2005 KIA Rio Owner's Manual

Parking BrakeChecking the Parking BrakeCheck the stroke of the parking brake by counting the
number of “clicks’’ heard while fully applying it from
the released position. Also, the parking brake alone
should securely hold the vehicle on a fairly steep
grade.
If the number of “clicks’’ is more or less than
specified, have the parking brake adjusted by an
Authorized Kia Dealer.
Stroke:
4-6 “clicks’’ at a force of 98N (22 lbs.).
7-21
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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.
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The volume of the transaxle fluid changes with
temperature. For that reason, it is best to check
the level after having driven the vehicle for
30 minutes. If necessary, however, the fluid can also be
checked when the vehicle has not been driven.
7-23
CAUTION
• Low fluid level causes transaxle slippage.
Overfilling can cause foaming, loss of fluid,
and transaxle malfunction.
 The use of a non-specified fluid could result in
transaxle malfunction and failure.
WARNING - Parking Brake
To avoid sudden movement of the vehicle, set
the parking brake and depress the brake pedal
while shifting the shift lever.
Automatic Transaxle (If Equipped)Checking the Automatic Transaxle Fluid LevelThe automatic transaxle fluid level should be checked
regularly. Take the following precautions to measure
the fluid level properly.
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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.
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Air CleanerElement Replacement1. Remove the air cleaner cover attaching clips.
2. Wipe the inside of the air cleaner housing with a
clean, damp cloth.
7-27
3. Replace the air cleaner element.
4. Re-install in the reverse order of removal.
Replace the element according to the Scheduled
Maintenance.
If the vehicle is operated in extremely dusty or sandy
areas, replace the element more often than at the usual
recommended intervals. (Refer to Schedule 2 - Severe
Maintenance in this section.)
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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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