A bad fuel pressure regulator or a clog in the fuel return line that leads back to the tank will cause this.
There are several things that can cause your 1997 Kia engine to idle too high. The most common cause is a malfunctioning fuel pressure regulator.
Regulator problem, not enough info to answer properly.
Yes, it could cause flooding, that's when too much fuel gets into the engine. You need to replace the pressure regulator.
Unmetered air sneaking in to the intake. Look for vacuum leaks.
low fuel pressure
It's possible. Take the vacuum hose off the fuel regulator and check for gas in the hose. If there is gas in the hose the vacuum diaphragm is leaking. Replace the reguator.
too lean at higher load - Leaking fuel injector or pressure regulator - High fuel pressure condition - Faulty front HO2S - Leak in exhaust system - MAF sensor faulty
It's likely the fuel pressure regulator. I had a Chevy Corsica with the same problem and it was solved by replacing the regulator.
Disable the fuel pump and relieve the fuel system pressure.Tip: Safety Tip:Always wear safety glasses when working on your vehicle. Wear other personal protective equipment (PPE) when necessary, for example latex gloves or safety shoes.Tip: Locate the fuse box in your owner's manual and disconnect the fuse to the fuel pump. Crank the engine until the vehicle dies to relieve any fuel pressure.Disconnect the fuel line and install a fuel pressure gauge. Reconnect the fuse to the fuel pump.Start the engine and check for leakage around the gauge connections.Disconnect the vacuum hose from the fuel pressure regulator and attach a hand held vacuum pump to the port on the fuel pressure regulator.Read the fuel pressure gauge when a vacuum is applied to the fuel pressure regulator and also when no vacuum is applied. The fuel pressure should decrease as vacuum increases, and increase as vacuum decreases. Compare your readings with the value in your vehicle's specifications.Reconnect the vacuum hose to the regulator and check the fuel pressure at idle, comparing your reading with the value in your vehicle's specifications. Disconnect the vacuum hose and watch the gauge- the pressure should jump up as soon as the hose is disconnected. If it doesn't, proceed to step 8.If the fuel pressure is low, pinch the fuel return line shut and watch the gauge. If the pressure doesn't rise, the fuel pump is defective or there is a restriction in the fuel feed line. If the pressure rises sharply, replace the fuel pressure regulator.If the fuel pressure is too high, turn the engine off. Disconnect the fuel return line and blow through it to check for a blockage. If there is no blockage, replace the fuel pressure regulator.Connect a vacuum gauge to the fuel pressure regulator vacuum hose. Start the engine and check for a vacuum. If there isn't a vacuum present, check for a clogged hose or vacuum port. If the amount of vacuum is adequate, replace the fuel pressure regulator.Before replacing the fuel pressure regulator, relieve the fuel system pressure again. Disconnect the cable form the negative battery terminal.Clean any dirt from the around the fuel pressure regulator.Detach the vacuum hose from the fuel pressure regulator.Remove any bolts that attach the fuel pressure regulator to the fuel rail and remove the fuel pressure regulator.Install new O - rings on the fuel pressure regulator and lubricate them with a light coat of oil.Tighten the fuel pressure regulator mounting bolts securely.Verify this repair has been properly completed by using a vacuum gage. If the readings on the gage match manufacturer's specifications the repair has been successfully completed.
Bad fuel pressure regulator, Map. sensor not working or the vacuum line is bad or off of the sensor. You did not say what year it is.
A couple of things to check for: -Debris in fuel tank. -Driver often operates vehicle at low fuel level. This vehicle has a tendency to go through fuel pumps if fuel level regularly goes below 1/4. -High system voltage. Check voltage at the alternator (not the battery). -Pickup screen at the fuel tank is clogged and is not replaced every time the pump is replaced. -Incorrect fuel, such as with aftermarket fuel additives or excessive ethanol content. -Restriction as from foreign object or kinked line in fuel line between pump and regulator causing high pressure at pump while pressure is normal at injector and regulator. -Bad wiring harness connection (corrosion at terminals) causing intermittent loss of power to pump. This causes low rotational speed at pump and thus high electrical current and high temperature. -Poor quality replacement pump -Restriction as from foreign object or kinked line in return line between regulator and tank causing high fuel pressure. -Assumption that fuel pressure loss is caused by a bad pump is erroneous, low fuel pressure caused by bad pressure regulator. -Assumption that fuel pressure loss is caused by a bad pump is erroneous, low fuel pressure caused by low fuel level. Gage reading is inaccurate.