2000 Sephia headlight problem

Sephia2000 · 02-23-2010, 10:18 PM

Hi all,

My first post here and need some advice/help on a problem that started to happen recently with my 2000 Sephia.

I recently changed the spark plugs after I found out that one was loose and another one had a bent terminal.

Now the day after I changed them, I started to have problems with my headlights. They are way too dim for me to drive at night and requires me to use the high beams.

After this happened, the airbag light came on and the engine temperature went up slightly.

Before I changed the plugs, I did change the alternator last month after the old one went AWOL on me and left me stranded one night while going to work.

My car has 121,310 miles if it helps in any way. Any help is appreciated.

mattybyzf · 02-24-2010, 07:24 AM

Well, these other issues don't sound related the headlight issue. Check the grounds for the headlights for rust/corrosion/paint where they bolt to the body. Also, check the headlight connector itself. I've seen plenty where the connector melts and damages the ground terminal in the connector.

Sephia2000 · 02-27-2010, 07:49 AM

Well I took my car to the local autozone and these are the codes that were pulled from the OBDII:

PO732 (Low XMSN fluid level, improper 2nd gear ratio)
PO560
PO128 (Low coolant level...I refilled the radiator the other day)
PO1624 (Cooling fan relay failure...although my fan does still run, but too fast)

The girl at autozone told me that I may have a faulty PCM...not sure how much is involved or if I might be able to get a replacement.

I'll get the easier codes fixed, just need some pointers on the PCM and how to obtain one.

PLP · 02-27-2010, 09:56 AM

yes, it would an easy-kia service-way to simply replace ECU/PCM and anything else before trying to figure out what the cause really is.
as it was said above - check all grounds. Refer to kia tech info (link below) to localize all ground connectors.
Also, purchase a multimeter so that you can check voltage at headlights. Also, check voltage at battery terminals when engine is on (idle) and off. Could be you get to low voltage (alternator problem? engine ground problem?).

Most of the time errors as provided have to do with low voltage/ground problem than PCM itself. If it was broken - you would have more problems.