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Kia Optima 2006 and earlier

609 messages,  Last post on Sep 20, 2011 at 11:45 AM

You are in the Kia Optima Forum.

What is this discussion about? Kia Optima, Sedan

Messages Page 50 of 62

#486 of 609 ACCELERATION LOSS by asumner

Jul 20, 2006 (3:35 pm)

ACCELERATION LOSSI purchased a used 2003 kia optima - 6 cyl. in 2004. My son drives it to and from college. During numerous trips the car has been driving along at 65-70 mile per hour and then out of no where it losses acceleration down to about 45 miles per hour. This usually happens in freeway traffic (very dangerous)and when the car has been driven for 3+ hours and with an elevation change from about 5200' to approx 1200' and vice versa. Recently it started the same thing in local driving. The car must be stopped completely and turned off before it will accelerate beyond 45 again. Over the last year i have taken it to 3 different kia dealerships, the first one put in a new transmission, the second one drove it for 20 minutes, stuck it on the computer and found nothing and told me to come and pick it up and the third one - where i purchased it, also cannot find anything wrong with it, the last time this happened, the service guy said he blew out the fuel sensor and recalibrated it to see if that was the problem (didn't fix it). A man who was a kia field engineer told me that this was a known problem and its one of three different problems, but the service department won't do anything unless the problem will show up on the computer. I am at my wits end and its time for my son to return to college in a car that can drop acceleration at any time and i am very worried that on interstate 10 through Arizona he will be involved in an accident due to this loss of acceleration. Does anyone know anything that may be the problem or have you experienced this problem?

#487 of 609 Re: ACCELERATION LOSS [asumner] by ray_h1

Jul 21, 2006 (9:41 am)

Replying to: asumner (Jul 20, 2006 3:35 pm)
REPLACE the fuel filler cap with a brand new one FROM A KIA OR HYUNDAI DEALER'S PARTS DEPARTMENT* and see if that solves the mysterious power loss problem. A failed or incorrect gas cap can cause just the kind of problems you described and Hyundai had several TSBs out to that effect for model year 2003. The previous owner may've replaced the original with an incorrect one. (Just 'cause the threads are the same doesn't guarentee the caps "hold" at the right pressure and vacuum specs.) Additionally, instruct Jr. NOT to top off the gas tank once the pump clicks off. (That was repeatedly mentioned in those TSBs.) When reinstalling the fuel filler cap, turn it past its apparent stop point until several "clicks" are heard - don't worry, it's just an overrun clutch; you're not stripping the threads.
 
*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.

#488 of 609 Update on Ft end from last post by capt4

Jul 25, 2006 (2:35 pm)

My Kia Optima 04
 
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 to get it repaired. Thats a bummer since
they stock nearly nothing.
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

#489 of 609 timing belt by yossiefh

Jul 27, 2006 (3:36 pm)

hey I'm new to this forum.
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?

#490 of 609 Re: timing belt [yossiefh] by ray_h1

Jul 27, 2006 (11:14 pm)

Replying to: yossiefh (Jul 27, 2006 3:36 pm)
Good question. Are these KIA dealership or independent mechanics? The reason I ask is that Hyundai (and presumably KIA) issued a TSB about a "knocking" sound at idle. It turned out that the knocking was a harmless resonance noise when certain aftermaket oil filters were used - Fram comes to mind. Hyundai's TSB "fix" was to change the oil and install a genuine Hyundai oil filter. I'm not sure how many independent mechanics are aware of that TSB campaign. However, if that's not the issue, be aware that Hyundai/KIA recommend timing belt replacement at 60,000 mile intervals. If the belt breaks in service, there is real risk of severe engine damage from moving pistons striking HARD against stationary open valves. If you drive it until it dies, it's very possible you'd be looking at the outlay for a new or refurbished engine block if a connecting rod with lotsa kinetic energy and no where else to go punches through. You relayed no information about the previous service history on the car you bought recently, so I have no idea whether the car's on its second belt or even whether the original belt was ever replaced. (Yeah, there really are some morons who drive a timing belt well past its mean time between failure and manage to get away with it, literally leaving the next owner the opportunity to pick up the pieces...) $550.00 is no small chunk of change, but a rebuild engine would run well over ten times that figure. If I were in your shoes, I'd play it safe. If the fixit cost doesn't include a new autotensioner, have the shop add that in, too.

#491 of 609 Re: Kia Ft Ends [capt4] by capt4

Aug 11, 2006 (8:07 am)

Replying to: capt4 (Jul 18, 2006 5:17 pm)
This is Capt4 back with the update on the front end
 
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

#492 of 609 Re: Kia Ft Ends [capt4] by ray_h1

Aug 12, 2006 (10:53 pm)

Replying to: capt4 (Aug 11, 2006 8:07 am)
"...and for the ethynol folks THE STUFF EVAPORATES YOU LOSE MILEAGE AND THESE KIA's ARE NOT DESIGNED FOR THEM"
 
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.

#493 of 609 My 2002 Optima has a water leak thru "snout" into A/C & into interior... by lhsheets

Aug 31, 2006 (8:12 am)

The dealership wants $600+/- to replace the gasket under the "snout" thru which outside air enters the A/C system of my 2002 Optima. The gasket has deteriorated, and water is leaking into the passenger side of the interior. The techs say it must be repaired or the standing water on the floor of the car will cause rust or cause the electrical system to short out or destroy the car's computer. Anyone else had this problem?

#494 of 609 Re: My 2002 Optima has a water leak thru "snout" into A/C & into interior... [lhsheets] by ray_h1

Aug 31, 2006 (12:03 pm)

Replying to: lhsheets (Aug 31, 2006 8:12 am)
I have a 2003 Hyundai Sonata - same car except for badging, front and rear styling, and upholstery fabric and tailoring differences. If you have fewer than 60,000 miles on your car and registered it under your name for first use less than five years ago, you just might have a warranty claim. If so, at the very least, I'd contact KIA U.S. for an opinion. You'd also have the legal route if you care to pursue it. No automaker warrants normal "consummables" (those items expected to deteriorate/fail in regular service) such as brake pads, spark plugs, belts, hoses beyond the first year, but a case might be made that a sealing gasket to prevent condensation water intrusion in the A/C system might not rightfully be considered a normal consummable. Before going the lawyer route, you also have the right to enter arbitration through the BBB. Their finding is binding on KIA, but not you - you could still go the legal route if the BBB's arbitrator rules against you. The service is free for the car owner (you). Contact your nearest Better Business Bureau for info about getting a claims form. (All this is also spelled out in the warranty supplement booklet required to be provided by all automakers doing business in the U.S. If you live in the U.S., that booklet would've been packed in the document folder placed in the glove compartment prior to delivery. Best of luck.

#495 of 609 Re: Kia Ft Ends [capt4] by frankl1955

Aug 31, 2006 (8:48 pm)

Replying to: capt4 (Aug 11, 2006 8:07 am)
If you buy a fram oil filter, get the better one. The low priced fram is so crappy they should void the car warranty.

Messages Page 50 of 62

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