2004 Kia Optima Starving for fuel

Tiny
COLLEENBRUMMETT
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 KIA OPTIMA
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 84,000 MILES
We just changed the fuel pump and it periodically still starves for fuel and then it won't start. Sometimes I can keep it running by choking it by covering the intake. We thought it was the fuel pump going, but apparently it was not. Do you know if there is a electrical shut off or sensor, maybe servo?
If we let it set for a day or two it will restart and run fine, sometimes for weeks! Thanks for your help.
cb
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Saturday, October 17th, 2009 AT 10:54 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,014 POSTS
Did you replace the fuel filter at the same time? Has the check engine light come on? When this happen?S and it won't start, have you checked fuel pump pressure to determine if that is where the problem is coming from
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Thursday, October 22nd, 2009 AT 10:45 PM
Tiny
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Yes the check engine light is coming on. We are going to pull the fuel pumb and see if we happened to get a bad fuel pump. I guess it has been known to happen. Thanks for your help. We let you know the end results.
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Saturday, October 24th, 2009 AT 7:47 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Beforeyou remove the fuel tank (not fun) have the computer scanned for trouble codes. Most parts stores will do it for free and it may identify the problem. I would suggest that before going through the trouble of removing the fuel tank.

Let me know what you think.

Joe
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Saturday, October 24th, 2009 AT 9:58 PM
Tiny
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The plug to the fuel plug is burned too. The only replacement part for it is a new wiring harness. But our mechanic has made his own "piggy back' plug before. So we are trying that, plus we are replacing the "mass air flow sensor." We are able to get to the fuel pump through the trunk. It was great. You just lift the cover and there is a port to pull the fuel pump! We also are going to take the new fuel pump back, they have been known to be bad too. But any suggestions are welcome. Cb
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Monday, October 26th, 2009 AT 12:13 PM
Tiny
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If the plug is burned, that is most likely the problem. Have that fixed and reset the computer before replacing anything else to see if that takes care of the problem. You may not need anything else.

Let me know how it goes for you.

Joe
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Monday, October 26th, 2009 AT 12:50 PM
Tiny
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  • MEMBER
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Joe, just found out that the pig tail sensor below the fuel pump is totally fried along with the one on top of fuel pumb. Kia only sells a whole new wiring harnes, so our mechanic is going to try to make two new pig tail connectors now. I guess this is common with Chevy's, but Chevy makes just the pig tails so you don't have to buy a whole new wiring harness. I'll let you know if it works, and yes we will clear the codes and run it again. Thanks. What a night mare!
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Monday, October 26th, 2009 AT 7:50 PM
Tiny
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That will cause a problem. I'm sure he can make a new one. And yes, I would like to know if everything works out for you.

Joe
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Monday, October 26th, 2009 AT 8:49 PM

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