Lemon-Aid: Used Cars and Minivans 2007-08

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.