What are the codes and what state do you live in?

 

What

p2096. North carolina

 

That Kia is a bunch of criminals, and I recommend never going back there again. If you don't DIY, then find a good honest independent shop to diagnose the real reason for the lean condition and make the repair. If you can and do DIY, then post back if you're interested in trying to figure out the problem yourself. An O2 sensor is the most likely suspect, but I never hang on parts without trying to diagnose first.

 

They told me I also needed a lower o2 but they gave me a print out to try carbclean fluid and try that first. I do have a mechanic place I will call them and see what code they got when I had my brakes done last week.

 

There's no way of knowing if they diagnosed the O2 sensor or just took a guess at it, but for certain they had no business quoting that ridiculous amount of $$ for a cat, when there's no reason to believe there's even a problem with it at all. You can ask the mechanic who did the brakes what he thinks about diagnosing the O2 sensor, and see what he has to say about that.

I find it bizarre that Kia used the term 'carbclean fluid', because that's not something they would normally ever mention to an owner. What is recommended by just about everyone in the automotive business is fuel system cleaner, so you can add a bottle of Techron Complete Fuel System Cleaner to your next gas fill-up. The fuel system cleaner is good routine maintenance, and is something you can do every 3-5K miles. However, the fuel system cleaner is unlikely to eliminate the code.

One thing that you didn't mention is how it's running, and specifically if performance has become worse recently.

 

I think it's running fine. They also said I need tuneup, fuel system main. And have acid leaking from my battery.
I seem to get between 32-35 mpg.on highway. I change oil every 3-5 thousand miles but prob, do need tune up of sorts.
Meinike did my brakes. They said if I need that done approx. 1700.00 from them . I replaced the 1 o2 sensor a year or so ago . kia told me about the cleaner because he knew I did not have that type of money or credit to get that done. He said if not done eventually the car will just stop running .

 

Anyone who quotes you for a 'tune-up' is just out to steal your $$. Your vehicle might be approaching the spark plug interval change, and you can check that in the owner's manual. Aside from that, there's nothing to get 'tuned-up'. Yes, the throttle body might need to be cleaned and routine maintenance like engine air filters need to get done as well. But that stuff should be small $$ (or very small $ via DIY). Anything else like injectors or coils should not be replaced unless they go bad, and anyone who says otherwise is just ripping you off.

Aside from diagnosing and eliminating the P2096 code and doing the maintenance as specified in you owner's manual, just add the Techron to the fuel and leave it at that.

 

Thank you so much

 

That is a basic bank one lean code. Kia recommends running premium (no ethenol) gasoline. Which is a good idea for all cars. Ethenol is horrible for fuel systems. A cat could be the issue. If you drive it only in City and never open it up your catylist can clog. As far as the carb cleaner. They are not refuring to a fuel system cleaner but a carbon cleaning procedure. Seafoam makes a spray to run through your intake while the car is running that works really well. But 9/10 if you have a lean condition it's a vacuum leak. If it's not running rough I would buy a scan tool and look at your long and short term fuel trims. A normal reading should be between +/- 10. If it is positive it's lean if it's negative it's rich. If you have a lean fuel trim take carb clean and start spraying all vacuum locations, hoses, intake, ECT. If you see a drop back to a normal trim level whatever you spray is the issue.

 

Kia recommends running premium (no ethenol) gasoline.

100% false. Kia requires REGULAR fuel, not premium. And while ethanol-free gas is better, E10 will not harm your car. It will merely lower fuel economy. Modern cars are designed and built to handle E10 fuel because it’s now so common. However, older cars (20+ years old) were not.

 

Well your owner's manual say differently my friend. And you go ask shops how often they have problems relating to e85 because ethanol gums up your fuel system. E10 just does it slowly. Kia tells you to run premium non ethanol fuel or once a year use a fuel system cleaner from Kia. They didn't magically find a way to get ethanol not to foul up your fuel filters, lines, injectors. To be honest ALL cars should run 91+ with no ethanol. They run better. It's cleaner gasoline.

 

Well your owner's manual say differently my friend.

Oh really?

Read and comprehend:
Your new KIA vehicle is designed to use only unleaded fuel having a pump octane number ((R+M)/2) of 87 or higher.

87 is REGULAR, not premium.

And you go ask shops how often they have problems relating to e85 because ethanol gums up your fuel system. E10 just does it slowly. Kia tells you to run premium non ethanol fuel or once a year use a fuel system cleaner from Kia. They didn't magically find a way to get ethanol not to foul up your fuel filters, lines, injectors. To be honest ALL cars should run 91+ with no ethanol. They run better. It's cleaner gasoline.

Read and comprehend:
Do not use gasohol containing more than 10% ethanol,

It says MORE THAN 10%. That means 10% or less will not harm your engine.

You're wrong. End of discussion. Go educate yourself.

 

My car recommends Top Tier gasoline, which many people misinterpret as requiring premium fuel. Top Tier fuel has more detergents and you can go to the Top Tier website and find out what brands supply it.

 

Well engine light stayed off long enough to get it inspected . but light is back on. I want to change the lower o2 sensor as that's the one they said I needed. Does anyone know which part is that I would ask for as I am a women and don't know .

 

…. I want to change the lower o2 sensor as that's the one they said I needed ….

Definitely not a good plan to just throw parts based on a questionable diagnosis. If you want to do something productive, then buy an OBD realtime diagnostic tool and attempt to find out what's actually going on with your vehicle. Torque for Android is one of the most popular inexpensive choices, however others are available as well. The OBD reader is a fairly easy tool to use and will provide helpful diagnostic information, often leading to the resolution of the problem.

 

So what is this I need to do? Thanks

 

Good to know that it is the converter. No emissions here in Florida I will figure it out.Thank you. now I know what to focus on.