Kia Niro EV

Krusty_Clown · 15-09-2020 12:47pm

Black_Knight wrote: »

Are you expecting a different outcome if you do? I see no reason why it would suddenly start working.

Why do Kia keep giving it back to you if the drain is so regular and quick to show itself. Surely if they "fix it" then they could keep it parked up for a day and then test it themselves.

They kept it overnight before returning it to me and it was fine the next day. The following morning, it was dead. I invested in a jump starter kit when I was away on holidays, had to use it a couple of times and then had a week of uninterrupted driving bliss (albeit with the replacement radio controls not working). It's pretty inconsistent. It has only been in with the garage once (albeit for 2.5 weeks). I guess my question really is: does a battery drain from 12.5V to 4.5V overnight indicate that the 12V battery is fooked or should I invest in or borrow a smart charger and give it one last go? Sending the car to the garage is not straightforward and requires negotiation with a number of parties (Kia Ireland (Kia Assist/AA), Enterprise (for replacement car), and the Kia garage itself.

graememk · 15-09-2020 1:10pm

Black_Knight wrote: »

Are you expecting a different outcome if you do? I see no reason why it would suddenly start working.

Why do Kia keep giving it back to you if the drain is so regular and quick to show itself. Surely if they "fix it" then they could keep it parked up for a day and then test it themselves.

Sounds like you've numerous problems with the car from new. I wonder at what point can you just get your money back, or an entirely new car?

Yeah once a battery gets a deep discharge (for whatever reason) it's done,

You will be able to charge it and get going again to get to the Kia garage. Without getting assist out.

If I had any of the faults you have I'd be at the garage. That's what warranty is for!

Krusty_Clown · 15-09-2020 1:13pm

graememk wrote: »

Yeah once a battery gets a deep discharge (for whatever reason) it's done,

You will be able to charge it and get going again to get to the Kia garage. Without getting assist out.

If I had any of the faults you have I'd be at the garage. That's what warranty is for!

Cheers. That's what I'm thinking. I could definitely get it started and get it to the Kia garage, but you only get a replacement vehicle if yours is towed away by Kia Assist (as I understand it - open to correction?). Would be great to avoid Kia assist, if I could get a replacement vehicle from the garage. Will give them a call.

15-09-2020 1:17pm

4.5 volts, don't bother trying smart charger, that battery is history.

Is it still the original battery ? if it went down to 4.5 volts the first time it would be unlikely to recover.

Needs a new battery.

championc · 15-09-2020 1:17pm

I just checked my own. It's reading 12.47v and, due to unlocking it I assume, it was then drawing 3.35a. i'm sure it must be very difficult to monitor the battery with the bonnet down and the car all locked up. Sorry but I'm not pulling my dash apart to check if the 3.35a is coming from the radio or not.

So the best question is possibly as to what was the current draw that the garage measured from the supposedly faulty radio unit ?

It could simply be a bad battery. I had a battery on my old Bimmer. It charged to about 12.7v, but when I connected it to the car, it didn't even have enough juice to power it's radio.

Thankfully my Noco Genius Boost GB20 should arrive tomorrow.

graememk · 15-09-2020 1:21pm

Krusty_Clown wrote: »

Cheers. That's what I'm thinking. I could definitely get it started and get it to the Kia garage, but you only get a replacement vehicle if yours is towed away by Kia Assist (as I understand it - open to correction?). Would be great to avoid Kia assist, if I could get a replacement vehicle from the garage. Will give them a call.

Yeah call the garage, it's their problem, besides they will just pass the cost onto Kia as it's a warranty issue.

When testing battery voltage if you think the battery is iffy it needs to be checked when there is a load on it, so it may show 4.5 volts with a multimeter, it may drop to practically nothing when something is connected.

Do you know if the battery was ever replaced? After the first incident

Krusty_Clown · 15-09-2020 1:23pm

Deleted User wrote: »

4.5 volts, don't bother trying smart charger, that battery is history.

Is it still the original battery ? if it went down to 4.5 volts the first time it would be unlikely to recover.

Needs a new battery.

Yep, original battery. This is the second time I've seen it down at 4.5V. Originally figure my multimeter must be kacked, so got a new one. Apparently it's not mu multimeter that's kacked.

championc wrote:

Thankfully my Noco Genius Boost GB20 should arrive tomorrow.

It's a great piece of kit. Shame that we have to use them, but they work when you need them!

15-09-2020 1:25pm

Krusty_Clown wrote: »

Yep, original battery. This is the second time I've seen it down at 4.5V. Originally figure my multimeter must be kacked, so got a new one. Apparently it's not mu multimeter that's kacked.

Call Kia and get them to transport it to the dealer, get a replacement car until they guarantee it's fixed. That battery is toast at 4.5 volts.

championc · 15-09-2020 1:27pm

Pic of amps attached

And at 4.5v, irreparable damage may have been done to the battery. Simply request a replacement battery

graememk · 15-09-2020 1:43pm

championc wrote: »

Pic of amps attached

And at 4.5v, irreparable damage may have been done to the battery. Simply request a replacement battery

Ohh i must get myself one of them clamp meters

I have found the car "wakes up" as soon as you walk up to it, as the dash cam in the car turns on when the mirrors fold out.

I wonder for how long it stays awake, It knows the bonnet is open or not so it might not shutdown if its open.

xboxdad · 15-09-2020 2:03pm

graememk wrote: »

Ohh i must get myself one of them clamp meters

I have found the car "wakes up" as soon as you walk up to it, as the dash cam in the car turns on when the mirrors fold out.

I wonder for how long it stays awake, It knows the bonnet is open or not so it might not shutdown if its open.

You can switch this behavior off AFAIK - if you want to. It's called something like "Welcome lights/(...)" in settings.

championc · 15-09-2020 2:11pm

graememk wrote: »

Ohh i must get myself one of them clamp meters

I have found the car "wakes up" as soon as you walk up to it, as the dash cam in the car turns on when the mirrors fold out.

I wonder for how long it stays awake, It knows the bonnet is open or not so it might not shutdown if its open.

€ 35,21 57%OFF | UNI-T UT210D Digital Clamp Meter Multimeter Handheld RMS AC/DC Resistanc With Temperature,Send Two Test Lines.
https://a.aliexpress.com/_mspz6sL

You can turn off the car waking up when standing near it with the key. Once off, you need to touch the handle button, or the open button on the remote

Black_Knight · 15-09-2020 2:26pm

Krusty_Clown wrote: »

Cheers. That's what I'm thinking. I could definitely get it started and get it to the Kia garage, but you only get a replacement vehicle if yours is towed away by Kia Assist (as I understand it - open to correction?). Would be great to avoid Kia assist, if I could get a replacement vehicle from the garage. Will give them a call.

Kia could give you a replacement car, but if they're all booked out, you're stuck. They'll then suggest using the AA to get you a replacement car for 2 days, and after that you're relying on Kia again. Hyundai was like this for me, but they were completely useless in getting me a replacement car (while I waited for a part) so I kept my car.

As others saying, try just get a brand new battery off them.

Also, the radio buttons not working now? Seems like the car is going backwards. Personally if it was my car i'd be constantly nervous that it's going to give me issues, regardless of how it's fixed now. They don't know exactly what's the cause, so they can't fix it, and they're just ham fisting a few "fixes" at it in hope.

15-09-2020 2:28pm

I would just get the car transported to the garage and get them to fix it or give a new one.

championc · 15-09-2020 2:31pm

The buttons issue is likely that the buttons need to be "paired" in some way with the radio head unit I reckon. So it's likely that your original head unit is in whatever other car and also not working with the buttons

Krusty_Clown · 15-09-2020 2:33pm

championc wrote: »

The buttons issue is likely that the buttons need to be "paired" in some way with the radio head unit I reckon. So it's likely that your original head unit is in whatever other car and also not working with the buttons

It was working for the first few days after the car was returned. They stopped working around the same time the battery drain improved.

darrenheaphy · 16-09-2020 8:31am

Edit: Ignore me, was doing something stupid(er)

