Contents Wiring diagrams Section: Cooling System (Mechanical) All sections

Engine Cooling System - 2.0L: Diagnosis Kia Optima III

Inspection

  1. Check each part for cracks, damage or wear, and replace the coolant pump assembly if necessary.
  2. Check the bearing for damage, abnormal noise and sluggish rotation, and replace the coolant pump assembly if necessary.
  3. Check for coolant leakage. If coolant leaks from hole, the seal is defective. Replace the coolant pump assembly. NOTE: A small amount of "weeping" from the bleed hole is normal.

Troubleshooting

Water Pump

SymptomsPossible CausesRemedy
Coolant leakageFrom the bleed hole of the water pumpVisually checkCheck leaks after about ten-minute warming up.If coolant still leaks, replace a water pump.
If leakage stops, reuse the water pump (Do not replace the pump with a new one).
From gaskets or boltsCheck the tightening of the water pump mounting bolts.Retighten the mounting bolts.
Check damage of gaskets or inflow of dust.Replace the gasket and clean dust off.
From outer surface of water pumpCheck the material or any cracks of the water pump.Poor material. If any crack found, replace the water pump.
NoiseFrom bearings From mechanical seals Impeller interferenceInspection with a stethoscopeAfter starting the engine, check noise with a stethoscope.If there is no noise, reuse the water pump (do not replace it).
If there is any noise from the water pump, remove the drive belt and recheck.
Inspection after removing a drive beltAfter removing a water pump and a drive belt, check noise again.If there is noise, reuse the water pump. Check other drive line parts.
If there is no noise, replace the water pump with a new one.
Inspection after removing a water pumpAfter removing a water pump and a drive belt, check noise again.If there is any interference between them, replace the water pump with a new one.
OverheatingDamaged impeller Loosened impellerLoosened impellerCorrosion of the impeller wingCheck engine coolant. Poor coolant quality / Maintenance check
Impeller separation from the shaftReplace the water pump.

WATER PUMP TROUBLESHOOTING CHART

SymptomsPossible CausesRemedy
Coolant leakageFrom the thermostat gasketCheck the mounting boltsCheck the torque of the mounting boltsRetighten the bolts and check leakage again.
Check the gasket for damageCheck gasket or seal for damageReplace gaskets and reuse the thermostat.
Cooled excessivelyLow heater performance (cool air blows out) Thermogauge indicates 'LOW'Visually check after removing the radiator cap.Insufficient coolant or leakage.After refilling coolant, recheck.
GDS check & Starting engineCheck DTCs Check the fan motor performance as temperature varies. Check connection of the fan clutch or the fan motor. * If the fan clutch is always connected, there will be a noise at idle.Check the engine coolant sensor, wiring and connectors. Check the fan motor, the relay and the connector. Replace the components.
Remove the thermostat and inspectCheck if there are dusts or chips in the thermostat valve. Check adherence of the thermostat.Clean the thermostat valve and reuse the thermostat. Replace the thermostat, if it doesn't work properly.
Heated excessivelyEngine overheated Thermogauge indicates 'HI'Visually check after removing the radiator cap.Insufficient coolant or leakage. * Be careful when removing a radiator cap of the overheated vehicle. Check air in cooling system.After refilling coolant, recheck. Check the cylinder head gaskets for damage and the tightening torque of the mounting bolts.
GDS check & Starting engineCheck DTCs Check the fan motor performance as temperature varies. Check if the fan clutch slips. Check the water pump adherence or impeller damaged.Check the engine coolant sensor, wiring and connectors. Check the fan motor, the relay and the connector. Replace the fan clutch, if it doesn't work properly. Replace the water pump, if it doesn't work properly.
Immerse the thermostat in boiling water and inspection.After removing the thermostat, check it works properly. * Check the thermostat opens at the valve opening temperature.Replace the thermostat, if it doesn't work properly.

COOLING SYSTEM TROUBLESHOOTING CHART

See also:
AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE