Kia Picanto starting problems

gettingtheresometime

Mum has a 62 plate Kia Picanto and for the last couple of weeks its not started 1st time when she's gone to drive it first thing but will start no problems after she's driven it.

Any ideas what could be causing this ?

Got it booked for a diagnostic wednesday but would be useful to have a few ideas beforehand

Marktheshark

Unless it is showing the Engine management light, the "diagnostic" will be a waste of what ever it costs.

Appears to be a known issue :
Kia Motors (UK) Ltd is aware a small number of Kia Picantos are experiencing an issue with the cold start. The Technical Department within Kia Motors (UK) Ltd have referred the issue to Kia Korea for assistance.

Kia Korea, have actioned a software update that will rectify the issue, we are now at the stage of writing and programming the update. Before the update can be released to the dealer network in the UK, the update needs to be thoroughly tested to ensure optimal performance for our customers.

Once the update is released to the dealer network, a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) will be released - they will then be in a position to contact any customers they have that are experiencing these difficulties and arrange for the work to be carried out.

Unfortunately we are unable to say what temperature the vehicles are tested as the cars are tested under laboratory conditions.

On behalf of Kia Motors (UK) Ltd I apologise for any frustration or inconvenience this may be causing you and I would like to take this time to thank you for your ongoing patience while we resolve this matter.

Thank you once again for taking the time to contact Kia Motors (UK) Ltd.

Yours sincerely

Barbara Davis
Customer Service

0845 6017521

gettingtheresometime

thanks for that .....can I be cheeky and ask where you go this from?

None of the lights on the dashboard are permanently lit so it could be very well this problem

forgotmyname

Some cars have issues with the crank sensors. Sometimes it will start intermittently then gradually get worse until it fails.

Marktheshark

I would call that number, quoting that letter and ask where and when you get this free software update done .
They know about the issue, but will only admit it once your corner them.

Getting a garage to plug it in a "diagnostic" machine or code reader to tell you it is not showing any codes and bill you the thick end of a hundred quid is not going to fix what is a ECU software issue, they obviously know about it, hence that reply, now you have to make them admit it and fix it at the main dealers.

firefox1956

Is it not still under their 7 year warranty ??
If so just book it into a Kia dealer.
HTH

gettingtheresometime

Just a bit of an update - I rang Kia Customer Services first thing this morning and as has already been said it is a known issue ....the person I spoke to asked for the reg but unfortunately I didn't know it which makes me wonder if there's a rouge batch out there lol!


I've spoken to Mum as well and suggested that she rings them before she takes the car to the garage - that way she'll know the full story without it being a case of Chinese whispers

firefox1956

Rouge batch........or rogue batch .........
:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl: