Experiencing electrical quirks in your 2012 Kia Optima after a battery replacement? It’s a common scenario, and while a new key fob battery might be the initial thought, sometimes the issues run a bit deeper. Let’s explore some of these problems and potential solutions.
Many 2012 Kia Optima owners find themselves needing to replace their key fob battery eventually. It’s a simple fix in theory, but what happens when you notice other electrical malfunctions popping up around the same time, especially after a car battery change? One owner reported a quote for reprogramming smart keys, which thankfully was covered. However, upon driving after dark, a series of issues became apparent, suggesting more than just a key fob problem.
These issues included a trip computer that wouldn’t retain mileage after restarting the car, turn signals working without dash indicators, interior lights failing to activate when doors opened, and headlight/fog light indicators not illuminating despite the lights being on. Furthermore, the TPMS low tire pressure indicator flashed and then stayed solid.
These symptoms point towards a potential loss of “Keep Alive Memory” (KAM) power or a power interruption during the battery replacement, even when using a memory minder. Consulting the owner’s manual is crucial. It often outlines reset procedures for features like windows and the trip computer after a battery disconnect. While the manual may mention interior lights potentially being affected by power loss, it might not explicitly detail a reset procedure for them or address the dashboard indicator lights malfunction.
It’s important to differentiate between a simple key fob battery issue and broader electrical problems following a battery change. While replacing the 2012 Kia Optima Key Fob Battery is straightforward, these more complex issues suggest a deeper electrical reset or potential system memory loss that requires further investigation, possibly beyond a DIY fix.
