Have a 2002 Kia Sportage. It just started fishtailing. When I speed up or slow down. It's like I lose control of the steering for a short period of time . Kinda like on snow. But it's summer.

SOURCE: kia sportage 2002

you posibly have a misfire due to fauly ignition coils and spark plugs - vehicles are notorious for this maybe a leaking valve cover that leaks oil to spark plugs clean holes before removing spak plugs and check ignition coils ( remove boots) intake has to come of to replaced spark plugs.

SOURCE: 2000 kia sportage ex, 4 cyl.

Yes there is a sensor that controls Fuel/air ratio.It's called a MAF (mass air flow sensor)
But I think you should have the EGR (Exhaust gas recirculation)valve checked
and The TPS (throttle position sensor)maybe dirty.

Although may things can cause this issue,I would look at the items above first.


Please rate this a blue fixya

SOURCE: I have a 2002 Kia Sportage - idle slow when stopping at lights

Even though the fuel filter and pump are easy to replace, I would start with the IAC sensor first. It is easier to get to and is cheaper than the other two if you can find one at a wrecking yard (should be around $20). This sensor is the Idle Air Control sensor, and the computer decides how much throttle to give at idle from the readings of the sensor. If it is bad your car will idle poorly or not at all.

You can verify this two simple ways:

1. Disconnect the sensor completely and see if anything changes. If you get the same issue, then it's probably the sensor. If different then it could be fuel delivery.

2. With it all hooked up; try throttling the engine yourself at 1000-1200 rpm and see if it is smooth. If it is then it is probably the sensor. If not then could be the fuel delivery.

The sensor is under the silver and black, plastic KIA cover over the engine (4 small nuts to remove), and is center above the engine on the front side of the intake pipe.



The part looks like this:


If it seems to still be fuel delivery, the filter is (facing the engine from the front of the car) down to the left and toward the back attached to the fender well (Just to the right of and below the battery)

Mark Bowens

• 187 Answers
• Posted on Nov 06, 2009

SOURCE: 2002 KIA Sportage 4x4. 4x4 not working

Is the four wheel drive activated by vacuum? Check vacuum.

SOURCE: 2002 KIA SPORTAGE OWNERS MANUAL

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