Engine Controls - Basic Diagnostic Procedures: Other Kia Spectra I

Compression

Ensure battery is fully charged. Disconnect ignition coils. Check engine compression with engine at normal operating temperature at specified cranking speed, all spark plugs removed, and throttle wide open. See COMPRESSION SPECIFICATIONS table.

COMPRESSION SPECIFICATIONS

Exhaust System Backpressure

Exhaust system can be tested with a vacuum or pressure gauge. If using a pressure gauge, remove HO2S or air injection check valve (if equipped). Connect a 0-5 psi pressure gauge and run engine at 2500 RPM. If exhaust system backpressure is greater than 2 psi, exhaust system or catalytic converter is plugged.

If using a vacuum gauge, connect vacuum gauge hose to intake manifold vacuum port. Start engine. Observe vacuum gauge. Open throttle part way and hold steady. If vacuum gauge indication slowly drops after stabilizing, inspect exhaust system for restriction.

FUEL SYSTEM

Except Optima & Magentis (Canadian)

To release fuel pressure, remove rear seat cushion. Start engine. Disconnect fuel pump electrical connector. Run engine until it stalls. Turn ignition off. Disconnect negative battery cable. When testing or repair is complete, reconnect fuel pump connector and install rear seat cushion. Prime fuel system. See PRIMING FUEL SYSTEM .

Optima & Magentis (Canadian)

To release fuel pressure, disconnect fuel pump harness connector located in trunk. Start engine and allow to idle. After engine stalls, turn ignition off. Disconnect negative battery cable. When repairs are complete and fuel lines are properly secured, reconnect fuel pump harness connector and negative battery cable. Prime fuel system. See PRIMING FUEL SYSTEM .

PRIMING FUEL SYSTEM

After performing any operation that requires releasing fuel pressure, fuel system should be primed to prevent long cranking times. To prime fuel system, jumper Data Link Connector (DLC) terminal FUEL PUMP and B+. DLC is located on left side of engine compartment. (Scheme 2)and (Scheme 3). Turn ignition on for no longer than 10 seconds to run pump and pressurize fuel system. Turn ignition off and remove jumper wire. Check for leaks. Repair any leaks as necessary.

Scheme 2

Scheme 3

FUEL PRESSURE

Fuel Pressure (Optima & Magentis (Canadian))

1. Release fuel pressure. See «FUEL PRESSURE RELEASE»(ref-11996-S39237006372000120400000). Disconnect high-pressure fuel hose from fuel delivery pipe. Cover hose connection using rags to avoid spraying of fuel.
2. Using Fuel Pressure Gauge Adapter (09353-38000), install fuel pressure gauge to fuel delivery pipe. (Scheme 4) Tighten fuel gauge adapter bolts to 18-26 ft. lbs. (24-35 N.m). Connect negative battery cable.
3. Using fuel pump check terminal connector, activate fuel pump and ensure no fuel leakage is present at pressure gauge or connection. See «PRIMING FUEL SYSTEM»(ref-11996-S28564186432000120400000). If no leaks are present, start engine and allow to idle.
4. Disconnect vacuum hose from fuel pressure regulator, and plug hose end. Measure and record fuel pressure at idle. Reconnect vacuum hose, and again measure and record fuel pressure. See «FUEL PRESSURE SPECIFICATIONS»(ref-11996-S29897106892000120400000) table. If measurements are not within specification, go to next step. If measurements are okay, go to step 8.
5. If fuel pressure is less than specified, check following conditions: Restricted fuel filter. Fuel pressure regulator leaking fuel to fuel return side. Leaking in-tank fuel pick-up hose. Low fuel pump discharge pressure. Repair or replace as necessary. Recheck fuel pressure.
6. If fuel pressure is greater than specified, check for sticking fuel pressure regulator or a restricted or bent fuel return hose or pipe. Repair or replace fuel hoses or pipe, or replace fuel pressure regulator.
7. If fuel pressure does not change when regulator vacuum hose is connected and disconnected, check for following conditions: Restricted or damaged vacuum hose. Restricted manifold vacuum port. Sticking or poorly seated fuel pressure regulator valve. Repair or replace as necessary. Recheck fuel pressure.
8. If fuel pressures are as specified, stop engine and check for decrease in fuel pressure gauge. Fuel pressure should hold for approximately 5 minutes. If fuel pressure decreases slowly after engine is stopped, check for leaking injector. See «FUEL INJECTOR LEAKAGE TEST»(ref-11996-S22242032752000120400000) under FUEL INJECTORS. Replace as necessary. If fuel pressure decreases immediately after engine is stopped, check valve inside fuel pump is not working. Replace fuel pump. After repairs are completed, recheck fuel pressure.
9. After testing is completed, release fuel pressure. See «FUEL PRESSURE RELEASE»(ref-11996-S39237006372000120400000). Disconnect fuel pressure gauge from adapter. Ensure hose connection is covered by shop towel to prevent fuel spray. Remove adapter bolts and adapter. Install NEW "O" ring, and reinstall fuel line with original bolts. Apply battery voltage to fuel pump drive connector terminal. (Scheme 3) Check for fuel leaks. Repair any leaks as necessary.

