Check engine light on Sedona

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Kim Bodley - 15 Jan 2004 18:21 GMT

I purchased a 2003 Kia Sedonna with 15000 miles on it 6 weeks ago. Since
that time, the "check engine" (emission control systems) light has come on
three times. The 1st time the dealer indicated that this was caused by
failure to tightly close the gas cap after fueling. The second time, after
I assured the dealer that I had been diligent in making certain that the gas
cap was tightly closed after each fuel stop, they replaced an emmission
control valve and put on a new gas cap. Less than two weeks later, the
light has once again come on.

All three times the light has come on I have been traveling in slow traffic,
usually at speeds of less than 30 mph. The car has been in Drive with the
Overdrive turned off.

Has anyone else experienced this problem? Any insight or advice? Other than
this I absolutely love my Sedonna, but am beginning to worry that I have
purchased a "Lemon"! Any suggestions?

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dantomfin - 16 Jan 2004 02:56 GMT

You may already know this, but...
make sure you "click" the gas cap at least three times, don't try to
top off the gas, and don't fill the gas with the car running.
Other than these suggestions, I don't have any help.
Did you get a warranty with your Kia? If so, you'll just have to keep
after the dealer.
I have also found the 1-800 Customer Service people to be very
helpful. Maybe they could steer you toward a more knowledgable service
department.

Hope you get it worked out, Kim. I think the Sedona is a great van.

Dan

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Robert Henry - 16 Jan 2004 03:42 GMT

> I purchased a 2003 Kia Sedonna with 15000 miles on it 6 weeks ago. Since
> that time, the "check engine" (emission control systems) light has come on
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
> control valve and put on a new gas cap. Less than two weeks later, the
> light has once again come on.

This is extremely common (the light, not necessarily the frequency). How do
you know the gas cap is tight? (seriously. just humor me with your answer.)

> All three times the light has come on I have been traveling in slow traffic,
> usually at speeds of less than 30 mph. The car has been in Drive with the
> Overdrive turned off.

Why is O/D off?

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kimby - 21 Jan 2004 00:27 GMT

A couple of points. I have been "extremely" careful that the gas cap is securely fastened.

The car was not in overdrive because I was traveling at speeds lower than 35 miles per hour. It is my understanding that overdrive should be reserved for highway speeds, thereby obtaining the best gas mileage???

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kimby - 21 Jan 2004 00:28 GMT

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Robert Henry - 21 Jan 2004 01:52 GMT

> A couple of points. I have been "extremely" careful that the gas cap is securely fastened.

Ok, well you have to make sure you get at least three overtight clicks out
of the gas cap before you know it's secure.

> The car was not in overdrive because I was traveling at speeds lower than 35 miles per hour. It is my understanding that overdrive should be reserved

for highway speeds, thereby obtaining the best gas mileage???

O/D on provides the best gas mileage. I would leave the O/D on unless you
are driving on lots of hills in the city environment (like San Fran or San
Diego) to reduce transmission hunting. Otherwise, it is fine to leave it
engaged.

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Hal - 16 Jan 2004 17:38 GMT

If you want any assistance other than wild guesses, we need the DTC
code or codes that your car is reporting when the light comes on. It
starts with a letter and has 4 digits following it. Ex, P0300 would be
a generic code for multiple/random cylinder misfire.

If you have an autozone close to you, take the car down there when the
light is on and they will scan the computer and give you the codes for
free.

Chris

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