Q: Car sat for a year now it keeps dying, so what could be wrong?

asked by on December 18, 2016

It has a brand new battery. Its a 2002 kia sportage with a standard transmission

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If the vehicle sat for a year with a partially filled tank of gasoline, the gasoline has oxidized and components of the fuel have separated out and turned to varnish. If that is the case, the fuel injectors are likely partially plugged up. The fuel tank will have to be emptied and thoroughly cleaned. The fuel filter will have to be replaced, the fuel rail flushed and the fuel injectors will have to be removed from the car, thoroughly cleaned ultrasonically and each filter basket has to be replaced. If the vehicle will not run after that work is complete, then there is an engine sensor, ignition system and/air induction issue. Anytime a car sits, particularly outdoors, you also have to consider the possibility that mice have simply chewed though essential wiring and thus critical circuits to the PCM are interrupted. If you desire that all of the foregoing be evaluated in a no start diagnostic, please simply schedule the same at YourMechanic’s website.

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