Kia Sorento Owner's Manual Quiz
Kia Sorento XM 2011-2023 Repair Manual

Inspection on Vehicle

In this manual: Kia Sorento XM 2011-2023 Repair Manual
Kia Sorento XM Owner's Manual. — 168Kia Sorento XM 2011-2023 Repair Manual — 1285
8steps
~48min
3/5difficulty
Done 0 of 8

[General Inspection]

  1. Check the battery terminals and fuses
    1. Make sure the battery terminals are not loose or corroded.
    2. Check the fuses for continuity.
  2. Inspect the drive belt
    1. Visually inspect the drive belt for excessive wear, frayed cords, etc. If any defect is found, replace the drive belt.
  3. Measure and adjust the drive belt tension (Refer to Engine Mechanical System - Drive Belt)
  4. Visually inspect the alternator wiring and listen for abnormal noise.
    1. Make sure the wiring is in good condition.
    2. Make sure there is no abnormal noise from the generator with the engine running.
  5. Check the charge warning lamp circuit.
    1. Warm up the engine, then turn it off.
    2. Turn off all accessories.
    3. Turn the ignition switch ON. Make sure the charging warning light illuminates.
    4. Start the engine. Make sure the light goes off. If the light does not go off as specified, troubleshoot the charge warning light circuit.

[Inspection of Specified Electrical Values]

  1. Generator Output Wire Voltage Drop Test. This test determines whether the wiring between generator terminal "B" and the battery terminal (+) is in good condition using the voltage drop method.
    1. Preparation
      A. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.
      B. Disconnect the output wire from the generator B terminal. Connect the (+) lead of the ammeter to the generator B terminal and the (-) lead of the ammeter to the output wire. Connect the (+) lead of the voltmeter to the generator B terminal and the (-) lead of the voltmeter to the battery (+) terminal.
    2. Test
      A. Start the engine.
      B. Turn on the headlights and blower motor, and increase engine speed until the ammeter reads 20 A. Then read the voltmeter.
    3. Result
      A. The voltmeter may show the standard value.

      Specification: 0.2 V max.
      B. If the voltmeter reading is higher than expected (more than 0.2 V maximum), a wiring fault is suspected. In this case, inspect the wiring from generator terminal "B" to the battery (+) terminal. Check for loose connections, discoloration due to harness overheating, etc. Repair them before retesting.
      C. After the test, return the engine to idle speed. Turn off the headlights, blower motor, and ignition switch.
  2. Output Current Test: This test determines whether the generator produces output current equivalent to the normal output.
    1. Preparation
      A. Before testing, check the following items and correct as necessary. Check the battery installed in the vehicle to make sure it is in good condition. For the battery check procedure, refer to the Battery section. The battery used for the output current test should be partially discharged. With a fully charged battery, the test may not be performed correctly due to insufficient load. Check the generator drive belt tension. For the belt tension check procedure, refer to the Drive Belt Inspection section.
      B. Turn the ignition off.
      C. Disconnect the battery ground cable.
      D. Disconnect the generator output wire from the generator B terminal.
      E. Connect a DC ammeter (0 to 150 A) in series between generator terminal "B" and the disconnected output wire. Be sure to connect the ammeter (-) lead to the disconnected output wire.
      F. Connect a voltmeter (0 to 20 V) between the B terminal and ground. Connect the (+) lead to the generator B terminal and the (-) lead to a good ground.
      G. Attach an engine tachometer and connect the battery ground cable.
      H. Leave the engine hood open.
    2. Test
      A. Make sure the voltmeter shows the same value as the battery voltage. If the voltmeter shows 0 V, an open circuit in the wire between the generator B terminal and the battery (+) terminal, or a poor ground connection, is suspected.
      B. Start the engine and turn on the headlights.
      C. Set the headlights to high beam and the blower switch to HI. Quickly increase engine speed to 2500 rpm and read the maximum output current shown on the ammeter.
    3. Result
      A. The ammeter reading should be above the specified limit. If it is below, but the generator output wire is in good condition, remove the generator from the vehicle and test it.

      Limit value: 60% of the rated voltage.
      B. After completing the output current test, return the engine to idle speed and turn off the ignition switch.
      C. Disconnect the battery ground cable.
      D. Remove the ammeter, voltmeter, and engine tachometer.
      E. Connect the generator output wire to the generator B terminal.
      F. Connect the battery ground cable.
  3. Regulated Voltage Test: The purpose of this test is to check that the electronic voltage regulator correctly regulates the voltage.
    1. Preparation
      A. Before testing, check the following items and correct if necessary. Make sure the battery installed in the vehicle is fully charged. For the battery check procedure, refer to the Battery section. Check the generator drive belt tension. For the belt tension check procedure, refer to the Drive Belt Inspection section.
      B. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.
      C. Disconnect the battery ground cable.
      D. Connect a digital voltmeter between the generator B terminal and ground. Connect the (+) voltmeter lead to the generator B terminal. Connect the (-) lead to a good ground or the battery (-) terminal.
      E. Disconnect the generator output wire from the generator B terminal.
      F. Connect a DC ammeter (0 to 150 A) in series between the B terminal and the disconnected output wire. Connect the (-) lead of the ammeter to the disconnected output wire.
      G. Attach an engine tachometer and connect the battery ground cable.
    2. Test
      A. Turn the ignition switch ON and check that the voltmeter shows the following value.

      Voltage: Battery voltage

      If it shows 0 V, there is an open circuit in the wire between the generator B terminal and the battery, or between the battery (-) terminal and ground.
      B. Start the engine. Keep all lights and accessories turned off.
      C. Run the engine at approximately 2500 rpm and read the voltmeter when the generator output current drops to 10 A or less.
    3. Result
      A. If the voltmeter reading does not meet the specified value, the voltage regulator or the generator is faulty.
      B. After completing the test, reduce the engine speed to idle and turn off the ignition switch.
      C. Disconnect the battery ground cable.
      D. Remove the voltmeter, ammeter, and engine tachometer.
      E. Connect the generator output wire to the generator B terminal.
      F. Connect the battery ground cable.

Test yourself

A quick Kia Sorento Owner's Manual quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.