2002 Kia Rio problems with my car

Tiny
SUFRST
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 KIA RIO
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • MANUAL
  • 80,000 MILES
Hi Thanks for your time. I noticed that when my air conditioner is on and I am sitting with the car running, the gas gauge drops to below e. I also am having a problem with the car shaking in the front when I go 55 mph. Any advice you give is appreciated. Thanks again. Susan
Tuesday, August 10th, 2010 AT 8:11 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Does the fuel gauge only do this with the AC on?

As far as the vibration, have you checked the basics such as tire balance, are the tires cupped? Any shifted belts in the tire?
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Friday, October 15th, 2010 AT 10:34 AM
Tiny
SUFRST
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My car does it when the air is on but now I found out that I need a left wheel bearing. What a pain. Thanks for your reply
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Friday, October 15th, 2010 AT 12:30 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Cars are the worst investment we ever make. They always break, and it doesn't matter what make it is. As far as the gauge, I need you to have the alt and battery checked. The AC puts a large load on the system. If the ALT and battery can't keep up, it can cause all sorts of problems. I do, however, recommend checking to make sure the battery terminals and ground to the engine block are clean and tight before having anything checked.

As far as the wheel bearing, does the sound change when you make turns?
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Friday, October 15th, 2010 AT 1:42 PM
Tiny
RIOAUDREY2002
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I am not having the gas gauge problem, but my car-- a 2002 kia rio with 55,000 miles-- shakes badly between 55-60 mph, and also seems to idle rough/low and vibrate quite a bit then.

Any suggestions?
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Wednesday, October 20th, 2010 AT 10:22 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Have you checked the basics such as tire balance, u-joints, CV joints? Are there any sounds associated with the problem? Finally, as far as the idle issue, has the check engine light come on? Have you checked for vacuum leaks?
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Wednesday, October 20th, 2010 AT 10:35 AM
Tiny
RIOAUDREY2002
  • MEMBER
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I haven't had the tires looked at yet, but will be getting new ones in about a week, as well as a balance and rotation.

I'm taking it in tomorrow to my mechanic to have a once-over done on it to make sure there are no major problems, and to have the timing belt replaced since I don't have any record of the previous owner having changed it. It's a recurring issue with the Rio and I'd rather be safe than sorry. Could a worn timing belt cause the shaking, you think?
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Wednesday, October 20th, 2010 AT 11:05 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
If it is stretched bad enough and is allowing the engine timing to change, it could cause the engine to run somewhat rough.

Let me know what you find.

Joe
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Wednesday, October 20th, 2010 AT 11:13 AM

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