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4-27 Instrument Panel Illumination (If equipped)
When the vehicle’s parking lights or headlights are
ON, rotate the illumination control knob to adjust the
instrument panel illumination intensity.
Warnings and IndicatorsWarning Lights/Audible IndicatorsChecking Operation
All the warning lights are checked by turning the igni-
tion switch ON (you do not need to start the engine).
Any light that does not come ON should be checked
by an Authorized Kia Dealer.
After starting the engine, check to make sure that all
warning lights are OFF. If any are still ON, this indi-
cates a situation that needs attention. When releasing
the parking brake, the brake system warning light
should go OFF.Parking Brake and Brake Fluid
Warning Parking Brake Warning
This light comes ON when the parking brake is applied
with the ignition switch in the START or ON position.
The warning light should go OFF when the parking
brake is released.
2FDA407
BRAKE
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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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4-33 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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4-35 Turn Signals
The same lever that controls the headlights also con-
trols the turn signals.
The ignition switch must be ON for the turn signals
to function. Move the lever up or down to activate the
turn signals. The turn signals will self-cancel after a
turn is completed. If the indicator continues to flash
after a turn, manually return the lever to the OFF (mid-
dle) position.
Lane Change Signals
To signal a lane change, move the turn signal lever
slightly and hold it in position. The lever will return to
the OFF (middle) position when released.
Green arrow indicators on the instrument panel indi-
cate which turn signal is operating. If an indicator
stays ON and does not flash or if it flashes abnormally,
one or more of the turn signal bulbs may be burned out
and will require replacement.Daytime Running Lights (DRL)Daytime Running Lights (DRL) can make it easier for
others to see the front of your vehicle during the day.
DRL can be helpful in many different driving condi-
tions, but they can be especially helpful in the short
periods after dawn and before sunset. The DRL system
will make your low-beam headlights turn OFF when:
The headlight switch is ON.
The parking brake is engaged.
The engine stops.
AS2B04023
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Necessary InspectionsFluid levels, such as engine oil, engine coolant,
brake/clutch fluid, and washer fluid should be checked
on a regular basis, with the exact interval depending on
the fluid. Further details are provided in Maintenance,
Section 7.Before Starting Close and lock all doors.
Position the seat so that all controls are easily
reached.
Adjust the inside and outside rearview mirrors.
Be sure that all lights work.
Check all gauges.
Check the operation of warning lights when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON position.
Release the parking brake and make sure the brake
warning light goes out.
For safe operation, be sure you are familiar with your
vehicle and its equipment.
Drunk DrivingDrinking and driving is dangerous. Drunk driving is
the number one contributor to the highway death toll
each year. Alcohol impairs a driver’s judgment, vision
and muscular coordination. Even a small amount of
alcohol will affect a driver’s reflexes, perceptions and
judgment.
Please don’t drink and drive, or ride with a driver who
has been drinking. Choose a designated driver if you’re
with a group, or if you’re alone, call a cab.Drugs and DrivingDriving while under the influence of drugs is as
dangerous or more dangerous than driving under the
influence of alcohol, depending on the drug(s) used
and the quantity consumed. Don’t take drugs and drive.
If you are taking a prescription medicine, check with
your doctor or pharmacist regarding whether you may
operate a motor vehicle.
5-5
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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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Keeping a vehicle in good operating condition is
important both for economy and safety. Therefore,
have an Authorized Kia Dealer perform scheduled
inspections and maintenance.
Special Driving ConditionsHazardous DrivingWhen hazardous driving is encountered because of
water, snow, ice, mud, sand, or similar hazard, follow
these suggestions:
Drive cautiously and allow extra distance for
braking.
Avoid sudden movements in braking or steering.
When braking in vehicles without anti-lock brakes,
depress the brake pedal with a controlled up-and-
down motion until the vehicle is stopped.
5-7
WARNING - Engine OFF Motion
Never turn the engine OFF to coast down hills
or anytime the vehicle is in motion. The power
steering and power brakes will not function
without the engine running. Instead, downshift
to any appropriate gear for engine braking
effect.
✽
NOTICE
Do not pump the brake pedal on ABS equipped
vehicle.
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5-9 Driving at Night
Because night driving presents many more hazards
than driving in the daylight, here are some important
tips to remember:
Slow down and keep more distance between you
and other vehicles as it may be more difficult to see
at night, especially in rural areas where there may
not be any street lights.
Adjust your mirrors to reduce the glare from other
driver’s headlights.
Keep your headlights clean and properly aimed.
Dirty or misaimed headlights will make it much
more difficult to see at night.
Avoid staring directly at the headlights of oncoming
vehicles. You could be temporarily blinded and it
will take several seconds for your eyes to readjust to
the darkness.
Driving in the RainRain and wet roads can make driving dangerous,
especially if you’re not prepared for the slick
pavement. Here are a few things to consider when
driving in the rain:
Be sure your windshield wipers are in good
condition.
A heavy rainfall will make it harder to see and will
increase the distance needed to stop your vehicle, so
slow down.
If your tires aren’t in good condition, making a
quick stop on wet pavement can cause a skid and
possibly lead to an accident. Be sure your tires and
windshield wipers are in good shape.
Turn on your headlights to make it easier for others
to see you.
Driving too fast through large puddles can affect
your brakes. If you must go through puddles, try to
drive through them slowly.
If you believe you may have gotten your brakes wet,
apply them lightly while driving until normal
braking operation returns.
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