Car problem question

**Crass3000** · 04-17-2008, 10:27 AM

I have a 2005 Kia Optima with about 80k miles on it. The car runs great other than this specific problem.

When I go to the gas station and fill the tank the car is a pain to start. The car starts fine when started prior to the trip to the gas station. After fueling the engine cranks fine (battery and starter are not an issue) but just doesn't seem to want to pop over. After 15 or so seconds of cranking the starter the car starts but sounds sickly. If I give it alot of gas after it starts it keeps running fine but if I take my foot off the gas the car dies. In order to get the car going I have to put one foot on the brake and keep the other on the throttle to keep it going when I put the car in drive.

Once the car is moving the problem goes away. After I have driven a hundred feet or so I can shut the car off and restart the car without an issue. Any idea what the problem might be? Fuel pressure or some other fuel issue? Condensation in the tank? I assume the spark is fine since I only have the problem after fueling up and only in this very specific instance.

**AsheanMT** · 04-17-2008, 10:36 AM

Originally Posted by Crass3000

I have a 2005 Kia Optima .

^^ Thats most likely your problem.

My guess is the fuel pump.

**Gerome** · 04-17-2008, 10:43 AM

Originally Posted by AsheanMT

^^ Thats most likely your problem.

Seconded.

My guess is the fuel pump.

But the fuel pump should have to work less when the gas tank is full as there's more fluid pressure. My guess is the fuel filter is clogged. And it's cheaper to replace that first too.

**Ted Striker** · 04-17-2008, 10:47 AM

If it ONLY happens after fueling, then you're probably right that it's a fuel issue. Take a look at the fuel filter - any water in it?

Do you have an OBDII scan tool? If not, some auto parts stores will do a free code pull for you.

Edit ^^^^^ beat me to the punch!

**Crass3000** · 04-18-2008, 10:12 AM

Thanks guys I'll have to look at the fuel filter/pump.

**SpinalTap** · 04-18-2008, 11:21 AM

Isn't that thing still under warranty?

**LivinCO** · 04-18-2008, 12:01 PM

Originally Posted by Crass3000

Once the car is moving the problem goes away. After I have driven a hundred feet or so I can shut the car off and restart the car without an issue. Any idea what the problem might be? Fuel pressure or some other fuel issue? Condensation in the tank? I assume the spark is fine since I only have the problem after fueling up and only in this very specific instance.

In addition to the fuel filter then fuel pump, you should also check the idle, sounds like it might be too low. Might not hurt to clean the injectors as well.

**awake1563** · 04-18-2008, 12:02 PM

I'd start with the fuel filter too, unless it's a 90 dollar item like it is for my car... Does the SES (Service) Light come on when this happens? most modern fuel systems have some sort of pressurization/vacuum system in the fuel tank, which is why the gas cap is so important. Sounds to me like this could be part of your problem. When you're at helf tank, or 3/4 tank or so, try removing the gas cap, replacing it, then starting your car to see if it replicates the problem... if it does, try a new gas cap. If it doesn't, I don't know too much about kia's engine management electronics, but I would then check your fuel pressure regulator, check your fuel pressure (know anyone with a guage? it's usually super easy), and also when you turn your ignition to "on" but don't crank it, listen for that nice light whirring sound of the fuel pump pre-pressurizing the system, you might need to be on the ground near your fuel tank to hear it.

**johnDUB** · 04-18-2008, 01:49 PM

i'd look at the temp sensor for the ecu which sets idle mixture. had a vw passat which would be a pain at cold start. someone mentioned condensation, yeah thats a poss, but if you say the car runs rough once you start it, it could be that the mixture is too strong so your running too rich which would indicate the sensor. all injection engines have them. other option is clogged air filter or a simple service changing the filter and plugs etc...

Those are the things i'd go for regardless of make and model, or get it on diagnostics. I run a diesel V6TDI passat variant and a big ole shopping beater volvo 960 petrol.

outta interest, if your ok mechanically, when you've had a run, got upto operating temp, let the car cool down and remove a plug. anyone.. the colour at the bottom should be light brown/grey biscuit colour. if it's black and sooty, mixture too rich, try first with a new air filter. still no go, then get on diagnostics.

**Steve Lavigne** · 04-18-2008, 04:46 PM

Sounds like a clogged charcoal cannister is creating a fuel vacuum. Try not filling it completely next time and see if it happens again.

Removing the fuel cap, as suggested above will probably also solve the problem, but will also cause a check engine light.

**jon turner** · 04-18-2008, 05:12 PM

Originally Posted by johnDUB

I run a diesel V6TDI passat variant

Did you mention this just to rub it in that we can't get that engine over here? Wish I could get the V6TDI.

