2006 KIA Optima coolant level

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.
WARNINGS AND
INDICATORSWARNING LIGHTS/
AUDIBLE INDICATORSCHECKING OPERATIONAll the warning lights, except the brake
warning light, are checked by turning the
ignition 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.
If the brake system warning light does
not come ON when the ignition switch is
in the START position, have the system
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 indicates a situation
that needs attention. When releasing the
parking brake, the brake system warning
light should go OFF.
PARKING BRAKE AND
BRAKE FLUID WARNINGPARKING BRAKE WARNINGThis 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.LOW BRAKE FLUID LEVEL
WARNINGIf 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.
4-21
MMSA4020
MS-CNA-Eng 4(~39).QXD 7/25/2005 5:16 PM Page 21

MALFUNCTION
INDICATOR LIGHT
(IF EQUIPPED)The CHECK ENGINE or malfunction
indicator light is installed in your
vehicle’s instrument panel and responds
to signals from the vehicle’s On Board
Diagnostic (OBD -II) System. The OBD-
II System monitors the performance of the
vehicle’s Emission Control System
(ECS), which is designed to reduce the
amount of air pollutants in engine exhaust
to the levels required by government
regulations.
When you first start the engine, the check
engine light will illuminate briefly as a
system check to confirm that the OBD-II
System is operating properly. As the
engine starts, this light turns off.
However, if at any time the OBD-II
system detects a faulty signal or
determines that the ECS is not performing
to specification, the CHECK ENGINE
light will illuminate continuously or flash.
Continuously ON :If the CHECK ENGINE light comes ON
while driving and illuminates continuously,
a potential problem has been discovered in
the ECS or one of the exhaust system
components. Generally, the vehicle will
continue to be driveablebut it should
be checked by an Authorized Kia Dealer
as soon as possible. This condition is
unlikely to lead to engine damage unless
a decrease in vehicle power or poor
running conditions is immediately
apparent.
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.
DRIVING YOUR VEHICLE
4-24
CHECK
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4-47
• The air conditioning system includes
a function that will automatically turn
the A/C compressor OFF if engine
coolant temperature approaches an
overheating level. A/C compressor
operation will resume once engine
coolant temperature returns to the
“normal” range. Also, the A/C
compressor is automatically turned
off for a few seconds when the
accelerator is fully depressed.
• When operating the air conditioning
system use the outside (fresh) air
position.
• Operating the air conditioning system
in the recirculated air position does
provide maximum cooling, however,
continual operation in this mode may
cause the air inside the vehicle to
become stale.
AUTOMATIC HEATING AND COOLING CONTROL SYSTEM
(IF EQUIPPED)1. Temperature Control Swicth
2. AUTO (Automatic Control) Switch
3. OFF Switch
4. Indicator Light
5. Air Conditioning Switch
6. Ambient Switch 7. Rear Window Defroster Switch
8. Defroster Switch
9. Air Intake Control Switch
10. Air Flow Control Switch (Mode Switch)
11. Fan Speed Control Switch
12. Air Quality Control System (If equipped)
AUTO
A MODE AMB
AUTO AMB A/C
OFF
A/C
MMSA4045
1 2 11
34
12 9 6 10 7 85
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic heating and cooling control system
controlled by simply setting the desired temperature.
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DRIVING YOUR VEHICLE
4-52AIR CONDITIONING
SYSTEM OPERATING
TIPS:• If the vehicle has been parked in
direct sunlight during 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.
• 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
overheating level. A/C compressor
operation will resume once engine
coolant temperature returns to the
“normal” range. Also, the A/C
compressor is automatically turned
off for a few seconds when the
accelerator is fully depressed.
• When operating the air conditioning
system use the outside (fresh) air
position.
• Operating the air conditioning system
in the recirculated air position does
provide maximum cooling, however,
continual operation in this mode may
cause the air inside the vehicle to
become stale.
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DRIVING TIPS
5-4 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.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.
MS-CNA-Eng 5 New.qxd 7/25/2005 5:21 PM Page 4

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.
EMERGENCY STARTINGJUMP STARTINGJump starting can be dangerous if done
incorrectly. Therefore, to avoid harm to
yourself or damage to your vehicle or
battery, follow the jump starting
procedures on the next page. If in doubt,
we strongly recommend that you have a
competent technician or towing service
jump start your vehicle.
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.
✻
NOTICE
Use only a 12volt jumper system.
You can damage a 12volt starting
motor, ignition system, and other
electrical parts by using a 24-volt
power supply (two 12-volt batteries
in series or a 24-volt motor
generator set).
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7-3
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULEEngine Control systemI: Inspect these items and their related parts. If necessary,
Check the engine oil and coolant levels every week.
R: Replace or change.
NOTE :
Check the engine oil and coolant levels every week.
Kilometers or Time in Months, Whichever Comes First
km 8 16 24 32 40 48 56 64 72 80 88 96 104 112 120 128Months 4 8 12 16 20 24 28 32 36 40 44 48 52 56 60 64
Engine oil & engine oil filter R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R
Drive belts (tension)III I
Cooling system hoses & connectionsIIII I
Engine coolant II IIIRIIIIIRIIII
Fuel filterR
Fuel tank cap, lines, EVAP canister and hosesII
Fuel tank air filterIRIR I
Air cleaner element II IIIRIIIIIRIIII
MAINTENANCE
INTERVALS
MAINTENANCE
ITEM
x 1,000
(1)
(1)
(2)
(1) Refer to the lubricant and coolant specifications in the Owner’s Manual.
(2) More frequent maintenance is required if driving under dusty conditions.
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MAINTENANCE
7-8OWNER MAINTENANCEOWNER MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULEA qualified service technician should
perform these vehicle inspections at the
indicated intervals to ensure safe and
dependable operation.
Bring any problem to the attention of an
Authorized Kia Dealer as soon as
possible.WHEN REFUELING, CHECK:• Engine oil level
• Engine coolant level
• Brake and clutch fluid level
• Washer fluid level
AT LEAST MONTHLY• Tire inflation pressuresEVERY 6 MONTHS, CHECK:• Power steering fluid level
• Automatic transaxle fluid level
You can do the following scheduled
maintenance items if you have some
mechanical ability, a few basic tools and
if you closely follow the directions in
this manual.OWNER MAINTENANCE
PRECAUTIONSImproper or incomplete service may
result in problems. This section gives
instructions only for the maintenance
items that are easy to perform.As explained earlier in this section, several
procedures can be done only by a qualified
service technician with special tools.
Improper owner maintenance during the
warranty period may affect warranty
coverage. For details, read the separate
Kia Warranty and Consumer Information
Manual provided with the vehicle. If
you’re unsure about any servicing or
maintenance procedure, have it done by
an Authorized Kia Dealer.
CAUTION
Be careful when checking your
engine coolant level. The engine
compartment will be hot and you
could be burned.
WARNING - Maintenance
Work
Performing maintenance work
on a vehicle can be dangerous.
You can be seriously injured
while performing some
maintenance procedures. If you
lack sufficient knowledge,
experience or the proper tools
and equipment to do the work,
have it done by a qualified
technician.
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