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#839 of 880 2012 Optima throttle problem
by ijennings1
Apr 12, 2012 (8:39 pm)
2012 Kia Optima inconsistent throttle action.
My 2012 Optima EX 2.4L has done 1,500 miles. I collected it on 2/28/12. Everything is fine accept the throttle action from take-off is inconsistent. About 20% of the time, you push the throttle and the car dies, almost like not enough choke on a cold engine. Then the next time on take-off it is fine. It is more pronounced in traffic stop-start.
Also, the amount of boot you give the throttle varies each time you take off. Sometimes I push the accelerator about 50% before she moves, other times it's normal. This happens when the engine is warming up and at normal running temperature.
I'm taking it to be checked, but wondered if anyone had heard about this or has any thoughts? I believe it has a drive by wire type throttle instead of a cable. I've looked under the hood to no avail. My dealer and Kia USA have called me and they know of no problem that has been alerted to them.
Thanks for any suggestions
#840 of 880 Re: 2012 Optima throttle problem [ijennings1]
by carnaught
Apr 13, 2012 (4:00 pm)
You may want to check on other message boards like Optima forums where there is a high concentration of Optima owners who compare "notes".
#841 of 880 Re: 2012 Optima throttle problem [carnaught]
by ijennings1
Apr 13, 2012 (6:16 pm)
Thanks carnaught. I have done that actually. Repairpal said they had not heard about this. I'll call Kia USA and my dealer in the next couple of days. Otherwise, I'm very impressed with this car.
#842 of 880 Re: 2012 Optima throttle problem [ijennings1]
by packerfanuk
May 15, 2012 (4:55 pm)
Have a 4 week old '12 Optima Hybrid. Has the same issues - worst in morning after sitting all night, but does it all the time until the engine is warmed up. Response to varying throttle pressure is random. Gets better with the ECO off at start. Dealer started with "all cold engines do this" but by end of day said Kia US was aware that other cars have reported same. No known cause or proposed diagnosis at this point - "operating as designed"!
Have no way to gauge if this affects gas mileage. Here's hoping a fix is eventually found before I need to sell (and explain to the next owner)
#843 of 880 Re: Optima or Altima [ivan_99]
by suzy14
Aug 01, 2012 (3:28 pm)
If anyone can give me an idea how they like the optima after 6 months
#844 of 880 Re: Optima or Altima [suzy14]
by carnaught
Aug 01, 2012 (5:29 pm)
Have the 2012 Hybrid and at 5 months, lovin' it. Car is not perfect but a lot of bang for the buck.
Saw the new 2013 SXL (not a hybrid) with all the toys now with some smokin' deals. With MRSP of $35K, it was offered for $29K. That's a lot of car for the money.
#845 of 880 Re: Optima or Altima [carnaught]
by roadrunner70
Sep 09, 2012 (10:44 am)
In what part of the country did you see the deals for the sxl? thanks. rr70
#846 of 880 Re: 2012 Optima throttle problem [ijennings1]
by roadrunner70
Sep 09, 2012 (10:48 am)
What you describe is what was happening with 2003 Nissan Muranos. It turned out to be the drive by wire sensor under the gas pedal. An easy fix, but you would be surprised how many transmissions were first replaced before they figured out the problem. Later on, in high milage muranos, the same problem occurred, but it was related to something in the tranny, which is a CVT tranny. Try turning off the engine and restarting to see if the problem contiues or goes away. No check engine light?
Hope that helps. rr70
#847 of 880 Re: Optima or Altima [roadrunner70]
by carnaught
Sep 09, 2012 (2:13 pm)
SW USA.
#848 of 880 Re: 2012 Optima throttle problem [roadrunner70]
by ijennings1
Sep 09, 2012 (3:41 pm)
Thanks RR. That's makes sense. I wish the two dealers I took it to had looked at that. Anyway, I've now sold the Optima. It's a good car with tremendous balance of ride and handling, but I just could not put up with this throttle problem, now running a Camry Hybrid.