Scheme 4

Scheme 5

Scheme 6

Scheme 7

Fuel Pressure (Rio)

1. Release fuel pressure. See «FUEL PRESSURE RELEASE»(ref-11996-S39237006372000120400000). Disconnect high-pressure fuel hose from fuel delivery pipe. Cover hose connection using rags to avoid spraying of fuel. Disconnect battery negative cable. Install fuel pressure gauge (0K2A1 131 001A) on to high-pressure fuel line. (Scheme 5) Connect battery negative cable.
2. Using fuel pump check terminal connector, activate fuel pump and ensure no fuel leakage is present at pressure gauge or connection. See «PRIMING FUEL SYSTEM»(ref-11996-S28564186432000120400000). If no leaks are present, check fuel pressure. See «FUEL PRESSURE SPECIFICATIONS»(ref-11996-S29897106892000120400000) table. Go to next step.
3. If fuel pressure is greater than specified, check for sticking fuel pressure regulator or a restricted or bent fuel return hose or pipe. Repair or replace fuel hoses or pipe, or replace fuel pressure regulator. If fuel pressure is less than specified, go to next step.
4. Clamp return line and check if fuel pressure rises. If pressure does rise, replace pressure regulator. If pressure does not rise, measure fuel pump maximum pressure. See «MAXIMUM FUEL PRESSURE (RIO, SEPHIA & SPECTRA)»(ref-11996-S17082524732000120400000).
5. If fuel pressures are as specified, stop engine and check for decrease in fuel pressure gauge. See «HOLDING FUEL PRESSURE»(ref-11996-S34753920212000120400000). Fuel pressure should hold for approximately 25 minutes. If fuel pressure decreases slowly after engine is stopped, check for leaking injector. Replace as necessary. If fuel pressure decreases immediately after engine is stopped, check valve inside fuel pump is not working. Replace fuel pump. After repairs are completed, recheck fuel pressure.
6. After testing is completed, release fuel pressure. See «FUEL PRESSURE RELEASE»(ref-11996-S39237006372000120400000). Disconnect fuel pressure gauge from adapter. Ensure hose connection is covered by shop towel to prevent fuel spray. Remove adapter bolts and adapter. Replace any old seals with NEW seals, and reinstall fuel line. Apply battery voltage to fuel pump drive connector terminal. (Scheme 2) Check for fuel leaks. Repair any leaks as necessary.

Fuel Pressure (Sephia & Spectra)

1. Release fuel pressure. See «FUEL PRESSURE RELEASE»(ref-11996-S39237006372000120400000). Disconnect battery negative cable. Install Fuel Pressure Gauge (0K2A1 131 001) on service port at center of fuel rail. (Scheme 6)
2. Connect battery negative cable. Jumper DLC terminals FUEL PUMP and B+. DLC is located on left side of engine compartment. (Scheme 2)
3. Turn ignition on for 10 seconds or less. Check fuel pressure. See «FUEL PRESSURE SPECIFICATIONS»(ref-11996-S29897106892000120400000) table. Turn ignition off and remove jumper wire.
4. If fuel pressure is too high, check for restricted return line. If return line is open, replace pressure regulator.
5. If fuel pressure is too low, block return line. Run fuel pump again and see if pressure rises. If pressure rises, replace pressure regulator. If pressure does not rise, check fuel pump maximum pressure. See «MAXIMUM FUEL PRESSURE (RIO, SEPHIA & SPECTRA)»(ref-11996-S17082524732000120400000).

