2008 KIA Spectra check engine

Driving your vehicle
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Power steering
Power Steering uses energy from the
engine to assist you in steering the
vehicle. 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
steering checked by an Authorized
Kia Dealer.
✽
NOTICE
If 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 start-
ed. This is caused by increased fluid
viscosity due to the cold weather and
does not indicate a malfunction.
When this happens, increase the
engine RPM by depressing accelera-
tor until the RPM reaches 1,500 rpm
then release or let the engine idle for
two or three minutes to warm up the
fluid.
STEERING WHEEL
CAUTION
• Never hold the steering wheel
against a stop (extreme right
or left turn) for more than 5
seconds with the engine run-
ning. Holding the steering
wheel for more than 5 sec-
onds in either position may
cause damage to the power
steering pump.
• If the power steering drive belt
breaks or if the power steering
pump malfunctions, the steer-
ing effort will greatly increase.

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Driving your vehicle
The Traction Control System (TCS)
helps the vehicle accelerate on slip-
pery road surfaces by preventing the
drive wheels from spinning exces-
sively. It also provides improved driv-
ing force and steering.
TCS operation
TCS ON condition
• When the ignition is turned
ON, TCS and TCS OFF
indicator light illuminate for
approximately 3 seconds,
then TCS is turned on.
• Press the TCS button to
turn TCS off. (TCS OFF
indicator will illuminate). To
turn the TCS on, press the
TCS button (TCS OFF
indicator light will go off).
• When starting the engine,
you may hear a slight tick-
ing sound. This is the TCS
performing an automatic
system self-check and does
not indicate a problem.
When operating
When the TCS is in opera-
tion, TCS indicator light
blinks.
• When the traction control
system is operating prop-
erly, you can feel a slight
pulsation in the vehicle.
This is only the effect of
brake control and indi-
cates nothing unusual.
• When moving out of mud
or driving on a slippery
road, pressing the accel-
erator pedal may not
cause the engine rpm
(revolutions per minute) to
increase.
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
-TCS
OLD026118

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Driving your vehicle
Warning lights / audible indi-
cators
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 sys-
tem (ABS) warning
light (if equipped)
This light illuminates if the key is
turned to ON and goes off in approx-
imately 3 seconds if the system is
operating normally.
If the light stays on, you may have a
problem with your ABS system.
Contact an authorized Kia dealer as
soon as possible.
Electronic brake force
distribution (EBD)
system warning light
(if equipped)
If two warning lights illumi-
nate at the same time
while driving, your vehicle
has a problem with ABS
and EBD system.In this case, your ABS system and
regular brake system may not work
normally. Have the vehicle checked
by an Authorized Kia Dealer as soon
as possible.
WARNINGS AND INDICATORS
ABS
ABS
WARNING
If the both ABS and Brake warn-
ing lights are ON and stay ON,
your vehicle’s brake system will
not work normally. So you may
experience an unexpected and
dangerous situation during sud-
den braking. In this case, avoid
high speed driving and abrupt
braking. Have your vehicle
checked by Authorized Kia
Dealer as soon as possible.

Driving your vehicle
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Engine oil pressure
warning
This warning light indicates the
engine oil pressure is low.
If the warning light illuminates while
driving:
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.
Charging system
warning
This warning light indicates a mal-
function of either the generator or
electrical charging system.
If the warning light comes on while
the vehicle is in motion:
1. Drive to the nearest safe location.
2. With the engine off, check the gen-
erator drive belt for looseness or
breakage.
3. If the belt is adjusted properly, a
problem exists somewhere in the
electrical charging system. Have
an Authorized Kia Dealer correct
the problem as soon as possible.
Safety belt warning
If the driver's lap/shoulder belt is not
fastened when the ignition switch is
turned ON, the safety belt warning
light and chime will activate for about
6 seconds. And if the lap/shoulder
belt is fastened when the ignition
switch is turned ON, the safety belt
warning light will blink for about 6
seconds.
If the lap/shoulder belt is unfastened
while the lap/shoulder belt is fas-
tened with the ignition switch ON, the
safety belt warning light will blink for
about 6 seconds and if the vehicle
speed exceeds 10 km/h the safety
belt warning light and chime will acti-
vate until it is fastened.
CAUTION
If the engine is not stopped
immediately,severe damage
could result.

