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1. Turn the radiator cap counterclockwise and remove
it.
2. Loosen the radiator drain plug and drain the coolant
into a suitable container.
3. With the drain plug loose, flush the system with
running water.
4. Drain the system completely and retighten the drain
plug. Add the necessary amount of ethylene glycol-
based coolant and water to provide the required
protection against freezing and corrosion.
In extremely cold climates, add the necessary
amount of ethylene glycol-based coolant in
accordance with the instructions of the coolant
manufacturer.
5. Run the engine at idle with the radiator cap off.
Slowly add additional coolant if necessary.
6. At this point, wait until the engine reaches normal
operating temperature. Depress the accelerator two
or three times; then add coolant if required. Be
careful not to burn yourself.
7. Install the radiator cap. Inspect all connections for
leaks and recheck the coolant level in the reservoir.
Recheck again after a few days of driving and add
coolant as necessary.
7-19
AS2B07004
Radiator cap
Drain plug
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Power Steering (If Equipped)Checking the Power Steering Fluid LevelThe power steering fluid level should be checked
periodically.
With the engine off and the vehicle on level ground,
check the fluid level in the power steering reservoir; it
should be between the MAX and MIN reservoir
indicators.
MAXMIN
Before adding power steering fluid, thoroughly clean
the area around the reservoir cap to prevent power
steering fluid contamination.
If the level is low, add fluid to the MAX level.
In the event the power steering system requires
frequent addition of fluid, the vehicle should be
inspected by an Authorized Kia Dealer.
Use only the specified power steering fluid. (Refer to
“Recommended Lubricants’’ later in this section.)
Maintenance7-22
✻ ✻
NOTICE
To avoid damage to the power steering pump, do
not operate the vehicle for prolonged periods with
a low power steering fluid level.
1B3107005A
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Maintenance7-241. Park the vehicle on level ground and set the
parking brake firmly.
2. Allow the engine to idle for about 2 minutes, then
depress the brake pedal. Move the shift lever
slowly through all ranges then set it in the P (Park)
position.
3. With the engine still idling, pull the dipstick out,
wipe it clean, and reinsert it fully.
4. Pull the dipstick out again.The fluid level is checked as follows:
OK LOW
OK20 C
65 C
FULL
LOWFULL
AS2B07012A
Hot fluid scale
Cold fluid scale
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Using the hot fluid scale:
If the vehicle has been driven and the fluid is warmed
to the normal operating temperature of approximately
65°C (149°F), the fluid level should be between Full
and Low.
Using the cold fluid scale:
If the engine has not been running and the outside
temperature is approximately 20°C (68°F), the fluid
level should be between Full and Low.
7-25
Use the cold scale as a rough reference only.
If the outside temperature is lower than 20°C
(68°F), start the engine and measure the fluid level
after letting the engine reach operating temperature.
If the vehicle has been driven for an extended
period at high speeds or in city traffic in hot
weather, it is usually best to measure the fluid level
after stopping the engine and allowing the fluid to
cool for 30 minutes.
When inserting the dipstick, be sure to insert it
completely. When adding fluid, measure frequently
with the dipstick to make sure the fluid level does not
go above the Full position. Do not overfill.
Use only the specified automatic transaxle fluid. (Refer
to “Recommended Lubricants’’ later in this section.)
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Body LubricationAll moving points of the body, such as doors, hood
hinges and locks, should be lubricated each time the
engine oil is changed.
Use a non-freezing lubricant on locks during cold
weather.
Make sure the engine hood secondary latch keeps the
hood from opening when the primary latch is released.
Lubricants and FluidsChecking the Washer Fluid LevelCheck the fluid level in the washer fluid reservoir and
add fluid if necessary.
Plain water may be used if washer fluid is not
available. However, use windshield washer solvent
with antifreeze characteristics in cold climates to
prevent freezing.Maintenance7-26
CAUTION
Do not use radiator coolant or antifreeze in the
washer fluid reservoir.
Radiator coolant can severely obscure visibility
when sprayed on the windshield and may
cause loss of vehicle control or damage to
paint and body trim.
2FDA702
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Wiper BladesWiper Blade MaintenanceContamination of either the windshield or the
wiper blades with foreign matter can reduce the
effectiveness of the windshield wipers. Common
sources of contamination are insects, tree sap, and hot
wax treatments used by some commercial car washes.
If the blades are not wiping properly, clean both theMaintenance7-28
✻ ✻
NOTICE
To prevent damage to the wiper arms or other
components, do not attempt to move the wipers
manually.
window and the blades with a good cleaner or mild
detergent, and thoroughly rinse with clear water.Windshield Wiper Blade ReplacementWhen the wipers no longer clean adequately, the wiper
blades may be worn or cracked, requiring replacement.
✻ ✻
NOTICE
Commercial hot waxes applied by automatic car
washes have been known to make the windshield
difficult to clean.
✻ ✻
NOTICE
To prevent damage to the wiper blades, do not use
gasoline, kerosene, paint thinner, or other solvents
on or near them.
CAUTION
Do not drive with the air cleaner removed; this
will result in excessive engine wear.
Driving without an air cleaner encourages
backfiring, which could cause a fire in the
engine compartment.
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Battery
7-31
WARNING - Battery dangers
Always read the following instructions
carefully when handling a battery.
Keep lighted cigarettes and all other
flames or sparks away from the
battery.
Hydrogen, which is a highly
combustible gas, is always present in
battery cells and may explode if
ignited.
Keep batteries out of the reach of
children because batteries contain
highly corrosive SULFURIC ACID.
Do not allow battery acid to contact
your skin, eyes, clothing or paint finish.
Wear eye protection when charging or
working near a battery. Always provide
ventilation when working in an
enclosed space.
(Continued)
(Continued)
If any electrolyte gets into your eyes,
flush your eyes with clean water for at
least 15 minutes and get immediate
medical attention. If possible, continue
to apply water with a sponge or cloth
until medical attention is received.
If electrolyte gets on your skin,
thoroughly wash the contacted area. If
you feel a pain or a burning sensation,
get medical attention immediately.
• When lifting a plastic-cased battery,
excessive pressure on the case may cause
battery acid to leak, resulting in personal
injury. Lift with a battery carrier or with
your hands on opposite corners.
Never attempt to charge the battery when
the battery cables are connected.
The electrical ignition system works with
high voltage. Never touch these components
with the engine running or the ignition
switched on.
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7-33
WARNING - Recharging Battery
When recharging the battery, observe the
following precautions:
The battery must be removed from the
vehicle and placed in an area with good
ventilation.
Do not allow cigarettes, sparks, or flame
near the battery.
Watch the battery during charging, and stop
or reduce the charging rate if the battery
cells begin gasing (boiling) violently or if the
temperature of the electrolyte of any cell
exceeds 49°C (120°F).
Wear eye protection when checking the
battery during charging.
(Continued)
(Continued)
Disconnect the battery charger in the
following order.
1. Turn off the battery charger main switch.
2. Unhook the negative clamp from the
negative battery terminal.
3. Unhook the positive clamp from the
positive battery terminal.✻ ✻
NOTICE
Before performing battery maintenance or
recharging, turn OFF all accessories and stop
the engine.
When remounted battery, disconnect the
negative (–) battery cable first. When re-
installing the battery, reconnect the negative (–)
battery cable last.
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