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Maintenance
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Changing the manual
transaxle fluid
Have manual transaxle fluid checked
and changed by an authorized Kia
dealer according to the Maintenance
Schedule at the beginning of this
section.
Checking the automatic
transaxle fluid level
The automatic transaxle fluid level
should be checked regularly.
Keep the vehicle on the level ground
with the parking brake applied and
check the fluid level according to the
following procedure.
1. Place the selector lever in N
(Neutral) position and confirm the
engine is running at normal idle
speed.2. After the transaxle is warmed up
sufficiently (fluid temperature
70~80 °C (158~176 °F)), for exam-
ple by 10 minutes usual driving,
shift the selector lever through all
positions then place the selector
lever in N (Neutral) or P (Park)
position.
MANUAL TRANSAXLE
(IF EQUIPPED)AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE
(IF EQUIPPED)
1LDA5008
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3. Confirm that the fluid level is in
“HOT” range on the level gauge. If
the fluid level is lower, add the
specified fluid from the fill hole. If
the fluid level is higher, drain the
fluid from the drain hole.
4. If the fluid level is checked in cold
condition (fluid temperature 20~
30 °C (68~86 °F) add the fluid to
“COLD (C)” line and then recheck
the fluid level according to the
above step 2.
✽
NOTICE
“COLD (C)” scale is for reference
only and should NOT be used to
determine transaxle fluid level.
✽
NOTICE
New automatic transaxle fluid
should be red. The red dye is added
so the assembly plant can identify it
as automatic transaxle fluid and dis-
tinguish it from engine oil or
antifreeze. The red dye, which is not
an indicator of fluid quality, is not
permanent. As the vehicle is driven,
the automatic transaxle fluid will
begin to look darker. The color may
eventually appear light brown.
Therefore, have an Authorized Kia
dealer change the automatic
transaxle fluid according to the
Scheduled Maintenance at the
beginning of this section.
Changing the automatic
transaxle fluid
Have automatic transaxle fluid
changed by an authorized Kia dealer
according to the Maintenance
Schedule at the beginning of this
section.
CAUTION
• Low fluid level causes
transaxle slippage. Overfilling
can cause foaming, loss of fluid
and transaxle malfunction.
• The use of a non-specified fluid
could result in transaxle mal-
function and failure.
WARNING- Parking brake
To avoid sudden movement of
the vehicle, apply parking brake
and depress the brake pedal
before moving the shift lever.
OHD076045N
WARNING -Transaxle
fluid
The transaxle fluid level should
be checked when the engine is at
normal operating temperature.
This means that the engine, radi-
ator, radiator hose and exhaust
system etc., are very hot.
Exercise great care not to burn
yourself during this procedure.
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Maintenance
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LUBRICANTS 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 neces-
sary. 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.
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-
freezing lubricant on locks during
cold weather.
Make sure the engine hood second-
ary latch keeps the hood from open-
ing when the primary latch is
released.
1LDA5021
WARNING
• 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 flamma-
ble under certain circum-
stances. Do not allow sparks
or flame to contact the washer
fluid or the washer fluid reser-
voir. Damage to the vehicle or
it's occupants could occur.
• Windshield washer fluid is
poisonous to humans and ani-
mals. Do not drink and avoid
contacting windshield washer
fluid. Serious injury or death
could occur.
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WARNING- Recharging
battery
When recharging the battery,
observe the following precau-
tions:
• The battery must be removed
from the vehicle and placed in
an area with good ventilation.
• Do not allow cigarettes,
sparks, or flame near the bat-
tery.
• Watch the battery during
charging, and stop or reduce
the charging rate if the battery
cells begin gassing (boiling)
violently or if the temperature
of the electrolyte of any cell
exceeds 49 °C (120 °F).
• Wear eye protection when
checking the battery during
charging.
(Continued)(Continued)
•Disconnect the battery charg-
er in the following order.
1. Turn off the battery charger
main switch.
2. Unhook the negative clamp
from the negative battery ter-
minal.
3. Unhook the positive clamp
from the positive battery ter-
minal.CAUTION
• Before performing mainte-
nance or recharging the bat-
tery, turn off all accessories
and stop the engine.
• The negative battery cable
must be removed first and
installed last when the battery
is disconnected.
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Specifications
Recommended SAE viscosity
number
✽
NOTICE
Always be sure to clean the area
around any filler plug, drain plug,
or dipstick before checking or drain-
ing any lubricant. This is especially
important in dusty or sandy areas
and when the vehicle is used on
unpaved roads. Cleaning the plug
and dipstick areas will prevent dirt
and grit from entering the engine
and other mechanisms that could be
damaged.
Temperature Range for SAE Viscosity Numbers
Temperature
Engine Oil *
1
°C
(°F)-30 -20 -10 0 10 20 30 40 50
-10 0 20 40 60 80 100 120
1. For better fuel economy, it is recommended to use the engine oil of a viscosity grade SAE 5W-
20,5W-30 (API SJ, SL / ILSAC GF-3). However, if the engine oil is not available in your coun-
try, select the proper engine oil using the engine oil viscosity chart.
10W-30
5W-20, 5W-30
Engine oil viscosity (thickness) has an effect on fuel economy and cold
weather operating (starting and oil flow). Lower viscosity engine oils can pro-
vide better fuel economy and cold weather performance, however, higher vis-
cosity engine oils are required for satisfactory lubrication in hot weather.
Using oils of any viscosity other than those recommended could result in
engine damage.
When choosing an oil, consider the range of temperature your vehicle will be
operated in before the next oil change. Proceed to select the recommended
oil viscosity from the chart.