What Do Common Check Engine Light Codes Mean?
Common Kia check engine light codes
In Kia vehicles, the check engine light is also referred to as the service engine soon or SES light. Like many types of cars, the check engine light in Kia vehicles should go on as soon as you turn on the ignition and start the engine. However, after a few seconds, the light should turn itself off. If your SES light continues to blink it indicates that there is an issue with your vehicle and you should have your car diagnosed as soon as you can to prevent further problems from worsening.
What it means your SES light comes on
When the SES light on your Kia continues to blink, it could be a clear indication that your car's Electronic Control Unit or ECU, which is what controls so many aspects of your car's operation has found a problem with your emission system or with your engine. When the ECU detects a problem, it records a diagnostic trouble code that then triggers the check engine light to blink on your dashboard. When this happens, it could point towards several issues that must be fixed for the car to operate normally again.
Common Kia check engine light codes
- P1102 HO2S-11 Heater Circuit High Voltage
This code occurs when the Mass Air Flow or MAF sensor to the Power Control Module becomes low. Basically, the Mass Air Flow sensor communicates with the Power Control Module through voltage. As such, when a lower voltage than normal is recorded, a P1102 trouble code becomes stored by the control module to signal an issue. At times, this code may be accompanied by P1100 to P1104 codes. A clogged MAF sensor, a loose connection within the sensor harness or an air leak in the vacuum sensor can cause this code.
- P1386 Knock Sensor Control Zero Test
Your Kia's car knock sensor is situated on the engine block, on the intake manifest lock, as well as on the cylinder. The knock sensor is important because it detects infrequent pulsations that have been caused by the detonation of the engine. If your engine does not feel right when you are driving at high speeds, a bad knock sensor might cause your Kia to lose fuel mileage or even affect the way it accelerates. If your car is slow to accelerate, you should have the issue inspected by a mechanic as soon as possible.
- P1450 Excessive Vacuum Leak
When you are dealing with an engine vacuums leak, the malfunction has to be fixed before the problem escalates as it could cause the engine not to operate at its full efficiency. When there is an engine vacuum leak, you might recognize a large hissing sound coming from the engine area. If this remains unfixed, it can lead to poor fuel efficiency, a loss of power and even worse, it can cause irreversible damage to the engine itself.
- P1608 PCM Malfunction
The PCM or the power train control module is basically what allows the transmission and the engine to work together. When a PCM malfunctions, it makes it unable to send a sufficient amount of fuel to the engine. If the engine gets more fuel than it deserves, it can increase carbon emissions and eventually affect fuel economy. If the engine receives less fuel, it will start to stall, choke or stutter. If the PCM is left unchecked when it has problems, it can even cause the vehicle not to start at all.
- P1633 Battery Overcharge
Battery overcharging is a common issue that is experienced by many drivers. When a battery overcharges, it can reduce its lifespan, lower its efficiency, make it harder to turn over and in extreme situations, it can cause a battery to explode. If you are dealing with a P1633 code, you should take your car to a professional to have your battery properly diagnosed.
Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.