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Introduction21We want to help you get the greatest
possible driving pleasure from your vehi-
cle. Your Owner’s Manual can assist you
in many ways. We strongly recommend
that you read the entire manual. In order
to minimize the chance of death or injury,
you must read the WARNING and CAU-
TION sections spread throughout the
manual.
Illustrations complement the words in this
manual to best explain how to enjoy your
vehicle. By reading your manual, you
learn about features, important safety
information, and driving tips under vari-
ous road conditions.
The general layout of the manual is pro-
vided in the Table of Contents. A good
place to start is the index; it has an alpha-
betical listing of all information in your
manual.
Sections: This manual has seven sec-
tions plus an index. Each section begins
with a brief list of contents so you can tell
at a glance if that section has the infor-
mation you want.You’ll find various WARNING’s,
CAUTION’s, and NOTICE’s in this manu-
al. These were prepared to enhance your
personal safety. You should carefully read
and follow ALL procedures and recom-
mendations provided in these
WARNING’s, CAUTION’s and NOTICE’s.
✽ ✽
NOTICEA NOTICE indicates interesting or help-
ful information is being provided.
Your new Kia vehicle is designed to use
only unleaded fuel with a minimum
Octane Rating of 87 Anti-Knock Index
(AKI).
For improved vehicle performance, pre-
mium unleaded fuel with an octane rating
of AKI 91 or higher is recommended.
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
WARNING
A WARNING indicates a situation in
which harm, serious bodily injury or
death could result if the warning is
ignored.
CAUTION
A CAUTION indicates a situation in
which damage to your vehicle couldresult if the caution is ignored.
CAUTION
NEVER USE LEADED FUEL. The use of leaded fuel is detrimental tothe catalytic converter and will damage the engine control sys-tem’s oxygen sensor and affectemission control.
Never add any fuel system cleaningagents to the fuel tank other than what Kia has specified. (Consult anAuthorized Kia Dealer for details.)FUEL REQUIREMENTS
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3 121
Features of your vehicle
Immobilizer indicator
(if equipped)This light illuminates when the immobiliz-
er key is inserted and turned to the ON
position to start the engine.
At this time, you can start the engine. The
light goes out after the engine is running.
If this light blinks when the ignition switch
is in the ON position before starting the
engine, have the system checked by an
authorized Kia Dealer.Low fuel level
warningThis warning light indicates the fuel tank
is nearly empty. When it comes on, you
should add fuel as soon as possible.
Driving with the fuel level warning light on
or with the fuel level below “E” can cause
the engine to misfire and damage the
catalytic converter.
Malfunction indicator
lamp (MIL) (check
engine light)This indicator light is part of the Engine
Control System which monitors various
emission control system components. If
this light illuminates while driving, it indi-
cates that a potential problem has been
detected somewhere in the emission
control system.
Generally, your vehicle will continue to be
drivable, but have the system checked by
an authorized Kia Dealer promptly.✽ ✽NOTICE A loose fuel filler cap may cause the On
Board Diagnostic System Malfunction
Indicator Light ( ) in the instrument
panel to illuminate unnecessarily.
Always make sure that the fuel filler cap
is tight.
Low washer fluid level
warning indicatorThis warning light indicates the washer
fluid reservoir is near empty. Refill the
washer fluid as soon as possible.
CAUTION
Prolonged driving with the
Emission Control SystemMalfunction Indicator Light ( ) illuminated may cause damage to the emission controlsystems which could effect dri-vability and/or fuel economy.
If the
Emission
Control System
Malfunction Indicator Light ( ) Illuminates, potential catalytic converter damage is possiblewhich could result in loss ofengine power. Have the Engine Control System inspected as soonas possible by an authorized KiaDealer.
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647
Maintenance
Operating precautions for catalyt-
ic converters Your vehicle is equipped with a catalytic
converter emission control device.
Therefore, the following precautions
must be observed:
Use only UNLEADED FUEL for gaso-line engine.
Do not operate the vehicle when there are signs of engine malfunction, such
as misfire or a noticeable loss of per-
formance.
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 sys-
tem. All inspections and adjustments
must be made by an authorized Kia
dealer.
Avoid driving with a very low fuel level. If you run out of gasoline, it could
cause the engine to misfire and result
in excessive loading of the catalytic
converter.
Failure to observe these precautions
could result in damage to the catalytic
converter and to your vehicle.
Additionally, such actions could void your
warranties.
WARNING
- Fire
A hot exhaust system can ignite
flammable items under your vehi-
cle. Do not park the vehicle over or
near flammable objects, such as
grass, vegetation, paper, leaves,
etc.