Anyone know how to reset the password for Kia UVO app? Updated app on iphone and am logged in. Their silly "Forgotten password" questions doesn't actually
reset password, just gets stuck on the last step (of verifying email)

Girl 2011 · 17-09-2020 3:36pm

The 12v battery people on about is this the one that shows up on he dash board above the revs? How are people checking that and is this something that we need to check on regularly. Would never have thought of battery checking

Krusty_Clown · 17-09-2020 4:43pm

Girl 2011 wrote: »

The 12v battery people on about is this the one that shows up on he dash board above the revs? How are people checking that and is this something that we need to check on regularly. Would never have thought of battery checking

That little battery symbol with a '1' beside it? That's actually just a symbol representing the full state of charge of the high voltage (drive) battery (the gauge denoted by the number '5'). There is actually a warning light for the 12V battery (see (3) in the screenshot), but in my case it never lights, as you only see the telltale signs when you're not in the vehicle (e.g. a caution in the UVO app, or the car won't unlock :eek:). Hope I'm grabbing the screenshot from the correct version of the vehicle - my eNiro is dearly departed again, so can't check.

Silent Running · 17-09-2020 6:28pm

Kia Ireland have confirmed that they won't be bringing the e-Niro 4+ to Ireland.

Black_Knight · 17-09-2020 6:48pm

Silent Running wrote: »

Kia Ireland have confirmed that they won't be bringing the e-Niro 4+ to Ireland.

What's that missing for us?

Sunroof
Led headlights
11kW AC charger
Memory seats and mirrors
Heated rear seats and ventilated front seats
JBL speakers
Front sensors
Blind spot detection
Heat pump
Ambient lighting
Aluminium pedals

That everything?

Led headlights, 11kW charge and memory seats are a disappointing option that won't exist here. Heat pump and blind spot detection would be nice to have I guess.

Silent Running · 17-09-2020 6:54pm

Black_Knight wrote: »

What's that missing for us?

Sunroof
Led headlights
11kW AC charger
Memory seats and mirrors
Heated rear seats and ventilated front seats
JBL speakers
Front sensors
Blind spot detection
Heat pump
Ambient lighting
Aluminium pedals

That everything?

Led headlights, 11kW charge and memory seats are a disappointing option that won't exist here. Heat pump and blind spot detection would be nice to have I guess.

I think we get the bolded ones in the current 4.

graememk · 17-09-2020 7:17pm

Silent Running wrote: »

I think we get the bolded ones in the current 4.

We have heated rear seats and Front sensors too (Might be easier just to edit your post)

Silent Running · 17-09-2020 7:25pm

graememk wrote: »

We have heated rear seats and Front sensors too (Might be easier just to edit your post)

Done

Black_Knight · 17-09-2020 7:41pm

I just went off of this

https://www.kia.com/uk/new-cars/e-niro/specification/

graememk · 17-09-2020 10:35pm

Black_Knight wrote: »

I just went off of this

https://www.kia.com/uk/new-cars/e-niro/specification/

Irish version has manual seats too. vs electric ones.

xboxdad · 18-09-2020 2:02pm

Black_Knight wrote: »

What's that missing for us?

Sunroof
Led headlights
11kW AC charger
Memory seats and mirrors
Heated rear seats and ventilated front seats
JBL speakers
Front sensors
Blind spot detection
Heat pump
Ambient lighting
Aluminium pedals

That everything?

Led headlights, 11kW charge and memory seats are a disappointing option that won't exist here. Heat pump and blind spot detection would be nice to have I guess.

These we do have already:

11kW AC charger
Heated rear seats
Front sensors
Aluminium pedals

championc · 18-09-2020 4:27pm

Arrived today

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B08DRHDRNQ

kieran. · 18-09-2020 9:21pm

Any recommendations where to get a rubber boot mat for e-niro??

