FAQ
TL;DR: Cold-starting Kia Ceed 1.4/1.6 petrol+LPG? A ~40 PLN coolant temp sensor swap fixed it: "Replace the engine temperature sensor". This FAQ compiles member-verified fixes and tests. [Elektroda, inoja, post #17607079]
Why it matters: Owners can quickly triage first-crank no-starts on Kia Ceed petrol+LPG without guesswork.
Quick Facts
- EVAP purge solenoid stuck open can flood cold starts; quick test: block its inlet; part code 29010-2B000. [Elektroda, wladekm, post #20117613]
- Stuck in-tank fuel pressure control valve (31110-1H000) caused no-start; replacement solved it on a 2.0. [Elektroda, zbych_2004, post #18964015]
- Coolant temperature sensor swap cost ~40 PLN and ended cold-start issues for one owner. [Elektroda, inoja, post #17607079]
- To isolate LPG: disable LPG fuse, perform ECU/throttle adaptation, then observe for 2–3 days. [Elektroda, Piasek80, post #17359139]
- Symptom can worsen as fuel level drops: starts first time full, struggles after ~1/6 used. [Elektroda, asabust, post #18041772]
What’s the cheapest first fix for cold-starting Kia Ceed 1.4/1.6 with LPG?
Replace the coolant temperature sensor. One owner reports all cold-start issues disappeared after the swap. The dash gauge may look normal while the ECU reads wrong. The part cost about 40 PLN. “Replace the engine temperature sensor.” [Elektroda, inoja, post #17607079]
How do I test the EVAP purge solenoid (29010-2B000)?
Temporarily block the valve’s inlet hose and try a cold start. If it starts cleanly, the purge valve may be stuck open and flooding the intake. It sits on the right side of the engine on the tank vent line. “The problem … was caused by the continuous opening of the fuel vapor solenoid valve.” [Elektroda, wladekm, post #20117613]
Where is the EVAP purge solenoid located on the 1.4/1.6?
Look on the right side of the engine bay. It is mounted in-line on the fuel tank vent tube, near the fuel supply tube. The quick confirmation is to trace the vent hose and find the small solenoid with two hose ports and a connector. [Elektroda, wladekm, post #20117613]
Which in-tank valve can cause no-start, and what’s the part number?
A stuck fuel pressure control valve in the tank can block proper starting. One Ceed 2.0 case was fixed by replacing the valve, part number 31110-1H000. If pressure bleeds or sticks, the engine cranks without firing until pressure recovers. [Elektroda, zbych_2004, post #18964015]
How can I isolate LPG and reset adaptations?
Try this 3-step check:
- Pull the LPG controller fuse, disconnect battery briefly, then reconnect.
- Ignition ON 30 seconds, OFF. ON again, hold pedal down 5 seconds, wait 5 seconds, hold 5 seconds, OFF.
- Start and drive 2–3 days, observing cold starts.
[Elektroda, Piasek80, post #17359139]
How do I check for gas leaking from the LPG reducer into the intake?
Warm the engine, then remove the vacuum hose from the LPG reducer. Check at that connector for any LPG presence. Any gas there indicates leakage past the reducer diaphragm into the intake manifold. Repair the reducer before further tuning. [Elektroda, kowal5, post #17607250]
Can leaking LPG injectors cause hard cold starts?
Yes. If an injector or rail lets LPG through when off, the intake can flood. That creates long cranking on petrol until the mixture normalizes. To verify, temporarily disconnect the LPG system and test petrol-only starts. [Elektroda, kakibara, post #17607795]
My Ceed starts first try with a full tank but struggles after ~1/6 is used. Why?
One owner observed immediate starts with a full tank, but slight problems after about 1/6 of fuel was consumed. The pattern persisted even with LPG disabled, pointing toward petrol-side behavior on initial start. Warm restarts remained normal. [Elektroda, asabust, post #18041772]
Does replacing the fuel pump always solve the cold-start issue?
No. One user replaced the pump and it only helped briefly. They suspected air entering the fuel system afterward. This edge case suggests checking for pressure loss paths beyond the pump itself. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #18102878]
My mechanic says fuel pressure isn’t holding overnight. What next?
That matches long cranking after a night. One report noted pressure not holding, with hard cold starts even on a near-full tank. Continue pressure diagnostics for bleed-off, including valves and lines, before replacing more parts. [Elektroda, Kasiek1001, post #18323105]
Can LPG quality or controller settings cause these starts?
Yes. Members flagged LPG controller parameters, filters, and protections as culprits. Verify the LPG/petrol switch, refresh filters, and retune the controller. Poor gas quality can exacerbate cold-start stumbling and cut fuel unexpectedly. [Elektroda, mateklos, post #18384404]
What live data should I capture during a cold-start diagnosis?
Scan the ECU on a cold engine. Read stored codes and live parameters during cranking and initial idle. This helps spot false coolant readings, purge flow anomalies, or fuel trims that indicate flooding or lean starts. [Elektroda, kowal5, post #17607250]
Should I replace immobilizer or crankshaft sensor for this symptom?
One owner replaced both after a no-start incident, but cold-start issues persisted. They also developed alarm and door lock quirks. Focus first on fuel, purge, and sensor data before immobilizer work. [Elektroda, Kasiek1001, post #18114224]
Do BRC GENIUS MB 1200 reducer seals commonly cause this?
One user with a BRC GENIUS MB 1200 replaced the reducer seals without improvement. Valve clearances checked OK at a KIA service. Look beyond seals to purge and fuel pressure controls. [Elektroda, wladekm, post #18077337]
How do I adapt the throttle/pedal after a power reset?
Ignition ON for 30 seconds, then OFF. Turn ignition ON again, press the gas pedal fully for 5 seconds, release, wait 5 seconds, press again for 5 seconds, then OFF. Start and verify idle. [Elektroda, Piasek80, post #17359139]