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By the way, you can log onto KIA TechInfo, register and view a good portion of your model year Optima's shop manual for FREE . You'll need Adobe Acrobat or Acrobat Reader.
pings like crazy with reg fuel, not great gas mileage
in town for its size. I also discovered since new the following:
At 60MPH or more the left ft side has a whining noise
sort of like a wheel bearing.
At times when the wheel turns to the extreme left or almost extreme you hear a noise as if its a bad cv joint.
The dealer said it was some bolts in the ft end that were loose. I am over 50 and know what a cv joint sounds like
when it goes bad. My mechanic said sometimes the grease is
not packed and you can get a noise as if it is old but its just dry.
Also when I first purchased it the smell from the vents after you turned off the AC was really bad like a public toilet? DO you think that there is someone trapped inside?
haha
Any of you experienced the cv noise? or the whining at high speeds how about the ping in the motor
My friends have the identical 2004 EX's and dont have the noises. The dealer said to wait I said untilt he warranty runs out?
Thanks :shades:
as for the sales they were and continue to be great people.
I am on the east coast most of these dealers really are not hot on the Kia product.
Service leaves a lot to be desired I really like the car and
want to get the new Amanti or Azera but if service cannot fix a ft end problem that will cost a bundle when it goes bad and out of warranty what can you do?
Anyone tried Amsoil syn in the engine? I have ran it since
the 2nd oil change at 7500 miles really good stuff.
As for routine motor oil service, I run Phillips TropArtic 10W-30 "Premium Synthetic Blend" (their description, not mine) I picked up at Dollar Tree. I figure while the car's under its 10 yr./100,000 mile powertrain warranty, the numbers just don't work running a premium full synthetic like Amsoil. Hyundai, to my knowledge, (and presumably KIA, too) don't recognize the extended oil change potential of full synthetic formulations. Even the lowest denominator conventional motor oils are capable of engine longevity in excess of 300,000 miles these days if changed out at 5,000 mile intervals along with a filter change. Five quarts of my TropArtic stash (84 quarts after I cleaned out three Dollar Tree stores...) and one of the two-buck Castrol 3985 (WIX) oversized oil filters I bought twenty-four of on clearance at K-mart when they discontinued them, is the best bang I've found for my seven-buck oil changes.
*Your '03 KIA Optima is bolt-for-bolt a Hyundai Sonata except for the outer front and rear sheetmetal, grillwork, bumper facades, and cabin upholstery. I own an '03 Hyundai Sonata with the 2.7L V6 engine.
First thanks Ray_h1 for your advice on the oil changes and
wasting money. I do want all of the 04 owners to be aware of my case. I brought it to another dealer who took the time
and was reliable. They found slight leaks in the trans area
which had them believe it was tran axle trouble. This would account for the rough vibrations I felt on the steering wheel after many wheel balances, for two years. The whining noise left front side at higher speeds, also could have been caused by the trans axle according to the dealer.
They also found the headlamps with a covering almost like a dirt or grime which should have not occurred since the lamps are almost sealed. The bulb inside the lamp. This will be warranty also. One mechanic said the axle was the third he'd
seen on the 04's. SO if any of you are running close to the
60K on your Kia get t checked. However they did give me
a new rental car for the time being. With parts it will take about 6 to 7 days :sick: to get it repaired. Thats a bummer since
they stock nearly nothing. :confuse:
I will keep the forum abreast of progress, anyone have a place to buy good horn replacements. Factory horns have no boldness in traffic. www.autobarn.com ? I just hope my car is not a :lemon:
I recently bought a 2001 Optima. It has 120k miles. The car runs great. No acceleration problems or anything. However, when the car is in "park", there is a slight tapping sound coming from inside the engine. All the mechanics have said that it's either the timing belt or a loose pulley for the timing belt. All and all, it will cost me about $550 for the belt and water pump. Should I get it done or drive it untill it dies?
1st and foremost the dealer did everything to make me a happy customer. This was the first time they encountered
this and had to get a " special tool from Kia to put in the new transaxle seals. They had light leakage at 45K
This should be a must check for all Optima 04 customers
Take it to Kia now for warranty.....
