We have a 4 year old Kia Rio.
We are continually loosing the internal lights, dash boards lights, air bags and once we lost the rear headlamps (if that is the right term!)
More recently the electric locking mechanism has gone mad and keeps trying to lock itself when you are trying to unlock.
Other than throwing the car away, or stocking up on fuses (which seems to fix it for a few weeks!) has anyone got any ideas on how we can fix this?!
Thanks,
Kate
2007-04-29 22:33:35 · 4 answers · asked by swinkate 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Was this car in a flood at all? It would sound to me like there is a short in the harness somewhere or a crossed hot in the fuse box. You would have to start chasing wires and see if everything has a proper ground and that there is no corrosion on any of the connections. you may also have a bad relay that is causing problems in the system or you have a Reversed ground somewhere in the car. If you do not know how to trouble shoot electircal problems it's time to take it to a shop and have them look in to the issue. You may even want to take it to the dealer and see if there is a technical service bullitine on this issue. Often times the dealer has bullitins that address issues like this and it's a quick fix for them. I would call them and see if they have any bullitins about electirc issues on that Year and model.
2007-04-29 22:49:40 · answer #1 · answered by gearnofear 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The problem with some old Korean made cars (2001 and below) is that there were a few batches that were fitted with defective Alternators. The voltage regulators on these alternators start to fail just after a few thousand miles. When you drive at speeds above 65mph the voltage exceeds 16volts and they start to wreak havoc on all the electricals.
The voltage regulator circuits are built into the alternator so permanent fix is to have the alternator changed. Try finding a Kia Rio in the salvage yard which is model 2003 and above and cannibalize its alternator.
2007-04-30 03:11:53 · answer #2 · answered by Tom C 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is a problem with the wiring, big surprise huh? Anyway, you need to take the car in to an auto electric place and let them troubleshoot the problem and correct it. With the fuses blowing, the car is unsafe. good luck
2007-04-29 22:58:40 · answer #3 · answered by Fordman 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Kate, electrical faults can be expensive. Sell the car at auction and never buy a Kia. xXx
2007-04-30 00:08:23 · answer #4 · answered by Andrew James B 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