1998 Kia Sportage Consumer Discussions

Kia Sportage Maintenance and Repair

• Re: 1998 Sportage stalling [kreal]

  Written by: jbatchelor on Oct 21, 2011 3:22:56 PM

  I just purchased a 2001 kia sportage and was having issues with power, when I read your post I got thinking and I had the same problem with the insulation. I cut it away and now I got some pep out of her and also shift great now too. thanks

• Re: Problem with my 1998 Kia Sportage.Mechanic can figure out. [kim62]

  Written by: nelsonl on Sep 3, 2010 3:50:13 PM

  Take it to another mechanic sound like a timing belt problem.Also check the knock sensor may be defective.

• Re: Problem with my 1998 Kia Sportage.Mechanic can figure out. [kim62]

  Written by: peter931 on Sep 3, 2010 12:49:44 PM

  Try disconect the battery and replace both fuel pump relay and main engine relay. The're both located under the hod in black plastic box. Then reconnect the battery and car should start up. Good luck.

• Problem with my 1998 Kia Sportage.Mechanic can figure out.

  Written by: kim62 on Sep 3, 2010 6:08:11 AM

  A week ago I was driving back home from town when all of a sudden my Sportage just shut down. All the dashboard lights lit up and it just quit running. I was able to drift it off the road, I thought it might have been the fuel pump as it would crank but not fire even when I pumped the gas pedal. My mechanic towed it to his shop they ... Read More

• Re: Kia sportage 1998 4x4 [nelsonl]

  Written by: keyop on Jul 28, 2009 10:20:33 PM

  had the same probs and after changin out tons of part, i finally figured out it was the Fuel Pump. If not then change the ingnition coils. there's 2 of them and both should be changed at the same time.

• Re: Kia sportage 1998 4x4 [nelsonl]

  Written by: hfolks on Jul 28, 2009 4:41:47 PM

  i JUST FINISHED REPAIRING MY 99 KIA SPORTAGE AND IT WAS DOING THE SAME THING. WHAT MY KIA TURN OUT TO BE. IT JUMPED TIME. BUT THE BOTTOM TIMING MARK. IS AT 11 O'CLOCK POSITION. INSTEAD OF 12 O CLOCK POSITION. HOPE THIS INFORATION HELPS

• Kia sportage 1998 4x4

  Written by: nelsonl on Jul 28, 2009 4:26:49 PM

  I have a 1998 Kia Sporage and it been stalling when I come to a stop or in traffic.I had this problem when it warms up.Sometimes runs good but must of the time run whith the problem I just mention.I'm a veteran without job. Please help me.

Kia Sportage 2004 and earlier

• Re: 1998 kia sportage [tlawson50]

  Written by: tiered on Dec 19, 2009 9:05:08 AM

  if you look at alot of the kia revues you will find people with same problem. in kias the valves will bend when timing belt brakes but $2000 is kinda high. if you have any mech. exp. at all you can fix it yourself for about $600. if not it shouldn,t cost more then $1200.hope this helps you,

Kia Sportage Maintenance and Repair

• Re: 1998 Sportage stalling [lilbrat53]

  Written by: kreal on Nov 6, 2009 10:58:19 PM

  I hope this helps somebody save money and stress that we experienced. My 2001 Kia sat for 6 months because we couldn't figure out what was wrong with it, started, ran but accelerating would cause the car to choke and loose speed, changed the front catalytic converter as directed by 3 mechanics and after a computer check (purchased through the catalyticconverterwarehouse.com - saves a ton of money), gave a complete tuneup, ... Read More

• 1998 kia sportage 4cyl 4x4

  Written by: kinderfo on Jun 5, 2009 6:12:11 PM

  hi i have replaced alot of parts on the car still something is wrong when you step on the gas it goes to the floor but the car barely moves it takes forever to get to 25mph but after you do you are okay until you have to stop again then it does the same thing until you get up to 25mph again if you have to stop it will bog ... Read More

• Re: Kia Sportage 1998 Fuel Pump dead [gjan]

  Written by: lmp4 on Apr 26, 2009 4:22:17 PM

  At KEY ON, you should have the fuel pump relay coil hot on one side. The ECM grounds the other side of coil. 12V is fed to FP relay coil from a green wire coming form the MAIN RELAY. Hence MAIN relay must operate first. ECM activates the main relay coil ground side. Missing 12V at the FP coil means something is lost somewhere. fuel pump circuit There have been cases ... Read More

• Re: Kia Sportage 1998 Fuel Pump dead [gjan]

  Written by: tidester on Apr 26, 2009 11:15:19 AM

  Not sure where you're going... Me neither! But you said the pump functions correctly when removed and the battery/relays are okay so I'm wondering whether all the connections are good. Regarding sensor or electronic control modules being at fault, I suppose that's possible. Perhaps someone with hands on experience would care to jump in and offer some advice. Anyone? tidester, host SUVs and Smart Shopper

• Re: Kia Sportage 1998 Fuel Pump dead [tidester]

