Edmunds Answers questions

The clamping catch of the spare wheel of my 97 KIA Sportage has jammed. Is there an easy way to remove / fix this?

beamer99 — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 00:57:05 GMT

I pushed the rear swing carriage until it clicked, drove home, and was unable to get to release the catch, and then open the rear door.

I eventually removed the spare wheel and then the nuts holding the catch in place.

The unit appears to be pretty much sealed, so I cannot see or access the internal mechanism.

I cannot see any means of removing the lock without damaging it.

Is there a simple solution to this?

The drivers side wipers gets suck under the right wiper and gets baack into place lower and sometimes nothing

matress67 — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 06:14:14 GMT

I am driving a KIA magentis 2002. the drivers side getts stuck underneath and won't even go half way up the window. Then it wouldn't go back and went out by the door. When it does go back into place it looks like it goes lower, i don't know if they are seperate motors or is there something else wrong. Also when I move it by hand there is little to no pressure on the wiper like the passenger side. thank you.

Ihave acceleration problem with my car kia sephia 1993??

zeitawi — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 13:55:32 GMT

Ihave acceleration problem with my car kia sephia 1993,with no engine light,I changed the spark plug and there wires, checked the fuel filter,every thing seems OK.my car have 1.5 DOHC engine same as in mazda protege(1990-1994).what could be the problem??

kia sephia acceleration problem ??

zeitawi — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 11:42:41 GMT

about my acceleration problem in my kia sephia,is that when i start from zero speed it take long time to increase the speed.and ifeel that there are poor power from the engine,so ihave to push more at the fuel pedal.and the maximum speed decrease than before.

kia sephia acceleration problem ??

zeitawi — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 13:27:30 GMT

iam sorry to be late , yes there are uneven idle,i changed the air filter,but i cant cheched the exhaust,but nothing change.i wonder if the air flow meter could cause this proplem , and if it could be, how can i test it??

1999 kia sportage. headlights taillights and blinkers do not work

jtripp — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 23:01:11 GMT

On my 99 sportage the headlights taillights and blinkers all quit at one time. All the fusses seem to have power but nothing

01 kia sephia sluggish accelerating you let off accelerator it seems to drop too quickly in a lower gear any ideas

agoodfem — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 06:09:38 GMT

2001 kia sephia...up to date on all maintenance..doing tune up in the morning...its just very sluggish overall..when you let off the accelerator its like an automatic drop to a lower gear..any ideas would be greatly appreciated as I am stumped on this one. Thanks

2002 Kia Rio engine seized. Why? Only has 60,000 miles on it. Can it be repaired?

teri2255 — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 19:21:45 GMT

Stopped dead in the middle of the street. No warnings, no odd noise, no clicking from the battery when trying to restart. Only 60,000 miles on it. Just had an oil change 2 weeks ago. What would cause this and is there anyway to repair it?

Thanks.

I was told Kia does not transfer warranties. Is this true?

ksdriver1 — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 00:05:11 GMT

Recently purchased used 2006 Kia Sedona with 18K. Thought the warranty was for 5ys/60K, but dealer said Kia will not transfer warranty beyond original owner.

Where can I find some nice cosmetics online for the 2008 Kia Spectra5?

kia_n00b_hella — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 02:03:35 GMT

i want an upgrade body kit, headlights/fog lights, and possibly a spoiler, but i cant find anything online for the 2008 model. any help/recommendations would be awesome.

How do I remove the brake rotors from my 2004 Kia Optima?

toto2 — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 15:57:55 GMT

I tried to remove front rotor and it will go just so far. Can I work it off or do i need a wheel puller?

What are the set points for replacing a timing belt on a 2002 Kia Sportage?

kp4jwren — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 10:39:57 GMT

Timing belt is being replaced and the specs are needed to set the points....

I have a 2000 Kia Sportage with code 507 and 503. What does this mean?

vacrash — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 14:48:50 GMT

The OBDII codes are 503 and 507 I'm not sure what they mean.

