Maintenance10
6ENGINE OILChecking the engine oil level 1. Be sure the vehicle is on level ground.
2. Start the engine and allow it to reach
normal operating temperature.
3. Turn the engine off and wait for a few minutes (about 5 minutes) for the oil to
return to the oil pan.
4. Pull the dipstick out, wipe it clean, and re-insert it fully.
5. Pull the dipstick out again and check the level. The level should be between
F and L. If it is near or at L, add enough oil to bring
the level to F.
Do not overfill.
Use a funnel to refill the new oil com-
fortably.
Use only the specified engine oil. (Refer to “Recommended Lubricants” later inthis section.)Have engine oil and filter changed by an
Authorized Kia Dealer according to the
Maintenance Schedule at the beginning
of this section.
WARNING
Used engine oil may cause irritation
or cancer of the skin if left in con-
tact with the skin for prolonged
periods of time. Used engine oil
contains chemicals that have
caused cancer in laboratory ani-
mals. Always protect your skin by
washing your hands thoroughly
with soap and warm water as soon
as possible after handling used oil.
WARNING -
Radiator hose
Be very careful not to touch the
radiator hose when checking or
adding the engine oil as it may be
hot enough to burn you.
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611
Maintenance
ENGINE COOLANTThe high-pressure cooling system has a
reservoir filled with year-round antifreeze
coolant. The reservoir is filled at the fac-
tory.
Check the antifreeze protection and
coolant level at least once a year, at the
beginning of the winter season, and
before traveling to a colder climate.Checking the coolant level
Check the condition and connections of
all cooling system hoses and heater
hoses. Replace any swollen or deterio-
rated hoses.
WARNING
- Removingradiator cap
Never attempt to remove the radi-
ator cap while the engine is oper-
ating or hot. Doing so might lead
to cooling system and engine
damage and could result in seri-
ous personal injury from escap-
ing hot coolant or steam.
(Continued)
(Continued)
Turn the engine off and wait untilit cools down. Use extreme care
when removing the radiator cap.
Wrap a thick towel around it, and
turn it counterclockwise slowly to
the first stop. Step back while the
pressure is released from the
cooling system. When you are
sure all the pressure has been
released, press down on the cap,
using a thick towel, and continue
turning counterclockwise to
remove it.
Even if the engine is not operat- ing, do not remove the radiator
cap or the drain plug while the
engine and radiator are hot. Hot
coolant and steam may still blow
out under pressure, causing seri-
ous injury.
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613
Maintenance
AIR CLEANER Element replacement Have the air cleaner element checked
and replaced in accordance with the
maintenance schedule.
Checking the automatic transaxle
fluid level The automatic transaxle fluid level
should be checked regularly.
The volume of the transaxle fluid
changes with temperature. Although it is
best to check the level after having driv-
en the vehicle for at least 30 minutes, the
level can be checked after warming the
fluid using the following procedure.1. Park the vehicle on level ground and
firmly apply the parking brake.
2. Allow the engine to idle for about 2 minutes.
3. Depress the brake pedal and move the shift lever slowly through all ranges
then set it in P (Park) or N (Neutral).
4. With the engine still idling, pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean and reinsert it
fully.
5. Pull out the dipstick again and check the fluid level.
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WARNING -
Engine
Driving without an air cleaner
encourages backfiring, which could
cause a fire in the engine compart-
ment.
CAUTION -
Engine
Do not drive with the air cleanerremoved; this will result in exces-sive engine wear.
AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE
WARNING -
Transaxle fluid
The transaxle fluid level should be
checked when the engine is at nor-
mal operating temperature. This
means that the engine, radiator,
radiator hose and exhaust system
etc., are very hot. Exercise great
care not to burn yourself during this
procedure.
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615
Maintenance
BRAKESChecking brake fluid level Check the fluid level in the reservoir peri-
odically. The fluid level should be
between MAX and MIN marks on the
side of the reservoir.
Before removing the reservoir cap and
adding brake fluid, clean the area around
the reservoir cap thoroughly to prevent
brake fluid contamination.
If the level is low, add fluid to the MAX
level. The level will fall with accumulated
mileage. This is a normal condition asso-
ciated with the wear of the brake linings.
If the fluid level is excessively low, have
the brake system checked by an
Authorized Kia Dealer.
Use only the specified brake fluid. (Referto “Recommended Lubricants” later inthis section.)
Never mix different types of fluid.
WARNING -
Brake fluid
When changing and adding brake
fluid, handle it carefully. Do not let it
come in contact with your eyes. If
brake fluid should come in contact
with your eyes, immediately flush
them with a large quantity of fresh
tap water. Have your eyes examined
by a doctor as soon as possible.
WARNING -
Loss of brake
fluid
In the event the brake system
requires frequent additions of fluid,
the vehicle should be inspected by
an Authorized Kia Dealer.
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CAUTION
Do not allow brake fluid to contactthe vehicle's body paint, as paintdamage will result. Brake fluid, which has been exposed to open airfor an extended time should never be used as its quality cannot beguaranteed. It should be thrown out. Don't put in the wrong kind offluid. A few drops of mineral-basedoil, such as engine oil, in your brake system can damage brake systemparts.