**johnDUB** · 04-19-2008, 05:03 AM

V6TDI + salt.. massage anyone?? LOL

Seriously.. it drinks diesel.
But, mated to the tiptronic box.. it's as smooth as the prom queens thighs (ptex lies and duct tape?) Good motorway cruiser but 22>26 short distance is on par with the volvo. it's on it's 2nd turbo, done 26k miles and that's got sticking vanes now like the original, but I use an additive in the diesel and it's slowly curing.

http://section8vwclub.freeforums.org...v6tdi-t23.html

Have a look.

**Obstruction** · 04-19-2008, 09:00 AM

Originally Posted by awake1563

I'd start with the fuel filter too, unless it's a 90 dollar item like it is for my car... Does the SES (Service) Light come on when this happens? most modern fuel systems have some sort of pressurization/vacuum system in the fuel tank, which is why the gas cap is so important. Sounds to me like this could be part of your problem. When you're at helf tank, or 3/4 tank or so, try removing the gas cap, replacing it, then starting your car to see if it replicates the problem... if it does, try a new gas cap. If it doesn't, I don't know too much about kia's engine management electronics, but I would then check your fuel pressure regulator, check your fuel pressure (know anyone with a guage? it's usually super easy), and also when you turn your ignition to "on" but don't crank it, listen for that nice light whirring sound of the fuel pump pre-pressurizing the system, you might need to be on the ground near your fuel tank to hear it.

This is where I would start. Popping the gas cap on and off without fueling is a great idea for ruling out this possibility.

**aim1photo** · 04-19-2008, 08:08 PM

does it happen to have a carb or is it fi?

**awake1563** · 04-19-2008, 08:15 PM

Originally Posted by aim1photo

does it happen to have a carb or is it fi?

I may be jamming my foot down my throat here, but ITS A 2005 MODEL!!!!

I'm betting not only is it FI, but probably sequential multipoint FI...

**awake1563** · 04-19-2008, 08:24 PM

Originally Posted by Steve Lavigne

Sounds like a clogged charcoal cannister is creating a fuel vacuum. Try not filling it completely next time and see if it happens again.

Removing the fuel cap, as suggested above will probably also solve the problem, but will also cause a check engine light.

I think I'm going to go with steve here, sounds like something in your Evaporative Emissions Control stuff. Johndub's mention of the coolant temp sensor is a good idea, but would be more accurate if the problem was more directly associated with warm/cold starts, sounds like it's just at the gas station... although a good ole tune-up like he was saying never hurts, it should definitely get one at 100k. Did you try the gas cap yet?

And just because... GET A SATURN!!! (just make sure you check your oil)

**aim1photo** · 04-24-2008, 10:26 AM

Hey , it is a friggin Kia . If it does have a carb it would sound like a float bowl issue .

Originally Posted by awake1563

I may be jamming my foot down my throat here, but ITS A 2005 MODEL!!!!

I'm betting not only is it FI, but probably sequential multipoint FI...

**bio-smear** · 04-24-2008, 10:31 AM

I'd say there's shit residing at the bottom of your tank, like water or sediment or something non-fuel that's being agitated during the fueling process.

**183GotamasA/T** · 08-15-2008, 10:47 PM

Holy Crass 3000

You are a douchebag!

Twisted knee, shitty car, ugly wife and kid, you must really hate me for being me.
I've got it good! Real good!
Enjoy your shitty life and quit jerking mine around.

**XtrPickels** · 08-15-2008, 11:01 PM

wtf

2345

**snowful** · 08-16-2008, 01:35 AM

Originally Posted by XtrPickels

wtf

2345

Seconded.

**El Chupacabra** · 08-16-2008, 09:54 AM

If it's emissions-control-related, the warranty on repairing those parts is long -- ~ 7 years? Some federal regulation on this... Check your owner's manual.

**Jim J** · 08-18-2008, 08:01 AM

Don't all kia's come with a 100,000 mile waranty? Why not take it in?

**thommy21** · 08-18-2008, 09:10 AM

This Simpsons quote came to mind. Not that it's the cause of your problem since you've got FI.

"there's nothing funny about ... vapor lock. It's the third most common cause of stalling. So please, take care of your car and get it checked. I'm Joe Namath. Good night!"

**Crass3000** · 08-19-2008, 09:54 AM

Originally Posted by 183GotamasA/T

Holy Crass 3000

You are a douchebag!

Twisted knee, shitty car, ugly wife and kid, you must really hate me for being me.
I've got it good! Real good!
Enjoy your shitty life and quit jerking mine around.

See his add in Hook up trying to find a place for explanation. He talks alot but he's local and doesn't have the balls for a proper meeting.

Originally Posted by Jim J

Don't all kia's come with a 100,000 mile waranty? Why not take it in?

Yah I actually did end up taking it in. I don't recall off-hand what they replaced. They replaced three or four things after two trips in but they got it fixed. It wasn't the fuel pump or anything obvious. Fuel was getting into a vaccuum line -- at least that was one of the problems. Thanks for all the suggestions.