  Written by: gjan on Apr 26, 2009 6:55:32 AM

  Not sure where you're going...I ran the relay test described elsewhere at Edmunds, and found that, since the only place I have power to the relays is the constant power terminal, no other terminal has power at key position "On" or ignition, that the indication would be that the failure is someplace between battery and relay. All fuses are good, so I'm wondering: Do any sensors have the potential to block ... Read More

• Re: Kia Sportage 1998 Fuel Pump dead [gjan]

  Written by: tidester on Apr 25, 2009 6:25:02 PM

  That suggests there is a problem with the pump's electrical connections. Does yours have some kind of electrical plug? tidester, host SUVs and Smart Shopper

• Re: Kia Sportage 1998 Fuel Pump dead [tidester]

  Written by: gjan on Apr 25, 2009 2:43:32 PM

  Yup it's not. I tested at the under-hood fuse box where the fuel pump relay is. The fuel pump relay port only shows power on one terminal always. Nothing showing on others when key turned on or cranking.

• Re: Kia Sportage 1998 Fuel Pump dead [gjan]

  Written by: tidester on Apr 24, 2009 6:56:34 PM

  Have you test whether power is getting to the pump when it's in the car? tidester, host SUVs and Smart Shopper

• Kia Sportage 1998 Fuel Pump dead

  Written by: gjan on Apr 24, 2009 5:40:02 PM

  My 1998 Kia Sportage fule pump will not run. The pump tests ok out of the car, the relays have been replaced, but the pump doesn't run. Any idea what to look for next?

Kia Sportage 2004 and earlier

• Re: 1998 kia sportage [tlawson50]

  Written by: ssoperator on Jul 3, 2008 7:58:42 AM

  Most vehicles with a timing belt (which is to say most small foriegn vehicles and many small domestic ones) with recieve engine damage if the timing belt beaks. The mechanic that told you that a timing chain would cause damage if it broke is full of bull, because the primary cause of timing chain problems is not breakage but stretching over time causing the engine to be out of time (synch ... Read More

Kia Sportage Maintenance and Repair

• 1998 Sportage stalling

  Written by: lilbrat53 on May 27, 2008 5:16:10 PM

  A few months ago my Kia developed a really strange problem. It starts great, idles great, put it in gear and still great...until I step on the gas. The car moves a few feet and stops. No sputtering or bucking...just stops! Like someone pulled the plug! Changed the cam sensor, but that didn't fix it. The dealer service guy disconnected the torque converter to get the car to stop stalling. Then....when ... Read More

• Re: 1998 kia sportage [jtkapa]

  Written by: lmp4 on Mar 21, 2008 11:14:26 AM

  ...what is mileage on engine? if past 70,000 miles and original Timing belt, this would be the first suspect.

• 1998 kia sportage

  Written by: jtkapa on Mar 20, 2008 5:05:59 PM

  was running fine stopped at a stop sing it stalled out, now it will not start just turns over and thats it. has good spark gas pump is fine but will not start anyone know what to look for. i need help

• Re: 1998 Kia Sportage Questions? [rynodogz]

  Written by: tidester on Dec 18, 2007 4:33:44 PM

  Check this out: Online Repair Manuals tidester, host SUVs and Smart Shopper

• 1998 Kia Sportage Questions?

  Written by: rynodogz on Dec 18, 2007 2:30:21 PM

  Does any one know where I can find a manual or how to put the timing back in my Kia? Also need to know about torque specs for Head on a 2.0L engine and sequence. If anybody knows the answer or a good website to find this stuff please let me know!!!

• What are the steps for changing the Spark Plugs

  Written by: thunderchicken on Sep 24, 2007 2:18:01 PM

  Does anyone know what the steps are for changing the spark plugs on a 1998-2002 Sportage 4 cylinder DOHC? or have a link to where I dan find the process (DON'T say www.kia.com)? I spent hours looking through tech pages on Kia's website and found nothing.

Kia Sportage 2004 and earlier

• Re: 1998 kia sportage [steve_]

  Written by: lmp4 on Oct 10, 2007 7:06:50 PM

  I'll dig in that guide option soon.....that looks like an interesting feature of this forum. In the mean time, all can browse as they wish here

• Re: 1998 kia sportage [lmp4]

  Written by: steve_ on Oct 10, 2007 1:21:45 PM

  Gates is wrong about my minivan too (supposedly - my belt hasn't broken yet and it's overdue for replacement). Maybe Gates wants to sell belts. That zip file may discourage some people - maybe you can cut and paste it in a Guide? (seems like I dropped that hint once before, lol). Thanks for the info!