Maintenance16
6LUBRICANTS AND FLUIDS Checking the washer fluid level The reservoir is translucent so that you
can check the level with a quick visual
inspection.
Check the fluid level in the washer fluid
reservoir and add fluid if necessary. Plain
water may be used if washer fluid is not
available. However, use washer solvent
with antifreeze characteristics in cold cli-
mates to prevent freezing.
This warning light indicatesthe washer fluid reservoir is
near empty. Refill the washer
fluid as soon as possible.
Body lubrication All moving points of the body, such as
door hinges, hood hinges, and locks,
should be lubricated each time the
engine oil is changed. Use a non-freez-
ing lubricant on locks during cold weath-
er.
Make sure the engine hood secondary
latch keeps the hood from opening when
the primary latch is released.
WARNING -
Coolant
Do not use radiator coolant or antifreeze in the washer fluid
reservoir.
Radiator coolant can severely obscure visibility when sprayed
on the windshield and may cause
loss of vehicle control or damage
to paint and body trim.
Windshield washer fluid agents contain some amounts of alcohol
and can be flammable under cer-
tain circumstances. Do not allow
sparks or flame to contact the
washer fluid or the washer fluid
reservoir. Damage to the vehicle
or it's occupants could occur.
Windshield washer fluid is poi- sonous to humans and animals.
Do not drink and avoid contacting
windshield washer fluid. Serious
injury or death could occur.
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617
Maintenance
POWER STEERING Checking the power steering fluid
level With the vehicle on level ground, check
the fluid level in the power steering reser-
voir periodically. The fluid should be
between MAX and MIN marks on the
side of the reservoir at the normal tem-
perature.
Before adding power steering fluid, thor-
oughly clean the area around the reser-
voir cap to prevent power steering fluid
contamination.
If the level is low, add fluid to the MAX
level.
In the event the power steering system
requires frequent addition of fluid, the
vehicle should be inspected by an
Authorized Kia Dealer.
Use only the specified power steeringfluid. (Refer to "RecommendedLubricants" later in this section.)Power steering hosesCheck the connections for oil leaks,
severe damage and twists in the power
steering hose before driving. The air conditioner air filter installed
behind the glove box filters the dust or
other pollutants that come into the vehi-
cle from the outside through the heating
and air conditioning system. If dust or
other pollutants accumulate in the filter
over a period of time, the air flow from the
air vents may decrease, resulting in
moisture accumulation on the inside of
the windshield even when the outside
(fresh) are position is selected. If this
happens, have the air conditioner air filter
replaced by an Authorized Kia Dealer.
CAUTION
To avoid damage to the power
steering pump, do not operate thevehicle for prolonged periodswith a low power steering fluidlevel.
Never start the engine when the reservoir tank is empty.
When adding fluid, be careful that dirt does not get into the tank.
Too little fluid can result in increased steering effort and/ornoise from the power steering sys- tem.
The use of the non-specified fluid could reduce the effectiveness ofthe power steering system andcause damage to it.
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AIR CONDITIONER AIR FILTER
1LDA5047
Outside air
Recirculatedair
Air conditioner
air filter Blower
Evaporator
coreHeater core
Maintenance20
6FUSESA vehicle’s electrical system is protected
from electrical overload damage by
fuses. This vehicle has three fuse panels, one
located in the driver’s side panel bolster,
another in the cargo area, the other in
the engine compartment near the bat-
tery.
If any of your vehicle’s lights, acces-
sories, or controls do not work, check the
appropriate circuit fuse. If a fuse has
blown, the element inside the fuse will be
melted.
If the electrical system does not work,
first check the driver’s side fuse panel.
Always replace a blown fuse with one of
the same rating.
If the replacement fuse blows, this indi-
cates an electrical problem. Avoid using
the system involved and immediately
consult an Authorized Kia Dealer.
Three kinds of fuses are used: blade type
for lower amperage rating and cartridge type, fusible link for higher amperage rat-ings.
Fuse replacement
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Normal
Normal
Blade type
Cartridge type
Fusible link Blown
Blown
Normal Blown
WARNING
- Fuse replace-
ment
Never replace a fuse with any-
thing but another fuse of the
same rating.
A higher capacity fuse could cause damage possibly a fire.
Never install a wire instead of the proper fuse - even as a temporary
repair. It may cause extensive
wiring damage and possibly a fire.
CAUTION
Do not use a screwdriver or anyother metal object to remove fusesbecause it may cause a short circuitand damage the system.
621
Maintenance
Engine compartment1. Turn the ignition switch and all otherswitches off.
2. Remove the fuse box cover by press- ing the tap and pulling up.
3. Check the removed fuse; replace it if it is blown. To remove or insert the fuse,
use the fuse puller in the main fuse
box in the engine compartment.
4. Push in a new fuse of the same rating, and make sure it fits tightly in the clips.
If it fits loosely, consult an Authorized Kia
Dealer.
Inner panel1. Turn the ignition switch and all other switches off.
2. Open the fuse panel cover.
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CAUTION
After checking the fuse box in the engine compartment, securelyinstall the fuse box cover. If not, electrical failures may occur fromwater leaking in.
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Driver’s side panelRear cargo area panel