97 Won't Start

Genelle · 03-11-2008, 12:34 AM

Hi everybody,

I'm hoping someone can help me (and my husband) I have a 1997 Kia Sportage, which I love! I've had it for about 5 years and put about 50K miles on it. Recently, I've begun to have starting problems. I get power from the battery, because my dome light and radio come on and all that, but the engine won't start. When I turn the key in the ignition there is a buzzing, my husband says it sounds like there is a mad hornet under the hood. I can't seem to find a wiring diagram and we don't really know where to begin with trying to fix the issue (atleast I don't.) My husband thinks it might be a relay, but I don't know anything about the elecrical part of the car. Also, lately, my ABS and Brake light have been coming on when I brake, but I've noticed no reduction in braking ability or distance, and once the car comes to a stop the indicator lights go out. Does this sound familiar to anyone? If you might have a clue what is up or how to fix it, please let me know.

Thanks a ton!
Genelle

Mike70 · 03-11-2008, 10:32 AM

The first thing I would do is check the condition of the battery and cables. You could get enough power from the battery to run the dome light or radio, but not enough to start the engine. The buzzing sound is the starter relay. They usually do this when there isn't enough juice from the battery to hold the relay closed and turn the starter. If the battery is over 5 years old, it may be time for a new one.

Mike

Harry Morgan · 03-11-2008, 11:53 AM

Genelle

I agree with Mike re the electrical issue.

I'll just add that the brake light coming on as you describe can likely be fixed by just adding brake fluid, however, it also usually means that you're ready for a front disc brake job... I've done four of these on my 02 Conv which now is just shy of 160k miles.

You can do the brake job for around $100 or so, however, be careful when removing and replacing the pads from the caliper as the four anti-rattle clips are easily broken or misplaced... so squirt the four locations (the anchoring ends of each pad) with a heavy dose of brake cleaner fluid before removing the old pads. Finally, pay attention to where each caliper bolt belongs, since (at least on mine) the bottom one on both sides has a 1/2" rubber "sleeve" near its end, but the top ones don't... if you switch them by accident it will likely sieze up, such that the next time you do the brake job you'll have to add in the cost of a new caliper (about $230) as the head of the bolt will just snap off when you try to remove it (been there; done that... at least I now have a full set of anti-rattle clips -- apparently the only way to get these clips is to buy a new caliper).

Harry

LDJ · 03-17-2008, 03:31 PM

Genelle,
My brake light and ABS light also come on when I am braking, then they go off once I come to a complete stop.
I am going to re-fill the brake fluid as well as get my brakes checked to see if that is the problem

I have had my 97 kia since about 2002 and put around 60k on it. I have to say it has its ups and downs. I am scared it is falling apart because I know nothing of the reliability, since my last car was a toyota and well,,, when it died it had lived a very long life!
I just replaced my cat convertor, all my belts. Let me know if what you did stops the lights from coming on.
I also have a "check engine" light that comes on, every time I take it in to check it out, there is nothing wrong, which I find odd.. and sometimes it will just go off lol.? weird.