2008 KIA Optima warning lights

Knowing your vehicle4 3(1) Lock button
(2) Unlock button
(3) Trunk lid open button
(4) Alarm button
(1) Lock ( )
All doors are locked and hazard warn-
ing lights flash once if the lock button
is pressed.
(2) Unlock ( )
Driver’s door is unlocked and hazard
warning lights flash twice if the unlock
button is pressed once. All doors are
unlocked if the unlock button is
pressed twice within 4 seconds.
After pressing this button, the
doors will be locked automatically
unless you open them within 30
seconds.(3)Trunk lid open ( , if equipped)
The trunk lid opens if this button is
pressed (more than 1 second).
(4)Alarm ( )
The horn sounds and hazard warning
lights will flash for about 30 seconds if
this button is pressed (more than 0.5
second). To stop the horn and lights,
press any button on the transmitter.
✽ ✽
NOTICEThe transmitter will not work if any of
following occur:
• The ignition key is in ignition switch.
• You exceed the operating distance
limit (about 10 m [30 feet]).
• The battery in the transmitter is
weak.
• Other vehicles or objects may be
blocking the signal.
• The weather is extremely cold.
• The transmitter is close to a radio
transmitter such as a radio station or
an airport which can interfere with
normal operation of the transmitter.
When the transmitter does not work
correctly, open and close the door with
the ignition key. If you have a problem
with the transmitter, contact an author-
ized Kia Dealer.
✽ ✽
NOTICEKeep the transmitter away from water
or any liquid. If the keyless entry system
is inoperative due to exposure to water
or liquids, it will not be covered by your
manufacturer vehicle warranty. Operational distance may vary depend-
ing upon the area the transmitter is used
in. For example, if the vehicle is parked
near police stations, government and
public offices, broadcasting stations, mil-
itary installations, airports, or transmit-
ting towers, etc., these may interfere with
the signal.
This device complies with Industry
Canada Standard RSS-210.Operation
is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interfer-
ence, and
2. This device must accept any interfer-
ence, including interference that may
cause undesired operation of the
device.
REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY (IF EQUIPPED)
OMG0370041
2
34
WARNING
Changes or modifications not
expressly approved by the party
responsible for compliance could
void the user's authority to operate
the equipment.

Driving your vehicle2 4Illuminated ignition switchWhenever a door is opened, the ignition
switch will be illuminated for your con-
venience, provided the ignition switch is
not in the ON position. The light will go off
approximately 10 seconds after closing
the door or when the ignition switch is
turned on.
Ignition switch and anti-theft
steering column lock Ignition switch positionLOCK
The steering wheel locks to protect
against theft. The ignition key can be
removed only in the LOCK position.
When turning the ignition switch to the
LOCK position, push the key inward at
the ACC position and turn the key toward
the LOCK position (manual transaxle).
ACC (Accessory)
The steering wheel is unlocked and elec-
trical accessories are operative.ON
This is the normal running position after
the engine is started. The warning lights
can be checked before the engine is
started.
Do not leave the ignition switch ON if the
engine is not running to prevent battery
discharge.START
Turn the ignition key to the START posi-
tion to start the engine. The engine will
crank until you release the key; then it
returns to the ON position. The brake
warning lamp can be checked in this
position.✽ ✽
NOTICEIf it is difficult to turn the ignition
key to the START position, turn the
steering wheel right and left to
release resistance and then turn the
key.Automatic transaxleWhen turning the ignition switch to the
LOCK position, the shift lever must be in
the P (Park) position.
IGNITION SWITCH
OMG045001
OMG045002

Driving your vehicle16 4Power steering (if equipped)Power steering uses energy from the
engine to assist you in steering the vehi-
cle. If the engine is off or if the power
steering system becomes inoperative,
the vehicle may still be steered, but it will
require increased steering effort.
Should you notice any change in the
effort required to steer during normal
vehicle operation, have the power steer-
ing checked by an authorized Kia dealer.✽ ✽
NOTICE• Never hold the steering wheel against
a stop (extreme right or left turn) for
more than 5 seconds with the engine
running. Holding the steering wheel
for more than 5 seconds in either posi-
tion may cause damage to the power
steering pump.
• If the power steering drive belt breaks
or if the power steering pump mal-
functions, the steering effort will
greatly increase.
✽ ✽
NOTICEIf the vehicle is parked for extended
periods outside in cold weather (below -
10 °C/14 °F), the power steering may
require increased effort when the engine
is first started. This is caused by
increased fluid viscosity due to the cold
weather and does not indicate a mal-
function.
When this happens, increase the engine
RPM by depressing the accelerator until
the RPM reaches 1,500 rpm then release
or let the engine idle for two or three
minutes to warm up the fluid.
Tilt and telescopic steering
(if equipped)A tilt and telescopic steering wheel
allows you to adjust the steering wheel
before you drive. You can also raise it to
the highest level to give your legs more
room when you exit and enter the vehi-
cle.
The steering wheel should be positioned
so that it is comfortable for you to drive,
while permitting you to see the instru-
ment panel warning lights and gauges.
STEERING WHEEL
WARNING -
Steering wheel
Never adjust the angle of steering
wheel while driving. You may lose
your steering control and cause
severe personal injury or acci-
dents.
After adjusting, push the steering
wheel both up and down to be
certain it is locked in position.

