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Driving Your Vehicle4-28Low Brake Fluid Level Warning
If the warning light remains ON when the parking
brake is released, it may indicate that the brake fluid
level in the reservoir is low.
If the warning light remains ON:
1. Drive to the nearest safe location and carefully stop
your vehicle.
2. With the engine stopped, check the brake fluid level
immediately and add fluid as required. All brake
components should also be checked immediately
for fluid leaks.
3. If leaks are found, if the warning light remains ON,
or if the brakes do not operate properly, do not
drive the vehicle. Have it towed to an Authorized
Kia Dealer for a brake system inspection and nec-
essary repairs.To check bulb operation, the warning light illuminates
when the ignition switch is in the ON position.
Safety Belt Warning As a reminder to the driver and passenger, safety belt
warning light will illuminate for approximately 6 sec-
onds each time you turn the ignition switch ON.
If the driver’s lap/shoulder belt is not fastened when
the key is turned ON, a chime sounds for approximate-
ly six seconds and the safety belt warning light illumi-
nates for approximately six seconds. If the system does
not operate as described, see an Authorized Kia Dealer
for assistance.Air Bag Warning This warning light will remain ON for approximately
6 seconds each time you turn the ignition switch ON.
If the system does not operate as described or if the
light comes on while the vehicle is being driven, see an
Authorized Kia Dealer for immediate assistance.Charging System Warning This warning light indicates a malfunction of either the
generator or electrical charging system.
–
+
WARNING - Brake Warning
Lights
Driving the vehicle with a warning light ON is
dangerous. If the brake warning light remains
ON, have the brakes checked and repaired
immediately.
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4-29
If the warning light illuminates while driving:
1. Drive to the nearest safe location and carefully stop
your vehicle.
2. With the engine OFF, check the generator drive belt
for looseness or breakage.
3. If the belt is adjusted properly, a problem exists
somewhere in the electrical charging system. Have
an Authorized Kia Dealer locate and correct the
problem as soon as possible.Engine Oil Pressure Warning This warning light indicates the engine oil pressure is
low.
If the warning light comes ON while driving:
1. Drive safely to the side of the road and stop.
2. With the engine OFF, check the engine oil level. If
the level is low, add oil as required.
If the warning light remains ON after adding oil or if
oil is not available, call an Authorized Kia Dealer.Low Fuel Level Warning This warning light indicates the fuel tank is near
empty. The warning light will come on when the fuel
level has dropped to about 9 liters (2.4 US gal.).
Refuel as soon as possible.
✽
NOTICE
Do not drive the vehicle with a loose or broken
generator belt; the engine could be damaged by
overheating because this belt also drives the water
pump.
✽
NOTICE
If the engine is not stopped as soon as possible,
severe engine damage could result.
Do not drive the vehicle when the Engine Oil
Pressure Warning Light is ON.
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Driving Your Vehicle4-30Continuously ON :
If the CHECK ENGINE light comes ON while driving
and illuminates continuously, a potential problem has
been discovered in the ECS or one of the exhaust sys-
tem components. Generally, the vehicle will continue
to be driveable but it should be checked by an autho-
rized Kia dealer as soon as possible. This condition is
unlikely to lead to engine damage unless a decrease in
vehicle power or poor running conditions is immedi-
ately apparent.
Malfunction Indicator The CHECK ENGINE or malfunction indicator light is
installed in your vehicle's instrument panel and
responds to signals from the vehicle's On Board
Diagnostic (OBD -II) System. The OBD-II System
monitors the performance of the vehicle's Emission
Control System (ECS), which is designed to reduce the
amount of air pollutants in engine exhaust to the levels
required by government regulations.
When you first start the engine, the CHECK ENGINE
light will illuminate briefly as a system check to con-
firm that the OBD-II System is operating properly. As
the engine starts, this light turns off. However, if at
any time the OBD-II system detects a faulty signal or
determines that the ECS is not performing to specifica-
tion, the CHECK ENGINE light will illuminate contin-
uously or flash.
CHECK
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4-31 Flashing ON and OFF :
If the CHECK ENGINE light begins to flash ON and
OFF, a more serious problem with the ECS or exhaust
system component has been detected. If this happens,
and there is no degradation to performance, the vehicle
is still driveable (avoid high speeds) but should be
checked by an authorized Kia dealer at your earliest
possible convenience. If the flashing CHECK
ENGINE light is accompanied by a decrease in power
or poor running conditions, safely stop the vehicle and
immediately contact Kia Roadside Assistance.
Note that the CHECK ENGINE light will illuminate
for a problem like a loose or missing gas cap, but will
not illuminate as a result of low engine oil or coolant,
low automatic transaxle fluid or engine overheating.
The driver will be alerted to these conditions by other
indicators on the instrument panel.
