Body - Trailer Hitch Concerns
SOURCE: KIA Technician Times Volume 6 Issue 6, 2003TITLE: Trailer Hitch Concerns
APPLIES TO: Sedona
SERVICE TIP:
Two occasional concerns have recently surfaced regarding the Sedona trailer hitch, due to production
variances:
^ Spare tire carrier contacts hitch
^ Exhaust contacts hitch
To resolve these concerns, a revised hitch should arrive sometime in early spring. It will have a larger exhaust tube opening (4" to 6") and will be positioned 1/2" further back from the spare tire carrier Until the revised hitch will be available, please perform the following prior to the vehicle leaving the retailer:
1. The spare tire carrier should be inspected for clearance to the hitch. When accessing the spare tire, if the spare tire carrier contacts the hitch proceed as follows:
a. Ensure the support assembly is completely released from the carrier.
b. Loosen hitch bolts and ensure the hitch is positioned at the most rearward point of the frame rail.
c. Place a slight amount of pressure, with hands or jack handle, to carrier/tire.
d. If none of the above resolves the concern, replace trailer hitch and re-inspect.
2. The tail pipe assembly should be inspected for clearance to the hitch exhaust tube. If the tail pipe contacts the exhaust tube proceed as follows:
a. Loosen hitch bolts and ensure the tail pipe is positioned in the center of the exhaust tube.
b. Slightly heat the tail pipe, at the bend just past the main silencer flange, and reposition in the center of the exhaust tube.
CAUTION
Do not grind on or heat the trailer hitch; this will cause the structural integrity of the hitch to be compromised and also voids the warranty.