I turned the fan speed (heat or cool) to the max. Does anyone notice this? BTW, I have auto climate control. Again, txblue, where is the sound coming from? Inside or outside? Under the hood?

Also, I feel something (can't really say it is a noise or vibration) when shift from Park to Drive first thing in the cold morning and without warm up. This is not happening again when the car has been driven for sometime. My Sorento has 2K miles now. I didn't pay attention to this for the first 2K miles. Any comments on this? Maybe this is a normal condition. Or the type of transmission fluid?

lok888

I don't know if we are going to create a new forum. But I just found this rear blind spot mirror on www.ebaymotors.com (Host: Is it how much I can tell? I am not selling anything here. Just FYI only.) Anyway, it looks like an unviseral part with no drilling required, just bolt right onto the hood. It gives an off-road appearance.
In addition, I found this carbox cargo tray on www.mats4less.com It is pretty much like the factory cargo tray but it is with 2" (or 5") lip on all sides.

stever

A new forum is discussion if fine; lots of specific ones around Town Hall. Check out the Owners Clubs for ideas.

Some groups of owners like to break stuff down like that while others like to keep everything (buying, mods, problems & solutions) in one big topic and use the search tool to find that specific post about the mirrors they remember reading about 6 months ago.

Whatever - we're easy :-)

It's ok to talk about dealers and suppliers too. Unless it's your stuff (or your auction) that you are selling, or group buys, etc. Anything that looks like an ad irritates people. Telling people that you got a good cargo carrier from some web site is fine.

Hope this helps,

Steve, Host

tourmaline

FYI... I just dropped my Sorento off at the dealership for its 7500 mile service. Over 7K miles and no problems... not even a rattle!

lok888

tourmaline - How old is your Sorento?

mwitt58714

well hello people its been a while but i have a ? had the moon roof opened here in jersey yesterday and while i was not traveling on a very smooth road there seemed to be some ratteling up there in that area any answers ! i now have bout 2750 miles running great love the stereo lots of watts(lol)anyway..heating system works well and heats up quick to..took it to a car wash and the mud flaps window guards and hood guard stayed on no probs...the blue and dark grey cladding are sharp when cleaned and shiney...still looking for auto start that does what the key fob does any takers...does anyone feel that the fog lights are not as bright as should be i have a santa fe as well and when those fog lights are on its pretty damm bright up front...any takers on that one....is there a brighter bulb we can purchase without screwing up the system.. do appreciate any help hope all is well...

tourmaline

lok888 - I bought it on Nov. 21st. It's been on two long road trips (>2.5K round trip).

bandk8900

Hi All,

I am welcoming myself to your club... We just bought our brand new Sorento on 2/2/02... Love it, have been researching it for a few months and the dealer we went to had blowout prices on the LX model (to move them off the lot to make room for more EX's) so we couldn't put it off any longer.

Anyways, our LX came with the ugly stock rims and we have been desperately trying to find custom rims to fit but most places don't even have their systems updated which include the bolt pattern and rim availability for each maker (american racing, eagle etc) I was wondering if any of you have bought yourself new rims to replace the stock ones. We don't want to have to buy new tires as these are obviously brand new so rims that fit the stock tires and Kia bolt pattern are what we're looking for.

If anyone has any info or websites we would be truly grateful!!

Thanks so much!
Kelly and Bobby
New Kia owners in Phoenix, AZ

calsmith

My mom has a new Sorento LX. She did not get the keyless entry system. Local dealer told her to go to a car audio shop and get one installed. I have a crimestopper alarm, and have installed them before. Does anyone have or know where to get the wiring diagram? The dealer is not helpful.
Thanks

tidester

Welcome aboard! If anyone can help you it's the wonderful Kia owners right here.

Enjoy!

tidester, host

lok888

mwitt58714 - I agree with you. My Sorento heats up quick. We had 1 degree (plus wind chill) a week ago. And I really love the heated seat and wiper deicer. I also turned the fog lights on & off and couldn't tell the different. Like most posters mentioned before, they are just for look. I am also consider to replace the bulbs with those xenon super white bulb. I am looking at the Sylvania Silver Star. But I need to figure the type of bulbs that Sorento has.
tourmaline - Any major maintenance beside oil change yet? I guess tire rotation & balance are needed.
bandk8900 - Welcome aboard! I agree with the steel wheels on LX. I wish they can put a wheel cover on it. Why don't you buy the factory alloy wheels for your LX before it's delivery? My dealer usually order the LX with factory installed alloy wheels for an extra $450.00. Consider that less than $100 for each wheel. You also get the alloy wheel on spare tire. It would be expensive (cost plus labor) after delivery. You can still buy the wheels and have your local tire store install them. Or try www.tirerack.com I think any wheel with 16x8 and any tire with 245/70-16 is prefect. BTW, my dealer would charge me $40 for putting the rain guards which I can do it myself in minutes.
calsmith - One local car alarm & stereo store quoted $250 for an alarm system (Python or Viper) and $390 for an alarm plus auto start. All he has to do is to call the manufacturer for the wiring diagram or buy the service manual. More dealers are not selling auto alarm system these days except the LoJack. They would rather sell you the extended warranty and prepaid maintenance program.

lok888

I found this wiper blades and inserts on www.tirerack.com The 18" passenger side wiper is $21 and the 24" diver side is $27. No info on rear wiper. I am not sure if this better than the stock wiper.

