When your Kia Soul won't turn over, it may put a delay on your plans. What could cause this issue in your vehicle? We have listed the possible causes in this article.
If your Kia Soul doesn't turn over, it could be due to the following:
- Dead Battery
- Loose Battery Cables
- Corroded Battery Terminals
- Faulty Alternator
- Bad Starter Motor
- Bad Starter Relay
- Faulty Starter Solenoid
- Empty Gas Tank
- Bad Fuel Pump
- Clogged Fuel Filter
- Flooded Engine
- Faulty Camshafts
- Bad Spark Plugs or Wires
- Worn Piston Rings
- Bad Fuel Pressure Regulator
As you can see, there are several reasons why your Kia Soul won't turn over. You can troubleshoot some of these problems yourself, while others require a certified mechanic to assess the situation.
This article will discuss the warning signs of each of these problems. In addition, we will take a look at other frequently asked questions about the Kia Soul, so read on!
Kia Soul Won't Turn Over—What Could Be Wrong?
This question carries a long list of possible answers, ranging from the simple to the complex. To begin, here is an overview of each potential problem that may be at fault:
Dead Battery
Your battery is the powerhouse of your Kia Soul. It sends a current from your battery to your starter motor, allowing it to turn over and start up your engine. Because these batteries are low-maintenance, many owners often forget how vital their car batteries are.
Try to jumpstart your Kia Soul using another car or a jumpstart box. Let it run for 10 to 15 minutes to let the battery recharge if you can get it started.
Loose Battery Cables
If you suspect that there may be a loose connection in one or more of the electrical cables under your hood, then this is most certainly the culprit. Start by checking all of the connections on your car's battery.
If the battery cables are loose in any way, then they will need to be tightened with a wrench. Make sure the cables are secure before trying to start the vehicle again.
Corroded Battery Terminals
If this is the case, you want to clean up the connection points with a wire brush. You can use a battery terminal cleaner made just for this purpose as an alternative.
Faulty Alternator
Most modern cars have an alternator that recharges the battery whenever the engine is running. If you can jumpstart the car and the battery quickly drains again, then that is a sign it is the alternator. You will need to take the Kia Soul to a mechanic to inspect and replace the part.
Bad Starter Motor
This is likely the issue if you are seeing any of these warning signs: the engine turns over but never starts, or it takes a few minutes for the car to start. In addition, the starter motor may make a clicking or grinding noise when you try to start it.
Bad Starter Relay
If your car's starter motor receives the correct amount of electricity from the battery, but it still won't turn over, you most likely have a bad starter relay. This means that the power is getting to the starter motor, but something is causing it not to turn on. A faulty or stuck starter relay will need to be replaced by a professional.
Faulty Starter Solenoid
The solenoid is another part of your Kia Soul's starter system. It is directly connected to the battery and helps amplify the power being sent to the starter motor. If this component becomes faulty, it will need to be replaced by a professional mechanic for your car to start properly again.
Empty Gas Tank
Your Kia Soul won't turn over if the gas tank is empty since it needs to be refilled before it will run again. So even if you have some gas in the vehicle but are parked on a hill, the fuel pump won't transfer it to the engine.
Instead, try popping the hood and start it up again. You will need to add more fuel to the vehicle before starting it again.
Bad Fuel Pump
A bad fuel pump will not allow fuel to reach the engine so that you won't start it. You may notice that your gas gauge shows more than half a tank of fuel, but your Kia Soul still won't turn on. When you try to start the vehicle and hear a whining noise coming from the gas tank, that is a warning sign the fuel pump is failing.
Clogged Fuel Filter
This is another possible culprit when you experience difficulty starting your car. A clogged fuel filter will restrict the flow of gasoline and cause it to reach the engine at a much slower rate. If this happens, try to clean out the excess dirt and debris for your Kia Soul to start again.
Flooded Engine
Sometimes, a flooded engine can be your problem. You will notice that the car doesn't turn on right away, and instead, you have to wait for a few minutes before trying it again. When you turn the key in the ignition, if all you hear is a clicking noise, then your Kia Soul is flooded and needs to sit for at least 30 minutes before it can be started again.
A flooded engine should never be turned on if it's been sitting for less than 30 minutes, as there is a risk of permanent damage caused by the excess gas being released from the pistons and cylinders.
If you suspect your Kia Soul may have a flooded engine, then you can try holding down the gas pedal when trying to start the car. The excess fuel should be burned off.
Faulty Camshafts
A faulty camshaft will stop your Kia Soul from being able to start. The camshaft is a part of the distributor and helps control the timing of how long it takes for the spark plugs to ignite the gas within each cylinder's pistons.
If you have a faulty camshaft, you will notice no ticking sound when turning the key in the ignition. The car will not turn over, and you need to have your camshafts replaced by a professional mechanic.
Bad Spark Plugs or Wires
Your spark plugs and wires play a significant role in starting your Kia Soul. They are responsible for converting the gasoline into energy that creates sparks and ultimately starts the engine.
If you have the right tools, take out your spark plugs to check for rust and corrosion. If your spark plugs are corroded, then you will need to replace them before your car starts again.
Spark plug wires can also become faulty, so it's essential to check for signs of damage or fray on the insulation's outside. Also, please look at the fuses connected to your battery since they regulate the amount of power delivered to different parts of your car. If your fuses are blown or damaged, then it's time to have them replaced.
Worn Piston Rings
Worn piston rings will decrease your Kia Soul's compression, essential for turning the engine. You might notice that it takes far longer to start, or it won't turn over at all if the piston rings are worn out.
The most likely cause is the lack of regular oil changes. The oil needs time to break down the carbon buildup on the pistons and cylinders. If you neglect your oil changes, you risk increasing this problem.
Bad Fuel Pressure Regulator
Fuel pressure regulators are directly connected to the fuel pump of your Kia Soul, which helps ensure that you receive a steady supply of gasoline. A faulty regulator will cause the car not to start at all, or it may start very slow.
Some symptoms can help identify what's causing this problem. For instance, if the engine cranks a lot longer than normal before starting, then there is a chance that your fuel pressure regulator has gone bad. Therefore, it's essential to have the faulty part replaced as soon as possible.
How do I know if my starter is bad?
One of the most common signs of a bad starter is a clicking noise when starting the car. In addition, the starter will make a grinding noise when the starter has failed. You can test your starter by using a circuit tester or taking it to an automotive store to have them test it for you.
How do you start a Kia Soul with a dead key fob?
To start your Kia Soul with a dead key fob battery, follow these steps:
- First, unlock the Kia Soul door using the spare key located inside the key fob.
- Once inside, press down the brake pedal and press the push start button with the key fob.
- This will activate the starting process, and the Kia Soul will start.
What common problems do Kia Souls have?
Like other vehicles on the market, the Kia Soul has had its troubles over the years. Reports have varied from consumers, but the most common are engine failure, cruise control surge, and engine not starting.
In addition, there have been other reports of the Kia Soul having engine knocking and ticking noises coming from the engine.
Final Thoughts
As we mentioned, some of these problems could be assessed on your own. If your Kia Soul doesn't turn over, start with the basic parts such as the battery, battery cables, and battery terminals. In addition, make sure you have enough fuel in the vehicle and listen for clicking or grinding noises coming from the starter.
For more articles like this one, then check these out:
Kia Soul Burning Oil – What To Do?