2004 Kia Optima

2004 Kia Optima questions and answers

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Q: 2004 Standard Kia Optima car jumps when acceleration: Serious Answers Only.?
Please no "Well your problem is that you have a KIA." O.K. it has been established that a Kia is not an ideal car, but that answer will not solve my immediate problem, but instead waste both my time and yours, so please serious answers only. 2004 Kia Optima manual/standard 4 cylinder front wheel drive 92,000 miles, clutch has been replaced (10 mo ago).... When I press the gas peddle to accelerate on 1st gear, it seems like it slightly jumps but then it works its self out and works normal again... it only does this when I am in a complete stop and in 1 st gear... once I am past 1 st gear it runs smooth... It is like 3 or 4 small jumps... Please Help....

A: Sounds like the throttle cable may be rubbing something. When the clutch was replaced, someone may have routed something wrong. It would take quite awhile ( maybe even 10 months ) to wear through it's conduit.

Q: I have a 2004 kia optima, has anybody had any?
trouble with the timing belt? if so how many miles did you have trouble with it with, and did kia warranty it?

A: Timing belts are a maintenance item, just like oil changes. That's your responsibility. If it goes, you might end up with a pooched engine, that will cost as much to fix as the car is worth. At our shop, we had 3 come through the same way. Don't blow it up or go over. The KIA belts are made really cheaply, and WILL rip apart VERY easily once over the 60000 miles

Q: 2004 Kia Optima WIll Not Start?
On the morning of May 4th, I went to my Kia and attempted to start it up as normal. All of the dash lights were on, and there ppeared to be excellent battery power. I observed no leaks, but the engine refused to turn over. Thinking that the problm may be the car needed a jump, I tried to jump it. The same proble persisted. The ignition system was sending the start puls, but the engine refused to turn over. I have ruled out such equipment as the alternator and ignition switch because the ignition pulse is being sent and it seems tha the engine is just not catching. What could be a probable cause of this problem? Just a side note, I drove the car the night before and there was no indication of any kind of problem with either the electrcal or the power system. Advise? Anyone??

A: Sounds to me like the starter soliniod. assumming that the engine is not turning over when you turn the key. It it is the starter then it will have to be replaced. Sometimes you can tap the soliniod with a hammer and get it to work one or two more times....enough to get it to the mechanic. The started is usually mounted to the side of the engine and can be accessed from the underside of the vehicle.

Q: do you think that 84,156miles is to much on a 2004 kia optima. because i just purchase one for $300.00 a month


A: Maybe you did, but there are so many variables to consider. I have about 84,000 miles on my '04 Optima and it still drives well. I think that if you have fairly bad credit, you paid a decent monthly payment. It's not the best monthly payment, but it's probably just because of your credit history. If you have excellent credit, then you did get ripped! I love my Optima and believe it is well worth the money I've been paying. I admit that my payment is actually $325/month, but the car runs really well and it is built as good or better than a Toyota! Kia is one of the best car companies out there in my opinion.

Q: when i should change my 2004 kia optima's timing belt?
the milage is currently at 53000km.

A: The service manual shows that the belt is to be replaced at 60,000 miles or 100,000 km. On both the 2.4 and 2.7 liter motors. So you still got some miles to put on your car. Happy motoring

Q: 2004 KIA Optima Headlight/taillight Problems?
We've replaced several headlights and taillights on our vehicle already and they last not even 6 months. Dealer checked charging system and claims it is fine and that it's just time to change the bulb. But again and again? And the car is only 3 years old! I had one headlight burn out 6 days ago and today the ohther one went out and we just replaced both of them a few months ago. Any one else with this problem? Any suggestions? HELP!

A: Bulbs shouldn't go out that soon. i have cars 10 years old that have never changed a head light. get a cheap volt meter at radio shack or somewhere ( 10-20 bucks) and check your voltage at the battery posts while revving the engine to about 4000. voltage should be 13.5- 14.0 and should not exceed 14.5 or you have a alternator/regulator problem. if it goes to 16-17 that is too high and will burn bulbs. .

Q: 2004 kia optima v6?
own one? recommend?

A: Anytime someone wants to make a major purchase, like a new car for instance, a question that should pop up is "Can I see myself in this vehicle several years in the future?". Kia offers lengthy warranties on their vehicles and I believe they are a well made car; however, just like every other vehicle, there are things that are bound to break down over time. As an auto parts salesman, I can tell you that there are some parts that Kia has not yet released to the aftermarket, even as far back as 2000. That's 6 years give or take. A lot can happen in six years to be stuck having to go to the dealer to repair your vehicle, or to a junkyard to buy non-guaranteed parts. I don't want to limit this to just Kia. Purchase an out-of-the-ordinary car and, most often, you will find that you'll have to order parts. The optima has an appealing body style. Unfortunately, the higher the gas prices climb, the less people think about style and the more appealing smaller engines become. The demise of the Ford Excursion can be laid squarely on higher gas prices. Try looking at the Kia Optima's V6 mileage statistics and compare them to your daily routine. But whether you're a do-it-yourselfer or not, anything can happen in a matter of years. Vehicles, if kept in a high-quality condition, will yield high-quality results. That goes for every vehicle. This information is from an auto parts salesman with no mechanical experience.

Q: engine oil for 2004 kia optima automatic v.6?
What kind of oil should I use? what kind should i use? 5w-20?

