Ignition SwitchIgnition Switch and Anti-Theft Steering
Column LockIgnition Switch Position
LOCK
The steering wheel is locked to protect against theft.
The ignition key can be removed only in the LOCK
position. For vehicles equipped with an automatic
transaxle, it also locks the gear shift lever in the
P (Park) position.
ACC (Accessory)
Turning the ignition switch to this position unlocks the
steering wheel and will allow some of your vehicle’s
electrical accessories such as the radio to operate when
the engine is OFF.
ON
Turning the ignition switch to this position allows you
to test your vehicle’s warning lights (except the brake
system warning light) to make sure they work before
you start the engine. The ignition key returns to the
ON position once the engine is started and remains in
this position while the engine is running.
Do not leave the ignition switch in the ON position for
extended periods with the engine OFF because the bat-
tery will discharge.
Driving Your Vehicle4-2
AS2B04001
✽
NOTICE
This spark ignition system meets all require-
ment of the Canadian interference - Causing
Equipment Regulations.
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START
Turn the ignition key to the START position to start the
engine. The engine will crank until you release the key,
then it returns to the ON position. Also, the brake
warning indicator illuminates to check the bulb in this
position.
Difficulty in turning the ignition key to the START posi-
tion can be caused by pressure on the switch from the
steering column. To allow the ignition key to turn,
move the steering wheel right or left to release the ten-
sion and then turn the key.
Automatic Transaxle
When turning the ignition switch to the LOCK posi-
tion, the shift lever must be in the P (Park) position.
Manual Transaxle
When turning the ignition switch to the LOCK posi-
tion, push the key inward at the ACC position and turn
the key toward the LOCK position.
4-3
WARNING
• Never turn the ignition switch to LOCK or
ACC while the vehicle is moving. This could
result in loss of directional control and
braking function, which could cause an
immediate accident.
Never reach for the ignition switch, or any
other controls, through the steering wheel
while the vehicle is in motion. Failure to
observe this warning can result in loss of
vehicle steering and braking control, which
may result in an accident.
✽
NOTICE
For safety, the engine will not start if the
clutch pedal is not depressed fully on manual
transaxle equipped models.
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4-11
Transaxle Ranges
O/D (OVERDRIVE) SYSTEM
Pressing the O/D system button cancels and engages
the overdrive system. When the O/D system is can-
celled (button is depressed), the O/D OFF indicator
illuminates and the transaxle gear range is limited to
1st through 3rd. The transaxle will not shift to 4th gear
until the O/D system button is again depressed.
When the ignition is switched OFF, the O/D OFF mode
is automatically cancelled.
WARNING - Automatic
Transaxle
Before leaving the driver’s seat, always
make sure the shift lever is in the P (PARK)
position; then set the parking brake fully
and shut the engine off. Unexpected and
sudden vehicle movement can occur if these
precautions are not followed in the order
identified.
O/D OFF indicator
This indicator light illuminates in the instrument panel
when the O/D mode is cancelled.
NORMAL OPERATION
P (Park)
This position locks the transaxle and prevents the front
wheels from rotating. Always come to a complete stop
before shifting into this position.
✽
NOTICE
If the O/D OFF indicator flashes, it indicates an
electrical problem with the transaxle. Should this
occur, have the vehicle checked by an Authorized
Kia Dealer as soon as possible.
WARNING
Shifting into P (Park) while the vehicle is in
motion will cause the front wheels to lock and
you will lose driving control of the vehicle.
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Driving Your Vehicle4-12
R (Reverse)
Use this position to drive the vehicle backward.
N (Neutral)
In this position, the wheels and transaxle are not
locked. The vehicle will roll freely even on the slight-
est incline unless the parking brake or service brakes
are applied.
D (Drive)
This is the normal forward driving position. The
transaxle will automatically shift through a four-gear
sequence, providing the best fuel economy and power.
For extra power when passing another vehicle or
climbing steep grades, depress the accelerator fully, at
which time the transaxle will automatically downshift
into the next lower gear.
CAUTION
Always come to a complete stop before shifting
into or out of R (Reverse). You may damage the
transaxle if you shift into R while the vehicle is in
motion, except as explained in “Rocking the
Ve h i c l e .’’
✽
NOTICE
The transaxle may be damaged if you shift into
P (Park) while the vehicle is in motion.
WARNING
Do not use the P (Park) position in place of
the parking brake when leaving the vehicle.
Always make sure the shift lever is latched
in the P (Park) position so that it cannot be
moved unless the lock release button is
pushed in AND the parking brake is fully
set.
Turn the ignition switch OFF whenever you
leave the vehicle unattended. Never leave the
vehicle unattended while the engine is run-
ning. Unexpected and sudden vehicle move-
ment may occur if these precautions are not
taken.
Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle.
RIO ENG CNA 4.qxd 7/29/05 5:06 PM Page 12
4-13
For improved engine performance, the transaxle will
not shift into 4th gear until the engine coolant reaches
normal operation temperature.
