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Author Topic: broken kia=( i need help! Post a Reply Back to Topics
gasguru882
Rookie Author
New Hampshire

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Message Posted: Mar 17, 2011 10:49:11 AM
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i drive a 2001 kia optima and it drives great for the most part! when i first bought it last november there was a squeaking sound coming from the serpentine belt area. i drove it off the lot anyways... dumb idea. but anyways i replaced the serpentine belt... still squeaking. the battery light has just recently started to flicker very dimmly. the squeaking does not occur while the battery light is flickering. i'm all out of ideas and almost money. this car only takes premium gas... to top this whole situation off
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Wrench45840
Rookie Author Ohio

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Message Posted: Jan 2, 2013 12:10:21 PM
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Have the dealer check for TSBs there might be one for a computer re flash they had a few problems with battery drains and stuff. Did the belt squeak stop any after the new belt was installed?? Also try to spray some spray silicone on the belt when its squeaking see if the squeak goes away if it does its a dry belt. Also take the belt off and turn each pulley by hand check for bad pulley bearing or alternator or A/c compressor bearing.
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bluebird1
Champion Author Toronto

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Message Posted: Jun 22, 2011 9:57:10 PM
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There's only 2 things left, the belt tensioner (mentioned - though may not be sealed unit, my 2003 Rio wasn't) or the alternator (or whatever else the belts drive) is starting to seize. Likely culprit is tensioner but also doesn't take much to do in your new belt either.
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tankerCA
Champion Author Chico

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Message Posted: Mar 30, 2011 10:07:54 PM
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Did my post help you at all?
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tankerCA
Champion Author Chico

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Message Posted: Mar 19, 2011 7:47:38 PM
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It sounds like the belt isn't going around fast enough to keep the alternator working properly. The squeaking noise my be coming from a serpentine belt tensioner. A tensioner is a little wheel that is adjustable to put the correct tension on the belt. If the belt is lose, the tensioner should be tightened. If the belt is tight, check to make sure the tensioner is not seizing up. The bearings in the tensioner are sealed, so lubricating them is not an option...if the wheel no longer turns freely, it should be replaced before it wears out your recently replaced belt. Note that it can cause damage to a belt. Have a pro check it out.
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