We are also working on the wheel bearing noise
and for the ethynol folks
THE STUFF EVAPORATES YOU LOSE MILEAGE
AND THESE KIA's ARE NOT DESIGNED FOR THEM
Kia will look to make you happy I am very satisfied
Geeze, Louise - wherever did you get that claptrap? Certainly not from your owner's manual. FACT: All Hyundai engines sold for use in the U.S. are designed to perform reliably over their intended service life on ethanol blends up to 10% by volume. (Methanol is a whole 'nothah mattah, though - very corrosive to rubber and plastic fuel system components at any treat rate.) While ethanol will result in a modest fuel economy hit, it's also a natural octane booster since ethanol burns slower than gasoline. Ethanol is also less, not more, volatile than gasoline. My '03 Sonata 2.7L V6 4-sp automatic returns over 30 mpg at 70 mph with the A/C dialed into Full Arctic Blizzard mode on California's mandated 10% methanol blend unleaded regular which puts it right at or above what other Sonata 2.7L V6 owners have reported. You'll have a difficult time proving that I'm losing any significant fuel economy. :P
What about the warranties? I talked to a Kia dealer today, and he said the 5/60 bumper to bumper does transer, but the 100k powertrain doesn't on Kia.
Oh, and when I say maintenance and problems, I am really good on oil changes every 3000 miles and that's about it. I really don't like to do other things, but I get around to it every once in a while. I don't like dealers, so can an independent work on these things?
thanks
(One final note: if you purchase a new or late model Hyundai or KIA, pay particular attention to automatic transmission fluid if you wish to top up or flush. These vehicles require a Mitsubishi spec ATF: "SP III". Unfortunately, Mitsubishi has not licensed the formula for blending and distribution through common retail channels. The only retail sources for SP III ATF are Mitsubishi, Hyundai, and KIA dealership parts departments. [Actual automaker brand is irrelevant as long as "SP III" appears on the label.] Substituting commonly available "Dexron III" or so-called "universal" ATFs is an invitation to a $2,500.00+ rebuild that will not be covered under warranty. This is the only critical fluid I'm aware of for these vehicles. For other fluids and lubes, use whatever you're currently satisfied with.)
I have watched you posts and appreciate you knowledge
which borders on either a mechanic, car buff or even
a Kia - Hyundai plant. I know dont get in a huff you
last told us that the Ethanol i posted was not true
Unfortunately, two national newspapers wrote about this
after I posted, having said that , you are at least offering
a good free service to those of us who may or may not service or know how to service a car.
I would like to update all on the ft end story in another post
Capt
I made at least 5 trips to the dealer sometimes they felt
and heard the sound. Other times they could not, thanks to
a very knowledgeable, Kia Tech he found the TSB from Kia
and claimed its an unofficial / official problem on 04's and maybe some 05's :confuse:
Its either the right or left front strut housing clamps?
Top? bolts ? whatever but they finally replaced it and so far the noise and sound ( like a broken motor mount has gone
away) GET THIS DONE before you hit 60 K miles or you pay for this. :sick:
They will also replace the bulbs which is caked
with mud from not being sealed on the low beam bulbs
Warranty before 60K again. All in all Kia is striving to
become a Korean Lexus customer service dealer. Know that
Kia is seriously looking for customers satisfied. If you
find you are not happy with the dealer try another one
They will bombard you with customer surveys, as to how you wee treated. My dealer is absolutely great. They have
done it all to make me a happy camper.
Not a KIA/Hyundai plant - retired optometrist, more or less car buff, and amateur internet gadfly.
"Talk with Len Hunt - Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Kia Motors of America about "Leapfrogging" in the areas of vehicle innovation. Get exclusive takes from an industry leader about Kia’s quality, safety, product development and globalization in the automotive marketplace."
Mark this on your calendars!
Kia Chat - Wed. Dec 6 - 6pm PST / 9pm EST
http://www.edmunds.com/townhall/chat/kiachat12062006.html
Thanks - terry
However if you were to trade up from an 04 to an 07
Optima or Amanti there is the old Japanese colors of yesteryear. :confuse:
The Toyota and Nissan folks have manage to
not only capture the GM and Ford market but they found the
success is in new inovative colors.
