Constantly dies.

[justinlogue]

Not new to forums but new to here. Need help. I have a 5/2003 Kia Rio Cinco wagon with the 1.6 motor. The car has been sitting since 2009 because the timing belt broke destroying the motor by the original owner. I bought the car as junk and have rebuilt the whole motor. It runs perfectly except for that every 10 to 30 seconds it just dies as if someone turned the key off. I have checked for any obstructions in fuel,air, exhaust etc... I have checked all fuses wiring ect... and can't figure it out. If you keep your hand on the key and crank it as soon as it dies, it will fire right back up with less than one revolution of the motor. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[justinlogue]

Bump...TTT

[fevrej]

Where are you located (fill in your profile information)?

Do you have a starter inhibitor? Sounds like what I read it would do if the inhibitor was acting up since it doesn't always sense the key is there and thus shuts the vehicle down. Any dash lights come on around the time it shuts off? Did you check if it sets any check engine codes with a scanner?

[justinlogue]

Not sure if it has a Starter Inhibitor but if it did, wouldn't it keep it from starting at all?

No dash lights flicker and checked for codes and there is none. I was doing some reading and I am leanng towards the (CPS) camshaft position sensor. It will run long enough till it gets some heat to it(about a minute and a half) then dies. If you crank it right back up it only runs for about 6 seconds. Gonna borrow a noid light tester this evening and see what I can find out. What ya think? Thanks.

[fevrej]

If it was completely not sensing your key. But I've heard of them going bad and then causing the engine to shut down after it is started.

Could be the CPS but I wonder why it isn't throwing a code for it.

Check your starter and wiring?

[justinlogue]

Can't find any loose or pinched,frayed,etc... wires around starter, alternator etc...

[justinlogue]

Does this car have a Crankshaft position sensor to and if so where is it at? Or is it just the camshaft position sensor? Thanks.

[fevrej]

I believe it has both sensors (has codes to set for malfunction of each at least)

You can try looking on: https://www.kiatechinfo.com. Free to sign up and use, but I couldn't find the repair for either sensor.

[DavesSpectra]

Try checking the MAIN and STARTER relays... They can become intermittant on KIAs around the age of your car (2003) and can be a real problem maker with starting and running.. Rockauto is a good place to get them...Stay away from Advance and Autozone for these relays. You are mechanically minded...try opening them up and look at the contacts for pitting or oxidation. Some relays will allow you to temporarily re-install them with the cover off.. You can then see them close and see arcing "if" they are bad.
Dave

[justinlogue]

Thanks I will try that tonight. You are talking about the fuse box under the hood next to the battery right? Do you have a picture telling me which one is which? If not no problem I will google it and find one. Thanks again for everyones help, will let you know what happens.