2002 Kia Sportage killed during use and will not restart

95 Silverado · 07-09-2007, 05:19 PM

Hi. My girlfriend's 2002 Sportage killed last night while she was driving it. We've tried starting it numerous times, but it won't. It seems to turn over faster than usual which leads me to believe that the timing belt has broken, especially since the vehicle now has 96K miles. However, before settling on this diagnosis, I want to be able to rule out the possibility that the fuel pump is broken / malfunctioning. Today, I disconnected the fuel tank line from the fuel filter and tried turning over the engine for a few seconds. When I did, no fuel shot from the line. Should I expect fuel to come through that line when trying to start the vehicle like this or is there some failsafe or something like that? Do you think it's the fuel pump?

LArry_Levesque · 09-10-2007, 09:39 AM

Have you checked the fuel kill switch? I believe all newer cars have them usually in the trunk area. It shuts off the fuel if the vehicle gets into an accident/hits something.

ron1004 · 09-10-2007, 09:57 AM

The fuel should pump from the fuel filter while cranking the engine.
Take a look at this site and look for more info.Global Service Way

The fuel pump relay needs ignition pulses to keep the pump running, but if the belt is broken then the camshafts wont be turning and no ignition pulses.

Pull the spark plugs and see if there's any sign of compression when cranking.
It does sound like the belt has gone.
Others here could confirm if your engine is an interference type or not, because if not it will just mean a new belt and you're good to go.

BTW. Is yours the 2.0L ?
If so it looks like you're in luck.
http://www.kia-forums.com/kia-sporta...ge-timing.html