2002 Kia MAF or IAC or ? problem

[pkbrown]

I have a 2002 Kia Sportage and after the check light went on, the code read MAF (mass air flow) 101. After seeing the reading of 213 I replaced the MAF. The car would idle higher while I had this problem, but seemed to run ok.

After replacement of the MAF. About 4 days later and the car idling higher then normal, I checked the Idle Air Control and clean it out the best I could. The car worked well for a couple of days then the check engine light went back on. I cleaned the IAC (Idle air control) more thoroughly and again all was fine for a few days. I ran a computer scan and all was good (no codes).

Now, sometimes the engine will work perfect and then for no apparent reason, the idle will climb up to approx. 2050 rpm (while in park) for a few minutes then drop down to approx. 750rpm and everything in-between.

I guessing the IAC is bad, but was told the MAF that was replaced could be defective (it has a reading of apprx 91) and was told by someone else the Computer is bad.

Any suggestions about this problem, of do I need to go to the dealer. Thank you for any info.

[JTROCKS1]

Check all connections to IAC, MAF and TPS. They need to have good contact and are prone to dirt and corrosion. Also check your grounds. (battery tray to battery, Battery tray to frame) There is also a ground to the ECU and TCU under the carpet in the passenger floor area under the dash. I had a similar problem to you and it turned out to be a bad ground. It sounds like your problem is more electrical to me. I would check those first before throwing any more parts at it.

[kiaracer]

the wiring harness for the maf is supposed to be a recall if i remember correctly. have the dealer check the recalls to confirm this.

[pkbrown]

Although I may be speaking too soon, after posting my questions here and reading many other post, my 02 Kia is running better then ever. This is what I did:

1. Replaced the MAF as the reading was too low.
2. Replaced the IAC as the old one had bad readings.
3. Cleaned all the connections to the MAF, IAC and TPS with cleaner.
4. Cleaned all the connections and retightened all the ground wires around the battery.
5. Took off the passenger kick panel, un-bolted the computer ground wires cleaned and scraped all the connectors and bolting points, then re-installed the grounds tightly.

I want to thank everyone who has posted information about what goes wrong with our Kia's, it has helped me greatly.

[bubbashrimp]

I am also having a simular problem. I replaced the MAF and it didn't help. Then the guy at Autozone said the contacts on the connector needed to be pinched together. He did that and it ran much better for a few days, but now it is doing the high idle and no power when it first starts. I'll try tightening all the connections and see if that helps.

PS. I know what the IAC is and I cleaned it, but what is the IRC?

[pkbrown]

I stand corrected. it's the IAC not IRC.

I do have my fingers crossed that my problems are fixed. It' seems like everyone who has the idle problem and fixes it, the fix only last for a few days. Mine's been fixed for almost a week and I've driven the Kia about 400 miles during that time.

[bubbashrimp]

Thanks for clearing up the IRC question. LOL. I thought there was yet another part I was going to have to deal with.

400 miles without an idle problem. Sounds like a record to me. I know that has to feel good. Hope it runs for 40,000 more miles.

Have you hugged your Kia today?