Top 10 2003 Kia Spectra Questions & Answers

I had the same problem. Took it in & the shop replaced a relay in the drivers side door. This fixed the problem. They said this has happened to alot of these cars.
Kirk

Here's step-by-step instructions on how to access, remove and re-install your alternator. Hope it helps! Have a great day!

Alternator Kia_Sephia_Rio_Spectra_Optima_1998-2006

1. Before servicing the vehicle, refer to the Precautions Section.
2. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
3. Temporarily loosen the water pump pulley bolts, 1.6L (VIN 3) engine only.
4. Remove the front air intake inlet pipe bolts, 1.8L engine only.
5. Remove the top hose from the air intake inlet pipe, 1.8L engine only.
6. Remove the air intake inlet pipe clamp and the pipe, 1.8L engine only.
7. Remove the power steering pump, 2.0L engine only.
8. Remove the power steering pump bracket, 2.0L engine only.
9. Remove the alternator B terminal cover cap.
10. Disconnect the alternator electrical connections.
11. Loosen, but do not remove the alternator pivot bolt and the tensioner mounting bolt.
12. Remove the drive belt(s); relieve tension on the belt by rotating the adjustment bolt.
13. Remove the water pump pulley, 1.6L (VIN 3) engine only.
14. Remove the power steering pump, 1.6L (VIN 3) engine only.
15. Remove the power steering pump bracket, 1.6L (VIN 3) engine only.
16. Remove the alternator tensioner mounting bolt and the belt tensioner.
17. Remove the alternator pivot bolt.
18. Loosen the bolt at the base of the adjusting bracket and rotate the bracket up.
19. Remove the alternator. Alternator mounting—1.5L and 1.6L (VIN 5) engine shown Alternator mounting—2.0L and 1.6L (VIN 3) engines shown Alternator mounting—2.4L and 2.7L engine

1. Before servicing the vehicle, refer to the Precautions Section.
2. Install the alternator.
3. Install the alternator pivot bolt and hand-tighten at this time.
4. Rotate the adjusting bracket into position, place the belt tensioner into position. Hand-tighten the mounting bolt.
5. Install the drive belt.
6. Adjust the belt tension by rotating the adjustment bolt.
7. The belt deflection for 1.5L, 1.6L (VIN 5), 2.4L and 2.7L engines, is as follows:
   1. New belt: 0.22-0.28 in. (5.5-7mm).
   2. Used belt: 0.24-0.28 in. (6-7mm).
8. The belt deflection for 1.6L (VIN 3) engine is as follows :
   1. New belt: 0.13-0.15 in. (3.3-3.7mm).
   2. Used belt: 0.17-0.19 in. (4.2-4.7mm).
9. The belt deflection for the 2.0L engine, is as follows:
   1. New belt: 0.22-0.31 in. (5.5-8mm).
   2. Used belt: 0.33-0.45 in. (8.5-11.5mm).
10. The belt deflection for the 1.8L engine, is as follows:
    1. New belt: 0.23-0.31 in. (6-8mm).
    2. Used belt: 0.28-0.35 in. (7-9mm).
11. Tighten the tensioner bolt to 14-19 ft. lbs. (19-26 Nm) and the pivot bolt to 28-38 ft. lbs. (38-51 Nm).
12. Connect the alternator electrical connections.
13. Install the alternator B terminal cover cap.
14. Install the power steering pump and adjust the power steering belt tension, 2.0L and 1.6L (VIN 3) engines only.
15. Install the water pump pulley, 2006 1.6L engine only.
16. Install the air intake inlet pipe and fasten the clamp, 1.8L engine only.
17. Install the top hose to the air intake inlet pipe, 1.8L engine only.
18. Install the front air intake inlet pipe bolts, 1.8L engine only.
19. Connect the negative battery cable.

For the lower pulley, check that timing mark on the pulley is aligned with timing mark on engine.

On the head, check that "I" mark on intake camshaft pulley is aligned with mark on cylinder head cover and "E" mark on exhaust camshaft pulley is aligned with mark on cylinder head cover.

where is the fuse box located on a 2003 kia spectra?

Sounds like a dirty of faulty speed sensor. They can be removed and cleaned. Better off replacing. Do check the wires to the speed sensor. Trace wires from tranny to instrument cluster and make sure they are all in tact and clean.

1-Remove the vent/radio housing.
2-Remove the cover panels on either side of the dash that get cover when the door is closed.
3-Remove the panel under the steering wheel.
4- Remove glove box to open space inside of dash.
5-Remove four bolts and connector holding passenger side airbag and remove carefully.
6-Remove cover plate over shifter.
7-Remove the center console.(2 bolts under armrest and 4 screws-2 on either side of the console)
8-Disconnect the wiring harnesses on either side of dash.(White and black connectors. 2 on driver 1 on passenger.
9-Remove the four bolts holding the center of the dash to the floor.
10- remove two bolts on drivers side dash where cover was and same on passenger side.
11- Unbolt the steering column ( 2 bolts under the wheel) and let it rest on floor.
12- The entire dash will remove from the car as 1 piece and each component can be taken out from there.

It isn't worth it to fish for the bolts from the inside. Take the support bar out and work on it outside the car. much faster.

It seems confusing, but easy if you take your time

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Replacement

1. Remove AC and P'S drive belt, it equipped.

2. Loosen generator mounting bolt and adjusting bolt.

3. Remove generator belt.

4. Install new generator belt and adjust to specification.

5. Tighten all bolts to specified torque.

Tightening torque mounting bolt: 27-38 Lb-ft (37- 52 N.m. 3.8 -5.3 kg-m)

Adjusting bolt: 14 - 18 Lb-ft (19 -26 N.m. 1.9 -2.6 kg-m)

Image

6. Install AC and P'S drive belt, if equipped. and adjust to specification.

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Regards, Lee Davidian

You can use 5W 30 (what the manual requests), but these other oils will also work well with that car. I have tried them all and have more than 200,000 miles on my 03 Kia Spectra. The car has no mechanical issues. . . 10W 30, 10W 40. I use 10W 40 in the summer. The trick is to frequently change oil regardless of type and not let the oil go more than about 4,000 miles without an oil and filter change. That is the key to long life for these small motors. If you do that you NEVER will need to flush the motor and I would recommend you never use a commercial motor flush product. If the engine oil gets so dirty you think a flush is needed, then instead use a quart of transmission fluid, drive it for two weeks or 200 miles, then change the oil.

The knock sensor is hidden by the intake manifold bracket which is on the firewall side offf the car.To get to it you have to jack the car up and support it.with jack stands .always disconnect the battery when working with electrical peices.The knock sensor will be under the intake manifold bracket which is to the left of the alternator.To remove it remove the bracket, disconnect the plug to the sensor, remove the retaining bolt and then remove the sensor.I hope this helps finding it and replacing it.

Hi, there are 3 fuses the the alternator needs to charge the battery. These may be inside the car or in a box in the engine compartment. They are named IG1, ECU, and ALT. If you have trouble finding them, please get back to me.