CAUTION
Prolonged driving with the On Board
Diagnostic System Malfunction Indicator Light
()illuminated may cause damage to the
emission control systems which could effect
driveability and/or fuel economy.
If the On Board Diagnostic System
Malfunction Indicator Light () begins to
flash ON and OFF, potential catalytic convert-
er damage is possible which could result in
loss of engine power. Have the On Board
Diagnostic System inspected as soon as possi-
ble by an authorized Kia dealer.
CHECK
CHECK
CHECK
CHECK
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4-33 Door Ajar Warning
This warning light comes on when a door is not closed
securely with the ignition switch in any position.Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
Warning Light (if equipped)This light illuminates when you start the engine. The
light will go off if the ABS system is operating nor-
mally. Also, this light comes on if the key is turned to
ON, and then goes off in 2-3 seconds if the system is
operating normally.
If this warning light illuminates while the vehicle is
being driven, have the vehicle checked by an autho-
rized Kia Dealer as soon as possible.Rear Window Defroster Indicator This light comes on when the rear defroster is ON.Rear Hatch Warning Light
(5 door-if equipped)This warning light comes on when a rear hatch is not
closed securely with the ignition switch in any posi-
tion.
AS2B04020
LightingLighting ControlTo turn the lights on, twist the knob on the end of the
control lever which is located on the steering column
to the left of the steering wheel.
First position
Tail, parking, license and sidemarker lights and instru-
ment panel lights ON.
Second position
Head, tail, parking, license and sidemarker lights and
instrument panel lights ON.
ABS
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4-37 Windshield Washers
The ignition switch must be ON for the washer system
to operate. Pull the lever toward you and hold it to acti-
vate the washer. The wiper will automatically turn on
and wipe for 1 to 3 cycles after the lever is released.
1T2103013C
If the washer does not work, check the washer fluid
level. If the fluid level is not sufficient, add an appro-
priate, non-abrasive, windshield washer fluid to the
washer reservoir. The reservoir filler neck is located in
the front of the engine compartment, on the passen-
ger’s side.
CAUTION
Do not use the washer in freezing temperatures
without first warming the windshield with the
defrosters; the washer solution could freeze on
contact with the windshield and obscure your
vision.✽
NOTICE
To prevent possible damage to the washer pump,
do not operate the washer when the fluid reservoir
is empty.
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Emission Control SystemThe vehicle emission control system is covered by a
written limited warranty. Please see the warranty
information contained in the Warranty & Consumer
Information Manual in your vehicle.Vehicle ModificationsThis vehicle should not be modified. Modification of
your Kia could affect its performance, safety or
durability and may even violate governmental safety
and emissions regulations.
In addition, damage or performance problems resulting
from any modification may not be covered under
warranty.
Engine Exhaust Gas Precautions
(Carbon Monoxide)Engine exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide.
Though colorless and odorless, it is dangerous and
could be lethal, if inhaled.
Carbon monoxide can be present with other exhaust
fumes. Therefore, if you smell exhaust fumes of any
kind inside your vehicle, have it inspected and
repaired immediately by an Authorized Kia Dealer.
If at all possible, do not drive with exhaust fumes
present. If you must, do so only with all windows
fully open. Have your vehicle checked and repaired
immediately.
Do not operate the engine in confined or closed
areas (such as garages) any more than what is
necessary to move the vehicle in or out of the area.
When the vehicle is stopped in an open area for
more than a short time with the engine running,
adjust the ventilation system to draw outside air into
the vehicle. Turn the engine off if you smell any
exhaust fumes.
Never sit in a parked or stopped vehicle for an
extended time with the engine running.
5-3
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Operating Precautions for Catalytic ConvertersYour vehicle is equipped with a catalytic converter
emission control device.
Therefore, the following precautions must be observed:
Use only UNLEADED FUEL.
Do not park the vehicle over or near flammable
objects, such as dry grass, paper, leaves, etc. Under
certain conditions, they could be ignited by a hot
exhaust system.
Do not operate the vehicle when there are signs of
engine malfunction, such as misfire or a noticeable
loss of performance.
Do not misuse or abuse the engine. Examples of
misuse are coasting with the ignition off and
descending steep grades in gear with the ignition
off.
Do not operate the engine at high idle speed for
extended periods (5 minutes or more). Do not modify or tamper with any part of the engine
or emission control system. All inspections and
adjustments must be made by a qualified technician.
Failure to observe the above precautions could result in
damage to the catalytic converter and to your vehicle
and could void your warranties.
Before DrivingBefore entering vehicle:
Be sure that all windows, outside mirror(s), and
outside lights are clean.
Check the condition of the tires.
Check under the vehicle for any sign of leaks.
Be sure there are no obstacles behind you if you
intend to back up.
Driving Tips5-4
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