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I have A 2001 Kia Sephia. I''ve found that it is not ...

Sent to Car Experts March 10 05:03 PM

I have A 2001 Kia Sephia. I''ve found that it is not the battery, even though it slowly drains when the car sits for two days or so. I can by-pass the problem by disconnecting the positive(red) cable after I turn the car off. I have ruled out interior lights or a bad car stereo hook up as the problem. Sometimes, if I don''t bypass the problem, it will try to start and appear to run the battery too low to start, however the lights, sterio, AC, inerior lights will all work fine like there is plenty of power in the battery. I''ve had people tell me several solutions: New battery cables, new alternator (in a KIA the voltage regulator is built into the alternator....so I''ve been told), maybe a crossed or shorted wire. I''m going nuts with this problem because "professionals" never seem to find it or care. I''m not sure why this is so hard to diagnose. Please help me. I don''t have any testers or equipment to diagnose it myself.....yet. I want to know what to tell the next "professional"

 

Optional Information:
2001 Kia Sephia

Already Tried:
Replacing many batteries, bypassing the problem by disconnecting + batt cable, and getting mad at "pros" who can't figure it out.

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status:  Closed   Value: $9
Info Request
March 10 5:10 PM (6 minutes and 52 seconds later)
         

Hi There!

Thanks for Choosing Just Answer.

There is a very simple test you can do with a 12 volt test light. Most Auto parts stores will have this for a few dollars. This is a good way to see what might be drawing your battery down. If you want to try this let me know or I can re-post your question for another expert?

Thanks.

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gmplus -- Mechanic -- 100% Positive Feedback on 874 Car Accepts
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Reply
March 10 5:12 PM (2 minutes and 22 seconds later)
         
I'm interested in diagnosing this myself. If you think redirecting me would be the best move....go for it.
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
March 10 5:19 PM (7 minutes and 5 seconds later)
         
ACCEPTEDCheck Mark

OK

Good. I have used this test on my vehicles. I had an issue once that the battery was draining in a matter of two days, I was able to trace it down to a faulty door switch. This is something you can try and may very well catch the issue.

When you get your test light, dis-connect the Negative battery cable, hook the test light up between the Battery post and Battery cable. You will see the test light "Light" up. Normally it would be very dim, this is for any memory alarms etc. If the test light is very bright you may have a large draw. You can then find your fuse's and start pulling them one at a time while watching the test light. When the light goes dim you found your circuit. May not be a bad idea to have a second person assisting you. This is definitely worth the try. Even if you can narrow it down to which circuit is causing the issue.

Thank You! Please hit ACCEPT for my efforts, Positive feedback and BONUS welcomed!!

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gmplus -- Mechanic -- 100% Positive Feedback on 874 Car Accepts
RVIA Vendor certs.
Reply
March 10 5:22 PM (3 minutes and 22 seconds later)
         
I know where the fuses are (right near my pedals), however, are there also fuses to check under the hood?
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Info Request
March 10 5:25 PM (2 minutes and 24 seconds later)
         

I do believe there is another fuse distribution panel under the hood. If you can not find it let me know.

Thanks.

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gmplus -- Mechanic -- 100% Positive Feedback on 874 Car Accepts
RVIA Vendor certs.
Reply
March 10 5:27 PM (2 minutes and 7 seconds later)
         
When you had a faulty door light.....did it still drain the battery even if it didn't appear to be "lit up"?
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Info Request
March 10 5:30 PM (3 minutes and 7 seconds later)
         
IT was actually a door switch for the Automatic locks. Soon as all pulled the fuse the test light went dim, then i had to ohm each switch with a voltmeter. A faulty switch would definitely cause a drain.
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gmplus -- Mechanic -- 100% Positive Feedback on 874 Car Accepts
RVIA Vendor certs.
Reply
March 10 5:33 PM (2 minutes and 54 seconds later)
         
Oh. I've been told that the "voltage regulator" could be the problem. I've been told that the voltage regulator in a KIA is part of the altornator. Would that be another step I could take if the light test shows nothing?
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
March 10 5:50 PM (17 minutes and 12 seconds later)
         
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gmplus -- Mechanic -- 100% Positive Feedback on 874 Car Accepts
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Reply
March 10 5:51 PM (1 minute and 12 seconds later)
         
Thank you
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
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