2016 Kia Rio - Does not crank
Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com.
Here is a list of tools I use every day at the shop. Let me know if you use them too in the comments!
Customer Complaint: This 2016 Kia Rio came to the shop with a no crank issue. It will only start with a jump box. A week or so before, the customer came into the shop wanting to buy a battery to install themselves.
First Thoughts: The battery is new and it is possible that it is not good. But since they had it for so long and now are having a no crank issue, my thoughts are leaning towards an alternator.
Diagnostics: What could cause a no crank issue with a car?
Here are some possible issues for a no crank issue:
The battery is old and will not hold a charge.
The battery is dead because the alternator is not charging.
The battery has a bad or loose connection.
The starter is bad and/or has a bad/loose connection.
There could be some sort of security issue.
The first step I took was to confirm the customer complaint. The vehicle does not start.
The second step was to put a jump box on it and see if it will try to start.
It started right up.
That test ruled out:
A starter issue
A security issue
The next step was to see if the alternator was charging since I had the car running.
Testing on the battery posts
Testing on the battery terminals
To rule out the possibility of a bad or loose connection, I tested the alternator charging in two locations.
The first was on the battery posts.
Now, if I were to stop testing, it would look like the alternator was not charging. It was only showing 12.6 volts.
The second was on the battery terminals.
On the battery terminals, it was charging 14.1 volts.
It’s clear that the issue is a bad connection at the battery. It did not allow the battery to charge properly OR start properly.
After closer examination, it is clear that the corrosion on this battery terminal was never cleaned when the battery was replaced by the owner.
After the corrosion was cleaned, I tested the battery to make sure it was still good.
The vehicle started and charged correctly! Fixed!
Disclaimer and Disclosure:
Due to factors beyond the control of DiagnosticMechanic.com, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. DiagnosticMechanic.com assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this website. DiagnosticMechanic.com recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this website. Due to factors beyond the control of DiagnosticMechanic.com, no information contained in this website shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this website is the sole responsibility of the user and not DiagnosticMechanic.com.
DiagnosticMechanic.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. In many of our case studies, articles, and tool reviews, we may earn a small commission when readers purchase products through our links.