misfire where to start? - ignition coil

cdreece · 02-15-2008, 10:06 AM

I have a 2000 Sportage EX auto 4x4. Missing very badly don't know where to start to fix it. Looked the codes up on the Kia Global site but its all greek to me.My codes are as follows 343,300,301,302,303. Replaced the camposition sensor didnt help Unbolted the cat from the pre cat and it seemed to get a little better replaced the plugs all looked good dont know where else to check? Timing belt was dead on. Anybody got any suggestions?

Harry Morgan · 02-16-2008, 06:19 PM

I've delt with several of these. The odds are that it is some kind of vacuum leak -- in a general sense (i.e., not Kia-specific) especially vulnerable are rubber elbows that connect ridged plastic connectors to ridged tubing... as they absorb a lot of vibration over time and tend to fail on the underside of the point of maximum bend.

Harry

Mike70 · 02-17-2008, 12:28 PM

I also have an AutoTap. Can you tell me how to have it monitor misfires in realtime? I have needed this but haven't found out how to do it.

Thanks, Mike

Harry Morgan · 02-17-2008, 03:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike70

I also have an AutoTap. Can you tell me how to have it monitor misfires in realtime? I have needed this but haven't found out how to do it.

Thanks, Mike

I know the feeling -- AutoTap comes with as close to "zip" for instructions as I've ever experienced in a commercial product... they do have a 20-paged (very) general manual available on their website. They also have several videos sprinkled around their site that are very informative.

One thing you should ALWAYS do is when you connect AT to a specific vehicle for the very frist time -- make sure you SAVE the configuration file (e.g., "96 Tahoe") right after it gathers all of the available parms from the PCM... else you're going to have to endure that several minute process everytime you connect AT to that vehicle.

---------------------------------

I'm trying to "sweep up after myself" here -- I have subsequently learned that AutoTap does not work well at all with ISO vehicles (i.e., those other than Ford & GM products)... you can grab existing and "pending" DTC's and clear them on "ISO" vehicles, but that's about it. There are only about a dozen monitorable parms available (compared to hundreds for Ford and somewhat fewer for Chevy/GM). Lastly, in order to get AT to even connect to my 02 Kia, I had to download an older version of the software (v2.5)... fyi: AT functions via a laptop PC.

Harry

Mike70 · 02-18-2008, 09:49 PM

Harry, Thanks. I'll give that a try.

My apologies to cdreese - I did not mean to hijack.

Sorry, Mike

Mike70 · 02-19-2008, 08:29 AM

After you check for vacuum leaks, check the plug wires (mine were bad), coils, and fuel filter.

gail · 02-21-2008, 09:21 PM

HELLO
THE PLUGS, spark plug wires, or COIL packs could be bad..mine had a CODE 303..that is a MISFIRE on CYLINDER #3. Turned out to be a BAD spark plug WIRE..ONLY get KIA WIRES at the Dealer..the spark plug wires are about $14 a piece there..but you will have problems w/ other brand spark plug wires. MANY Kia Sportage VALVE covers leak and under the valve cover (center) are hidden coil packs and plugs..when the valve cover GASKET leaks, the oil falls down onto your plugs, wires, and coil packs..on my 98, they r a bear to reach, and everything on top of valve cover has to be removed..ALSO. NEVER change plugs on hot engine..wait overnite or you'll STRIp the aluminum heads where plug goes in. GOOD LUCK..the wires aren't bad to change..the plugs..well; forget it..I cannot even get mine out!

Harry Morgan · 02-22-2008, 08:52 PM

Gail

You might try diconnecting the sparkplug wire, then squirt some WD-40 near the threads and try tapping the socket wrench with a rubber mallet -- doing this gently but repeatedly should allow you to unscrew the sparkplug from a cold engine. Getting the new plugs back in can be tricky -- I always keep an old traditional sparkplug wire handy for re-installing sparkplugs... just connect it to the new plug and drop it down into the hole and start turning it with just the old sparkplug wire until the thread catches.

Overall, I think I see more benefits to the way Kia positioned the location of the plugs compared to conventional V6 and V8 engines. Sure they're "hidden", but that does help protect them from the elements. I also have a 2001 Ford Explorer that will "never" have its #3 plug replaced... I think you'd just about have to yank the engine out to do it.

Harry

gail · 02-22-2008, 10:38 PM

THANKS for your info, HARRY..much appreciated!
Gail

Harry Morgan · 02-24-2008, 11:27 AM

Gail

One more thing -- if you don't happen to have an old traditional sparkplug wire hanging around, then for a dollar or so you can buy two feet of vacuum/fuel hose (maybe 5/8ths inch outside diameter) that fits tightly around the top of the sparkplug... this actually works better than the old sparkplug wire on traditional v6 and v8 engines because it is ridged and slightly curved, such that you have much more positive control over locating the hole and adjusting for the correct angle, etc. None of this matters with the Kia, since the plugs are vertical and exposed as opposed to the the typical v6/v8 plugs being offset about 90 degrees from vertical and slightly offset horizontally and often times hidden.

Harry