Kia Optima: Engine Electrical System / Ignition System
Description and operation
Ignition timing is controlled by the electronic control ignition timing system.
The standard reference ignition timing data for the engine operating conditions
are pre-pro grammed in the memory of the ECM (Engine Control Module).
The engine operating conditions (speed, load, warm-up condition, etc.) are detected
by the various sensors. Based on these sensor signals and the ignition timing data,
signals to interrupt the primary current are sent to the ECM.
The ignition coil is activated, and timing is controlled.
Repair procedures
Inspect ignition coil assembly and
Perform spark test |
1. |
Check for DTCs.
•
|
If a DTC is present, perform troubleshooting in accordance
with the procedure for that DTC. (Refer to DTC guide)
|
|
|
2. |
Check if sparks occur.
(1) |
Remove the engine cover.
|
(2) |
Remove the ignition coils.
|
(3) |
Using a spark plug wrench, remove the spark plugs.
|
(4) |
Disconnect the 4 injector connectors.
|
(5) |
Ground the spark plug to the engine.

|
(6) |
Check if sparks occur at each spark plug while engine is being
cranked.
|
•
|
Do not crank the engine for more then 5 seconds.
|
|
|
3. |
If sparks do not occur, perform the following test.

|
4. |
Using a spark plug wrench, install spark plugs.
|
5. |
Install the ignition coils.
|
6. |
Install the engine cover.
|
Troubleshooting
Symptom
|
Suspect Area
|
Remedy
|
Engine will not start or is hard to
start (Cranks OK)
|
Ignition lock switch
|
Inspect ignition lock switch, or replace as required
|
Ignition coil
|
Inspect ignition coil, or replace as required
|
Spark plugs
|
Inspect spark plugs, or replace as required
|
Ignition wiring disconnected or broken
|
Repair wiring, or replace as required
|
Rough idle or stalls
|
Ignition wiring
|
Repair wiring, or replace as required
|
Ignition coil
|
Inspect ignition coil, or replace as required
|
Engine hesitates/poor acceleration
|
Spark plugs and spark plug cables
|
Inspect spark plugs / cable, or replace as required
|
Ignition wiring
|
Repair wiring, or replace as required
|
Poor mileage
|
Spark plugs and spark plug cables
|
Inspect spark plugs / cable, or replace as required
|
Service data
Service Data
Ignition System
Ignition Coil
Item
Specification
Primary Coil Resistance (Ω)
0.75 ± 15% ...
Description and operation
Description
An ignition coil is an induction coil in an engine's ignition system which transforms
the battery's low voltage to the high voltage needed ...
Other information:
Infant or small child
You should be aware of the specific requirements in your country. Child and/or
infant seats must be properly placed and installed in the rear seat. For more information
about the use of these restraints, refer to “Child restraint system” in this section.
✽ NOTICE
S ...
ABS (or ESC) will not prevent accidents due to improper or dangerous driving
maneuvers. Even though vehicle control is improved during emergency braking, always
maintain a safe distance between you and objects ahead. Vehicle speeds should always
be reduced during extreme road conditions. The v ...