FUEL PRESSURE SPECIFICATIONS

Fuel Pressure Regulator (Sportage)

1. Release fuel pressure. See «FUEL PRESSURE RELEASE»(ref-11996-S39237006372000120400000). Disconnect battery negative cable. Install fuel pressure gauge on service port at front of fuel rail. (Scheme 7) Connect battery negative cable.
2. Start engine and allow it to idle. Check fuel pressure. Disconnect vacuum hose from pressure regulator and check fuel pressure again. See «FUEL PRESSURE SPECIFICATIONS»(ref-11996-S29897106892000120400000) table. If fuel pressures are not to specification, see «PRESSURE REGULATOR HOLD PRESSURE (SPORTAGE)»(ref-11996-S23609878672000120400000).

Fuel Line Pressure (Sportage)

1. Release fuel pressure. See «FUEL PRESSURE RELEASE»(ref-11996-S39237006372000120400000). Disconnect battery negative cable. Install fuel pressure gauge on service port at front of fuel rail. (Scheme 7) Connect battery negative cable.
2. Jumper DLC terminals FUEL PUMP and B+. DLC is located on left side of engine compartment. (Scheme 2) Turn ignition on for about 10 seconds. Check fuel pressure. See «FUEL PRESSURE SPECIFICATIONS»(ref-11996-S29897106892000120400000) table.
3. If pressure is not as specified, check fuel line and filter for restrictions. Check fuel pump maximum pressure and pressure regulator hold pressure. See «MAXIMUM FUEL PRESSURE»(ref-11996-S15327110432000120400000), «PRESSURE REGULATOR HOLD PRESSURE»(ref-11996-S23609878672000120400000) and «REGULATED FUEL PRESSURE»(ref-11996-S08042143862000120400000) test.

Pressure Regulator Hold Pressure (Sportage)

1. Release fuel pressure. See «FUEL PRESSURE RELEASE»(ref-11996-S39237006372000120400000). Disconnect battery negative cable. Install fuel pressure gauge on service port at front of fuel rail. Connect battery negative cable.
2. Jumper DLC terminals FUEL PUMP and B+. DLC is located on left side of engine compartment. (Scheme 2) Turn ignition on for 10 seconds or less. Turn ignition off.
3. Pinch off fuel return hose at pressure regulator. Observe fuel pressure for 5 minutes. It should stay above specified pressure. See «FUEL PRESSURE SPECIFICATIONS»(ref-11996-S29897106892000120400000) table. If pressure drops below specification, replace pressure regulator.

Holding Fuel Pressure

1. Release fuel pressure. See «FUEL PRESSURE RELEASE»(ref-11996-S39237006372000120400000). Disconnect battery negative cable. Install fuel pressure gauge on to high-pressure fuel line. (Scheme 4)- (Scheme 7). Connect battery negative cable.
2. Jumper DLC terminals FUEL PUMP and B+. DLC is located on left side of engine compartment. (Scheme 2)and (Scheme 3). Turn ignition on for 10 seconds or less to operate fuel pump and pressurize system. Turn ignition off and remove jumper wire.
3. On Rio, check fuel pressure after 25 minutes. On Sephia and Spectra, check fuel pressure after 15 minutes. On Sportage, check fuel pressure after 5 minutes and compare to specification. See «FUEL PRESSURE SPECIFICATIONS»(ref-11996-S29897106892000120400000) table. If pressure is not as specified, check fuel pump, pressure regulator and injectors. On Sportage, also see «PRESSURE REGULATOR HOLD PRESSURE (SPORTAGE)»(ref-11996-S23609878672000120400000) test.