A: Check your owners manual and use the EXACT weight oil that it says (i.e 10w 30) because kias crankshafts will actually destroy themselves if you use to heavier oil (I used to be a auto mechanic and trust me it happens) as far as what type of oil I would stay clear of Coastal brand since they use recycled oil. Go with a synthetic blend or full synthetic

Q: 2004 Kia Optima???? Longevity???
What is the longevity of this vehicle? It has 56,000 miles.. Is it worth looking at buying???

A: Are you kidding? ROFL! It's a Kia!

Q: Why does the air conditioner in my car smells musty?
When I turn on my air conditioner in my car it smells musty. Its a 2004 Kia Optima. I didn't have this problem last year. I also see that its leaks water from the front. When should I worry? what can I do to clean it?

A: One thing is the humidity in the air. Rural or farmland is notorious for this problem as well as coastal towns. If you take it to the car dealer they might offer a cleaning for the evaporator. Some other suggestions can be found here: http://www.inct.net/~autotips/musty.htm I hope you can get it fixed up!

Q: Is a 30,000 check up really necessary or will I be ok getting my transmision and oil changed?
I'm 10,000 away from my 60.000 mile check up and I'm wondering what they do at a 30000 mile check up if it is necessary? I drive a 2004 Kia Optima

A: If your front brake pads have never been replaced, they probably are close to being worn out now. If you wear them down too far, you'll ruin your brake rotors and it will cost you a lot more for the brake job. You should also check when you need to change your timing belt. Depending on your car make year model, it will have to be changed sometime between 60,000 and 100,000 miles or serious engine damage can occur when the belt breaks. You should have had a new air filter installed every 30,000 miles. Your also due for a transmission fluid flush. Your engine coolant must be changed at least every 3 years. If some of these things aren't done, your risking keeping your 10 year 100,000 mile powertrain warranty in effect.

Q: Honda or Kia Race?
Who will win? 2001 honda accord ex v6 4door or 2004 Kia Optima v6 4door?

A: Kia would break down within a foot of the starting line!

Q: Gas saving question? What few products can i add to my car to save gas?
i have no clue about cars, but was thinking my 2004 kia optima could use a turbo. Does that come with headers or no? What can someone estimate the cost for a turbo kit? What else can i get my car to boost mpg? 2.2 (4 cylindar) Adding a water kit may help as well?

A: When the light turns green, you don't have to take off as quickly as possible. That pedal under your right foot is called the "gas pedal" for a good reason. The more you press down on it, the more gas you're pumping into the engine. When you're driving down the street, and you see a light red light or stop sign up ahead, you should lay off the gas sooner rather than later. There's no point in keeping your foot on the gas until just before you reach the intersection. Let off the pedal sooner and give your engine a rest as you coast to the stop while braking gently. As an added benefit, your brake pads will last longer, These first two tips can improve your fuel economy around town by as much as 35 percent, according to tests conducted by automotive information Web site Edmunds.com.

Q: How to make my Car Faster?
I have a 2004 Kia Optima,The base engine is a twin-cam 2.4 liter four,about 138 hp..I was racing the other day,and I was burned by a 2004 [or so] toyota corolla,who basically beat me because he had stick shift...took off the line very rapidly,as to my automatic,who did go about 125 mph down the rural road...he also had an exhaust and who knows what under the hood..My car is completely stock...anyways,I want to know what I can do to make my car faster...what sort of items should I add to make for a decent foe? my car tops out at around 135 or so,after 125 it's hard for it to pick up more speed...It also has a 2 gear manual option,which I have no idea how to use,I'd like some info on that as well...I'm not too bright when it comes to cars,so i'd love some help on what I can do to my car..should I do an engine swap? get headers? etc...I have a few thousand dollars,which i'm willing to spend on my car...any help is appreciated!!

A: IMHO investing a few thousand into a Kia Optima to make it faster is not money well spent. But it's your car and your money... If it were me, and speed were my goal, I'd start with better base material like a Mitsubishi Eclipse, Evo or Subie WRX STi, etc... For a few cheap ponies and more speed, start by opening up the intake and exhaust system. Take it to Midas and have them build a full-length 2" system for you with a single high-performance muffler post cat. Then install a K&N with a ram air duct behind the grille or under the bumper. Beyond this, (and if your serious about investing some bucks) the best way to make real power is by working on the combustion chambers. Take your head to a machine shop and have it ported, polished, the chambers cc'd, a good 3-angle valve job and possibly milled. This is where you'll see real improvements. Last, when you put the head back on, talk to a speed shop about advancing your cam timing by using a degree wheel. Common racer trick and free horsepower. When racing with an automatic, (and I'm assuming no one makes an aftermarket high-stall converter for a Kia) you can get a quicker launch by reving the motor up to about 3000 RPM's in neutral and popping it into drive. The holeshot will give you a better shot off the line. You don't want to do this a lot because eventually you'll trash your tranny. Last of all lose every bit of un-needed weight. That means spare tire, jack, rear seat, door panels, headliner, carpet, stereo, A/C, heater, etc... You have to decide what you can live with and what you can live without. Don't forget to leave the gas tank at 1/8 too. A full tank of gas is about 100+ pounds. Go get 'em tiger!

Q: Throttle Position Sensor, Where is it? Consequences of not replacing immediately?
2004 Kia Optima 4 cylinder My check engine light came on. I immediately took it in for an oil change because I was overdue. They said the sensor was the code for the light. My car is not dying though. It is accelerating and decelerating on its own. The rpms are running high while I'm driving. This started when I had all the belts changed and the crank sensor replaced.

A: They are usually on the throttle or near the gas paddle. Depending on why you to replace it, you can have bad gas mileage to lack of power. You need to tell us more. Good Luck