Kia Sorento

stockey

If you're more interested then visit http://www.mijinauto.com
the model num. is BA-4.

lok888

If I am not wrong, someone has already figured out the type of the light bulb (low beam) on Sorento. I popped the hood and found the word H7 12V55W on the headlamp housing and H1 12v55W with a fog lamp picture. If this is true, can I use those xenon super white bulbs (PIAA or Sylvania Silver Star) with 80W rating. Some said they only draw the same current as 55W bulbs. Any comments?
I found that you have open a cap before you can reach the light bulb. And it is hard to reach these caps. The fuse box on the right and the air filter unit on the left leave very small gap in between.
For tail lights, I am trying to figure it out the specs. It seems to me I have to take the tail lights assemble apart (unscrew few screws) before reaching the bulbs. I can't see any covers inside the vehicle. There is also a small cover located at the first aid kits. Does anyone know what's that for?
Like I mentioned a while ago about the keyless remote, if you press UNLOCK and don't open any doors for some time (15-20 secs.), it will lock by itself. However, I found the cargo door light and interior light are on for only few seconds when I open the liftgate. Then they are fading and off. I don't remember it works like this when I got the car.

tourmaline

charlesm1950: I generally do not have a problem with my keyless entry. However, I have noticed that it will not work near bowling alleys or under high voltage power lines. I guess there is too much interference.

lok888: No other major maintenance besides an oil change or two. I have not had the tires balanced and rotated. When should it be done?

lok888

tourmaline - Not sure about the tire rotation. Every 6000 to 7000 miles? Any body can help? I have the EX 4WD with luxury (also with torque-on-demand). Unable to look at the owner's manual at this moment. But I think there are some recommendations on tire rotation on www.tirerack.com And about the remote control, let me use it under the power lines to see what's going.

nymphetamine

stockey: HOW did you find those wheels in that pic I posted? lol. Do you think they are 18,19 or 20?

so_cali

i called korea and found out who i think can get those Bazo BA-4 wheels here. supposedly it's a place in so cali...LOL...i'll find out tomorrow.

Hang in there new phoenix owners, you might have these to buy or one of our EX wheel sets when we get a set of the Bazos!

i'm on the case and should know soon if we can get them, how much they would cost and where they can be gotten. btw, the ones in the photo have to be the 18s - - any bigger would be uncivilized (too cartoonish).

now we just have to track down that chrome grille!

My Sorento Page

steve281

Dear People,

  Two questions about my new Sorrento..it's been cold in Colorado lately, is it ok to just drive it in the morning, or is a warmup reccomened.
How long, how do you know when it's ready?

   I've driven 340 miles, but not faster than 50 on local roads, I realize I'll need to get to a
highway to go 65-70 a bit within 600, how many miles of driving need that be? Just 5-10, or more? Thanks
                  STeve

hciaffa

the way they make automobiles today it isn't neccessary to wait for it to reach operating temp and then drive off. If its real cold start it and let it idle for a few seconds to get fluids moving then dive off slowly. No need to push it. I use synthetics in my other vehicles and the fluid is much quicker to flow than dino oil. At next oil change for the Sorento I am going to use Mobil 1 5W-30. Much better than dino and gives better starts than conventional oil.

StevePIII

I am seriously looking into a sorento, does the luxury package give you Torque-On-Demand or is it still an option even with the luxury package?

stockey

nymphetamine,these are 18'' wheels,a koreen Sorento owner told me on my sorento forum,i have a lot of nice Sorento Pics on my forum.

lok888

steve281 - We do have cold weather here in Boston. We got teens at daytime and sub-zero at night two weeks ago. The wind was killing me. I started my Sorento with no problem. For me, warm up is not necessary (just another way to waste gas). But I do consider the auto starter. Just easy on gas for the first few miles.
so_cali - I like the chrome grill. How did he get that? It looks the one on Sedona. I would like to see mesh grill like those aftermarket or those on GMC Yukon.
StevePlll - Torque-On-Demand full-time 4WD is the option available on Sorento EX Luxury package. For more details, go to www.kia.com/sorento/sorento-options.shtml The Kia website says this is also an option on 4x2. I wonder.

brooklyn1951

lok888- The bumper guard is shown in the service manual section that tells you how to remove the front bumper. The illustration shows that the guard is held in place with 6 screws- 2 are inserted horizontally in the face of the guard (and covered by round plugs), 4 are installed vertically into mounting brackets on the bottom of the L & R side of the guard. They appear to thread into inserts (?) in the bottom edge of the bumper. Seems like a piece of cake- I'll probably get one if the price isn't outrageous.

so_cali

First off, Stockey, where is your sorento forum? give us a link.

