Kia Carnival KV (1999-2006) Questions & Answers

Burn it they are nothing but trouble, we had a 2010 and had to replace the engine twice.

That's not really helpful. It has been a good car until now

Not sure if the Hold light is a symptom of your issue or not. If you're having problems starting, and the normal checks have not worked, then I'd suggest having a look at your MAF sensor. (Mass Air Flow). The 2004 model was prone to some problems with the head gasket. Check to see if the engine oil is like a chocolate milkshake, or if there's oil in the radiator .... custard on the inside of the radiator cap....this would be signs of a leaking head gasket.

Thank you for your reply

Start Fuse in kick panel is blown

You be best to ask a mechanic I have no idea mine is a 2017 model

In relation to GORDON's question "I have a 2003 Carnival it has the v6 engine with quad cam is this the rover engine that has all the problems?". I have never owned a carnival, I have only owned a grand carnival which was made in 2005 and the all new carnival. I believe the original carnivals had faults which were recalled by KIA to fix. You should contact KIA and ask for the best solution. Stretch.

Yes it is. This engine was the 1960's design with the steel barrel liners that "moved" and caused the engine to self destruct. There are examples around that keep on going....these have been driven "carefully" for most of their lives. The car was not designed to beat anything off at traffic lights, nor accelerate up hills. It's a very sedate people mover, I mean the specs would indicate that a.2.5L lugging almost two tonne of Korean metal and plastic would struggle to see off a Datsun 120Y.

Takes about 3 hours of contortion.....but can be done!...I did mine...twice! The front 3 are easy, but the rear 3 are jammed up against the firewall, and will require the removal of the plenum chamber (intake manifold thingy), throttle cable, and a host of hoses. Removal of the spark plug leads may result in some damage to them....(I had to replace mine), and you'll need a good socket set with elbows and extensions, the rest is pure willpower and bloodimindedness....check youtube for some examples! They reckon you need to release the engine mounts, and drop the motor a few inches, but I didn't....maybe why I damaged the HT leads!

I am hoping that you did not pay for this car! They are a heap of rubbish. Bought one in April 2016. July, the engine blew. Replacement engine cost $3700. Labour, $2800.00. Coolant and oil leaks have persisted. New radiator cost $520. Coolant housing $542. Oil leak still going. Now timing has to be changed! I am very upset.

that is cheap but they have problems with motors that can end up costing over $8000 not including labor and no gurantee that it will last.

KIA would not fix it nor would the dealership where we bought it from. Neither wanted anything to do with it and would not show any 'goodwill' as they called it. We couldn't afford to fix it. They say it was only the Carnival that had the problems and they fixed this when they upgraded the engines in the Grand Carnivals but I will personally never trust the car. It has left such a bad taste in my mouth after they washed their hands of the problem. I could never recommend to anyone to get a Carnival after what happened to us, because from what I have read it is quite a common occurrence. Hope that helps.

Blowing smoke under acceleration usually points to defective or broken rings.burnt piston etc. Blowing smoke after a period of idling or on startup usually means valve stem seals. Is the smoke blue? if so that is engine oil. As for the ticking, that could be many things, but sounds like a replacement engine is warranted either way. I run my Carnival on LPG periodically, but not in hot weather. I think overloading the 2.5L engine while on gas in hot weather may result in a burned piston, as mine originally suffered.

I've now clocked up 12,000kms since rebuilding the engine and it purrs. Regular servicing is a definite key to a long engine life. Don't know of mechanics in Brisbane, but an engine replacement on top of a gas conversion may not be worthwhile financially.

Hi Jean I'm not a mechanic but the ping noise maybe a fuel problem. The car sounds like it has been good for a long time and that is positive but I might be tempted to take it to a mechanic outside a Kia dealer as they tend to only know how to diagnose by computer and not by ear as older mechanics can do. Sorry this is not much help I hope you can resolve the problem soon. Regards Gina

The ping is petrol related i have a 2000 model wont run on 91 needs 95 or 98 octane or else gets the ping noise also known as a knock

Sorry, but I,m only experienced with the 2.5 KV6 petrol engine...It may be a pump problem..did you bleed the system after changing the engine. It may not be due to any error codes. I cannot be of more help than that. Why not have a talk with your local dealer? Cheers.

Sounds like an electronic fault in the ignition system and as it is computerised it will need the new ignition system and the new key to be programmed to work together to start your car. If your car is still in good working order it is worth taking the advice given. There are no alternative ways to repair all the modern cars where computer chips are installed. Hope you are able to get on the road again soon.