
Driving Your Vehicle4-46Face - floor position 
Air flow is directed towards the face and the
floor. The air to the floor is warmer than the
air to the face (except when the temperature
control is set to the extreme cold position).
(outlet port: , , )
Floor position 
Most of the air flow is directed to the floor,
with a small amount of the air being directed
to the windshield and side window defroster.
(outlet port: , )
Floor - defrost position 
Most of the air flow is directed to the floor
and the windshield with a small amount
directed to the side window defrosters.
(outlet port: , , )
Defrost position 
Most of the air flow is directed to the wind-
shield with a small amount of air directed to
the side window defrosters.
(outlet port: , )Air Flow Control Button                            
It is recommended that under normal conditions the
outside (fresh) air position be selected.
Recirculated air position                             If you press the air intake control button once (recircu-
late), almost all outside air flow into the vehicle is shut
off, and air within the vehicle will be recirculated.
This position can be used temporarily for maximum
heating or cooling (if equipped with an air condition-
ing) and to help prevent undesirable outside air flow
into the vehicle.
BC
C
D
D
A
C
D
A
D
CAUTION
Continued climate control system operation in the
recirculated air position may allow humidity to
increase inside the vehicle which may fog the
glass and obscure visibility
WARNING
Don’t sleep in a vehicle with air conditioning
system or heating system on. It may cause seri-
ous harm or death to passengers due to a drop
in the oxygen level and/or body temperature.
RIO ENG CNA  4.qxd  7/29/05  5:06 PM  Page 46   

4-49
Air Conditioning (If Equipped)
All Kia Air Conditioning Systems are filled with envi-
ronmentally friendly R134a refrigerant which is not
damaging to the ozone layer.
1. Start the engine. Depress the air conditioning
switch.
2. Set the mode selection knob to the  face posi-
tion.
3. Set the air intake control switch to the outside air or
the recirculated air position (switch indicator ON).
4. Set the temperature control knob to the desired
position.
5. Set the fan speed control knob to the desired speed.
6. Adjust the fan speed control knob and temperature
control knob to maintain maximum comfort.
If warmer air is desired at floor level for bi-level
operation, set the mode selection knob to the
position and adjust the temperature control knob to
maintain maximum comfort.
When maximum cooling is desired, set the tempera-
ture control knob to the extreme left position and set
the air intake control switch to the recirculated air
position, then set the fan speed control knob to the
highest speed.
Air Conditioning System Operating Tips:
 If the vehicle has been parked in direct sunlight dur-
ing hot weather, open the windows for a short time
to let hot air inside the vehicle escape.
 To help reduce moisture on the inside of windows
on rainy, humid days, decrease the humidity inside
the vehicle by operating the air conditioning system.
 During air conditioning system operation, you may
occasionally notice a slight change in engine speed
at idle as the A/C compressor cycles ON. This is a
normal system operating characteristic.
 Use the air conditioning system every month if only
for a few minutes.
✽
NOTICE
When using the air conditioning system, monitor
the temperature gauge closely while driving up
long hills or in heavy traffic when outside temper-
atures are high. Air conditioning system operation
may cause engine overheating. Continue to use
the blower fan but turn the air conditioning sys-
tem off if the temperature gauge indicates engine
overheating.
RIO ENG CNA  4.qxd  7/29/05  5:06 PM  Page 49   

To defrost outside windshield
1. Set the mode selection knob to the  position.
When you select  position, the system automati-
cally turns on the outside (fresh) air mode.
2. Set the temperature control knob to the extreme
right/hot position 
3. Set the fan speed control knob to the “3” or “4”
position.
1
2
3
 For maximum defrosting, set the temperature con-
trol knob to the extreme right/hot position and the
fan speed control knob to the highest speed.
 If warm air to the floor is desired while defrosting
or defogging, set the mode selection knob to the
position.
 Before driving, clear all snow and ice from the
windshield, rear window, outside rear view mirrors,
and all side windows.
 Clear all snow and ice from the hood and the air
inlet in the cowl grille to improve heater and
defroster efficiency and to reduce the probability of
fogging on the inside of the windshield.
4-51
2FDA402
RIO ENG CNA  4.qxd  7/29/05  5:06 PM  Page 51 

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
RIO ENG CNA  5.qxd  7/29/05  5:07 PM  Page 4 