Redlim · 21-09-2020 3:57pm

Would this Lidl powerbank be any good to keep on board in case of 12v battery issues?

https://www.lidl.ie/en/p/winter-ready/powerbank-with-compressor/p50562

championc · 21-09-2020 8:19pm

Redlim wrote: »

Would this Lidl powerbank be any good to keep on board in case of 12v battery issues?

https://www.lidl.ie/en/p/winter-ready/powerbank-with-compressor/p50562

I reckon so

Redlim · 21-09-2020 9:35pm

championc wrote: »

I reckon so

Cheers, think I'll pick it up for that added peace of mind

Black_Knight · 22-09-2020 2:34pm

Redlim wrote: »

Would this Lidl powerbank be any good to keep on board in case of 12v battery issues?

https://www.lidl.ie/en/p/winter-ready/powerbank-with-compressor/p50562

Would this one in Halfords be better?
https://www.halfords.ie/tools/garage-equipment/jump-leads/4-in-1-jump-starter-594335.html

Bigger internal battery, higher amperage, cheaper price.

eagerv · 22-09-2020 2:50pm

I bought a Noco boost HD GB70. 2000A.

Serious bit of kit, great for a big diesel but a bit of an overkill for an EV...

championc · 22-09-2020 8:34pm

The Noco Boost GB20 is perfect since it can be stored in the glovebox and could be left permanently connected to trickle charger off a USB socket

Black_Knight · 22-09-2020 9:12pm

championc wrote: »

The Noco Boost GB20 is perfect since it can be stored in the glovebox and could be left permanently connected to trickle charger off a USB socket

Was wondering about that with the halfords and lidl ones.

Redlim · 22-09-2020 11:10pm

Black_Knight wrote: »

Was wondering about that with the halfords and lidl ones.

I could be wrong but the Halfords one you linked to looks a bit bulky to keep in the car. If the Lidl one is nice and compact I might pick it up. If not, then the Noco GB20 seems to be the way to go.

Krusty_Clown · 22-09-2020 11:47pm

It was mentioned it in a previous post, but you don't want to store your jump starter kit in the boot, and most certainly not in the spare wheel well. If the 12V battery gets run down, you can't open the boot or the rear doors, so you'd need to clamber between the seats, drop down the rear seats, and lift up any covers in the boot to retrieve it. So keeping it in the central armrest is handier. Sometimes smaller is better!

I have the nocoGB20, and it kept me motoring for a week of vacation in the west of Ireland, while I suffered with a battery drain. It does what it says on the tin.

Black_Knight · 23-09-2020 8:50am

I'll stick a price watch on it sure. Seems it drops in price regularly enough

https://uk.camelcamelcamel.com/product/B015TKPT1A

Redlim · 23-09-2020 9:44am

Krusty_Clown wrote: »

It was mentioned it in a previous post, but you don't want to store your jump starter kit in the boot, and most certainly not in the spare wheel well. If the 12V battery gets run down, you can't open the boot or the rear doors, so you'd need to clamber between the seats, drop down the rear seats, and lift up any covers in the boot to retrieve it. So keeping it in the central armrest is handier. Sometimes smaller is better!

Oh, hadn't thought of that, thanks! Looks like the Noco is the way to go then due to it's more compact size.

Amazon doesn't seem to allow delivery of battery items to Ireland, will Parcel Motel/AddressPal work ok?

chewed · 23-09-2020 12:13pm

Is the 12v battery drain really that much of an issue with the eNiro?

Krusty_Clown · 23-09-2020 12:40pm

chewed wrote: »

Is the 12v battery drain really that much of an issue with the eNiro?

In my case, the problem was likely exacerbated by the fact that we were due to pick up our car during peak Covid phase 1 (mid March), so after travelling across the world on a transport carrier, the car sat idle for 2 months, while all the garages were closed. Twinned with a fault in the vehicle which caused a sizable 12V battery drain when the vehicle was idle, it became a significant issue, with daily call outs to Kia Assist (the AA) to jump start the vehicle, and ultimately, investment in a Jump start kit.

The problem has almost entirely been resolved at this point - the root cause of the drain was not the console/entertainment system (misdiagnosed and seems to have been replaced twice), but rather the smart junction box. Kia have supplied the garage with a replacement 12V battery also, just need to find some time to drop out to get it swapped, and hopefully this chapter is closed.

