0:00
Hey, is your Kia Sarrento's AWD system
0:02
throwing an overheating warning on the
0:04
dash? The simple fix most owners miss is
0:06
making sure all four tires are the same
0:08
size. Mismatched ones strain the whole
0:10
drivetrain. Ignoring this can wreck your
0:13
transfer case or rear differential,
0:15
easily costing you over $1,000 in
0:17
repairs down the line. So, let's dive
0:20
right in. I'm Tom from Car Justify, and
0:22
I've seen this pop up a ton with
0:24
Sorrento owners who just swapped out two
0:26
tires instead of all four. Your car's
0:28
AWD setup, that's the system sending
0:31
power to all wheels, relies on
0:32
everything spinning at the same speed.
0:35
If the front tires are brand new and the
0:37
rears are worn down, it's like forcing
0:39
the gears to fight each other, building
0:40
up heat in the transfer case up front.
0:43
Okay, so first thing, park your Sarrento
0:45
on a flat spot and grab a tape measure.
0:47
Check the circumference of each tire.
0:49
Wrap it around the tread and note the
0:51
inches. They should all match within a/4
0:53
in or so. If not, that's your culprit.
0:56
Well, um, if they're off, start by
0:59
rotating the tires to even out the wear.
1:02
But honestly, for AWD vehicles like
1:05
this, it's best to replace all four at
1:07
once to keep things balanced. Next, pop
1:09
the hood and peek at the transfer case.
1:11
It's that box near the engine where
1:13
power splits to the rear wheels. Make
1:15
sure the fluid level's good. Low or
1:17
dirty fluid amps up the heat, too. Grab
1:20
a wrench and check the fill plug. It's
1:21
usually on the side. If it's low, top it
1:24
off with the right synthetic gear oil.
1:26
your manual calls for. The thing is,
1:28
sometimes this triggers codes in your
1:30
car's computer, like a malfunction light
1:32
for the AWD. That's where an OBD2
1:35
scanner comes in handy. Plug it into the
1:37
port under the dash. Scan for any
1:39
drivetrain errors, and it'll point you
1:40
to sensors or couplings acting up. All
1:43
right, then. While you're at it, test
1:44
drive on a straight road. If you feel
1:47
binding or hear whining from under the
1:48
car, that's the system overheating from
1:50
the mismatch. Pull over. If the warning
1:53
pops, don't push it or you'll fry the
1:55
clutches inside. You know, preventing
1:57
this is easy with regular tire rotations
2:00
every 5,000 mi. And always measure
2:02
before buying new rubber. Your
2:04
Sarrento's AWD isn't forgiving like a
2:07
front-wheel drive setup. If the tires
2:09
check out, but the issue sticks around,
2:11
it could be a faulty coupling at the
2:13
rear axle. That electromagnetic thing
2:15
that engages the back wheels, those can
2:17
overheat if the fluid's old, so drain
2:19
and refill every 30,000 mi or so. I
2:22
mean, I've fixed dozens of these and
2:24
nine times out of 10, it's tires or
2:25
neglected fluid. Saves you a trip to the
2:27
dealer and big bucks. Anyway, if that
2:30
warning's flashing, don't ignore it.
2:32
Your car is trying to save itself from
2:33
major damage. So, um, grab that OBD2
2:37
scanner, the links in the description
2:38
below, and get scanning. If this helped,
2:41
hit like and subscribe to Car Justify
2:42
for more tips like this. What's bugging
2:44
your ride next? Drop it in the comments,
2:46
and I'll cover it soon. Drive safe out
