A dead battery, an alternator issue, or a bad starter are the three most frequent causes of a Kia Optima not starting.
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Why won’t the key on my Kia Optima turn?
A binding steering column or lock, a malfunctioning ignition switch, or a fault with the ignition key are the three most frequent causes of a Kia Optima key that won’t turn.
How does a Kia Optima start?
Every year, it seems like automakers discover new features to add to their models. There is no shortage of cutting-edge amenities that we’ve come to anticipate from contemporary cars, whether for entertainment or convenience.
Remote Start is one of the most popular features requested by users, despite the fact that it isn’t quite new. The remote start option has likely peaked your curiosity if you detest being too hot or chilly when you get into your car.
Are you interested in learning more about the Kia Optima’s remote start? You’ve arrived at the proper location. We’ll cover all you need to know about the Optima remote start in today’s discussion. Let’s start now.
What is the Kia Optima Remote Start?
The Kia Optima Remote Start feature is essentially a radio-controlled car remote that connects to the computer in the Optima. You can start the engine of your automobile from inside your house, office, or pretty much anyplace else if you have a remote starter for your car.
Although it might not seem like a huge problem, the main advantage of remote starts is that you can use the climate control to warm or cool your car. You undoubtedly dislike walking into your car in the summer to sweltering seats and seat belts or in the winter to a makeshift freezer. Additionally, it saves a ton of time because you can go right away without warming up your car.
The typical form of a remote starter is a key fob. Most people are unaware that Kia offers two different styles of remote starts, though. The standard key fob, also known as the Kia Smart Key, is one device, and your smartphone is the other. You can use the remote start, remote climate control, and other cool features with the Kia Connect app.
The Kia Smart Key and Push Button may do three major tasks:
- From outside the car or from anywhere, start or stop the engine.
- Remote door locking and unlocking
- Secure the vehicle so that the Smart Key is required to start it
The Kia Optima Remote Start is an extravagant convenience that can make your daily commute much easier.
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Which Kia Optima Models Have Remote Start Feature?
The Remote Start feature is not supported by all Kia Optimas. Depending on whatever Optima model you have, it’s either a standard feature or an optional feature when it’s offered for a particular model. You might have to install an aftermarket remote start kit if you have an older Optima.
Even if a model year offers remote starting, not all trim levels may support the feature. A remote start is available on the 2019 Kia Optima, but it is only available on the S, EX, and SX trims. If you have the base model, you are out of luck.
In case you didn’t aware, another crucial point to make is that the Kia Optima is now known as the Kia K5. And the Kia K5 from 2022 has a remote start technology that incorporates a Smart Key with Push-Button Start, Remote Engine Start, Climate Control, and Smart Trunk.
How Do I Know If My Kia Optima Has Remote Start?
There are a number of techniques to determine whether your Kia Optima has a remote start:
- Check your Kia Optima’s owner’s manual for information on the remote start capability and how it functions if it has one. Here is the official Kia owner’s manual website in case you’ve lost your Optima owner’s manual.
- Check your key fob. If your Optima has a remote starter, your key fob should have a dedicated button for it. The Kia factory Remote Start key has a circular button with the words “Engine Start Stop” written in white letters.
- Try the function out – Testing the remote start on your own is one of the simplest methods to find out if your Optima has one. To activate remote start, follow the detailed instructions in your owner’s manual, or use the fast guide immediately below.
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How to Use Kia Optima Remote Start?
It’s simple to use the remote start on your Optima. Simply carry out the following actions using the OE (original equipment) key or the Kia smart key:
- To lock the car, press the Lock button on your smart key.
- Press and hold the partial circle button for more than two seconds within the next four seconds.
- The Optima engine ought to fire up.
As an alternative to the normal Kia smart key, Kia also provides a specialized Remote Start. Using the Remote Start key, operate the remote start as follows:
- Release the “Engine Start Stop” button after pressing and holding it when the lock icon flashes.
- Press and hold the button for more than 2 seconds the second time within 3 seconds. The vehicle will start after the key icon flashes.
- Press and hold the button for two seconds to remotely turn off the engine.
Depending on which key you’re pressing, Remote Start will operate differently. The instructions will differ for aftermarket remote starter kits as well. When using remote start, always refer to the owner’s manual or instruction manual.
How long before the engine shuts off?
Before the engine shuts off, your Kia Optima will idling for roughly 20 minutes. Keep in mind that, for environmental reasons, prolonged car idling may be prohibited in some states. To learn about the idling laws in your state, consult the EPA’s Compilation of Idling Laws.
Will I void my warranty if I install an aftermarket remote starter?
No. Your warranty won’t be voided if you install an aftermarket remote starter. The Magnuson Act Laws permit the installation of aftermarket components, such as remote starters, on vehicles without affecting their warranties. But be sure the installation and kit quality are top-notch.
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Is Remote Climate Control available on all Kia Optimas?
You need the Kia Access app and a Kia Connect membership to use the Remote Climate Control feature. The 2019 Optima LX and other vehicles without fully automated climate control are not supported by this feature.
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The Kia Optima being recalled is from what year?
72,848 2013-2014 Kia Optima sedans with the 2.0- and 2.4-liter gasoline engines that were produced between November 15, 2012, and December 18, 2013, at Kia Georgia, are among the vehicles that have been recalled.
