1999 Kia Sportage Attempted Hotwire

THE-DUDE81

MEMBER
1999 KIA SPORTAGE

Electrical problem
1999 Kia Sportage 4 cyl Four Wheel Drive Automatic

I have a Kia Sportage with a dead battery. Before I got to it with a battery charger somebody broke into the thing and attempted to hotwire it. They've broken off the steering column and cute all the wires inside, there are some other broken parts that I don't recognize. Can this be fixed and if so what do I need to do it, I desperately want to get this car running well enough to get rid of it, please help.

1 Reply

DAVE H

MECHANIC
13,384 POSTS

Hello .. thanks for the doantion ... much appreciated

Looks like you may get away with replacing the steering column and rewiring ... hope this helps .. let me know if you need any more information !

STEERING COLUMN
Removal & Installation
Position front wheels straight ahead. Disconnect negative battery cable. Remove steering wheel and combination switch. See STEERING WHEEL and COMBINATION SWITCH . Remove steering lock assembly. See STEERING LOCK ASSEMBLY .
On Sephia models, remove lower panel. Mark steering shaft assembly to intermediate shaft "U" joint for installation reference. Remove steering shaft assembly to intermediate shaft "U" joint bolt. Separate steering "U" joint from intermediate shaft. See Fig. 2 . Remove steering column upper bracket bolts. Remove steering column.
On Sportage models, remove OBD-II Data Link Connector screws attaching it to mounting bracket. Remove 2 upper plastic mounting trim covers by prying from side of covers until they are released from knee bolster panel. Remove 4 middle and lower plastic mounting trim covers by prying from bottom until they are released from knee bolster panel. Remove 4 knee air bag module mounting nuts. Remove 2 upper and lower plastic mounting screws.
Position knee air bag module away from instrument panel. Reach around to rear of module, and disconnect knee air bag module connector. Remove knee air bag. See Fig. 3 . Remove 4 lower column bracket fasteners. Remove upper intermediate shaft set bolt. Remove steering column from vehicle.
On all models, to install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten bolts and nuts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
Fig. 2: Exploded View Of Steering Column (Sephia Is Shown; Sportage Is Similar)
Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
Fig. 3: Removing Knee Air Bag Module (Sportage)
Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.

WARNING:Deactivate air bag system before performing any service operation. See AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS article. DO NOT apply electrical power to any component on steering column without first deactivating air bag system. Air bag may deploy.

If an attempt is made to start vehicle without use of an ignition key, horn will sound and emergency lights will flash for about 3 minutes. Theft deterrent system will also be activated if audio system is disconnected from its electrical source. Anytime battery cables are disconnected from battery and then reconnected, theft deterrent system will also be activated.