Secondly, i called korea, they gave me a number of a company here in california that sells the bazo wheels and the california people were adamant that the bazo ba-4 does NOT fit the sorento. i explained i saw one with them installed and they said find out where he got them and suggested it might be a knock off of their wheel. i doubt that though!

so their position is that they have no bazo ba-4 wheels they can sell for the sorento.

Stockey can you ask the guy in your forum where he got his and maybe get a phone number, even if it is in korea?

My Sorento Page

lok888

brookyln1951 - Thanks for the info. I hope it will be easy for DIY installation. Unlike those brush bumper guard, it looks simple like mounting a license plate. I hope.

And any words that Kia may bring the running boards (not the side step bars) for Sorento? For the guy in Germany, your Sorento looks like the Korean version with headlamp washer, side turn indicator, rear quarter window defroster, and possible pitch protection power windows and sunroof.

Also, folks at PIAA suggested we shouldn't upgrade the bulbs to a bulb that draws higher wattage, it could damage the electrical system and the bulb.

1badsidekick

I currently drive a '98 Suzuki Sidekick Sport, and I've been thinking of trading it for some time now. I followed the Sorento from the time it debuted at the auto show until it reached the showroom. I went to the nearest dealer (over an hour away) and looked them over, and I liked it very much. More in that vehicle for about the same price as a Liberty Sport. I was just wondering if any of you had experienced any problems with them so far. I got my Suzuki thinking it would be great, being as it was the last year the Sidekick was made. It goes great in the snow, but thats about all I can say for it. It has been fairly reliable, but all problems I've had were major (rear end, clutch, several integrity problems). Gas mileage is no better than a six cylinder, and its too small. Also, I have contemplated on whether to trust the Korean automobiles with the impending war. A 100,000 mile warranty is great, but how good is the company behind it? What happens if North Korea invades South Korea and then the 100,000 mile warranty vanishes, and you're stuck with a car that is worth dirt for trade in? Just some ponderings of mine. Also, what did you guys have before you bought your Sorentos? I'm in the process of making a deal on a '00 Mountaineer...but for a few grand more, I could have a new Sorento. Let me know. Thanks.

StevePIII

I too am looking into a sorento very seriously and I am glad to see I am not the only one with the war concern. If Kia Headquarters or Factories are Hit -- then what. I was contemplating waiting for the 2004 model for potential improvements and to see what happens with North Korea..... But I currently drive a 2000 LR Discovery and I am afraid if I wait until September my Land Rover's engine might fall out!! Any info or insight from current owners is appreciated. Thanks!

stockey

Give me your email,i am not sure the moderators want me to post the link of my forum.

so_cali

post it...they should be ok with it. we are trying to promote a community. did you see the other post for a forum? if they don't like it they will let us know and probably take it down. i usually post a link to my page and they are fine with it.

go for it man...don't you want to get other people to your forum?!

stever

Sorry, no promoting competing forums.... an occasional plug for your own enthusiast <i.e., noncommercial> site is ok.

Steve, Host

dried

Regarding your questions about the Sorento. I have had mine since mid Dec. and only 1300 mi. I have been extremely pleased with this vehicle so far as have been almost everyone on this forum. It has been getting great reviews. Everyone is asking the questions you are - will the Korean situation affect the Kia company and will it be a durable car? Well, you'll have to answer these to your own satisfaction, but here are my thoughts.

Kia (although owned by Hyundai) is still an independent company in a basic free market economy, they will do what they can to prosper. Kia has apparently made great progress in the past few years in sales, quality and customer satisfaction. Just check other Kia models on the web.

As far as the quality of the Sorento? Here is food for thought. I took a couple of my fellow engineers with automotive background to look over the Sorento. Overall, they had good comments about the component quality, design and build of the car. It's not a Honda, but Honda's have problems too. By the way, I test drove a Honda Pilot, and I couldn't get the gear shift into 1st gear becasue it hit my knee - Honda is usually much better about things like that. I can go into more detail if you're interested, but with the car being new in this country, you'll either have to take the leap based on your own feel, or wait 5 years until there is some good data. Also keep in mind that the Sorento is new only to America, I believe it has been in Korea for a year and possibly Europe. Can anyone conform this?

