What is the reason for the continuous flashing of the dashboard when starting the Kia K5?
3 Answers
The reasons for the continuous flashing of the dashboard when starting the Kia K5 are: 1. Battery depletion; 2. The gear is not in P position when starting; 3. Steering wheel lock. Taking the 2020 Kia K5 as an example, its body structure is a 4-door, 5-seater sedan with body dimensions of length 4980mm, width 1860mm, height 1445mm, wheelbase of 2900mm, fuel tank capacity of 60 liters, and curb weight of 1472kg. The 2020 Kia K5 features a front McPherson independent suspension and a rear multi-link independent suspension. It is equipped with a 1.5L inline 4-cylinder turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum horsepower of 170PS, maximum power of 125kW, and maximum torque of 253Nm, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.
My Kia K5 had been experiencing constant flashing on the dashboard when starting up recently, lighting up like a Christmas tree, which really freaked me out. Initially, I thought it was a minor issue and ignored it, but on the third day, the car suddenly stalled while driving, nearly causing an accident. After towing it to the repair shop, the mechanic diagnosed it as a severely aged battery with voltage too low, causing unstable circuits during startup and leading to the dashboard flashing erratically. He also checked the fuses and wiring, fortunately, they were fine. After replacing the battery, the problem was resolved, and now the car runs much smoother. A reminder to everyone: don’t take dashboard flashing lightly—it’s a warning signal that could indicate a serious underlying issue. Especially in winter when battery performance deteriorates further, it’s advisable to test the voltage promptly or replace the battery outright to avoid being stranded on the road.
Having dealt with similar issues for years, dashboard flickering during ignition is most commonly caused by voltage abnormalities or electrical system failures. If the battery has reached the end of its lifespan, the voltage plummets during startup, causing severe dashboard flickering; a faulty alternator can also trigger this. First, inspect the battery terminals and fuse box to check for loose connections or oxidation/corrosion. Replace any blown fuses. Aging wiring or short circuits can also interfere with normal display. Strongly recommend using basic tools to measure voltage - if it drops below 10 volts during ignition, replace the battery. If voltage is normal, investigate the instrument cluster or ECU control module. Don't delay, as minor issues can escalate into engine troubles. Regular maintenance focusing on electrical component cleanliness can prevent many problems.