Suggestions for Economical
OperationYour vehicle’s fuel economy is mainly dependent on
your style of driving, how you drive, where you drive
and when you drive.
Each of these factors has an effect on how many miles
(kilometers) you can get from a gallon (liter) of fuel.
To operate your vehicle as economically as possible,
use the following driving suggestions to help save
money in both fuel and repairs:
 Avoid lengthy warm-up idling. Once the engine 
is running smoothly, begin driving. Remember,
though, that on cold days, engine warm-up may take
a little longer.
 Save fuel by accelerating slowly after stopping.
 Keep the engine in tune and follow the
recommended periodic maintenance schedule. 
This will increase the life of all parts and lower your
operating costs.
 Do not use the air conditioner unnecessarily.
 Slow down when driving on rough roads. For longer tire life and better fuel economy, always
keep the tires inflated to the recommended
pressures.
 Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles to
avoid sudden stops. This will reduce wear on brake
linings and pads and save fuel because extra fuel is
required to accelerate back to driving speed.
 Do not carry unnecessary weight in the vehicle.
 Do not rest your foot on the brake pedal while
driving. This can cause needless wear, possible
damage to the brakes, and poor fuel economy.
 Improper wheel alignment causes the tires to roll 
at excessive angles, which results in faster tire wear.
It takes more power to overcome this improper
alignment, which wastes fuel.
 Open windows at high speeds can reduce fuel
economy.
 Crosswinds and headwinds reduce fuel economy. To
help offset some of this loss, slow down when
driving in these conditions.Driving Tips5-6
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Driving Tips5-10
Snow Tires
When snow tires are used, select the size and
construction specified on the Tire Pressure Label. It is
strongly recommended that snow tires be used on all
four wheels, or poor handling may result. Snow tires
should not be operated at speeds exceeding 75 mph
(120 km/h).
These tires should be inflated 4 psi (28 kPa,
0.3 kg/cm
2) above the recommended pressures shown
on the Tire Specification/Pressure Label, but inflation
should never exceed the maximum cold-tire pressure
shown on the tire sidewalls.
Do not install studded tires without first checking
local, provincial and municipal regulations for
possible restrictions against their use.
WARNING - Snow Tire Size
Snow tires should be equivalent in size and
type to the vehicle’s standard tires. Otherwise,
the safety and handling of your vehicle may be
adversely affected.
Winter Driving We recommend that you carry emergency
equipment. Some things you might include are tire
chains, a window scraper, windshield de-icer, a bag
of sand or salt, flares, a small shovel and jumper
cables.
 Make sure you have sufficient ethylene glycol
coolant in the radiator.
 Check the battery condition and cables. Cold
temperatures reduce the capacity of any battery, so it
must be in top shape to provide enough winter
starting power.
 Make sure the engine oil viscosity is suitable for
cold weather.
 Check the ignition system for loose connections and
damage.
 Use antifreeze-formulated windshield washer fluid
and make sure you have sufficient fluid for your
trip. (Do not use engine coolant antifreeze.)
 Do not use the parking brake if it might freeze. This
is most likely to happen after driving in slushy or
wet conditions and temperatures drop into the
freezing range. When parking, shift to P (Park) with
automatic transaxle, or to 1 (First) or R (Reverse)
with a manual transaxle and block the rear wheels.
RIO ENG CNA  5.qxd  7/29/05  5:07 PM  Page 10  

6-11
Engine compartment
DESCRIPTION FUSE PROTECTED
RATING COMPONENT
Engine Compartment
(ABS) 15A ABS
RR FOG 10A Rear fog light (if equipped)
(F/FOG) 15A Front fog light (if equipped)
MAIN 80A Battery is not rechargeable
IG 1 30A (It will be automatically  connect
ed to the secondary fuse.) CIGAR 
10A, AUDIO 10A, IG COIL 15A,
TURN LAMP 10A, A/BAG 10A,
WIPER(RR) 15A, WIPER(FRT) 
15A, RELAY 10A, START 10A
BLOWER 30A Heater
COOLING 30A Cooling  fan
(ABS 1) 30A ABS
COND. FAN 20A Condenser fan
HEAD-HI 15A Head lamp high
HEAD-LOW 15A Head lamp low
EMS 10A Engine sensors
INJECTOR 15A Injector, 0
2sensor
F/PUMP 10A Fuel pump
ECU 10A Engine control unit, ECAT  unit,
Main relay
RELAY 10A Blower motor, Power window,
Rear window defroster, Head 
lamp(Airbag equipped vehicle)
(HLLD) 10A
-
*(    ):Optional
STARTWINDOW
POWERFUEL
PUMPFRONT
FOGA/CON
HEAD
LAMPCOOL.FANHORN
TNS MAIN
IG 1 BLOWER
COOL ING(ABS 1) IG 2 COND.F
(              )(           ) (           )
(           )
(             )
COND.FAN
ROOM 15A
IG COIL
(ABS)
D/LOCK
BTN
P/WIN
(ABS 2)
RR DEF
HORN
TNS
RR FOG
(HLLD)(F/FOG)
HEAD
S/ROOF
MAIN
RELAY
RELAY
ECU
F/PUMP
INJECT
EMS
HEAD
LOW
HEAD
HI 15A
15A
25A
30A
30A
30A
25A
10A
15A
10A
10A
80A15A
25A
15A
25A
10A
10A
10A
15A
10A
15A
15A
MAIN
30A 30A 30A 30A 30A 20A
* USE THE DESIGNATED FUSE AND RELAY ONLY.
* REFER TO OWNER'S MANUAL FOR FUSE AND RELAY SERVICE.
* (  ) : OPTION
RIO ENG CNA 6.qxd  7/29/05  5:15 PM  Page 11