2008 Kia Spectra 5 SX loss of power equipment?

voriolo — Sat, 31 May 2008 18:10:22 GMT

I have a four day old 2008 Spectra 5 SX and it has spend more time at the dealership that i've actually driven it. I was reading a few of the post and was wondering if there is a know issue with power loss. From a cold start all power equipment, including windows, air, radio, etc doesn't work, the car runs great but nothing "power works". I took it to the dealer, they had the car in the shop for 10 mins. ran a test, came up clean, changed a fuse. fixed the hach lock that fell inside the door and gave me my car back. Two days later same thing, yet this time the radio worked, but the windows got stuck in the down postition. no defrost, no wipers??? When i pulled the car over after about ten minutes, shut it off, turn it back on... the windows worked... it wasn't until i restarted it for the second time, that everything was working. The car has been at the dealer for two days and i'm waiting for word from the dealer.
Thanks

Question on KIA Optima suspension

farmer7 — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 18:30:27 GMT

Have 2008 Optima and over rough roads has a ping like sound in the cabin. Have 32 pounds of air in tires but not lot of difference. I did undercoat the vehicle. Any comments from other owners who have the same issue. Beautiful ride on a smooth road but on rough with tar strips has that "ping" sound. No big deal just a question.

Where is the best priced facility to get my 04 Kia repaired in or near the 40258 zip code?

ddj36 — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 10:46:57 GMT

I have approx 70500 miles on my car and I guess I need to replace my timing belt. I also need the transmission fluid changed? Any suggestions where I can go and not get ripped off? I'm a female and while I'm not stupid, I find it customary for mechanics wanting to treat me that way. No, I'm not blonde.

Is Kia (now owned by Hyundai) here to stay or on its way out? I am thinking of buying a kia but worry about future

kssr — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 21:03:24 GMT

I am interested in the Kia Rondo, but there are hardly any branches of Kia in Massachusetts, and I wonder if the company is slowly disappearing or if they will be making a comeback? I don't want to purchase a car by a company that may be folding in the near future. I know that Hyundai bought Kia, but don't know the implications of that.

Picture of standard transmission Kia 2001?

rakochy — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 22:02:01 GMT

bent shift fork 3r gear how to fix

We have a 2002 KIA Spectra that had total brake failure. We were going down a long grade about 4 miles long when they went out.

mhkmuller — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 14:10:24 GMT

We have a 2002 KIA Spectra that had total brake failure. We were going down a long grade about 4 miles long when the brake pedal went right to the floor with no brake pedal pressure at all. We were able to go into a truck runaway emergency exit and got the car stopped. When the police got there they tried the brakes and they worked. We then drove it to a repair dealer which could’nt find anything wrong. We then drove home about 100 miles and took it to a KIA dealership and they couldn’t find anything wrong but said we needed new rotors and front pads. I have changed brakes many times myself and they looked good to me be we had them changed anyway. They still admit they don’t know what caused the total brake failure. Any idea as to what might have happened?

Kia Rio 1.5 2007. Has anyone had problems with excessive front tire wear inside shoulders 14,000 miles.

kmuircroft — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 17:24:59 GMT

Car less than 1 yr old , 14,000miles. Excessive tyre wear front wheels inside shoulders. Tyre specialists advised due to Camber Wear, but checked by a dealer who advised all within tolerance. Said cannot find fault therefore does not exist. Tyres almost worn through to canvas.Help pls

1996 Kia Sportage. What should the compression be?

harley19 — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 18:45:42 GMT

1996 kia sportage, what should the compression be

My 2 1/2 week old 2008 Kia Spectra has already been in the shop 3 times.

tscolin01 — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 13:08:19 GMT

I bought a "certified pre-owned" 2008 Kia spectra with only 11,700 miles on it, 2 1/2 weeks ago. 2 days after purchase, I noticed a faint squeaking noise. When I brought it back to the dealership, they said it was just the water pump, and they would call me when the part came in. 3 days later- the squeaking turned in to a loud SQUEALING and the steering seamed to lock up when I turned right. Immediately took it to the shop, they kept my car for a day and replaced 6 parts (3 separate belts, the water pump and a few other things) and repaired the steering / suspension. They assured me every thing was fixed. Yesterday, my battery died, and I had to jump start it. I took it back immediately and insisted they give me a rental, and not to call me until they have thoroughly inspected this car. Everything is under warranty, but bottom line- I need a car i can trust. I know a vehicle with such low mileage should not be experiencing any issues.I don't feel safe in this car. Its only been 2 1/2 weeks and it is really consuming my life. What can I do about this?

