Why does my Kia Sorento Third Generation (2015-2020) have a persistent battery drain issue?

Kia Sorento Third Generation (2015-2020)

Error Codes

medium

Difficulty

medium

Severity

3 min read

536 words

Problem Statement

## Persistent Battery Drain Issue in Kia Sorento Third Generation (2015-2020)

Solution

💡 Expert Tip

For complex repairs like this, consider taking photos at each step. This helps if you need to reverse a step or consult with a mechanic. Also, keep all removed parts organized - you may need to reference them during reassembly.

Verification

After completing the repair, verify that the issue has been resolved:

✓Test the affected component to ensure it functions correctly
✓Check for any error codes or warning lights
✓Monitor the vehicle for a few days to ensure the issue does not recur

Prevention Tips

To prevent this issue from occurring again:

•Follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule
•Address warning signs early before they develop into major issues
•Use quality parts and fluids recommended for your vehicle
•Keep detailed records of all repairs and maintenance

Related Faults

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Back to Generation

Why does my Kia Sorento Third Generation (2015-2020) have a persistent battery drain issue?

Kia Sorento Third Generation (2015-2020)

Error Codes

medium

Difficulty

medium

Severity

3 min read

536 words

Problem Statement

## Persistent Battery Drain Issue in Kia Sorento Third Generation (2015-2020)

Solution

Persistent Battery Drain Issue in Kia Sorento Third Generation (2015-2020)

Symptoms

Difficulty Starting: Engine cranks slowly or does not start at all.
Warning Lights: Dashboard warning lights may illuminate even when the vehicle is off.
Electrical Issues: Malfunctioning accessories such as power windows, radio, or interior lights.
Battery Age: The battery discharges quickly, especially after a few days of inactivity.

Diagnostic Steps

Visual Inspection:
- Check for any signs of corrosion on battery terminals.
- Inspect the battery for physical damage or swelling.
- Look for any aftermarket accessories (e.g., alarms, audio systems) that may be improperly installed.
Battery Test:
- Use a digital multimeter to measure the battery voltage. A healthy battery should read around 12.6V when the vehicle is off.
- If the voltage is below 12.4V, consider charging or replacing the battery.
Parasitic Draw Test:
- Tools Required: Digital Multimeter, battery terminal wrench.
- Disconnect the negative battery cable.
- Set the multimeter to measure current (Amps) and connect one probe to the negative battery terminal and the other to the disconnected negative cable.
- Wait for the vehicle to enter sleep mode (may take 10-20 minutes). A normal draw should be below 50 milliamps (0.050 Amps). If it’s higher, proceed to identify the source of the draw.

Tools Required

Digital Multimeter
Battery Terminal Wrench
Wire Strippers/Cutters
Electrical Contact Cleaner
Screwdrivers (Phillips and Flathead)
Fuse Puller or Pliers

Repair Instructions

Identify the Source of the Draw:
- If the draw is above the normal limit, start removing fuses one at a time from the fuse box while monitoring the multimeter reading until the draw drops to normal levels.
- Note which circuit causes the draw to help identify the faulty component.
Check Individual Circuits:
- For each circuit that shows a higher draw, inspect individual components. Common culprits can include:
  - Interior lights: Ensure all doors are closing properly and lights are turning off.
  - Trunk light: Make sure the switch is functioning correctly.
  - Aftermarket accessories: Ensure they are installed correctly and not staying powered on.
Repair or Replace Faulty Components:
- If a specific component is found to be faulty (e.g., a stuck relay, faulty switch, or shorted accessory), repair or replace it as necessary.
- For relays that remain energized, locate the relay box in the engine compartment or under the dashboard and replace the faulty relay.
Battery Maintenance:
- Clean the battery terminals with electrical contact cleaner to ensure a good connection.
- If the battery is old (over 3-5 years), consider replacing it regardless of testing results.
Final Check:
- Reconnect all fuses and battery terminals.
- Perform a final voltage test on the battery with the vehicle off and while running to ensure the alternator is charging properly.
- Monitor the vehicle over the next few days to ensure the problem is resolved.

Conclusion

If the issue persists after performing the above steps, it may be necessary to consult a professional automotive technician for further diagnostics, as there could be more complex wiring issues or control module failures contributing to the battery drain.

💡 Expert Tip

Verification

After completing the repair, verify that the issue has been resolved:

✓Test the affected component to ensure it functions correctly
✓Check for any error codes or warning lights
✓Monitor the vehicle for a few days to ensure the issue does not recur

Prevention Tips

To prevent this issue from occurring again:

•Follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule
•Address warning signs early before they develop into major issues
•Use quality parts and fluids recommended for your vehicle
•Keep detailed records of all repairs and maintenance

Related Faults

Share this solution

Comments

No comments yet

Be the first to share your thoughts

Back to Generation

Persistent Battery Drain Issue in Kia Sorento Third Generation (2015-2020)

Symptoms

Difficulty Starting: Engine cranks slowly or does not start at all.
Warning Lights: Dashboard warning lights may illuminate even when the vehicle is off.
Electrical Issues: Malfunctioning accessories such as power windows, radio, or interior lights.
Battery Age: The battery discharges quickly, especially after a few days of inactivity.

Diagnostic Steps

Visual Inspection:
- Check for any signs of corrosion on battery terminals.
- Inspect the battery for physical damage or swelling.
- Look for any aftermarket accessories (e.g., alarms, audio systems) that may be improperly installed.
Battery Test:
- Use a digital multimeter to measure the battery voltage. A healthy battery should read around 12.6V when the vehicle is off.
- If the voltage is below 12.4V, consider charging or replacing the battery.
Parasitic Draw Test:
- Tools Required: Digital Multimeter, battery terminal wrench.
- Disconnect the negative battery cable.
- Set the multimeter to measure current (Amps) and connect one probe to the negative battery terminal and the other to the disconnected negative cable.
- Wait for the vehicle to enter sleep mode (may take 10-20 minutes). A normal draw should be below 50 milliamps (0.050 Amps). If it’s higher, proceed to identify the source of the draw.

Tools Required

Digital Multimeter
Battery Terminal Wrench
Wire Strippers/Cutters
Electrical Contact Cleaner
Screwdrivers (Phillips and Flathead)
Fuse Puller or Pliers

Repair Instructions

Identify the Source of the Draw:
- If the draw is above the normal limit, start removing fuses one at a time from the fuse box while monitoring the multimeter reading until the draw drops to normal levels.
- Note which circuit causes the draw to help identify the faulty component.
Check Individual Circuits:
- For each circuit that shows a higher draw, inspect individual components. Common culprits can include:
  - Interior lights: Ensure all doors are closing properly and lights are turning off.
  - Trunk light: Make sure the switch is functioning correctly.
  - Aftermarket accessories: Ensure they are installed correctly and not staying powered on.
Repair or Replace Faulty Components:
- If a specific component is found to be faulty (e.g., a stuck relay, faulty switch, or shorted accessory), repair or replace it as necessary.
- For relays that remain energized, locate the relay box in the engine compartment or under the dashboard and replace the faulty relay.
Battery Maintenance:
- Clean the battery terminals with electrical contact cleaner to ensure a good connection.
- If the battery is old (over 3-5 years), consider replacing it regardless of testing results.
Final Check:
- Reconnect all fuses and battery terminals.
- Perform a final voltage test on the battery with the vehicle off and while running to ensure the alternator is charging properly.
- Monitor the vehicle over the next few days to ensure the problem is resolved.

Conclusion

Why does my Kia S... | Kia Sorento Third Generation (2015-2020) | Cars | FAULTBASE