As for me, I used to own a '94 Isuzu Trooper which at the time was also a bit of a leap of faith. Turned out to be a great choice and I bought the Sorento for many of the same reasons.

One thing to note on this forum are things that are NOT being said. Most people are looking into how to make their Sorento better for them and learning more about the car. Very few recurring issues are coming up. That says a lot to me. Many of the other forums are packed with gripes, dealer problems and such.

Anyway, good luck on the decision. I'd encourage you to test drive a many cars as you can, as mechanics questions, do web searches. Let us know what your thinking.

dried

steve281 - where in Colorado are you at? I'm up in Fort Collins. As far as warmup, the main thing is not to over-rev while engine lubricants are cold. In really cold weather, it can't hurt to give the eninge 1 or 2 minutes of warmup. Break in follows similar rule, but also you don't want to run engine at same rpm for long periods of time.

By the way anyone know if Kia uses a break-in oil in the Sorento engine? I'll check with dealer and see.

lok888

I don't recall any automobile manufacturers are using break-in oil including Kia. I remember saw some articles from some website about this topic. Maybe I saw something from www.mobil1.com Anyway, I use Mobil 1 oil on 93 Accord for the last two or three years. My car starts and runs like new (no leaks). I change oil every 6000 miles. I will use Mobil 1 on my Sorento which is due next month. BTW, we have 15" of snow here yesterday. My Sorento runs great!

dried

I was more curious about it than anything. I remember reading some time back, maybe10 years, that break-in oils were common. I really don't know what was special about them, some sort of "anti-scuffing" compund to minimize early wear from tolerances. With advances in manufacturing technology and way better dino and synthetic oils, it doesn't seem needed I guess. I know Honda puts a dye (at least in 1999) in the initial oil that shows up with an an ultraviolet lamp to help diagnose leaks, but that's not a break in oil.
  Dave

lilac0422

Just my luck...went to my dealer the other day because I am getting very close to buying and I wanted to see what their stock was like. I wasn't too worried because they have had a black EX with ABS and lux package for the last four months. Well...much to my surprise they sold the EX and got in about ten LX's...dealer says they are very happy because the LX's are selling better here. too bad for me because I don't really want to have my dealer get the sorento I want from another dealer because I hear that I will have less leverage in negotiating a good deal. Well I guess I will just have to wait and see. I am still about four weeks away. It is so hard to hear everyone rave about their sorento and not have mine yet. Oh well...it will be worth the wait.

calmen

wow, its been awhile since I've checked in on the site. Lots of great feedback. I am taking my Blue LX to the dealer on Tuesday to have the grey bumper guard and hood protector installed. I am very excited to see what it looks like, I have had the truck since November I have about 5500 kms and no problems yet. I love driving in the snow, which we have had alot of. One night we had almost 3 feet come down. I had to drive alot of people home from work in the morning, and they couldn't believe how well the Sorento handled.

mikesf

I think we'll have more to worry about than what happens to the Sorento's 100,000 km warranty.

paisan

Just went to the Baltimore Auto Show, and verified that with the new rear hitch on the Sorento it can tow 5000lbs!

-mike

lok888

World War III or worst?

lok888

I am interested in this factory bike attachment. What else do I need in order to mount this on the existing cross bars on Sorento EX?

Can someone confirm the headlight bulbs (low beam) on Sorento is H7?

hciaffa

lok888 this idea may help you on your baby seat problem of it crushing or leaving dents in the leather. A nieghbor has a suv with leather seats as well and he had noticed that the leather was being dented or pushed in on his seats as well. Now leather will stretch after awhile or because of the wieght it may leave permanent indentations. He use on the rails or legs of his car seat the high density foam for covering exposed plumbing or water pipes bought at any home supply center. He just cut to fit and the ones he had had the self adhesive in the slits. He also used some thick foam padding he bought at a crafts store to make a pillow area for the seat to sit on. He still has denting to his leather but he states its not as bad as having nothing there. Maybe you can try this idea.

