1998 Kia Sportage hard to start no get up and go

Tiny
STEVEDP
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 KIA SPORTAGE
  • 4 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 114,458 MILES
How important is the catalitic convertor on this. I had a new exhaust put on and they pounched out the convertor. The next day it started not starting good and kept getting worse. Now it may start but when it does you give it some gas and it has no get until I get the rpm's up. We have changed injectors, coil pack, cam sensor, fuel pump and still nothing. The machanic says the convertor has nothing to do with it. Any ideals?
Monday, January 18th, 2010 AT 10:35 AM

7 Replies

Tiny
BLACKOP555
  • MECHANIC
  • 10,371 POSTS
What kind of exhaust system did you have put on it?

Any check engine light?

Hook up a vaccum guage to a vaccum port and run the vehicle at 2,000 rppm. If vaccum starts to drop slowly throught the test or you have to keep giving it more pedal to maintain 2000 rpm then you have a issue with a restricted exhaust. Did they take the cat off when they punched it out or was it on the vehicle?
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Monday, January 18th, 2010 AT 11:28 PM
Tiny
STEVEDP
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
They took it off when they punched it out. They put just a regular exhaust on it.
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Tuesday, January 19th, 2010 AT 2:19 PM
Tiny
BLACKOP555
  • MECHANIC
  • 10,371 POSTS
Any lights on? Did it occur day after they did all of this?

Why was the convertor removed. That is very illegal.
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Tuesday, January 19th, 2010 AT 2:43 PM
Tiny
STEVEDP
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
They left the convertor on but knocked out the insides. I have been told by a couple people that if the convertor isnt right the kia wont run right. It started acting up the morning after they done that and kept getting worse until now it wont start. It will tirn over. The place that done it says the convertor has nothing to do with it but of course they would say that.
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Thursday, January 21st, 2010 AT 10:38 AM
Tiny
BLACKOP555
  • MECHANIC
  • 10,371 POSTS
Really shouldnt have any effect on the engine. Just throw a o2 sensor code. Try unhooking your o2 sensors. Does the vehicle run any better now or no?
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Thursday, January 21st, 2010 AT 2:59 PM
Tiny
STEVEDP
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Its really got me puzzled. Now its got no fire to the plugs. It may be a electrical thing. Its like maybe the spark kept getting weaker day by day. I cant afford to just junk it. I have to much in it now. I did find out it has a remot starter on it that dont work. The voltage to and out of the coils is all different. What should I have going in and out of them? Thank u for all your help. I know its a pain for u but I reayyl do appriciate it. If I need to send u more money for this let me know. Where does the power come from that feeds the coil?
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Friday, January 22nd, 2010 AT 11:21 AM
Tiny
BLACKOP555
  • MECHANIC
  • 10,371 POSTS
Is the car starting now that you have spark?

Do you have it on all cylidners. And is it bright bluish white or a orangeish color?

Will it start if you dump gas down the throttle body
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Monday, January 25th, 2010 AT 2:43 PM

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