Project Kia Sportage 2.0 CRDi

Brakes & diagnostic trouble

PART FOUR: Rob Hawkins visits AES York Ltd to seek help with fixing our Sportage’s cruise control and to borrow a two-post ramp to change the rear brake discs and pads.

Problems on a project vehicle aren’t always so straightforward to fix, but we seem to have had luck on our side recently with our Kia Sportage. The leaking screenwash reservoir couldn’t have been simpler to remedy when Rob removed the engine undertray and spotted the bottom hose that’s connected to it wasn’t fully fitted. Consequently, the weight of all the fluid inside the reservoir when it was momentarily full resulted in it leaking out but left a small amount inside that was enough to still operate the screen washers and trigger the low-level warning on the dashboard.

The lack of cruise control and the warning light on the dashboard for hill descent were instantly fixed with a new clutch pedal switch. Admittedly, it was a finger-crunching job to replace, but Mark Shipman at AES York saved the day and knew what was involved. He also has the diagnostic equipment to check that the new clutch pedal switch was working properly (and he diagnosed the problem). We now not only have cruise control, but also brake assist, which is useful for holding the Sportage for a few seconds when setting off uphill, although Rob is a traditionalist and can’t keep his hands off the mechanical handbrake.

One problem we’ve yet to fix is the low fuel consumption, which went even lower when the ECU triggered a DPF regen. Mark at AES suspected this was activated by a false air temperature reading. He checked the DPF readings and concluded it didn’t have any blockages to warrant a regen, so reset it and the MPG returned to the midthirties. That’s still nowhere near the claimed 47mpg, so we’ve added an injector cleaner to a full tank of fuel and will report on it again soon. Can a fourwheel-drive vehicle that weighs around 1600kg and has the aerodynamics of a garden shed be that fuel efficient?

Other jobs we’ve completed have been less noticeable, but essential nonetheless, such as the rear brakes, which were close to the limit. And the same can be said for the engine servicing, which is a relief that it has been done, especially considering there’s not much in the service book.

SQUEAKY REAR

An irritating squeak from the rear suspension has been gradually getting worse. We suspected it was coming from the near