My 2005 Kia Sorento cranks but won’t start. We’ve replaced the cam sensor and another sensor in the timing belt assembly. The timing is accurate, and the alternator and starter are fine. The catalytic converter was also replaced, but there were no error codes pointing to it being the issue. The fuel pump is working, and there’s fuel, but the engine still won’t start. It has spark intermittently, and it’s been a month since it ran consistently. Any ideas?
If it cranks but doesn’t start, I’d start by confirming if there’s consistent spark and fuel delivery. Have you checked the fuel pressure?
Gordon said:
If it cranks but doesn’t start, I’d start by confirming if there’s consistent spark and fuel delivery. Have you checked the fuel pressure?
We tested with starting fluid, and it didn’t help. So, it seems to be a spark issue. We haven’t tested fuel pressure specifically.
You mentioned spark is intermittent. Have you checked the ignition failure sensor? It’s a common problem with these vehicles.
EvansBrown said:
You mentioned spark is intermittent. Have you checked the ignition failure sensor? It’s a common problem with these vehicles.
Yes, we replaced the ignition failure sensor, but it was a used part from a junkyard. It didn’t fix the issue.
EvansBrown said:
You mentioned spark is intermittent. Have you checked the ignition failure sensor? It’s a common problem with these vehicles.
I’d double-check that sensor, even if it’s new to you. Sometimes used sensors from junkyards can also be faulty.
Did you inspect the wiring to the ignition failure sensor? A loose connection could cause intermittent spark issues.
rsquarles said:
Did you inspect the wiring to the ignition failure sensor? A loose connection could cause intermittent spark issues.
Good point! We’ll check the wires and connections next. Thanks for the suggestion.
If it started after removing the old catalytic converter, did you ensure the exhaust system isn’t clogged? Sometimes debris can block airflow after a converter replacement.
robertkennedy said:
If it started after removing the old catalytic converter, did you ensure the exhaust system isn’t clogged? Sometimes debris can block airflow after a converter replacement.
Yes, we confirmed the exhaust isn’t clogged. The issue seems to be electrical now.
When you checked the fuses, did you also confirm power at the fuse and the ignition failure sensor? That might narrow down the issue.
petrabrinkman said:
When you checked the fuses, did you also confirm power at the fuse and the ignition failure sensor? That might narrow down the issue.
We found that the blue wire to the ignition failure sensor was loose. Fixing that resolved the issue, and now the car is running smoothly!
petrabrinkman said:
When you checked the fuses, did you also confirm power at the fuse and the ignition failure sensor? That might narrow down the issue.
Glad to hear you found the issue! Loose wires can be a sneaky problem.