Kia Optima: Overheating

If your temperature gauge indicates overheating, if you experience a loss of power, or if you hear a loud knocking or pinging noise, the engine has probably overheated. Should any of these symptoms occur, use the following procedure:

1. Turn on the hazard warning flasher, then drive to the nearest safe location and stop your vehicle; shift to Neutral (manual transaxle) or Park (automatic transaxle) and apply the parking brake.

2. Make sure the air conditioner is off.

3. If coolant or steam is boiling out of the radiator, stop the engine and call an authorized Kia dealer or other competent repair shop for assistance.

If there is no visible coolant, you may allow the engine to idle and open the hood to permit the engine to cool gradually.

If the temperature does not go down with the engine idling, stop the engine and allow sufficient time for it to cool.

4. The coolant level should then be checked. Use the coolant reservoir dipstick to check the level. If the level in the reservoir is low, look for leaks at the radiator hoses and connections, heater hoses and connections, radiator, and water pump. If you find a major leak or another problem that may have caused the engine to overheat, do not operate the engine until it has been corrected. Call an authorized Kia dealer or other competent repair shop for assistance. If you do not find a leak or other problem, carefully add coolant to the reservoir.

WARNING - Removing Radiator Cap

Never remove the radiator cap when the engine and radiator are hot. Scalding hot coolant and steam may blow out under pressure. This could cause serious injury.

If the engine frequently overheats, have the cooling system checked and repaired.