lok888

hicaffa - Sounds like an interesting weekend project to me. Thanks for the info. I remember I saw someone mentioned this from other forum (different vehicle) about using a warm iron (must be very warm) or something with stream to fix this. The heat will make the dent area expand. Not sure the heat (even it is warm) will damage the leather.
The dents are located on the lower portion of the back seat (middle seat). I was thinking some seat protector from Baby-R-Us. I currently put a towel on the seat. The seat protector and towel are just to prevent from scratching. It looks like I will use the car seat until my 6-month-old reach 40 lbs or more. An integrated car seat is a good idea.

brooklyn1951

My Sorento has 2800 miles on it so far and I have owned it since 12/19. To date, I have noticed only 2 minor problems- and fixed both of them myself. They are- 1)Left side fog lamp was way out of proper vertical aim and 2)Poor AM radio reception. The fog lamp was easily re-aimed by turning the adjusting screw that was accessible behind the lower front valence panel. The poor AM radio reception was caused by the antenna plug that was not properly seated in the radio antenna lead socket. After removing the two side trim panels on the center stack and the radio surround, I pulled out the radio and pushed on the antenna lead- it seated with a "click". No other problems have been observed yet. Gas mileage, as noted elsewhere, could be better, but I'll wait until I accumulate some more mileage before declaring this an issue.

lok888

I just learned from your user profile that you are also come MA. But I am not sure where Florence is. What is your nearest Kia dealer? I was under impression that you are from NY. Maybe your user name is brooklyn.
Anyway, for the radio, I would bring it to the service because I want Kia know what is going with their products. I got mine from Quirk Kia in Weymouth, MA on 12/9. It has 2300 miles and runs great (new car smell is fading but it is still there)! But I begin to notice some noise when open and close both rear passenger doors. I don't know if the recently frigid temparture. caused the hinges dry. I will have the service check it out when my first oil change is due next month.
Also, have you got a chance to look at the service manual about changing the tail light bulbs? I looked and couldn't find any access panel in the cargo area. It looks like I have to take the tail light assemble apart to change bulbs.

lok888

I am looking around to see if there is a shorten version of the radio antenna. Any idea they might work as the existing one? I mean, it doesn't brother me when go to the express car wash. But it does when trying to remove snow from car and detailing the car.

ivygrnsorento

#1818....What are you doing to your new truck??? Every message you have posted has dealt with you messing with something. Are you rebuilding your Sorento from the ground up??? Jeez, leave the thing alone and spend some time driving it! Enjoy!

lok888

ivygrnsorento - Perhaps I am not the only one who is asking for this and that? There are posters who are also interested in dressing up their Sorentos. Some posters want to install an aftermarket auto alarm and auto starter for extra protection, someone want to upgrade their tires and wheels for better look, someone want to see how the factory and aftermarket rain visor (and rubber floor mats) works and looks, and someone want to replace the light bulbs with the super white bulbs for better visible and road safety. I am not trying to rebuilding my Sorento. If I have the ability to rebuild my truck. A 260 hp V6 engine from Acura MDX (or similar engine) with 17/20 city and highway gas mileage is perfect for me. You see... we are here just to share suggestions and exchange information. Don't you see this is the reason why we are here for? Don't you see there are even more Sorento owners want a better gas mileage engine? See Improvement section of the Consumer Ratings on Kia Sorento or any cars (on New Cars forum).
For the rear light bulbs issue, I was trying to ask is it the only way to replace the tail light bulbs by taking the tail light lens assemble apart. It seems there is no access panel to reach the light bulbs. And brooklyn1951 has just confirmed this. Just wait until someone open up an aftermarket accessories and modification forum. Happy motoring!

tee333

knowledge is king, keep asking questions.

93fsu1

So has the popularity already waned on these or are SUV sales slipping badly for everyone that such a great new vehicle already has incentives?

http://kia.com/clearance/index.shtml

brooklyn1951

lok888- You are right, I should have brought the Sorento back to Kia for the radio repair, but I just like to tinker.
Florence, MA is a village in Northampton, which is 20 miles north of Springfield. There is a Kia dealer in town, but he didn't have and couldn't get an EX with ABS and luxury package. I did an internet inquiry and ended up going to Bournival Kia in Portsmouth, NH. They were very accommodating and did not try to pressure me in any way. In fact, they beat my home equity loan financing with a 60 month loan at 3.99%. The Kia dealer in Northampton was great when my wife took the Sorento in for an oil change a few weeks ago. They knew that I wanted to buy from them, but they just couldn't get me what I wanted at the time.
As far as my user name goes, I was born in Brooklyn- guess what year?
The taillight bulb removal instructions are posted on the Sorento Problems bulletin board. I'll check out the panel at the first aid kit tonight and get back to you.