I am sorry I missed the Kia chat, if anyone in Kia reads these posts get with it
Time for new colors ! Red Grey and Silver? so 80's :P
Now 55K miles and the power steering pump is gone?
The Water pump @ 51K Two Shock mounts at 51K and we have the same old noises? :lemon:
I said from the beginning its a front
end issue or the shocks suck I think the shocks are cheaper
than that. :sick:
I am almost our of the 5 yr 60K warranty love the car
but I see things coming quickly I hope this car holds up
Dealer techs are great but no one can get the problem
for many visits. I would hate to have to change to
anothe brand I like the car.
My question is, if i take it to some independent shop and have it checked out will the warrenty cover it? The car is still covered under warranty. It only has ~38k on it. Other than that its a perfect car.
My understanding of the engine light is that a steady light isn't critical so you're probably safe to go with the month out schedule.
Also, these things can automatically reset themselves after a certain number of cool-down cycles so it might be best to delay.
I assume you checked your gas cap-- several clicks.
I lost my Elantra gas cap, found a replacement at AutoZone within an hour after realizing I lost it (after midnight). The light never came on. Drove it for a year, the light came on. Took it to the dealer who said they couldn't find out what was wrong with it so reset the light. I was stupid enough to tell them I'd replaced the cap a year earlier. They said, oh yeah-- that will be $110 to reset things and give me the official Hyundai cap. Teach me to blabber at the service desk. Wish I'd waited for the requisite five or ten operating cycles, it might have fixed itself.
As to having a non-dealer's charges be reimbursed by the warranty, I'd think the chances are (very) slim and none.
Kia, unfortunately is still stuck with some marginal dealers. Have you tried another?
The new 065+ cars should have a lower maintenance cost in the four cylinder, but the Optima is more expensive to maintain than my Maxx. On the other hand my Maxx ran out of warranty at 36,000.
First I'd like to thank everyone for their contributions on this website. I have learned soooo much about my car and happy to know that I'm not alone.
Here's my dilema. My 02 Optima SE V6 was purchased with 300 miles on it (it was a dealer loaner) and for the past 3 months, the check engine light has been coming on. The car seems to skip 2nd gear and jerks really hard into 3rd and when this happens, the light comes on and acceleration is decreased drastically. Sometimes I have to put the car in park and back to drive again in order for it to respond. I've taken it to the dealer 3 times for these problems and they have changed the spark plugs, drive wires, fuel line and reset the timing belt, but none of that has fixed the problem, $1300 later.
Additionally, it takes me 40 minutes to fill my gas tank. I literally have to let the gas drip into the tank because it keeps clicking off when I press the handle as though the tank is full, when I know it's near empty. The dealer keeps guessing what the problem might be and now tells me I will need a new gas tank installed. I mentioned to the dealer that it may be the emission sensor (after reviewing online forums) and he insists that I will need a new gas tank, without even checking the sensor.
Based on what I've read so far, could it be something as simple as a gas cap replacement? Or could it be an evaporation valve solenoid in the gas tank? :confuse:
Please help!
I'm considering getting a Kia Rondo which I am told is derived from the Optima, so I was hoping people here could give me some info on the Optima which would then help me with my decisionon the Rondo . I'm looking at the 2.4 4Cyl most likely.
I'm wondering about reliability, especially as the vehile ages, I tend to stay ontop of my regular maintenance so I have had vehicles last me 15 or 20 years, will this one do that for me?
What is Kia like for maintenance and parts, it seems around here most parts are dealer only which could mean big $$ when the time comes (I checked an alternator for the 2.4 and they want $600+...part only).
The car looks good, and drives nice, and Kia does through in alot of options, its just a question of will it last.What kind of issues are people finding, major or minor, are the cars in the shop alot and are these cars standing the test of time or are people getting rid of them every couple of year? My last truck was still going strong at 250000K before it was stolen and my other car had 240000k before it was rear ended.
Thanks All.