Battery issies in rainy weather (vehicle, 2010, engine, Kia)

[tothehilt]

My sister drives a 2010 Kia Sportage and she's having an issue with her battery when driving in rainy weather. If it's raining out and she drives into a puddle or water covered road her battery light comes on and her steering wheels get extremely stiff. After about 15 seconds the vehicle returns to normal. I'm sure this is a common issue for you car guys and gals. That's why i'm here to lean on your knowledge for a solution to this issue. Please help! What's going on and how do we fix it?

[CaptainSlow]

Likely due to the belt that drives the power steering pump and alternator slipping when it's getting wet. It may be out of adjustment, too much slack. There is also usually a plastic splash shield under the front of the engine that should prevent water from being splashed up, that may be damaged or missing.

[tothehilt]

Originally Posted by CaptainSlow

Likely due to the belt that drives the power steering pump and alternator slipping when it's getting wet. It may be out of adjustment, too much slack. There is also usually a plastic splash shield under the front of the engine that should prevent water from being splashed up, that may be damaged or missing.

Okay great! Thanks! I'll look into that a report back. Never would have thought of that!

[Coldjensens]

Serpentine belt is slipping. She needs to keep an eye on her coolant temperature gauge. The belt can slip off and on some cars, this stops the water pump (amount other things) it you keep driving when it overheats, you can destroy the engine. Most cars with a serpentine belt slippage problem when you splash through puddles have an aftermarket guard available that you can put on the help protect the belt and reduce the occurrence.

[Electrician4you]

Originally Posted by tothehilt

My sister drives a 2010 Kia Sportage and she's having an issue with her battery when driving in rainy weather. If it's raining out and she drives into a puddle or water covered road her battery light comes on and her steering wheels get extremely stiff. After about 15 seconds the vehicle returns to normal. I'm sure this is a common issue for you car guys and gals. That's why i'm here to lean on your knowledge for a solution to this issue. Please help! What's going on and how do we fix it?

She’s getting the belt wet and it’s slipping. Once it dries it works again. Have her check for a loose splash shields or some dumb azz mechanic removed it to do a oil change and never put it back so it’s missing completely