stever

93fsu1 (gotta be Florida State, '93 grad, right?), there are lots of incentives out there now. Some of it is due to the manufacturers trying to increase (or keep) market share (esp. GM) and you have to believe the economy is playing a big part. Even Civics have 1.9%/60 month financing in some parts of the country now.

Brooklyn, it's always nice to see someone older than oneself around Town Hall, even if you only have me beat by one year ;-)

Steve<1952>, Host

lok888

I noticed when I turn the reading/map light on last night (there is a switch on the dash, next to the 4WD switch), all interior lights were on except the cargo light. However, I opened the rear liftgate and the cargo light is on. The cargo light and the interior light are fading (last for few seconds) when only the liftgate is open. I turned on cargo light switch at the middle, which means the light is on only when the liftgate is open. Do I have the incorrect light setting?

StevePIII

I noticed the same thing when I test drove a sorento ex -- I just figured it would always be that way --if that is correctable that would be great

lok888

However, I remember it is not like this before. And I just pay attention to this last night when I was loading stuffs in the dark. The only time the cargo light is on (no other doors are open at the same time) is when I use the remote (press UNLOCK) and open the liftgate (also with no other doors open).
Again, the cargo light switch has three settings: ON, DOOR and OFF (I should say left, middle and right because there is no word on the switch). Try and see.
BTW, you can still open the rear glass hatch by press the button on the driver door panel even you lock all the doors.

brooklyn1951

Steve- you may NOT be a year younger than me- maybe only a day!
Anyway, I've always found that interests not age are the real basis of friendships. E'nuf mushy stuff!

dried

There is an SUV survey on MSN.com today. I don't know the basis of the survey, but apparently the Sorento placed third, AHEAD of the Acura, Pilot and 4Runner - pretty impressive.
Doesn't mean much to me, I like my Sorento no matter what.

Didn't read details, but here's the link:

http://autos.msn.com/advice/windowshop.aspx?contentid=4019412&amp- ;src=Sport+UtilitiesCategory

  Dave

lok888

The low windshield washer fluid warning light was flashing occasional about a week ago. Then it's stayed in few days ago. I still had plenty of washer fluid to drive around town. It's totally empty until yesterday. I went to the store and empty an one gallon bottle of the washer fluid. This early warning feature is very good especially for the driving condition in northeast.

lok888

StevePlll - Just looked at your post on Kia Sedona forum. It looks like she hit some debits on the road. I like the way Kia (the dealer) took care of it. Very impressive service for the Kia roadside assistant. Have you got the Sorento yet?

StevePIII

Not yet, part of my problem is that i am currently leasing a 2000 Land Rover Discovery which I love dearly, but hate deeply. Trouble is, the car is nothing but constant trouble. It has been in the shop once a month since i first bought it. Now I am over my miles and the warrantee is up and I still have 8 months left on my lease. From all I have read on this and other forums, the sorento is a much better built vehicle than the Land Rover. My biggest problem is the $ 6000 I would have to roll into my purchase of the sorento.

lok888

Sorry to hear this. I thought it was built by BMW and should be fine (at least better than the previous generation). I was looking for the Discovery in 1999. Fully loaded cost $41K and buy for around $38K. Also tried the RX300 in the same year. I didn't buy any because I was buying a house. If I am correct, Land Rover has 4 yrs. warranty. You must bought it in 1999 as 2000 models. And must be fees and costs for over miles on least vehicle. Anyway, my Sorento runs great. I will bring her to service in few weeks for the first oil change. This seems to be a good choice. And I don't see any new mid-size SUVs with similar features and price within a year. Maybe I am wrong. I haven't done any research yet.

StevePIII

I think a big part of what draws me to the sorento is that there is such a great interest among owners and that the vehicle represents a turnaround for Kia with a concentration on quality, still at an incredable value. The Sorento is not a vehicle that will get people from A to B. Sorento Owners seem to LOVE their cars.