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Driving your vehicle
Shift pattern indicators
(if equipped)
The individual indicators illuminate to
show the automatic transaxle shift
lever selection.
Door ajar warning
This warning light illuminates when a
door is not closed securely with the
ignition in any position.
Immobilizer indicator
(if equipped)
This light illuminates when the immo-
bilizer key is inserted and turned to
the ON position to start the engine.
If this light turns off or blinks when
the ignition switch is in the ON posi-
tion before starting the engine, have
the system checked by an authorized
Kia Dealer.
Parking brake & brake
fluid warning
Parking brake warning
This light is illuminated when the
parking brake is applied with the igni-
tion switch in the START or ON posi-
tion. The warning light should go off
when the parking brake is released.
Low brake fluid level warning
If the warning light remains on, it may
indicate that the brake fluid level in
the reservoir is low.
If the warning light remains on:
1. Drive carefully to the nearest safe
location and stop your vehicle.
2. With the engine stopped, check
the brake fluid level immediately
and add fluid as required. Then
check all brake components for
fluid leaks.

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Driving your vehicle
Malfunction indicator
(if equipped)
This indicator light is part of the
Engine Control System which moni-
tors various emission control system
components. If this light illuminates
while driving, it indicates 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 tow-
ing, but have the system checked by
an Authorized Kia Dealer as soon as
possible.
✽
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.
Air bag warning
(if equipped)
This warning light will blink or illumi-
nate 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 illuminates while the vehicle is
being driven, see an Authorized Kia
Dealer for immediate service.
CHECK CHECK
CHECK
CAUTION
• Prolonged driving with the
Emission Control System
Malfunction Indicator Light
( ) illuminated may cause
damage to the emission con-
trol systems which could
effect drivability and/or fuel
economy.
•
If the EmissionControl System
Malfunction Indicator Light
( ) begins to flash ON and
OFF, potential catalytic con-
verter damage is possible
which could result in loss of
engine power. Have the Engine
Control System inspected as
soon as possible by an
Authorized Kia Dealer.
CHECK CHECK
CHECK CHECK

Driving your vehicle
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Windshield washers
In the OFF position, pull the lever
gently toward you to spray washer
fluid on the windshield and to run the
wipers 2-3 cycles.
Use this function when the wind-
shield is dirty.
The spray and wiper operation will
continue until you release the lever.If the washer does not work, check
the washer fluid level. If the fluid level
is not sufficient, you will need to add
appropriate non-abrasive windshield
washer fluid to the washer reservoir.
The reservoir filler neck is located in
the front of the engine compartment
on the passenger side.
Rear window wiper and wash-
er switch (if equipped)
The rear window wiper and washer
switch is located at the end of the
wiper and washer switch lever. Turn
the switch to desired position to
operate the rear wiper and washer.
- Spraying washer fluid and wip-
ing
INT - Intermittent wiper operation
ON - Normal wiper opertion
- Spraying washer fluid and wip-
ing
OLD026109N
WARNING
Do not use the washer in freez-
ing temperatures without 1st
warming the windshield with the
defrosters; the washer solution
could freeze on contact with the
windshield and obscure your
vision.
OLD027110N
CAUTION
To prevent possible damage to
the washer pump, do not oper-
ate the washer when the fluid
reservoir is empty.

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Driving tips
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
The emission control system of your
vehicle is covered by a written limited
warranty. Please see the warranty
information contained in the
Warranty & Consumer Information
Manual in your vehicle.
Vehicle modifications
This vehicle should not be modified.
Modification of your Kia could affect
its performance, safety or durability,
may violate governmental safety and
emissions regulations.
In addition, damage or performance
problems resulting from any modifi-
cation may not be covered under
warranty.
Engine exhaust gas precau-
tions (carbon monoxide)
• Carbon monoxide can be present
with other exhaust fumes.
Therefore, if you smell exhaust
fumes of any kind inside your vehi-
cle, have it inspected and repaired
immediately by an authorized Kia
dealer. If you ever suspect exhaust
fumes are coming into your vehi-
cle, drive it only with all the win-
dows fully open. Have your vehicle
checked and repaired immediately.• Do not operate the engine in con-
fined or closed areas (such as
garages) any more than what is
necessary to move the vehicle in or
out of the area.
• When the vehicle is stopped in an
open area for more than a short
time with the engine running,
adjust the ventilation system (as
needed) to draw outside air into the
vehicle.
• Never sit in a parked or stopped
vehicle for any extended time with
the engine running.
• When the engine stalls or fails to
start, excessive attempts to re-
start the engine may cause dam-
age to the emission control sys-
tem.
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Engine exhaust gases contain
carbon monoxide (CO). Though
colorless and odorless, it is
dangerous and could be lethal if
inhaled. Follow the instructions
following to avoid CO impair-
ment.