2004 Kia Optima keeps going dead

Asked by Lisa Aug 24, 2017 at 03:47 PM about the 2004 Kia Optima LX

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I'm borrowing a 2004 Kia Optima. Last week it
cranked up fine. I drove about 4 miles stopped got
of the car for less than 5 minutes. Upon return,
turned the key, and nothing. After getting a jump I
stopped at Advance Auto and was advised the
battery was only functioning at 46%. After
researching the battery I found it was still under
warranty. After having to keep my ground with the
sales clerk he replaced the battery with a new
Advance 124F Gold. Today I went to.pick up a
client and had to attempt to turn over the engine 4
times before it started. Because he lives 25 miles
(one way) deep in the country I opted nit to take
him out in fear of getting stranded. I'm not sure if
these issues might relate to the "starter" or the
"alternator" and would certainly appreciate your
advice.
Lady Who Knows Her Way Around Under the Hood

3 Answers

22,660

If this happened with a new battery then I would suspect the alternator. Lots of test that can be made on both battery, alternator and wiring. YouTube...chrisfix has a good video you need to watch. He covers all of this.

I had this exact same issue and it was caused by the crankshaft sensor would not start until it cooled down for a short time. I would crank it over and over and nothing till it cooled then it would start up again sometimes needing jumped i replaced the sensor and works fine. Warning though the first time i bought a cheap autozone sensor and it reoccured twice so i bought a slightly better sensor at advanced auto and its ran for 3 years now without issue. Also has the sensor checked first and autozone said it wasnt bad but it definitely was just didnt test bad unless i heated it first so it was hard to prove but they did refund me and i went to advanced and got a wells brand. Its a fairly simple change to on mine the sensor was on top in the front of the engine and its only one small bolt and a wire connector took me like ten minutes to fix. Hope this helps you solve your issue as well ive read since that its a very common issue but doesnt throw a code most of the time good luck :-)

20

could be alternator or a parasitic draw. for 100% confidence when starting disconnecting your battery terminals and the reconnecting them is a good way to make sure parasitic draw isnt the issues, after and before driving.

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