Kia Sorento 2003 losing RPMs after being on highway for approximately an hour. Dealer doesn't know. Any ideas?

bennett48 — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 18:44:51 GMT

Losing RPMs without warning after being on the open road about an hour into trip. Has cut off just 1 time, but restarted and then about 15 min. later it lost rpms again but did not cut off. I took it to the dealer and they could not find anything wrong (thats after $300 later with all the so called test). Now its doing it again. Any ideas would be appreciated?
Also this only happens when running at speeds 55 or above.Seems to not be happening when driving around in the city just highway.

Can the Kia Rondo be flat towed? Thanks.

closer66 — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 15:12:21 GMT

can a kia rondo be flat towed with auto trans

How do I replace the hardware (plastic) for rear side vent windows?

dschindler — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 17:44:58 GMT

2002 Kia Sedona Minivan LX

Is the Kia Sportage 4x2 front wheel or rear wheel drive?

beachman2 — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 23:23:59 GMT

4x2.......front wheel or rear wheel drive?

I am trying to remove the rotors from my 03 Kia Sorento.They have 2 set screws that are hard to remove.

chuckar — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 21:54:50 GMT

The rotors have two philips-head set screws that won't budge. I have already partly stripped one trying to loosen it.
How can I get these darn things loose?

chuck

How do I get radio codes? Kia Sephia.

lostboy1 — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 19:16:20 GMT

i need radio codes after replacing the battery for 2000.

Kia Spectra 2001. Can't figure out how to remove cover for drum brakes so I can replace wheel cylinders. Help!

newlifetobe — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 11:26:42 GMT

Please help!

Can you replace the control arm bushings on a 2002 Kia Spectra or should you replace the control arm?

mhutson74 — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 12:43:28 GMT

Mechanic says there is 1/2 inch play in control arm. Suggested replacing bushing but wasn't sure if good idea.

On an 04 Kia Sorento with 4 wheel drive, how do I remove the cv drive shaft to change it?

jimbob7776 — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 00:35:45 GMT

I have the whole front end apart. I am not sure how to remove half shaft and do not want to break any thing.

20000 Kia loses power and backfires. Diagnostic says #1 cylinder misfiring. Changed plugs. Ran good for 2 weeks.

Tuck — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 19:00:04 GMT

2000 kia lost power and backfires. diagnostic says #1 cylinder misfiring.

removed plugs and found oil on 3 & 4 plugs. Changed plugs and it burned off oil that got in the cylinder. It ran good for 2 weeks. Then started doing the same thing. Any ideas? Thanks.

How difficult is it to replace a rear bearing on a Kia Sportage 4x4?

jill17 — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 13:26:01 GMT

I am looking at buying a Kia Sportage 4x4 but it needs a new rear bearing. I just want to know if they are easy or difficult to replace

Can I tow a 2000 Kia Sportage 5 speed 4WD? Flat tow.

JustCamping — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 09:18:25 GMT

We are looking at a 2000 KIA Sportage to tow behind our motor home - It is a 5 speed/4wd. just wanting to be sure we can flat tow it before buying it.

I need help in purchasing a driveshaft bracket mount for a 2003 Kia Sorento. Can you please assist?

vwright — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 17:06:24 GMT

My car is in the shop in need of a shaft bracket mount. I have an 2003 Kia Sorento. Where can I find this part?

2004 Kia Spectra. Can't get the front rotor off. Tried PBS lube, torching and hitting with hammer. Won't budge. Any ideas?

harold65 — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 04:21:04 GMT

changing brakes on front of 2004 KIA. Rotor will not budge, froze up. Tried PBS lubricant,heating with a torch and hitting with hammer. No luck, still won't budge. Never ran across anything like this. Any ideas?

What is the torque for the front wheel bearing on 2004 Kia Spectra?

harold65 — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 09:02:33 GMT

I have a badly seized front rotor I cannot budge. Would like to remove the wheel bearing to get it off but need to know how much torque is required to replace it. Please advise asap I need my car up and running.

I suddenly have no sound from the radio/CD player on a 05 Kia Sedona.

kmjubilee — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 22:33:37 GMT

For a few days, the radio would work intermittently, but now there's no sound at all. All of the lights are on so it's not a power issue.

