We own a 2007 KIA Sedona LX van purchased in September 2007.
As the temperature got colder outside we started plugging in the
engine block heater. This is supplied as standard equipment on most
vehicles sold in Manitiba.
On January 30th of 2008 the service engine light came on. We were
told it was because we started the vehicle with the fan on. We
never start our vehicles with the fan or the air conditioner on as
we feel this puts an unnecessary burden on the alternator. As a
result they said they had to reprogram the onboard computerto turn
off the service engine light.
We were told the same thing the following 3 visits Feb 5, Feb 12
and February 28th.
When we took it in for the same reason again on March 10th we were
advised it was because we used the block heater (it came with the
van). Apparently this creates a large gap in temperature readings
between the engine coolant temperature sensor and intake air
temperature sensor.
Excuse me. With our wind chills the temperature can drop to -40'C.
Our cars will not start unless they are plugged in.
We were also advised that parking the vehicle in a warm environment
and then driving into sub-zero temperature may also be a factor. We
park outside.
Or starting the vehicle and allowing it to idle for an extended
period of time with all heater fans on full speed may not allow the
engine to achieve operating temperature within a specified period
of time may also be a factor. We cannot afford to do this due to
gasoline prices.
December 19, 2008. The engine light came on again. The dealer told
my wife it was the same problem. They jokingly said they would turn
the light off for her. My wife told them she wanted it fixed, she
did not want to be running there every two weeks to have a light
turned off. She was told KIA was still working on it and haven't
found a solution for the problem.
December 30, 2008. The engine light came on again. We took our van
to a different dealership.
In the interim I phoned KIA Canada and talked to customer service.
I was accused of using a block heater. I explained to the woman
that the block heater came with the vehicle and if we did not use
it we would not be able to start the vehicle. I asked her why all
other brands of vehicles I am familiar with do not have this
problem. She did not have an answer to my question. No help
here.
The dealer turned the engine light off and said they would call KIA
tech services to see if there is a solution. We later received a
phone call from this dealership advising us KIa may have a
solution. We made another appointment for January 5, 2009. Wish us
luck.