Starting the Engine1. Make sure the parking brake is applied.
2.Manual Transaxle- Depress the clutch pedal fully
and shift the transaxle into NEUTRAL. Keep the
clutch pedal depressed while cranking the engine.
The starter will not operate if the clutch pedal is not
fully depressed.
Automatic Transaxle- Place the transaxle shift
lever in P (Park). Depress the brake pedal fully.
You can also start the engine if the shift lever is in
the N (Neutral) position.
3. Turn the ignition switch to START and hold it there
until the engine starts (a maximum of 10 seconds),
then release the key.
In extremely cold weather, below minus 18°C (0°F), or
after the vehicle has not been operated for several
days, let it warm up without depressing the accelerator.
Whether the engine is cold or warm, it should be start-
ed without depressing the accelerator.If the engine fails to start using this procedure, attempt
the following.
The engine fails to start when the engine is cold
(engine coolant temperature is below 32°F/0°C):
A no start condition may be caused by an engine that
has become flooded (has excessive fuel in the cylin-
ders). If this is the case, follow the starting procedure
below.
1. Make sure the parking brake is applied.Driving Your Vehicle4-4
✽
NOTICE
If the engine stalls while you are in motion,
do not attempt to move the shift lever to P
(Park).
If it is safe to do so considering traffic and
road conditions, you may put the shift lever
in the N (Neutral) position while still moving
and turn the ignition switch to the START
position in an attempt to restart the engine.
RIO ENG CNA 4.qxd 7/29/05 5:06 PM Page 4
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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Driving Your Vehicle4-26 Fuel GaugeThe fuel gauge indicates the approximate amount of
fuel remaining in the fuel tank.
Fuel tank capacity: 45 L (11.7 US gal.)
The fuel gauge is supplemented by a low fuel warning
light located in the instrument panel.
This gauge is designed to continue indicating the
amount of fuel remaining in the fuel tank even after the
ignition switch has been turned to OFF.
Engine Temperature GaugeThis gauge shows the temperature of the engine
coolant when the ignition switch is ON.
If the gauge pointer moves beyond the normal range
area toward the H position, it indicates overheating that
may damage the engine.
Do not continue driving with an overheated engine.
If your vehicle overheats, refer to “Overheating’’ in the
Index.
1B3105005
1B3105006
With Tachometer
Without Tachometer
With Tachometer
Without Tachometer
RIO ENG CNA 4.qxd 7/29/05 5:06 PM Page 26
4-31 Flashing ON and OFF :
If the CHECK ENGINE light begins to flash ON and
OFF, a more serious problem with the ECS or exhaust
system component has been detected. If this happens,
and there is no degradation to performance, the vehicle
is still driveable (avoid high speeds) but should be
checked by an authorized Kia dealer at your earliest
possible convenience. If the flashing CHECK
ENGINE light is accompanied by a decrease in power
or poor running conditions, safely stop the vehicle and
immediately contact Kia Roadside Assistance.
Note that the CHECK ENGINE light will illuminate
for a problem like a loose or missing gas cap, but will
not illuminate as a result of low engine oil or coolant,
low automatic transaxle fluid or engine overheating.
The driver will be alerted to these conditions by other
indicators on the instrument panel.
CAUTION
Prolonged driving with the On Board
Diagnostic System Malfunction Indicator Light
()illuminated may cause damage to the
emission control systems which could effect
driveability and/or fuel economy.
If the On Board Diagnostic System
Malfunction Indicator Light () begins to
flash ON and OFF, potential catalytic convert-
er damage is possible which could result in
loss of engine power. Have the On Board
Diagnostic System inspected as soon as possi-
ble by an authorized Kia dealer.
CHECK
CHECK
CHECK
CHECK
RIO ENG CNA 4.qxd 7/29/05 5:06 PM Page 31
Windshield Defrosting and
DefoggingTo defog inside windshield
1. Set the mode selection knob to the or posi-
tion. When you select or position, the sys-
tem automatically turns on the outside (fresh) air
mode.
2. Set the temperature control knob to the desired posi-
tion.
3. Set the fan speed control knob to any desired speed
except “O”. For maximum defogging, set the fan
speed control knob to the “3” or “4” position.
1
2
3
Driving Your Vehicle4-50 After air conditioning system use, you may notice
clear water dripping (or even puddling) on the
ground under the passenger side of the vehicle. This
is a normal system operating characteristic.
The air conditioning system includes a function that
will automatically turn the A/C compressor OFF if
engine coolant temperature approaches an overheat-
ing level. A/C compressor operation will resume
once engine coolant temperature returns to the “nor-
mal” range. Also, the A/C compressor is automati-
cally turned off for a few seconds when the acceler-
ator is fully depressed.
When operating the air conditioning system use the
outside (fresh) air position.
Operating the air conditioning system in the recircu-
lated air position does provide maximum cooling,
however, continual operation in this mode may
cause the air inside the vehicle to become stale.
2FDA401
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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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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
2. Make sure the air conditioner is off.
3. If coolant or steam is boiling out of the radiator,
stop the engine, then turn the ignition switch to the
ON position. Do not restart the engine. The radiator
cooling fan will automatically operate with the
ignition switch in the ON position. If the cooling
fan does not operate, call an Authorized Kia Dealer
for assistance.
If coolant is not boiling out, allow the engine to
idle and open the hood to permit the engine to cool
gradually.
If the temperature does not go down with the
engine idling, stop the engine and allow sufficient
time for it to cool.4. The coolant level should then be checked. If the
level in the reservoir is low, look for leaks at the
radiator hoses and connections, heater hoses and
connections, radiator, and water pump. If you find a
major leak or another problem that may have
caused the engine to overheat, do not operate the
engine until the problem has been corrected. Call
an Authorized Kia Dealer for assistance.
If you do not find a leak or other problem, carefully
add coolant to the reservoir.
If the engine frequently overheats, have the cooling
system checked and repaired.
6-3
WARNING - Removing
Radiator Cap
Do not remove the radiator cap when the
engine and radiator are hot. Scalding hot
coolant and steam may blow out under
pressure. This could cause serious injury.
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