2000 Sportage Overheating!!! Tried everything!!

kiaStinks · 09-13-2008, 11:32 PM

My kia sportage has been overheating since forever, but I managed to keep it going by continually putting water in it and driving without the air conditioning. Then it finally died out on me and I had to take it to the mechanic. Here's whats been wrong with it...

* Needle goes up after driving for 15 or more minutes...heats up faster depending on the weather outside (weird I know) and the longer I drive.

*Water must be put in it constantly because it gets so hot that it evaporates out...car gurgles, spews etc.

*Air conditioning is absolutely not an option. Heats up instantly with the ac on!

I took it to a mechanic that I absolutely trust and he changed both fans and checked the radiator but nothing has helped. At this point he is in the process of changing the water hose.

Does anyone have any other idea of what it might be? My mechanic says he's never seen anything like this before, and other mechanics agree. Please help! I'm desperate.

Thanks,

p.s. KIA SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

jcwit · 09-14-2008, 12:24 AM

Stuck thermostate?

jcwit · 09-14-2008, 12:26 AM

Bad sensor or relay to turn on the fans? How about the water pump? Clooged radiator? Clogged passages in the block? Thats about it. The cooling system is pretty simple. BTW Your KIA sucks not all.

ron1004 · 09-14-2008, 02:53 AM

Firstly I'd recommend using a more competent mechanic.

Understand your dislike for KIA, but be aware that any other brand out there could also look bad if incompetent mechanics are let loose on it.

A little more detail on the problem would help - is it ok when at cruising speed? - if so, then it could be the common problem of the main fan viscous clutch.
It could also be a thermostat stuck closed, or a bad head gasket.

kiaracer · 09-14-2008, 03:15 AM

yeah don't let gomer pile under the hood. any mechanic that can't figure out something as simple as a problem with the cooling system shouldn't be allowed under the hood or even near the keys of a car. i had a sportage come in yesterday and the mechanics that "fixed" a stuck thermostat didn't even know how to reset the ecu.

bubbashrimp · 09-14-2008, 09:42 AM

First thing I thought of was blown head gasket. That was because I figured that you have already eliminated all the easy fixes like thermostat stuck shut. I have also seen a colapsed radiator hose that will cause over heating. Best of luck in getting this fixed and then you can change your name to HappyKia. Please keep us up to date.