Electrical - Engine Compartment Fuse/Relay Box

SOURCE: Kia Technician Times

TITLE: Engine Compartment Fuse/Relay Box

APPLIES TO: 98 Sportage

SERVICE TIP:

CONDITION

Vehicles will quit running and/or will fail to start when the ignition switch is turned to the ON position. When diagnosing this concern, some technicians have discovered the engine compartment fuse/relay box melted at the 80 amp fuse location.

CAUSE

This condition is caused by the alternator power feed wire (main power feed) retaining bolt being loose. When the bolt becomes loose, it allows the eyelet to move under the bolt resulting in arcing. This in turn causes overheating of the metal and melts the surrounding plastic.

CORRECTIVE ACTION

1. Replace the engine compartment fuse relay box and other damaged/melted parts as necessary.
NOTICE
Make sure to tighten the alternator power feed wire bolt sufficiently to prevent a reoccurrence of this condition.