2 (2nd)
Move shift lever to this position for driving in heavy,
slow-moving traffic or when climbing hills. This posi-
tion also provides engine braking when going down
hills and helps reduce wheel spin on slippery surfaces.
1 (1st)
Move the shift lever to this position in hard pulling sit-
uations and for climbing or descending steep grades.
Moving Up a Steep Grade from a Standing
Start
To move up a steep grade from a standing start,
depress the brake pedal, shift the shift lever to
D (Drive), 2 (2nd), or 1 (1st). Select the appropriate
gear depending on load weight and steepness of the
grade, and release the parking brake. Depress the
accelerator gradually while releasing the service
brakes.Shift Lock System
For your safety, the Automatic Transaxle has a shift
lock system which prevents shifting the transaxle out
of P (Park) unless the brake pedal is depressed.
To shift the transaxle out of P (Park):
1. Depress and hold the brake pedal.
2. Start the engine or turn the ignition key to the ON
position.
3. Depress the lock release button and move the shift
lever.
When the ignition switch is in the ACC or LOCK posi-
tion, the transaxle cannot be shifted from P (Park).
If the brake pedal is repeatedly depressed and released
with the shift lever in the P (Park) position, a chatter-
ing noise near the shift lever may be heard.
This is a normal condition.
Also, the ignition key cannot be removed unless the
shift lever is in the P (Park) position. If the ignition
switch is in any other position, the key cannot be
removed.
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4-15
3. Press the brake pedal.
4. Depress the lock release button and move the shift
lever.
5. Have your vehicle inspected by an Authorized Kia
Dealership immediately.
AS2B04006A
Brake SystemPower BrakesYour vehicle has power-assisted brakes that adjust
automatically through normal usage.
In the event that brake system power assist is lost
because of a stalled engine or some other reason, you
can still stop your vehicle by applying greater force to
the brake pedal than you normally would. The stopping
distance, however, will be longer.
When the engine is not running, the reserve brake
power is partially depleted each time the brake pedal is
depressed. Do not pump the brake pedal when the
power assist has been interrupted, except when neces-
sary to maintain steering control on slippery surfaces.Anti Lock Brakes (ABS) (if equipped)The anti-lock brake system is designed to prevent lock-
up of the wheels during sudden braking or braking on
slippery surfaces. Compared to a conventional brake
system, the anti-lock brake system provides greater
steering control during braking in such situations.
RIO ENG CNA 4.qxd 7/29/05 5:06 PM Page 15
Parking on Curbed Streets When parking your vehicle on an uphill grade, park
as close to the curb as possible and turn the front
wheels away from the curb so that the front wheels
will contact the curb if the vehicle moves backward.
When parking your vehicle on a downhill grade,
park as close to the curb as possible and turn the
front wheels toward the curb so that the front wheels
will contact the curb if the vehicle moves forward.
4-21
Check the brake warning light each time you start the
engine. The light is located in the instrument panel.
This warning light will be illuminated when the igni-
tion switch in ON or START and the parking brake is
set.
Before driving, be sure the parking brake is fully
released and the brake warning light is off.
If the brake warning light remains on after the parking
brake is released, there may be a malfunction in the
brake system. Immediate attention is necessary.
If at all possible, cease driving the vehicle immediate-
ly. If that is not possible, use extreme caution in oper-
ating the vehicle and only drive it until you reach the
first safe location or a repair shop.
AS2B04009
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Driving Your Vehicle4-22Power Steering (If Equipped)Power steering uses energy from the engine to assist
you in steering the vehicle. If the engine is off or if the
power steering system becomes inoperative, the vehi-
cle may still be steered, but it will require increased
steering effort.
Should you notice any change in the effort required to
steer during normal vehicle operation, have the power
steering system checked by an Authorized Kia Dealer.
Tilt Steering (If Equipped)A tilt steering wheel allows you to adjust the position
of the steering wheel before you drive. You can also
raise it to the highest level to give your legs more room
when you exit and enter the vehicle.
To tilt the wheel, hold the steering wheel and pull the
lock release lever down. Move the steering wheel to a
comfortable level, then push the lock release lever up
to lock the steering wheel in place.
✽
NOTICE
Never hold the steering wheel against a stop (extreme
right or left turn) for more than five seconds with the
engine running. Holding the steering wheel for more
than five seconds in either position may cause damage
to the power steering pump.
If the power steering drive belt breaks or if the power
steering pump malfunctions, the steering effort will
become increased significantly.
After your vehicle was left in the outside for a long
time in cold weather, ambient temperature is less than
14°F (-10°C), if you would start the engine, the power
steering might be delayed once in a while because of a
rise of the viscosity of the power steering fluid. But,
it's not malfunction. In this case you must warm up
the power steering fluid by idling properly.
WARNING
Never adjust the angle of steering wheel while
driving. You may lose your steering control
and cause severe personal injury or accidents.
1S2104007A
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