MASTER CYLINDER DIAGNOSIS

Easy Fixes For Elusive Intermittent Problems

While Kia offers a 100,000-mile powertrain warranty, well-documented maintenance is an important part of keeping that warranty valid. With regular maintenance required at 30,000 miles and timing belts at 60,000 miles, owners will be looking for quality service. Rather than delve into the service nuts and bolts in this article, we'll focus on a few areas that have a history of problems.

Let's start with the popular Sportage SUV. One of the most common and frustrating problems you will run into is an intermittent no-start. Even when presented as a no-start condition, it can still be a challenge. But like most of these problems, it's a simple fix with good clues if you know what to look for. I'm always reminding my techs to check the operation of the warning lamps when starting any car. Be sure they light with the key on, engine off and be sure they go off when the engine starts. A check engine lamp that doesn't light is what would put you on the right path in the case of the Sportage.

If the check engine lamp doesn't light with KOEO, hook up your scanner to check for communication. If you have none, it's a safe bet that the computer is not getting powered up. Kia uses a main relay that's conveniently located in the underhood fuse and relay box. You'll notice an identical relay next to it used for fuel pump control. If you're faced with a no fuel p...