My Optima has been hesitant to accelerate in lower gears. Have to really push the gas to get it to respond (almost like it was trying to move from a dead stop in 2nd gear). Could this be caused by dead spark plugs? Also wondering if it may be a ****** or fuel intake problem Any thoughts?
Could be spark plugs, dirty fuel filter, air filter, Mass Air Flow Sensor. bad spark plug wires. Dirty throttle body or injectors. I would start with the cheapest and work my way to the more expensive things if it doesn't improve.
Testimonial: "I've watched it a little more closely the last couple of days - the issue is when I slow down, the car is hesitant to downshift. It will only go into first gear if I come to a complete stop. Even when I slow to about 15mph it still stays in 3rd gear. So when I try to accelarate from there its lagging because it's still in high gear. Is there some kind of sensor that controls this?"
SOURCE: 2001 kia optima hesitates on acceleration gets
3 possible problems your mass are flow meter/senso could be going bad but not bad enough to register a fault, the same for your idle air valve and also your throttle position sensor. all 3 of these are on your throttle body .
with the engine running tap the side of the mass air flow with the back of a screw driver, if the engine sputers mass air flow needs replaced.you can try cleaning it with some mass air flow cleaner if you cant find that at your auto parts store get some electrical parts wash. your idle air valve needs to be cleaned or replaced there hard to get off. your throttle position sensor , you need to know the setting ,if the auto parts store cant give you aprint out of instuctions best to let a kia dealership do it and pay out the ****.
SOURCE: 2001 Kia Optima acceleration drop out problem
I would have them check the Sensor that is located on top of the transmission, I had a similar problem back when I bought mine. And I was told that the sensor was Bad, and there was a recall on it and it is a common problem. Because of where the Sensor is located it is a pain to get to, they have to drop the transmission. So for me anyways instead of just dropping the transmission to swap out the sensor, the Kia dealership that we bought the car from Replaced the whole Transmission/Sensor with a brand new Tranny. I have over 160,000 miles on the Car now and I have had no problems since.
SOURCE: 2002 kia optima tranny stay in 2nd and 3rd gear
Hi John,<br /><br />I have the exact same problem, did you find a solution to it? Plz share, I would greatly appreciate help.<br />
SOURCE: my 2008 kia optima gear 2 incorrect ratio
You likely have a Check Engine light throwing a P0732 fault. This can be attributed by 1 or more of the following:
-Low transmission fluid level
- Dirty transmission fluid
- Shift solenoids
- Transmission mechanical problems
- Transmission hydraulic control circuit
Start with the transmission fluid. If it's full, check for signs of wear. It should be purple. If it's brown and/or is giving off a burning smell, it needs to be changed. If the fluid is full and in good condition, the problem is with the transmission itself. It could be an adjustment, a bad module, or a sign that the transmission is on it's way out. Best of luck with your problem and thank you for using Fixya.
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