The issue: A damaged fuel pipe or one that doesn’t have heat-protective tape could cause a fuel leak and raise the possibility of a fire.
The solution: Kia dealerships will swap out the low-pressure fuel hose for free.
Contacting the manufacturer: Starting on April 15, 2022, Kia will mail notices to owners. Kia can be reached at 800-333-4542 by owners of the impacted vehicles.
22V093 is the NHTSA campaign number. These exact vehicles have already undergone recall 20V100 repairs. SC228 is the Kia recall number.
To see if your car is still subject to a recall, check:
You may find out whether there are any open recalls for your car on the NHTSA website.
Your vehicle does not currently have any open recalls if, after entering the 17-digit VIN of your automobile, nothing comes up on the NHTSA website. We advise checking back frequently to determine whether your car has received a recall because automakers frequently issue recalls and for many older vehicles.
Utilize our Car Recall Tracker to stay up to date on recalls that may apply to your car. To join CR, open a free account right away.
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Why won’t my Kia car start?
Then, it can be frustrating and puzzling if your Kia won’t start. It may leave you with little to no options, particularly if it happens at an awkward moment. A malfunctioning starter or damaged cables are two of the most frequent causes of this issue. However, there may be further causes for this as well. Let’s examine each to assist identify the issue:
Bad Starter
The most prevalent reason for this problem is a faulty starter. To start the engine, the starter has an armature that quickly swings back and forth between magnets. When you try to start your automobile, the starter may click or it may not spin at all if it has a problem.
If this occurs, it may also leave you stuck because a bad starter can result in a dead battery. Additionally, if the battery is not providing electricity to the vehicle, this may also occur, which would indicate an issue with your alternator or wires.
Bad Starter Solenoid
The starting solenoid receives the command to switch on the starter when you turn the key to start your Kia. When you start the automobile, it will only detect any issues with this component. A damaged one might click, but it won’t flip over since it can’t send enough power, preventing it from turning over.
Faulty Starter Relay
The signal for your car’s ignition is sent by this relay. Although it doesn’t really power the starter, this element plays a crucial role in why your engine won’t start.
This component can be defective if you discover that your Kia won’t start. When you turn the key, it will either click or create a whinier sound.
Failing or Dead Battery
Your Kia might not start if the battery is dead or defective. The battery won’t be able to power the starting if it is too weak.
When you turn it over, it normally makes a clicking noise, but occasionally, this issue may cause the dashboard lights to flicker. Additionally, since the batteries occasionally won’t connect properly, make sure Kia or your auto shop replaced it appropriately.
Whether this is the case, try jumpstarting your battery to see if it is dead. When your automobile is receiving a strong charge, the clicking sound will typically stop. You can also take the battery to a nearby auto parts shop to be charged and checked to see if it needs to be replaced.
Bad Alternator
It’s crucial to be aware that the car battery could die if you are having difficulties starting your Kia and believe the alternator may be at fault. This indicates that your alternator is not supplying electricity to the remainder of your automobile if it occurs. This can be caused by a bad cable connection or an electrical problem with the system.
Bad Cables / Connections
Your Kia might not start if one or more of the wires or connections is faulty. This is because there wouldn’t be any electricity flowing across the entire electrical system. The battery wires can also be unsecured. Tightening the connections would be the answer to this issue.
Bad Battery Posts
It can be impossible for your battery to connect if the posts are rusted. To roll over, your Kia needs a strong connection between the posts. You can remove any apparent corrosion using steel wool or sandpaper.
Electrical Issues
It’s also possible that your Kia won’t start due to an electrical problem. An electrical short or a malfunctioning starter relay may be to blame for this. If you notice this issue, you should have your car serviced because it might lead to other issues inside your car.
Something sounds off.
When you turn the key or press the start button, there may be a clicking sound, which is one of the signs of a defective starter. However, a starting can stop working altogether or make noises that signal its approaching demise, such as buzzing and grinding. Oh, listen!
You’ve got lights but no action.
You may have a problem with the starter if you try to start the engine and the dashboard illuminates but nothing happens to the engine.
Your engine won’t crank.
Even after attempting a jumpstart, does your engine still not start? At this point, you should dial a towing service and drive your vehicle to the closest Firestone Complete Auto Care. Nothing else than a qualified technician will start your engine if a jumpstart doesn’t work.
Smoke is coming from your car.
The starter is a component of your car’s electrical system and is vulnerable to short circuits and blown fuses. Your car’s starter may overheat if you’ve been trying to start it for a long time, which increases the likelihood of electrical problems and the accompanying smoke. Call for assistance if you see or smell smoke instead of twisting the key more.
Oil has soaked the starter.
If your vehicle has rear-wheel drive, the starter is often located on the passenger side of the engine, directly below the exhaust manifold. If it is a front-wheel-drive vehicle, look above the transmission on the driver’s side or under the exhaust manifold. On some automobiles, they may also be found just beneath the intake manifold. If you open the hood to discover that your starter is covered in engine oil, your broken starter may be a sign of an oil leak, which is another issue. Keep an eye out for oil leaks to prevent starter problems of this sort because, regrettably, what begins as a few droplets of oil can steadily and often unnoticeably evolve into a costly problem.