I am currently having the same problem with my 2006 Sedona. Only has 3000 miles on it. Same symptoms. The dealer has replaced the Starter....no help. Now they are replacing the relay and fuse/relay box. I have found a consistent behavior with mine. If if fails to start, I can turn the key to the start position and leave it there for 10 to 15 seconds and it will start. Almost like the current heats up the contacts enough to trigger the relay after a few seconds. I hope that the relay is the problem. I'll post again after this trip to the shop.

 

I would check all the ground wires specially the negative teminal on batery to make sure its tight and clean.

 

I would check all the ground wires specially the negative teminal on batery to make sure its tight and clean.

I double checked all the grounds and they were already pretty clean (no rust or corrosion). Cleaned them anyways just in case.

Any other possible cause?

 

i would check the starter solenoid, It is possibale its cracked and maybe to much heat is getting into it. Sounds like a problem i had with one of my cars. and i found out it had a little crack in it, I would only have the problems if i drove a very long time or when it was hot out. when it was cool or cold it would be fine all winter to summer hit again.

 

This happened to my 1999 Sephia. Exactly with the starting symptom you mentioned. It happened over many months, until i developed a fear of not being able to start it at all, somewhere far away. Tick, tick , tick, but no crank. Tried many times, if lucky, it will start in right away.

Now Everything is fine, the engine will start within 0.5 second from ignition key turn as it normally do. Now i fit a remote start system to this nice Kia. Work everytime. This problem happened to me about 2 yrs ago.

The problem was the wire from the ignition key to the starter. You will need to replace that wire, it is probably leaking or shorting somewhere. I spent money for new relay etc but still the same problem. Change this wire, never happen again until today. Cheap solution. The problem was diagnosed by our local AAM (AAA in USA) during outstation when my car failed to start 2 yrs ago.

Try it out.

 

I have the same problem. I'll try what Carnivore has stated.

 

Update...may be fixed

We got our Sedona back from dealer yesterday. They replaced the Starter two weeks ago but didn't fix the problem. This time they replaced the starter relay and the box that houses all the under hood relays and fuses. We'll see if this does the trick before we try replacing any wiring. I am almost to the point of investigating my rights under the lemon law.

 

No Joy

Well the relay and relay/fuse box replacement didn't fix the problem. They are now investigating grounding issues. Everything has now been replaced except the wiring harness. I think I have received enough enjoyment from the Kia Service Department here. Time to deal with Corporate folks.

 

I would check all the ground wires specially the negative teminal on batery to make sure its tight and clean.

I belive I said check ALL the grounds also....