As it gets colder outside, it's become difficult to start my 95 Sportage each morning. It takes about 5 minutes before it will start, and I've got to let it warm up a minute or two more before it will idle normally. After that, it runs great once it's warmed up. The CEL will come on while it warms up, then turn off once up to temp. Could anyone suggest how I might fix the problem? The battery's in good shape, and the O2 sensor is a year old. I've never touched the MAF sensor, and it could use a new fuel filter. Thanks for any help.

Start with the easy/cheap stuff first.

The electrical connectors on the top of the inlet manifold can give issues. Disconnect and reconnect them a few times to clean the contact surfaces.

Next step would be to look at the idle air controller on the side of the manifold near the throttle body this may be stuck closed (most likely problem). On the vacuum line on the air filter side of the IAC you should be able to feel suction when the line is disconnected with your thumb over it, as you turn the engine over. No suction = IAC stuck.

Is it throwing any codes that you could retrieve?

I'd replace the air, fuel, and oil filters too plus the plugs.

Logansportage <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/patriot.gif" alt="" />

Only the fuel filter's past due. If the CEL throws a code, can it be retrieved after the CEL has turned off? Thanks for the advice.

No, unless it was a proprietary code. Then it takes a hard reset of the ECU. Power cable on the battery needs to be pulled for more than 5 seconds.

Logansportage <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/patriot.gif" alt="" />

The ECU should still have the DTC stored even though the CEL goes off. But here's the rub: 1995 is OBD-I. Current OBD-II readers won't work. There is a procedure that can be employed with a shorting pin on the diagnostic connector and then read the flashing of the CEL. I think the on line FSM outlines that procedure but I'm not sure. The other alternative is a Kia Pro Scan Tool which can deal with and readout OBD-I trouble codes. But only dealers have access to this tool.

Barring any sort of progress via the above suggestions, it's possible for the Engine Temperature (ET) sensor to be stuck at a warm reading within operating parameters even when it's rather frosty outside. I've known a motorcycle or two that has displayed similar symptoms (barely start cold, then run prime when warm) and had a sticky ET. There should be a fairly simple test with an ohmmeter provided somebody has the temperature/resistance scale (I'd look into this for you, but kiatechinfo.com doesn't want to talk to me today).

www.wellsmfgcorp.com/pdf/Counterpoint2_2.pdf
This links to a pdf article about ET sensors, at the top of page 3 there is a fairly simple test, remember to keep the key off any time the sensor is disconnected or the CEL will likely be on more frequently than before.
Good luck.

Open your Diagnostic port under the hood and put a jumper wire on the second to last port on the bottom full row and the last port on the middle row. Leave the top row with 4 ports alone. After your jumper the ports together turn your key to the on position but do not start. If it has a code stored your check engine light will make some short and long flashes. Count the flashes and post them here and I will check back and let you know what they are. Axe will probably beat me to it though, he is one of the best here with Kia electronics.

Hope this helps, Dennis

Edit by Damkia: Try this link for a guide
http://www.troublecodes.net/Kia/

Thanks a lot everybody! I finally spent some time under the hood and fixed the problem. I checked the IAC valve and found it working. Then I used the link Damkia provided to read my CEL code. Turns out it was a bad engine coolant temp sensor. An hour of my time and $16 was all it took to diagnose and fix the problem. I bought the Sportage new off the lot in 95. After 14 years and 278k miles, it runs just as good as new. Thanks again.

hope you changed the T/B a few times in all those miles LOL

we have had a lot of very cold nights even mine cranks slow battery is cold at -14*