Driving your vehicle24 4INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
1. Tachometer
2. Turn signal indicators
3. Speedometer
4. Engine temperature gauge
5. Warning and indicator lights
6. Odometer / Tripmeter
7. Shift position indicator
(Automatic transaxle only)
8. Fuel gauge
OMG047902C
➀
➁
➁
➂
➃
➄
➄
➄
➅
➇
➆

Driving your vehicle30 4Warning lights / audible indicators Checking operation All warning lights are checked by turning
the ignition switch ON (do not start the
engine). Any light that does not illuminate
should be 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. The fuel warning light
will stay on if the fuel level is low.Anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light (if
equipped) This light illuminates if the key is turned
to ON and goes off in approximately 3
seconds if the system is operating nor-
mally.
If the light stays on, you may have a
problem with your ABS. Contact an
authorized Kia dealer as soon as possi-
ble.
Electronic brake force
distribution (EBD) sys-
tem warning
(if equipped)If ABS and BRAKE warning lights illumi-
nate at the same time while driving, your
vehicle has a problem with the ABS and
EBD system.
In this case, your ABS and regular brake
system may not work normally. Have the
vehicle checked by an authorized Kia
dealer as soon as possible.
Engine oil pressure
warning This warning light indicates the engine oil
pressure is low.
If the warning light illuminates while driv-
ing:
1. Drive safely to the side of the road and
stop.
2. With the engine off, check the engine
oil level. If the level is low, add oil as
required.
If the warning light remains on after
adding oil or if oil is not available, call an
authorized Kia dealer.✽ ✽
NOTICEIf the engine is not stopped immediately,
severe damage could result.
WARNINGS AND INDICATORS
ABS
ABS
WARNING
- Brake indica-
tors
If the both ABS and Brake warning
lights are ON and stay ON, your
vehicle’s brake system will not work
normally. You may experience an
unexpected and dangerous situa-
tion during sudden braking. In this
case, avoid high speed driving and
abrupt braking. Have your vehicle
checked by Authorized Kia Dealer
as soon as possible.

433
Driving your vehicle
Trunk lid open
warning (if equipped)This warning light activates when the
trunk is not closed securely.Door ajar warningThis warning light illuminates when a
door is not closed securely.Low fuel level
warningThis warning light indicates the fuel tank
is nearly empty. The warning light will
come on when the fuel level has dropped
to about 7~8 liters (1.8~2.1 gallons).
Refuel as soon as possible.
Headlight high beam
indicator This indicator illuminates when the head-
lights are on and in the high beam posi-
tion or when the turn signal lever is pulled
into the Flash-to-Pass position.Air bag warning
(if equipped) This warning light will blink or illuminate
for approximately 6 seconds each time
you turn the ignition switch to the ON
position.
If this indicator does not go out, or if it illu-
minates while the vehicle is being driven,
see an authorized Kia dealer for immedi-
ate service.
Malfunction indicator
(if equipped)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 and will not need towing, but
have the system checked by an author-
ized Kia dealer as soon as possible.✽ ✽
NOTICEA 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.
CHECKCHECK
AIR
BAG

447
Driving your vehicle
Front windshield deicer (if equipped)To activate the front windshield deicer,
press the front windshield deicer button.
The indicator on the button illuminates
when the deicer is ON.
The front windshield deicer automatically
turns off after 20 minutes or when the
ignition switch is turned off. To turn off the
defroster, press the front windshield
deicer button again.
The front windshield deicer is designed
to defrost wiper blades. If you want to
defrost and defog on the front wind-
shield, refer to “Windshield Defrosting
and Defogging” in this section.The hazard warning flasher causes the
rear tail lights and front turn signal lights
to flash on and off, which serves as a
warning to other drivers to exercise cau-
tion when approaching or passing your
vehicle.
To activate the flasher, depress the haz-
ard warning flasher switch. This switch
operates in any ignition switch position.
To turn the flashers off, depress the
switch again.
OMG045100
OMG065001
HAZARD WARNING FLASHER

Driving tips4 5BEFORE DRIVING Before entering vehicle: Be sure that all windows, outside mir-
ror(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 inspections Fluid levels, such as engine oil, engine
coolant, brake fluid, and washer fluid
should be checked on a regular basis,
with the exact interval depending on the
fluid. Further details are provided in
Section 7, Maintenance.
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 famil-
iar with your vehicle and its equipment.
WARNING
- Driving under
the influence of alcohol or
drugs
Drinking and driving is dangerous.
Drunk driving is the number one
contributor to the highway death
toll each year. Even a small amount
of alcohol will affect your reflexes,
perceptions and judgement. Driving
while under the influence of drugs
is as dangerous or more dangerous
than driving drunk.
You are much more likely to have a
serious accident if you drink or take
drugs and drive.
If you are drinking or taking drugs,
don’t drive. Do not ride with a driv-
er who has been drinking or taking
drugs. Choose a designated driver
or call a cab.