The Kia Forte has long been celebrated for its sleek design, impressive fuel efficiency, and reliable performance. However, a recurring issue has emerged within the vehicle’s ignition system that has left many owners frustrated and perplexed.
Kia Forte ignition coil problems have become a topic of concern among owners, particularly issues like ignition coil overheating and melting, starting and acceleration difficulties, and frequent failure are most troublesome.
With reports of such issues in Kia Forte models across various years, it is evident that this issue demands urgent attention from both owners and industry professionals. This is why we have come up. Let’s explore these issues in detail.
Kia Forte Ignition Coil Problems
Kia Forte’s issues can stem from a variety of factors such as faulty spark plug wires, electrical disruptions, or simply wear and tear over time. Below are the common ignition coil-related issues reported by owners.
Ignition Coil Overheating
Several individuals who own Kia Forte vehicles have raised concerns about the ignition coil consistently overheating and melting. In an attempt to address this issue, some owners have opted to replace the spark plugs, examine the compression, verify the timing, and inspect for a broken valve spring.
Despite these efforts, all inspections have confirmed that everything is in proper working order. Nevertheless, the ignition coil, specifically number 3, continues to overheat and eventually melt after a certain period.
Kia is currently investigating the persistent issue affecting Forte owners to identify the underlying cause and provide a lasting solution. Initial findings indicate that the problem may stem from a wiring issue. Specifically, the coil is consistently powered, with grounding performed by the ECM.
If an external factor grounds it instead of the ECM, melting may occur. The blue wire on the coils serves as constant power, while coil 3’s control wire should be black.
When the ignition is on and the engine is not running, each coil’s blue wire should register battery voltage (around 12v), and there should also be 12v on each coil’s control wire as it completes the circuit and fires when grounded by the ECM. If the black control wire is grounded with the engine off, there is an issue present; comparing this to other coils’ control wires can help confirm this.
Problems with Acceleration and Starting
Kia Forte owners often complain about experiencing acceleration and starting issues at 30,000-40, 000 km, with repeated dealer visits. This is often accompanied by a misfiring ignition coil. However, as they claim, the coil blows after a certain period, sparking a $636 repair bill. Owners are frustrated and worried about future issues without a warranty.
They have taken to online forums and social media platforms to voice their concerns, hoping to find a solution or connect with other Kia Forte owners facing similar problems. The lack of response from the manufacturer has only added fuel to their frustration.
One owner shared his experience on a car enthusiast forum, stating, I’ve been experiencing acceleration issues for months now. It’s like my car takes forever to get up to speed, and sometimes it even stalls when starting. I’ve taken it back to the dealership multiple times, but they keep telling me there’s nothing wrong.
Another disgruntled owner expressed his concern about the recurring ignition coil failure: I had my ignition coil replaced twice already within a year! It doesn’t make any sense why this keeps happening. Not only is it inconvenient, but it’s also costing me a fortune!
Misfiring
A significant number of Kia Forte owners have experienced a misfiring cylinder and a check engine light. The mechanic replaced the coil pack and spark plugs. Generally, after replacing all four coils, the misfire will probably be resolved.
However, if the misfire persists despite the new coils, there may be an underlying issue such as a vacuum leak, fuel injector problem, or compression issue. To troubleshoot a misfire, consider these additional tips: Inspect spark plug wires for cracks or damage.
Verify fuel pressure to ensure it meets specifications. Conduct a compression test to confirm all cylinders have adequate compression. Examine the intake manifold for leaks and check the exhaust manifold for any signs of leakage.
Ensure proper operation of the oxygen sensors. If you are experiencing ignition coil problems with your Kia Forte, these steps can help address potential issues and diagnose the root cause of persistent misfires.
How to Test Ignition Coil in Kia Forte
To diagnose a bad ignition coil in your Kia Forte, start by conducting a visual inspection of the ignition coil and its associated components. Look for any signs of physical damage, corrosion, or wear that may affect its performance.
Next, use an OBD-II scanner to check for trouble codes related to the ignition system. Look for codes such as P0300 (random/multiple cylinder misfire) or specific cylinder misfire codes (P0301-P0314).
Perform a spark test using a spark tester to see if the ignition coil is producing a strong and consistent spark. A weak or inconsistent spark could indicate a faulty ignition coil.
Check the electrical connections to the ignition coil to ensure they are secure and free from corrosion. Loose or corroded connections can disrupt the flow of electricity to the coil.
If you have multiple ignition coils, consider swapping the suspect coil with a known good one and see if the issue follows the coil. This can help isolate whether the problem lies with the specific ignition coil.
Finally, if all other diagnostic methods point to a faulty ignition coil, consider seeking professional assistance to further troubleshoot and replace the defective component with a genuine Kia Forte part.
Ignition Coil Replacement in Kia Forte
To be honest, replacement is the only and safest option to get rid of ignition coil issues in Kia Forte. Luckily, the replacement isn’t very difficult. Just follow the steps mentioned below to get your job done. Let’s start:
To replace the ignition coil in a Kia Forte, you will need basic tools such as a socket wrench, screwdriver, and new ignition coil. Start by disconnecting the negative battery cable to ensure safety during the replacement process.
Locate the ignition coil on the engine. Depending on your specific model year, the location may vary. Refer to your vehicle’s manual for guidance.
Once located, remove any components that are obstructing access to the ignition coil. This may include air intakes or other engine components.
Next, disconnect the electrical connectors from the ignition coil and carefully remove any mounting bolts securing it in place.
Take out the old ignition coil and replace it with the new one, making sure it is secured tightly with the mounting bolts and that all electrical connections are reattached properly.
Finally, reconnect the negative battery cable and start the engine to verify that the new ignition coil is working correctly.
Read also: How To Fix Car Shakes After Ignition Coil Replacement: A Step-By-Step Guide
Final Words
Kia Forte ignition coil problems can be frustrating and potentially costly issues for owners. The various symptoms such as engine misfires, rough idling, and decreased fuel efficiency can negatively impact the driving experience and overall performance of the vehicle.
It is important for Kia Forte owners to be aware of these potential issues and to regularly maintain and inspect their ignition coils to prevent any major malfunctions.