Also, my dealer told me the bumper guard will be available at the beginning of March. He doesn't know the price yet.

lok888

brooklyn1951 - I think you are the only poster who has the service manual. And I remember that you mentioned the bumper guard is a standard equipment on Sorento. Can you tell how different to remove and install it? It looks like there are two holes inside the front air dam (not those for the license plate). I think they are for the bumper guard. I hope I can install it by myself if the part is available in March.

so_cali

the bolt pattern and wheel offset is apparently unusual with the sorento according to the people at the dealership that were trying to sell me the stock EX wheels chromed.

i would recommend the EX wheels for your LX -- they look good and fit the stock tires, but you should have bought them as a package on your vehicle when you purchased it - it costs something like $495 for the wheel upgrade and i'm not sure but you might also get better tires (did you get michelins?). buying them from the dealer parts dept will cost you around $200 per wheel (i got a quote of $167 each from a Kia dealer back east offering discounts on genuine Kia parts - their number is 800 952-4604).

given how lackluster the stock LX steel wheels look, it is easy to understand why you want to replace them. unless you have some good friends in korea, the stock EX wheels may currently be your best and perhaps only option, from my perspective. If you go back about a month on this board you will see info i posted on getting them chromed too for just $65 each (plus shipping)! i don't know what color LX you bought but chroming the stock EX wheels would probably make your LX look VERY SHARP and unlike those of us with the EX wheels already on our sorentos, you have the luxury of sending all your wheels in at one time to have them chromed! we'd have to do it one wheel at a time to be able to keep driving.

Good luck!

My Sorento Page

lok888

so_cali - Yes. People can upgrade the wheels on LX for $450 (see my post #1768) when you buying the car. It is less expensive. Depends on the region, most dealers usually order the LX with the factory installed alloy wheels as on option. They just added this on the window sticker. Some dealers like to order more entry level models with no add-ons. My dealer told they still order few more LX with 2WD even in New England region. Because a lot of people still want them as for the price. They feel that not many people would pay $26K for a Kia. But I just like everything except tow hitch.
So bandk8900 - There isn't many aftermarket wheels yet (www.tirerack.com gave only one suggestion). I think 16x8 (5 lugs) is the prefect size. Also try Sears. And you can't go wrong with the factory wheels on EX.
Happy motoring!

nymphetamine

Compare so cali's EX:

http://209.245.242.66/kia.html

to this one:

http://www.sorento-forum.de/images/nl_dezember/DSC014073.jpg

and then tell me how nice the stock alloys are

so_cali

that's from Germany isn't it? those wheels DO look nice but can you get them HERE that's the issue. i would bet there are some nice choices in korea too.

tell us where...there are probably lots of sorento owners interested, if they can be gotten! i was merely pointing out that given what people can get and afford, the stock EX wheel is pretty dang nice! i like it lots better than the RX300 wheel for example or anything on the Escape or Explorer or ANY factory SUV wheel I can think of.

nymphetamine

Sorento stock alloys may be the best 16" wheels, but I can't live with 16". And to me thats what makes the Sorento great, the price is relatively low enough that you can afford to upgrade.

Those wheels, and that sick chrome grill, are from Korea. Hopefully when the 2004 Sorento is available there will be a lot more similar aftermarket items around.

hciaffa

I ran across this site tht was posted at another Kia forum. After checking out the parts and prices you can go to the home page and go into the different sections. I like the step bars in the 'whats coming section'for the Sorento. The prices are reasonable.

http://www.foreignmotors.com/index.htm

Go into the Kia section then scroll down to parts and accessories.

charlesm1950

I bought my EX in late January and I've had a very good time with my Sorento. I had someone say to me at the grocery store, "I didn't know the RX came in blue!"

I've only had two minor problems that were quickly taken care of at the dealer and one nagging one that I'm asking for feedback on. The two minor problems were a cross threaded pull on the rear hatch lock (very easy to fix) and a loose connector at the fuse box under the hood that made the clock, radio and a few other accessories go off one day. The dealer adjusted the wiring harness at the fuse box to relieve the tension that caused the connector to pull loose. I was amazed at how fast Austin's South Point KIA fixed this. I dropped it off in the morning and by the time I got to the office they called to say it was ready to pick up.

Now the headache and the request for feedback. The keyless remote is unreliable. You can be 25 feet away or 1 foot away and you never know if it will take one press or five to unlock the door. I reported this in September and someone said the Sedona had a similar problem that could be fixed by replacing the plastic mounting bracket with a metal one to improve the grounding.

I checked this out and it does not apply to the Sorento. The keyless entry receiver is under the left side of the dash and it is clearly mounted on a metal bracket to the side of the vehicle, so there is no grounding problem.

My request if for feedback. Has anyone else had this problem. If not, I will be asking my dealer to replace the keyless entry receiver.
Thanks in advance,
CM

hciaffa

You know what could be happening. Its something some of us stumbled on about unlocking the Sorento. What happens is if your sorento is locked and as your walking towards it and unlock it with the key fob it will unlock, but about 15 to 20 seconds later you will notice the interior lights go out and it relocks itself. Try it I think this is what is happening. I used to say damn I thought I unlocked it but it was locked. Or I would unlock it and as my wife got to it it would lock again and she would get p o'd though it wasn't me locking it back up. give it a try.