2003 Kia Optima

KATTAZ0425

MEMBER
2003 KIA OPTIMA

2003 Kia Optima 6 cyl Automatic

My 03 Optima is losing power to the stereo & the clock above flickers as well as the odometer light. This only happens after the car has be running for 20 min or more & while I'm braking or the car is idling. The alternator was replaced Aug. 08, the battery in May of the same year. Where should we start to locate & correct the issue?

4 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,700 POSTS

I would start by checking for bad, corroded, or broken ground straps. This sounds like a ground problem.

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Saturday, September 5th, 2009 AT 11:46 PM

KATTAZ0425

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3 POSTS

Any idea how I can locate the grounding strap from the engine? I'm assuming it's located in the same area as the battery.

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Sunday, September 6th, 2009 AT 1:08 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,700 POSTS

They can be near the battery, from the engine to the body, trans.

I was thinking about this after my respose. When you say the clock and radio act up, do you mean the lights only? Also, the same with the dash lights? If all the lights do this, something tells me it may be the switch and not a ground. The switch determines when the lights (all lights) work.

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Sunday, September 6th, 2009 AT 1:45 PM

KATTAZ0425

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3 POSTS

The odometer & clock flicker, but the stereo will go on & off. However if I am pressing the accelerator, the stereo will power up again. Not sure if that makes any sense.

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Sunday, September 6th, 2009 AT 2:18 PM