Kia Optima electrical problems

We bought and '02 Optima demo a year ago. Right after we bought it, the passenger side window went halfway up and stopped. We took it to the dealer, and less than 2 weeks later it happened again. They replaced a relay. Since then we have been going through various light bulbs like crazy. We took it to the dealership today for them to check for a short or another electrical problems. They said they were just burned out bulbs (fog, headlight, trunk) and to replace them it would be $19-$21. They said they were burning out quickly because they were not original Kia parts. I tried to explain that if the original bulbs were from Kia, then they are the ones that burned out first. I had already tried to replace a headlight bulb, but it wasn't the bulb. I told her that even if replacing the bulbs works, they will be burned out again in about a week. The dealership also said they could 'tear it apart' for $65 an hour to see if anything else was wrong. I told her to have the tech put it back together and we would pick it up. We also asked them to check the auto tranny- slow shifting, bucking between 1st and 2nd at low speeds, and winding out on the highway. Again, they found nothing wrong. I like the car, but I hate dealing with the mechanics at the dealership. They remind me of HMO doctors!

Reply to
PLM68
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There is the potential that all of this could be related to your voltage regulator on your alternator. If the regulator was shot or malfunctioning, your alternator could possibly be supplying a greater voltage than required (13.8 - 14.5 volts would be acceptable). A significantly higer voltage makes the bulbs burn hotter and they will have a noticably shorter lifespan. If you have an electronically controlled automatic transmission, the higher voltage could be messing up the ECU for the tranny.

The other electrical gremlin which could be causing this is a bad rectifier (changes the AC voltage generated by the alternator into DC voltage needed by the car). If the rectifier is on it's last legs, AC voltage could be 'leaking' into the system causing electrical problems as well. Take your car to a reputable auto parts store (Autozone, Advance, etc. - NOT the dealer) who tests the electrical system in your car for free in the parking lot. Their devices will tell you what if anything is wrong with your electrical system. Some AC leakage is absorbed by the battery. It could be something as simple as replacing the alternator, which typically has the voltage regulator, rectifier, etc. built right in. Do not let this go unchecked for very long as any delay could lead to significant additional electrical (and electronic) problems.

Good luck - Jonathan

Reply to
Jonathan Race

My 2001 Sephia is about the biggest piece of junk that I've ever bought. Door locks go in days or weeks and recently, we lose bright lights and door windows, all of course when they are actuated. All are fuses that blow, but when you are driving down the road and your lights go out, it doesn't make any difference what it is. The dealer has been good to work with but they cannot find the issue. We have had no luck in dealing with Kia and have filed a lawsuit. Despite sending them all the documentation, their response was that they have no information related to the incident. If you even have a thought of buying a Kia, take some meds, lock yourself in a room, or have yourself committed until the feeling passes.

Reply to
mmmpph

Hello I purchase a kia optima 2001 and its paid in full. And experience numerous problems with it and kia consumer affairs don't want to do anything... what legal actions can be done??? Your thoughts???

Reply to
mikelv247

I have experience the same plus a lot more on my 2001 kia optima and willing to take legal action..... your thought on a class act??

Reply to
mikelv247

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