• Re: 1998 kia sportage [steve_]

  Written by: lmp4 on Oct 10, 2007 12:56:43 PM

  "Gates says ... that it's an interference engine" Gates is wrong. This story carries on continually but happily this DOHC is indeed a non-interference engine. That is why all those who neglect to change the belt at 70,000 miles and get stranded in the middle of nowhere at the worst moment just have to get the car towed home, reinstall a new belt and , while they are there, new idler, ... Read More

• Re: 1998 kia sportage [tlawson50]

  Written by: kim48 on Sep 15, 2007 5:40:13 AM

  You have probably had this fix already, I own a 2001 sportage, The same problem happened to me on the highway. It turned out to be a timing sensor, that in return ruined the timing belt. so both needed to be replaced.

Kia Sportage Maintenance and Repair

• 1998 sportage

  Written by: bfonner on Mar 13, 2007 6:23:31 PM

  our car has no power and dies frequently.dealer and mechanic said we need a new cam sensor.changed 3 times and still not fixed.noone can tell us what is wrong.dealership says theyhave no repair manuel.changed speed sensor as well and still nothing.tired of putting money into it and not fixed. wont have another kia. if anyone can help me ,i'd appreciate it. bernie

• Re: 1998 Kia Sportage Paint Problems [canestrare]

  Written by: casey16 on Feb 2, 2007 2:36:36 PM

  In 1998, my husband and I had a 1998 Kia Sportage with defective paint problems. The dealership actually had a guy come down from NJ. He inspected our Kia and determined the paint was defective from factory and they replace the vehicle with a new 2000 Kia Sportage. He told us they could try and repaint the vehicle but under warranty we would just be back again with paint problems before ... Read More

Kia Sportage 2004 and earlier

• Re: 1998 kia sportage [tlawson50]

  Written by: bmorreale on Jan 24, 2007 4:12:52 PM

  that is exactly what happened to mine, however, although it is an interference motor, mine did not bend valves. I've been told i got lucky! good luck

• Re: 1998 kia sportage [tlawson50]

  Written by: steve_ on Jan 22, 2007 9:39:29 PM

  Gates says your Kia has a timing belt and that it's an interference engine. They also say "an interference engine usually sustains damage if synchronization is lost. This could result in very expensive engine repairs." (link) Hope you get it worked out ok!

• 1998 kia sportage

  Written by: tlawson50 on Jan 21, 2007 6:38:41 AM

  My Kia sportage lost power and then just stopped..I had it towed and was told the the timing belt had broke and the result was at least 4 damaged(bent)valves. The cost to repair will be over $2,000. So I had it towed back home and another mechanic says that the timing belt would not bend the values. My question is which mechanic is telling me the truth. The last mechanic said ... Read More

Kia Sportage Maintenance and Repair

• 1998 Kia Sportage Paint Problems

  Written by: canestrare on Jan 11, 2007 6:40:59 AM

  I leased a 1998 Kia Sportage. During my ownership of this vehicle the right front fender treatment (which was painted a different color than the car) paint started to peel off. I brought the car back to the dealer and they replaced it at no charge. After that incident the other 3 fender treatments and the rocker panel treatments began to experience the same problems with the paint peeling off. I ... Read More

• Re: 1998 kia sportage [katnthehat1]

  Written by: tidester on Dec 28, 2006 8:44:36 PM

  went out at exactly the same moment It's entirely possible but very unlikely. The sound you heard was probably a fuse being blown. Have you lost power to anything else? In any case, I'd have my dealer look for a root cause. tidester, host

• 1998 kia sportage

  Written by: katnthehat1 on Dec 28, 2006 7:10:37 PM

  both headlights to the kia went out at exactly the same moment.is this possible or could there be another explanation? we heard a clicking from the steering colum before they went out. please help!

• Re: failed D.E.Q ..... 1998 kia sportage [rgarrison]

  Written by: cwoodard on Dec 23, 2006 10:30:56 AM

  thank you! alhou I did change the wires and coils, and the check engine lite stayed off for almost 2 days, in which I got it thru D.E.Q. and it passed!!! The lite is back on, then off, now on.... so thats my next project!! I appreciate the advice to stay with the OEM part.... and I did find an illustrated guide on line thru the official kia site on how ... Read More

• Re: failed D.E.Q ..... 1998 kia sportage [cwoodard]

  Written by: rgarrison on Dec 23, 2006 9:09:59 AM

  I had the same problem. You have to change the o2 sensor. $105.99 at autozone only go with oem part.

• failed D.E.Q ..... 1998 kia sportage

  Written by: cwoodard on Dec 3, 2006 5:00:42 PM

  diagnostic code reads: P0140 02sensor circuit no activiy detected (bank 1 sensor 2) somewhere i found the code to mean the oxygen sensor. The owners manaul suggests to first start with the fuses. Then the wiring, and last the sensors. Checking the fuses was easy .... they are not blown. Now I am lost as I have no idea where to look for wiring, or where the oxygen sensors are located. ... Read More

1998 kia sportage 4wd not kicking in

• 1998 kia sportage 4wd not kicking in

  Written by: grabbyabby on Jul 29, 2003 10:23:02 PM

  i have a 1998 kia sportage and want to know if there are any recalls on the four wheel drives not working in them, supposedly mine does not kick in. help