Page 84 of 238

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.
RIO ENG CNA 4.qxd 7/29/05 5:06 PM Page 3
Page 109 of 238

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.
RIO ENG CNA 4.qxd 7/29/05 5:06 PM Page 28
Page 116 of 238

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
RIO ENG CNA 4.qxd 7/29/05 5:06 PM Page 35
Page 173 of 238

7-1
MAINTENANCEMaintenance Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-3
Maintenance Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-5
Owner Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-10
Engine Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-13
Engine Oil and Oil Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-14
Engine Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-16
Brakes and Clutch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-20
Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-21
Power Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-22
Automatic Transaxle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-23
Lubricants and Fluids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-26
Air Cleaner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-27
Wiper Blades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-28
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-31
Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-34
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-42
Lubricant Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-47
7
RIO ENG CNA 7-1.qxd 7/29/05 5:16 PM Page 1
Page 214 of 238

Maintenance7-42
1. Remove the headlight bulb cover by turning it
counterclockwise.
2. Disconnect the electrical connector from the bulb
assembly.
3. Unsnap the headlight bulb retaining wire by
depressing the end of it and pulling it upward.
4. Remove the bulb.
5. Install a new bulb by aligning the bulb with the
three(3) slots on the headlight assembly and snap the
headlight bulb retaining wire into position.
6. Connect the headlight bulb electrical connector.
7. Install the headlight bulb cover.
Bulb ReplacementHeadlight Bulb Replacement
WARNING - Halogen Bulbs
Wear eye protection when changing a bulb.
Allow the bulb to cool before handling it.
Halogen bulbs contain pressurized gas. If
broken, a halogen bulb will explode and will
produce flying pieces of glass.
Always handle halogen bulbs carefully to
avoid scratches and abrasion. If the bulbs
are lit, avoid contact with liquids. Never
touch the glass with bare hands. Residual oil
may cause the bulb to overheat and burst
when lit. A bulb should be operated only
when installed in the headlight assembly.
If a bulb becomes damaged or cracked,
replace it immediately and carefully dispose
it.
1B3106004B
RIO ENG CNA 7-2.qxd 7/29/05 5:18 PM Page 42
Page 215 of 238
7-43 Front Turn Signal / Parking Light Bulb Replacement
1. Turn the parking light bulb socket counterclockwise
and remove it from the headlight assembly.
2. Remove the bulb from the socket by pulling it out.
3. Insert a new bulb in the socket.
4. Re-install the parking light bulb socket into the
headlight assembly and rotate it clockwise to lock
the socket in place.
1B3106006
Rear Combination Light Bulb Replacement1. Using a cross-tip screwdriver, remove the screws
and bolts attaching the rear combination light
assembly to the body.
2. Carefully remove the light assembly from the
vehicle.
1B3106007A
RIO ENG CNA 7-2.qxd 7/29/05 5:18 PM Page 43
Page 216 of 238
5. Insert a new bulb in the socket, then push the bulb
in and rotate it one-quarter turn clockwise to lock
the bulb in place.
6. Re-install the bulb socket into the rear combination
light assembly and rotate it one-quarter turn
clockwise to lock the socket in place.
7. Carefully re-install the light assembly in the
vehicle.
Maintenance7-44
AS2B07033
3. Turn the bulb socket counterclockwise and remove
it from the housing.
4. Push the bulb in, then rotate it one-quarter turn
counterclockwise and remove the bulb from the
socket.
1B3106007C
Turn signal bulbStop/tail light bulb
Backup light bulb
RIO ENG CNA 7-2.qxd 7/29/05 5:18 PM Page 44
Page 217 of 238
7-45
2. Push up on the metal spring clip until the bulb
drops down to remove it.
3. Install a new bulb. The easiest way to do this is to
place the bulb into the spring clip first, then slide
the other end into place.
4. Align the two (2) lens tabs with the dome light
housing notches and snap the lens into place.
Dome Light Bulb Replacement1. Using a flat-blade screwdriver, gently pry the lens
from the dome light housing.
1RS106022
RIO ENG CNA 7-2.qxd 7/29/05 5:18 PM Page 45