2014 Kia Optima won't start. All lights come in but car won't start.

Asked by Twix17 Jan 20, 2017 at 12:24 AM about the 2014 Kia Optima SXL Turbo

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

My 2014 Kia Optima with a push bottom will not
start. All of the lights come in inside the car, the
radio works, and dash lights/indicators all work. Car
itself will not start.

70 Answers

34,655

If ur security light is not on, check battery voltage, shiuld be minimum 12.4. Check battery cables for corrosion and to make sure they're tight

30 people found this helpful.
3,905

Does the dash flicker when you turn on the key? Do you hear any 'clicks' when turning the key? It could be a lot of reasons, from the electrical ignition switch under the steering wheel/column to a faulty starter motor. You have to take them step by step. First check the battery, fuses and the connections. Try banging the starter motor with a hammer or try starting it directly from the battery with a couple of sturdy wires, but have in mind to leave the car in Park and HAND BRAKE ON! Could put a couple of rock in front of the wheels...

52 people found this helpful.
760

My car is doing the same thing!! It's random, I complained to the dealer before warranty ran out and they couldn't find anything! Before this my screen would go blank and not turn on. Now it does it a couple times a day, I have to jump it and it starts up! Battery is fine, fuses, and connections! HATE THIS CAR

76 people found this helpful.
2,130

Turn the car on, press brake pedal, shift to drive, shift to park, press brake, press start button. This has worked for me a couple of times.

213 people found this helpful.
420

@Guru9SKFX UR A LIFE SAVER !! I thought I was gonna have to have it towed

42 people found this helpful.
330

OMG @ Guru9skfx. THIS WORKED! U SAVED ME A ‍♀️. What is wrong with the car when that happens? Annoying.

33 people found this helpful.
330

The shifter trick just saved me on my 2014 SXL . Happened a few times before where it glitches momentarily but this time was shot. All other power accessories were working but just a click from the push button. Time to off this car

19 people found this helpful.
450

@Guru92JYZ You just got me out of 120° heat. What's wrong with this crap car??!!! I've taken it to the dealership AND 2 other mechanics and no one can find a problem.

29 people found this helpful.
270

My 2014 Kia Optima does the same thing, but it is random. The immobilization warning light comes on. When I wiggle the shifter, it starts every time. Only had the car a month, and it has done it at least 10 times. The dealer couldn't replicate the problem, and said that there were no error codes. I will ask for a new shifter assembly under the warranty if the problem continues.

27 people found this helpful.
360

I just had the same problem today on my 2014 optima lx...have only had the car 6 months with 24,000 miles. Would not start for any thing until I tried the shifting trick. Anyone think it has anything to do with the engine recall?

36 people found this helpful.
370

THANK YOU SO MUCH Guru9SKFX!!! What a life saver and money saver!!!

20 people found this helpful.
130

Yes, this just saved me also...WOW, thank you!! Should I get a new car???

13 people found this helpful.
470

My 2012 is also having same problem. Can anyone say what is causing this to happen? I've tried all the recommendations, sometimes they work and sometimes they don't. Just randomly seems to start when and if it decides to?? So frustrating that the dealerships can't diagnose this apparently pretty common problem.

25 people found this helpful.
210

My 2014 Kia Optima is having same problem. In screen is says battery discharge warning, but have replaced battery and key faun battery. It's still happening!

21 people found this helpful.
370

Did you try what Guru9SKFX suggested? It worked for several people. Turn the car on, press brake pedal, shift to drive, shift to park, press brake, press start button. This has worked for me a couple of times.

17 people found this helpful.
760

I also have a 2014 Kia Optima LX and this morning I went out to my car to go to work and it would not start. This is the 2nd time this has happened after I had the motor replaced from the Kia recall. All lights would come on but it wouldn't start. I wiggled the gear shift a little and it started right up...I don't know how this isn't a recall yet. The only reason I got it started was from reading these posts!

30 people found this helpful.
330

Well went to the dealer and there was a code but no check engine. They asked if the Gear was showing on dash and I had made a video showing that it was showing as they said there was a known issue if P- R- D is not showing on the left. They have ordered a switch I believe related to the shift linkage. Under warranty and will see if this does the trick. Will follow up if does not repeat a couple weeks after repair being done next week,

14 people found this helpful.
470

Mine turned out to be the inhibitor switch. So far so good, as it has started every time since this repair was made.

