Alternator/generator/regulator problems of the 2004 Kia Motor Sorento

I was driving approximately 35-40 mph and my car suddenly lost power with all the dash lights briefly coming on (battery, oil, etc. ). Fortunately I was close to a side street and was able to make a hard turn and coast to the curb. I waited a minute and was able to restart the vehicle. I drove home and there was one more incident when the car started to lose power (lights dimmed) however I pushed on the gas and it powered up again. I have had the lights dim and the car seemingly lose power several times. Just prior to this the car typically hesitates when you are going full speed and then the dimming occurs. I've had my car idle at stop signs and at train crossings and have not experienced any power loss. It always seems to happen while driving 35-40 mph or more. I've had it happen while driving 60-70 mph on the highway. I had a diagnostic run on the car at the dealership with no concerning results. I've had a mechanic I trust check the alternator, the spark plugs, flush the coolant, put in fuel cleaner, etc. And he cannot locate the problem.

On Monday, 06-30-08, at about 1400 hours, I parked my vehicle a 2004 kia sorrento 4x4 ex with approx. 80,000 plus miles. Shortly after parking this vehicle I entered a baskin and robins to have an ice cream cone. I was informed by frantic passerby's that a vehicle was on fire. I took a look outside and was shocked to see that my vehicle mentioned above was smoking and flaming up. This fire appeared to start on the passenger side of my vehicle near the power steering pump and alternator. My vehicle had been operating fine until this incident occurred and only went to the dealership for routine servicing under warranty. The honolulu police and fire departments were notified and reports documented under honolulu police department report #08-242969 and the honolulu fire department report #24891. Fire and police officials informed me that a possible fuel line malfunction is a possibility but cause of this incident is unknown at this time.