On my 2023 Kia Sportage, I noticed that when I turn the key in the ignition, the dashboard flickers a few times and then stabilizes. The starter cranks normally, the car starts on the first try. Is this a problem with the battery, wiring, or contacts?
Don't panic if the car starts normally and the starter cranks fine - it's not critical.
Dashboard flickering when you turn on the ignition often means a poor connection in the power circuit, and it's usually either oxidation on the negative battery terminal or dirty ground contacts somewhere on the body.
Check the battery terminals first (clean them if they've darkened), then look at the contacts on the body and engine. If the flickering doesn't stop after that, it makes sense to take it to a service center so they can check the wiring - sometimes the problem can be a micro-crack somewhere in the harness.
Log into answer.
