2011 Kia Optima SXFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE

Check Short Circuit

  1. Test Method for Short to Ground Circuit
    1. Continuity Check with Chassis Ground

      If short to ground circuit occurs as shown in Fig 1, the broken point can be found by performing Step 2 (Continuity Check Method with Chassis Ground) as shown below.

      Fig 1: Short Circuit To Ground Circuit
      G07385807Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
  2. Continuity Check Method (with Chassis Ground)
    NOTE: Lightly shake the wire harness above and below, or from side to side when measuring the resistance.

    Specification (Resistance)Β 

    1Ξ© or less β†’ Short to Ground Circuit

    1MΞ© or Higher β†’ Normal Circuit

    1. Disconnect connectors (A), (C) and measure for resistance between connector (A) and Chassis Ground as shown in Fig 2.

      The measured resistance of line 1 and 2 in this example is below 1 Ξ© and higher than 1MΞ© respectively. Specifically the short to ground circuit is line 1 (Line 2 is normal). To find exact broken point, check the sub line of line 1 as described in the following step.

      Fig 2: Measuring Resistance Between Connector (A) & Chassis Ground (Continuity Check)
      G07385808Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
    2. Disconnect connector (B), and measure the resistance between connector (A) and chassis ground, and between (B1) and chassis ground as shown in Fig 3.

      The measured resistance between connector (B1) and chassis ground is 1Ξ© or less. The short to ground circuit is between terminal 1 of connector (C) and terminal 1 of connector (B1).

      Fig 3: Measuring Resistance Between Connector (B1) & Chassis Ground (Continuity Check)
      G07385809Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
Factory Service Tools

Use the Manual With the Right Hardware

Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.

Disclosure: Verified tool recommendations may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you.

Shop Manual-Ready ToolsCompare Repair QuoteQuote Shield Pro

When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • β€’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • β€’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • β€’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • β€’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • β€’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.