Servicing The Electrical System

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 Kia Sportage and 2012 Kia Sportage. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Prior to servicing the electrical system, be sure to turn off the ignition switch and disconnect the battery ground cable.
NOTE: In the course of MFI or ELC system diagnosis, when the battery cable is removed, any diagnostic trouble code retained by the computer will be cleared. There fore, if necessary, record the diagnostic data before removing the battery cable.

Fig 1: Disconnecting Battery Ground Cable
Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
Attach the wiring harnesses with clamps so that there is no slack. However, for any harness which passes the engine or other vibrating parts of the vehicle, allow some slack within a range that does not allow the engine vibrations to cause the harness to come into contact with any of the surrounding parts and then secure the harness by using a clamp.

Fig 2: Attaching Wiring Harnesses With Clamp
Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
If any section of a wiring harness interferes with the edge of a parts, or a corner, wrap the section of the harness with tape or something similar in order to protect if from damage.

Fig 3: Wrapping Section Of Harness Using Tape
Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
When installing any parts, be careful not to pinch or damage any of the wiring harness.

Fig 4: Caution For Pinching Or Damaging Wiring Harness When Installing
Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
Never throw relays, sensors or electrical parts, or expose them to strong shock.

Fig 5: Caution For Handling Relay, Sensors Or Electrical Parts
Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
The electronic parts used in the computer, relays, etc. are readily damaged by heat. If there is a need for service operations that may cause the temperature to exceed 80°C (176°F), remove the electronic parts before hand.

Fig 6: Caution For Heating Parts
Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
Loose connectors cause problems. Make sure that the connectors are always securely fastened.

Fig 7: Checking Connectors Connection
Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
When disconnecting a connector, be sure to grip only the connector, not the wires.

Fig 8: Caution For Gripping Wires When Disconnecting
Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
Disconnect connector which have catches by pressing in the direction of the arrows shown the illustration.

Fig 9: Pressing Connectors Catches
Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
Connect connectors which have catches by inserting the connectors until they make a clicking sound.

Fig 10: Connecting Connectors
Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
When using a circuit tester to check continuity or voltage on connector terminals, insert the test probe into the harness side. If the connector is a sealed connector, insert the test probe through the hole in the rubber cap until contacts the terminal, being careful not to damage the insulation of the wires.

Fig 11: Checking Continuity Or Voltage Of Connector Terminals
Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
To avoid overloading the wiring, take the electrical current load of the optional equipment into consideration, and determine the appropriate wire size.

WIRE SPECIFICATIONS

Nominal size	SAE gauge No.	Permissible current
Nominal size	SAE gauge No.	In engine compartment	Other areas
0.3 mm²	AWG 22	-	5A
0.5 mm²	AWG 20	7A	13A
0.85 mm²	AWG 18	9A	17A
1.25 mm²	AWG 16	12A	22A
2.0 mm²	AWG 14	16A	30A
3.0 mm²	AWG 12	21A	40A
5.0 mm²	AWG 10	31A	54A