How to Check for Fuel Delivery in a Kia Spectra

How to Check for Fuel Delivery in a Kia Spectra. The Kia Spectra is a compact family sedan that debuted in 2000. The Spectra began as a hatchback and went through a complete redesign in 2004. A four-door sedan design was added to the available versions of the Kia, which then went on to become the best selling Kia vehicle in the United States.

Relieve fuel system pressure. Take off the fuel pump cover located under the back seat cushion. Disconnect the electrical connection. Start the Kia Spectra and let the engine run until it stalls from lack of gasoline. Turn off the ignition, reconnect the pump's electrical connection and disconnect the negative battery cable.

Disconnect the fuel pressure sensor vacuum hose. Check for fuel in the line. If there is fuel present in the line, the fuel delivery problem is probably due to a faulty fuel pump pressure regulator, which means there is not enough fuel in the engine for proper function. If there is no fuel in the line, reattach the vacuum hose and continue with the fuel delivery diagnostic.

Twist off the fuel pressure test port cap and secure a pressure gauge to the fuel pressure valve. Reconnect the negative battery cable and start the engine. Disconnect the vacuum hose again and check the gauge. It needs to read between 48 and 51 pounds per square inch. High pressure readings indicate that the pressure regulator is malfunctioning. Low pressure reading indicate that the fuel filter is clogged or that the fuel pump needs to be replaced.

Cut the engine. Relieve system pressure and remove the negative battery cable again so you can safely remove the fuel filter to check for clogs.

Remove the fuel lines from either side of the filter. Loosen the filter fittings and the mounting bracket. Take out the fuel filter.

Inspect the filter for clogs and replace it with a new one if necessary. If there are no clogs, the fuel delivery problem is probably because of a faulty fuel pump.