I am thinking of buying a Kia Sportage. What will I need to buy for roof rack to carry 2 kayaks.?

katherines — Mon, 25 May 2009 11:16:41 GMT

I need to know if the roof rack on the Sportage will take the weight. I use a make shift carrier on my Chevy now.

I would also like to know if I could switch it out to carry 1 kayak and 1 bike.

I am looking for some bolts to replace what was lost. Was trying to replace a Kia fuse, part no# 782-1341.

ms_b1 — Wed, 27 May 2009 18:15:27 GMT

I've tried local auto parts, none carry them...also called Kia dealership, they don't carry parts back that far. please help

What has the quality been like for newer Kia Automobiles (late 2000's models)?

carwhisperer — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 00:29:01 GMT

What have the Review companies like JD Power, Consumer Reports, and the automotive magazines said overall about the quality of newer Kia Models?

Also, with the details released for the new Kia Forte Koup, will it be of good quality?

Noise in front wheel when turning 2006 Kia Sportage.

auntb24 — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 00:09:11 GMT

I have a 2006 Kia Sportage and when I make a sharp turn I hear a loud noise like something is binding in the front driver's side wheel.

Will my Verizon LG EV3 cell phone work with my Kia Soul 2010 Bluetooth in the car?

sheila1225 — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 19:46:17 GMT

Will my Verizon LG EV3 cell phone work with my Kia Soul 2010 Bluetooth in the car?

How much weight can a Kia Rio tow? I want to tow a tear drop trailer and hang out with the wildlife and birds.

roadrocketta — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 23:00:22 GMT

I have a 2003 Kia and want to buy a tear drop trailer to exercise my independence.....lol

It's a 1.6L but I dont' know what the tongue wt is or where to find it in my book or what it means. The tear drop trailer I want to buy I think is 5 or 600 lbs. Do you think that would be safe, and doable through mountains? It requires a Class 1 hitch with a 2" ball and a 4 way. These are made per the Kia Rio specs so does that necessarily mean it is safe? And where do I find that in my book?

Thanks,
Roadrocketta

Is there a car stereo or stereos that will connect with a 2008 Kia Rio's wiring without using adapters?

david193 — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 02:59:34 GMT

I would like to just plug it in without looking for an adapter if there are any that fit Kia's connector.

2009 Kia Sportage audio system upgrade suggestions?

frank112 — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 09:48:04 GMT

I'd like to improve the sound in my 2009 Sportage (4-cyl LX) - it has the factory cd/sirius unit in the dash which I really don't want to replace with a small din-sized aftermarket unit. The obvious upgrade seems to be to add a decent amp, but I wonder if anyone has done that or some other reasonable upgrade and it really has improved the sound?
The rear speakers in the door certainly don't help either - their sound seems completely lost, even with the fader moved to the back. Any suggestion on that?
I am not 25 yrs old, so not looking for major modifications, subwoofer, etc. Just a reasonable step or 2 that someone has tried and has worked.
Thanks.

Can a 2004 Kia Sportage 4x4 be towed behind an RV on a car tow dolly. Front on dolly with rear wheels on ground?

johnnyv2 — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 16:22:28 GMT

Can a Sportage be towed behind a motorhome?

I just bought a 2004 Kia Rio. When I'm at a stop sign or just starting my car it shakes. What is it?

bettyboo1 — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 11:38:59 GMT

My car shakes when it's on parked or when I stop for a light. Why?

My steering column is too hard on my 1998 Kia Sportage. Oil reservoir is cracked and reads full. Any suggestions?

greaser501 — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 13:53:42 GMT

Whether the car is not moving or it's being driven the steering is hard and it does not make any noises.

How do I remove a rear brake rotor on an 07 Kia Optima?

scottatgc — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 08:39:31 GMT

How do I remove a rear brake rotor on an 07 Kia Optima? I removed the set screw, I tried pulling the rotor manually, and it would not budge. I tried a large gear puller, it still would not move. Is there something I am missing that could be holding this thing on? I have changed rotors on many vehicles in my 25 years of driving and never had this problem. I even tried heating the rotor with a torch while using the puller, it moved about 1/32 of an inch.