13 people found this helpful.
470

This repair for my 2012 Optima was not covered under warranty.

4 people found this helpful.
760

Is your car push start or key? Sorry for the questions. My Kia dealer hasn't been the nicest since I just had the new motor put in mine from the recall. My car never had this problem till they replaced the motor.

10 people found this helpful.
130

A couple of things can cause this. The neutral safety switch, which is what the shifter trick attempts to fix and the brake pedal switch can also be faulty. The brake switch is pretty easy to identify though because if it goes bad you won't be able to shift out of Park. There was a recall on 2011 for the brake switch so that is not as likely to occur

13 people found this helpful.
40

My 2010 Kia optima won't start after I used a hanger to open the door because I locked the keys in the car

4 people found this helpful.
450

I've been having this problem and no one could figure out the cause. Then my gear shift started locking up. Got it over to the service center and the transmission sensor had gone bad. Apparently, they're seeing this a lot. Now the starting issue is fixed. Short answer: You need the transmission sensor replaced.

16 people found this helpful.
760

I took my car back to Kia after my 2014 Kia Optima would randomly not start. It all happened after they replaced the motor after the Kia recall. They ran a diagnostic test and everything came back good. They told me they went in and checked things and made sure it all was tightened good and no loose wires. Ever since my car has started every time.

13 people found this helpful.
150

I’m starting to get real worried here. My 2014 Kia Optima just started this crap yesterday. It does the same thing everyone else is describing. If I continually press the start switch on, then off, then on it will eventually start. I’ve been carrying my booster with me in the car. If I put it on just seconds before I want to start it it pops right off. I leased this car and just recently purchased it. I swear that someone is able to start flipping switches somewhere with a computer to cause you problems. Just seems too coincidental that i haven’t had any issues with the car until I bought it and the warranty ran out. We are a one vehicle family so I can’t afford any runaround from Kia. I’ve dealt with their B.S. too much just from regular service. I can’t imagine what this is going to be like.

12 people found this helpful.
70

It's most likely the inhibitor switch! Same issues with my 2014 kia optima

7 people found this helpful.
760

Is your car a key switch or push button? Also, if you don't mind telling...how much was it to replace the inhibitor switch?

14 people found this helpful.
60

My 2012 is push button. Problem was the inhibitor switch. About $360 in Dallas.

6 people found this helpful.
150

Problem with my car was as I suspected. Battery was bad.

3 people found this helpful.
110

I had the same exact issue happen, what I did was pulled the ignition fuse to make sure that it wasn't blown and then put it back in and it started right up no problem.

11 people found this helpful.
110

It is related with brake. Car do not feel that you press the brake, that is why, can not start engine. There is device in car which response info about brake pressed or not. This device poluted and my car mechanic just clean it. You can also change it with new one.

11 people found this helpful.
140

I just started having a problem this morning with my 2014 optima. I push the button and it clicks rapidly like its a battery voltage issue but it reads 12.4 volts. ive even tried starting it with a charger on it. all of the connections are tight and not corroded at all. Could it be the starter relay?

14 people found this helpful.
30

I have a 2014 Sorento SXL and the problem started about a year ago. The vehicle has the problem sporadically. Sometimes it works for a few days and sometimes I have the problem two or three times in a day. I wiggle the shift lever etc as described in other posts. Eventually it starts. I have had it to the dealer three time and they replaced some parts (so they said) but it didn't improve the problem. It now has a little over 50k miles. I am going to take it in again. Other than that it is a great car.

3 people found this helpful.
50

I have 2013 kia forte key start. I often get I my car and it takes many trys to start it. I have to put the gas to the floor and turn the key. Sometimes it takes up to 5 trys

5 people found this helpful.
70

I've had this same problem with my 2014 Kia Optima for over a year. Replaced the battery. Took it to the dealer and they replaced my engine due to recall. They said my battery was bad. Replaced battery at AutoZone since still under warranty on Sunday. Monday my car wouldn't start. I constantly have to take it in and out of gear and it finally starts. Why don't the dealers know this?

7 people found this helpful.
40

I have a 2013, it has a key though and not a start button. This morning when I unlocked it, it didnt want to unlock, then it finally did, but now it wont start. I drove my husbands truck to work, but I am wondering if the gear shift trick will work. All the lights come on and the dinger chimes when i turn the key on, but it will not crank over.