Maximum Fuel Pressure (Sephia & Spectra)

Note. For Optima & Magentis (Canadian) and Rio, test procedure is not available from manufacturer.

1. Release fuel pressure. See «FUEL PRESSURE RELEASE»(ref-11996-S39237006372000120400000). Disconnect battery negative cable. Remove rear seat cushion. Connect Fuel Pressure Gauge (0K2A1 131 001) to main fuel line at fuel tank. (Scheme 6) Connect battery negative cable.
2. Jumper DLC terminals FUEL PUMP and B+. DLC is located on left side of engine compartment. (Scheme 2) Turn ignition on. Check maximum fuel pressure. Do not run fuel pump longer than necessary to check fuel pressure. See «FUEL PRESSURE SPECIFICATIONS»(ref-11996-S29897106892000120400000) table. If fuel pressure is not as specified, replace fuel delivery module. See FUEL DELIVERY MODULE (SEPHIA) under FUEL PUMP in REMOVAL, OVERHAUL & INSTALLATION article.

Maximum Fuel Pressure (Sportage)

1. Release fuel pressure. See «FUEL PRESSURE RELEASE»(ref-11996-S39237006372000120400000). Disconnect battery negative cable. Connect fuel pressure gauge to fuel filter and plug outlet of gauge. Connect battery negative cable.
2. Jumper DLC terminals FUEL PUMP and B+. DLC is located on left side of engine compartment. (Scheme 2)and (Scheme 3). Turn ignition on. Measure maximum fuel pressure. Do not run fuel pump longer than necessary to check fuel pressure. See «FUEL PRESSURE SPECIFICATIONS»(ref-11996-S29897106892000120400000) table. Turn ignition off and remove jumper wire. If pressure is not as specified, replace fuel pump. See appropriate FUEL PUMP under FUEL PUMP in REMOVAL, OVERHAUL & INSTALLATION article.

ECM Control Relay (Optima & Magentis (Canadian) 2.4L)

1. Remove ECM control relay located in vehicle on right side of dash. (Scheme 8) Check for continuity between relay terminals No. 1 and No. 3. (Scheme 9) If continuity does not exist, go to next step. If continuity exists, replace relay.
2. Check for continuity between relay terminals No. 4 and No. 6. (Scheme 9) If continuity does not exist, go to next step. If continuity exists, replace relay.
3. Connect a jumper wire between positive battery terminal and relay terminal No. 5. Connect another jumper wire between negative battery terminal and relay terminal No. 7. Check continuity between relay terminals No. 1 and No. 3. Continuity should exist. If continuity does not exist, replace relay.
4. Connect a jumper wire between positive battery terminal and relay terminal No. 6. Connect another jumper wire between negative battery terminal and relay terminal No. 8. Check for battery voltage at terminal No. 4. Voltage should exist. If battery voltage does not exist, replace relay.

Scheme 8

Scheme 9

Fuel Pump & Main Relays (Optima & Magentis (Canadian) 2.5L)

Note. Use same procedure to check fuel pump or main relay.

1. Fuel pump and main relays are located in vehicle on right side of dash. Remove relays. (Scheme 8) Check for continuity between relay terminals No. 1 and No. 5. (Scheme 10) If continuity does not exist, go to next step. If continuity exists, replace relay.
2. Connect a jumper wire between positive battery terminal and relay terminal No. 4. Connect another jumper wire between negative battery terminal and relay terminal No. 2.
3. Check continuity between relay terminals No. 1 and No. 5. Continuity should exist. If continuity does not exist, replace relay.

Scheme 10

Fuel Pump Relay (Rio)

1. Check for continuity between relay terminals No. 2 and No. 3. (Scheme 11) If continuity does not exist, go to next step. If continuity exists, replace relay.
2. Connect a jumper wire between positive battery terminal and relay terminal No. 1. Connect another jumper wire between negative battery terminal and relay terminal No. 4.
3. Check continuity between relay terminals No. 2 and No. 3. Continuity should exist. If continuity does not exist, replace relay.