If your vehicle doesn't have a similar fault that causes a battery drain, and it is driven regularly, then I wouldn't imagine you'll run into problems with the 12V battery and shouldn't need to jump start it (though there are pretty common reports of having to jump start the eNiro on other eV forums). But, if you do keep jump leads in your car for 'just in case', this jump start kit is sooo much more convenient and of course can be used on other vehicles.

championc · 23-09-2020 12:46pm

And of course, the GB20 is a power bank with a USB out socket, so can charge a mobile phone. It also has a useful torch type light

Alun · 23-09-2020 1:41pm

Krusty_Clown wrote: »

The problem has almost entirely been resolved at this point - the root cause of the drain was not the console/entertainment system (misdiagnosed and seems to have been replaced twice), but rather the smart junction box. Kia have supplied the garage with a replacement 12V battery also, just need to find some time to drop out to get it swapped, and hopefully this chapter is closed.

Interesting .. what is this smart junction box you mention, and what was done to remedy the fault? Was it replaced with an updated version?

Krusty_Clown · 23-09-2020 7:16pm

Alun wrote: »

Interesting .. what is this smart junction box you mention, and what was done to remedy the fault? Was it replaced with an updated version?

It's the fuse box within the cabin, just below right of the steering wheel (assuming it's the same layout for the phev). Replaced with equivalent but working part.

OO7FITZY · 26-09-2020 11:49pm

Anyone looked at getting a tow bar fitted to their eniro? Not for towing a trailer or caravan but I need it so I can carry 4 bikes on a bike rack (which I already have from my previous car ). I would not be travelling more than 100km with the bikes and don't plan to go over 100k.
Obviously this will be a drain on the battery but is there any technical or safety reason why it could be an issue?

Redlim · 27-09-2020 12:18am

OO7FITZY wrote: »

Anyone looked at getting a tow bar fitted to their eniro? Not for towing a trailer or caravan but I need it so I can carry 4 bikes on a bike rack (which I already have from my previous car ). I would not be travelling more than 100km with the bikes and don't plan to go over 100k.
Obviously this will be a drain on the battery but is there any technical or safety reason why it could be an issue?

There appears to be one listed as an official Kia accessory for some mainland Europe countries, e.g. Netherlands, but not for Ireland or the UK. So it seems it's definitely doable but at what cost or effort I don't know. Might be worthwhile messaging Kia Ireland.

It'd be great if it was possible here also as having the bikes behind the car rather than on the roof will help a lot efficiency wise.

ewj1978 · 27-09-2020 7:55am

Messaged Kia to find out if they were giving out any deals for the Ionnity network. Anyone hear of anything?

Silent Running · 27-09-2020 8:30am

OO7FITZY wrote: »

Anyone looked at getting a tow bar fitted to their eniro? Not for towing a trailer or caravan but I need it so I can carry 4 bikes on a bike rack (which I already have from my previous car ). I would not be travelling more than 100km with the bikes and don't plan to go over 100k.
Obviously this will be a drain on the battery but is there any technical or safety reason why it could be an issue?

Try here, they have one listed "for e-Niro only".

tk123 · 27-09-2020 11:55am

OO7FITZY wrote: »

Anyone looked at getting a tow bar fitted to their eniro? Not for towing a trailer or caravan but I need it so I can carry 4 bikes on a bike rack (which I already have from my previous car ). I would not be travelling more than 100km with the bikes and don't plan to go over 100k.
Obviously this will be a drain on the battery but is there any technical or safety reason why it could be an issue?

It’s basically a grey area for warranty as well as insurance. Once Kia hear towbar they assume you’re towing and can’t seem to accept its for accessories. I went as far as buying one for my dogs step like I had on my hybrid Niro and previous car - my own fault for not checking first. The dealer was great and went back and forth with Kia for me explaining it was for the dog step which would only be present when he was getting in and out etc etc but any issues with the drive train down the line they’d blame the bar.

. I’ve yet to get an official answer from Kia.

Kia Niro EV

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