4 people found this helpful.
760

I have a key also. Mines a 2014, I turn the key over and all lights come on but it won’t start. Wiggle the gear shift and then try to turn it on. I’ve also been told to move the gear shift to neutral then back to park and try turning it on. Hope it works! Mines not done it again in a few months.

3 people found this helpful.
20

My 2014 Kia Optima just started this issue this week. I thought the battery was dying in my key fob, I changed it and it worked fine so I thought this fixed the issue. Here I am a couple of days later and it's at it again. Time for a trip the dealership. It's almost paid off too. So frustrating!

2 people found this helpful.
110

2015 / Kia Soul - I am having trouble with starting the car. It made a clicking sound when starting a few times weeks before not starting at all. When I tried starting it the last few days after putting in a new battery in the key fob the lights on the dashboard came on; however, it wouldn't start. I ended up taking the key out and placing it on the starting button. It did start that time. (I found that suggestion on youtube.) Now, it is not working at random times. The engine has been replaced and that was the worst experience ever! 4 months of being in the shop because it wasn't fixed right each time and 3 times being towed. I will never buy a KIA again because the warranty people do not want to stand for anything they sell. It is a real "lemon" of a car and the people you have to deal with at KIA make you feel like it isn't their problem.

11 people found this helpful.
130

I have a 2013 Optima and I just started to have this issue yesterday. The Gear shift trick hasn't worked yet. I was getting some ticking noise but now nothing. I think if it was a safety switch, I would not have heard the ticking. I hope Kia covers it. I bought my Son a Soul and my daughter a Forte.

2 people found this helpful.
130

Update on my situation. I took the car to the dealer and they said that although the battery was not dead, the voltage or cranking amps were not enough to start the car. That would explain why the lights and AC Blowers still worked. Once the battery was replaced, the car starts perfectly everytime.

6 people found this helpful.
90

My 2013 Kia Optima didn't want to start yesterday. Push start. It started to turn over then just clicking noises. I tried to start it most of the day. Then at 10 in the evening I went to try and it started. Again today I went to start it and same thing. I am a single mother and have no family left and no one to help me. I am scared. I need a vehicle for me and my child. My warranty just made 5 years so its out of warranty. I cannot afford to pay hundreds or thousands to fix it,. I need advice about what to do. Does anyone know what is causing this and how much it would be to fix?

9 people found this helpful.
180

Has anybody's optima just randomly shut off while you're driving it? Mine did it last night.. . On the freeway of all places and now it just won't start

18 people found this helpful.
760

Have you taken it in to have the motor recall checked yet? I believe that was part of that problem. My car failed and they replaced the entire motor.

1 people found this helpful.
40

My daughter is having this same issue with her 2014 Kia Optima EX Hybrid. (push button) She has replaced the battery in her key fob and also replaced the starting battery. Still the same problem. Tried the shift and brake thing with no luck. Wondering if the inhibitor switch and if this is covered under warranty.

4 people found this helpful.
100

The shifter trick just saved me. Thank You! So, I've been playing around with the shifter/no-push-start issue and trying to recreate it... I think I found the problem. My driveway is inclined. I found that if the 2012 Optima rolls after being placed in "Park", the car may not start when you return. Perhaps a sensor misaligns when the vehicle rolls from it's "Parked" position??? The solution: With your foot on the brake, shift the car to neutral. Release brake and allow vehicle to roll about 12 inches. Brake, carefully shift back into Park. Without releasing the foot brake, start the vehicle. Works for me

10 people found this helpful.
40

hey so my 2014 kia will not start and the lights dont come on but the fuse box is making a sound The brake warning light came on and we know that u need the break to start the car HELP

4 people found this helpful.
10

I had the same issue with my car, Shifting Gear works for me, but the REAL FIX is the Switch on Transmission for the BLIND SPOT Monitoring. That connector becomes loose and what causes the car not to start up. Have your kia dealership look at this as a fix.

1 people found this helpful.
170

in the break pedal there is a electric button try to unplug the device and clean the plug and connect it again , maybe you need to change it (called break light switch located in break pedal ) see photo for the replacement part

8 people found this helpful.
170

https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-replace-your-brake-light-switch-by-spencer- cates

3 people found this helpful.
50

Best answer is to call your Kia dealership give them your vin number to make sure you don't have the engine block recall.... Turns out my 2012 Kia optima did it also stalled on me while driving so now I have to get that taken care of.... New battery was put on it... Brake switch was still good... So go to Kia.