Scheme 11

Fuel Pump Relay (Sephia & Spectra)

1. Remove relay from engine compartment fuse/relay box. Check for continuity between relay terminals No. 1 and 3. (Scheme 12) If continuity does not exist, go to next step. If continuity exists, replace relay.
2. Connect a jumper wire between positive battery terminal and relay terminal No. 2. Connect another jumper wire between negative battery terminal and relay terminal No. 4.
3. Check continuity between relay terminals No. 1 and 3. Continuity should exist. If continuity does not exist, replace relay.

Scheme 12

Fuel Pump Relay (Sportage)

1. Remove relay from engine compartment fuse/relay box. Check for continuity between relay terminal No. 2 and terminals No. 3 and 4. (Scheme 13) If continuity does not exist, go to next step. If continuity exists, replace relay.
2. Connect a jumper wire between positive battery terminal and relay terminal No. 5. Connect another jumper wire between negative battery terminal and relay terminal No. 1.
3. Check continuity between relay terminal No. 2 and terminals No. 3 and 4. Continuity should exist. If continuity does not exist, replace relay.

Scheme 13

SPARK

Check for spark at each spark plug wire using a high output spark tester. Check spark plug wire resistance on suspect wires. High tension wire resistance should not exceed 16,000 ohms per 3.3 feet.

IGNITION COIL POWER SOURCE

Disconnect ignition coil connectors. Turn ignition on. On all models, if battery voltage is not present, check battery feed circuit, main fuse, ignition switch and wiring harness. See IGNITION COIL POWER SOURCE table.

IGNITION COIL POWER SOURCE

To check primary coil resistance, disconnect ignition coil connector. Using ohmmeter, check primary resistance between positive (+) and negative (-) terminal of coil or coil pack. Check secondary resistance between coil towers. See IGNITION COIL RESISTANCE table. If readings are not within specification, replace ignition coil(s). (Scheme 14)and (Scheme 15).

IGNITION COIL RESISTANCE

Scheme 14

Scheme 15

Optima & Magentis (Canadian) 2.4L

Note. Power transistor is built into ignition coil.

To perform primary coil resistance check, connect negative (-) terminal of a 3 volt power supply to terminal No. 2 of power transistor. (Scheme 16) Check for continuity, about.78 ohm, between terminals No. 2 and 3. Continuity should exist when terminal No. 1 is connected to 3 volt power (+) supply. When 3 volt power supply is removed, continuity should no longer exist. If problem exists, replace power transistor/ignition coil. To test secondary resistance (Scheme 16) See IGNITION COIL RESISTANCE.

Scheme 16

Optima & Magentis (Canadian) 2.5L

Measure resistance between connector terminals No. 1 and 2, 1 and 3 and 1 and 4. (Scheme 17) See IGNITION COIL RESISTANCE table. If resistance is not as specified, replace coil pack.

Scheme 17

IDLE SPEED & IGNITION TIMING

Ignition timing and base idle speed are computer controlled and nonadjustable. Ensure idle speed and base ignition timing are set to specification. Base idle and ignition timing should be as indicated. See IDLE SPEED SPECIFICATIONS and BASE IGNITION TIMING tables. If idle speed is too high, correct that problem first. Check that air conditioning is off. Check for sources of undue mechanical, or electrical, loads on engine that may cause Engine Control Module (ECM) to raise idle speed. Check Throttle Position Sensor adjustment (Optima & Magentis (Canadian) only). Check for intake air leaks. Check for rich condition that ECM may be trying to compensate for. If base idle speed is okay and ignition timing is not within specifications, check camshaft position sensor, crankshaft position sensor and wiring to ECM. Also check camshaft timing.

IDLE SPEED SPECIFICATIONS

BASE IGNITION TIMING

SUMMARY

If no faults were found while performing BASIC DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES, proceed to SELF-DIAGNOSTICS article. If no hard codes are found in self-diagnostics, proceed to TROUBLE SHOOTING - NO CODES article for diagnosis by symptom (i.e., ROUGH IDLE, NO START, etc.) or intermittent diagnostic procedures.