2 people found this helpful.
30

There is another way that’s like the goru guy u can hit the power button once let it beep and then hit and hold it like 15 seconds or so and it will start

3 people found this helpful.
20

There is a recall dealing with the inhibitor switch, my Kia Optima (push button) was doing the same thing every one else is speaking of....but Kia replaced it for $200, my car wasn't covered under recall, the Kia technician said the problem is the switch is not reading that the car is in park, and shifting trick attempts to reset it ....Hope's this helps

2 people found this helpful.
110

I have a 2015 Kia Optima EX, I have tried the alternate start mechanisms but they have not been fruitful. All my lights come on and the infotainment works too. Is anyone else experiencing flashing electronics after attempting to start their vehicle?

11 people found this helpful.
10

I have a 2015 and this just started today. I'm stranded as I type. All my lights come on. Shifting hasn't helped

1 people found this helpful.
30

In the Kia Optima specifically I can speak in regard to the 2014 Kia Optima SX Turbo 2.0, if it wont start when you hit the push button, and all the electrical systems come on, and the brake pedal remains rigid and you are unable to press it all the way down when you go to hit the start button there are 2 reasons; 1. There is a parasitic voltage drain, which drained that battery you may have purchased less than 5yrs ago and/or the alternator is either defective or too weak to meet the demands of all the bells and whistles they packed into the 2014 model OR....2. You have a defective neutral safety switch, when you attempt to start your vehicle and just the electrical systems come on but no turn over, place vehicle in neutral, foot on the brake and attempt to start the vehicle, should start right up. I destroyed a key fob and dismantled almost the entire electrical system/console on the driver's side before I was able to find the solution to this issue. Also, I have a 2014 and I am already on my 3rd battery.

3 people found this helpful.
10

I was having the same problems as everyone mentions, tried the shifting thing. Although all the lights came on, security worked, seemed like battery was fine, it came down to we needed a new battery

40

Had same problem with my 2013 optima push button start I opened fuse box under the hood and found the start relay,took it apart then push the points together and it started,replaced the part at Napa for $10 and starts every time now.

4 people found this helpful.
30

My 2012 Optima SX Turbo recently started doing this. Very random. Dash lights come on. Brake pedal rigid. If I force it out of park I can start it in neutral, or put it back in park and it usually starts. Very frustrating and worrisome that won’t work someday. Took it to Kia dealer for service and all they said was that they couldn’t recreate the problem.

3 people found this helpful.

had the same problem with my 2013 kia optima. it turned out to be a bad ground connection from one of the wire harnesses. the ground wire was connected to a painted surface causing a bad connection.

30

I had the same problems as you all. 2015 Kia Optima EX GDI. 37k miles. I did all the tricks mentioned here which did work after a few tries. I went and brought a new battery and now all is well!!! Thank Jesus himself. Try the battery first guys...

3 people found this helpful.

I had the same problem. What comes first to me is to focus on the battery status, Low amperage of battery wont start the engine. lose battery connections as well. cranking the engine repeatedly will damage your controller board. Once/Twice is enough , Trice is too much :) Note: New cars now a days are all computerized, if you are stocked. don't start the engine repeatedly rather call for assistance.

20

https://youtu.be/XkrJOw8oeLw This is the FIX for a 2013 Kia Optima Automatic Transmission Shift Position Sensor SwitchPart Number: 4270026000 Also known as a Inhibitor Sensor. Quick and easy fix. The video is Hyundai Elantra 10-13 neutral safety switch (range inhibitor) intermittent starting issue SOLVED! If you are replacing on the Optima it is located under the battery and you have to remove the base and the engine air filter compartment to locate.

2 people found this helpful.
30

Guru9SKFX THANK YOU! 2014 KIA OPTIMA would not start, battery good all lights on. Turn On, push Brake, Shift to Drive, then Shift to Park, Release Brake,. Press Brake and push Start Button again. IT WORKED!! THANK YOU.

3 people found this helpful.
10

Did anyone have this issue while it was really hot? I'm wondering if the heat has something to do with it and the shifter solution is a work around. Let me know what you all think. Thank you!

1 people found this helpful.

@Guru9SKFX.... Thank you for sharing this trick. It worked and I was able to start my car. You just saved me a lot of trouble! Thank you bud!

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