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ENGINE OIL AND OIL FILTER
Checking the engine oil level
1. Be sure the vehicle is on level
ground.
2. Start the engine and allow it to
reach normal operating tempera-
ture.
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 only the specified engine oil.
(Refer to “Recommended Lubricants”
in section 8.)
Changing the engine oil and
filter
Have engine oil and filter changed by
an authorized Kia dealer according
to the Maintenance Schedule at the
beginning of this section.
8LDN5003OHD076004R
WARNING
Used engine oil may cause irri-
tation or cancer of the skin if left
in contact with the skin for pro-
longed periods of time. Used
engine oil contains chemicals
that have caused cancer in lab-
oratory animals.Always protect
your skin by washing your
hands thoroughly with soap and
warm water as soon as possible
after handling used oil.
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ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM
The high-pressure cooling system
has a reservoir filled with year-round
antifreeze coolant. The reservoir is
filled at the factory.
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 cli-
mate.Checking the coolant level
WARNING- Removing
radiator cap
• Never attempt to remove the
radiator cap while the engine
is operating or hot. Doing so
might lead to cooling system
and engine damage and could
result in serious personal
injury from escaping hot
coolant or steam.
• Turn the engine off and wait
until it cools down. Even then,
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 sys-
tem. 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.
(Continued)
(Continued)
• Even if the engine is not oper-
ating, do not remove the radi-
ator cap or the drain plug
while the engine and radiator
are hot. Hot coolant and steam
may still blow out under pres-
sure, causing serious injury.
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Changing the coolant
Have coolant changed by an author-
ized Kia dealer according to the
Maintenance Schedule at the begin-
ning of this section.
OLD057007N
WARNING
Do not remove the radiator cap
when the engine and radiator
are hot. Scalding hot coolant
and steam may blow out under
pressure. This could cause seri-
ous injury.
CAUTION
Put a thick cloth or fabric
around the radiator cap before
refilling the coolant in order to
prevent the coolant from over-
flowing into engine parts such
as generator.
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Maintenance
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BRAKES AND CLUTCH (IF EQUIPPED)
Checking brake/clutch fluid
level
Check the fluid level in the reservoir
periodically. The fluid level should be
between MAX and MIN marks on the
side of the reservoir.
Before removing the reservoir cap
and adding brake/clutch fluid, clean
the area around the reservoir cap
thoroughly to prevent brake/clutch
fluid contamination.If the level is low, add fluid to the
MAX level. The level will fall with
accumulated mileage. This is a nor-
mal condition associated 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/clutch
fluid. (Refer to “Recommended
Lubricants” in section 8.)
Never mix different types of fluid.WARNING
When changing and adding
brake/clutch fluid, handle it
carefully. Do not let it come in
contact with your eyes.If
brake/clutch fluid should come
in contact with your eyes, imme-
diately flush them with a large
quantity of fresh tap water. Have
your eyes examined by a doctor
as soon as possible.
WARNING
In the event the brake system
requires frequent additions of
fluid, the vehicle should be
inspected by an Authorized Kia
Dealer.
1LDA5020
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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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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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BATTERY
WARNING- Battery
dangers
Always read the follow-
ing instructions carefully
when handling a battery.
Keep lighted cigarettes
and all other flames or
sparks away from the
battery.
Hydrogen, which is a
highly combustible gas,
is always present in bat-
tery cells and may
explode if ignited.
Keep batteries out of the
reach of children
because batteries con-
tain highly corrosive
SULFURIC ACID. Do not
allow battery acid to con-
tact your skin, eyes,
clothing or paint finish.
(Continued)(Continued)
If any electrolyte gets
into your eyes, flush your
eyes with clean water for
at least 15 minutes and
get immediate medical
attention. If possible,
continue to apply water
with a sponge or cloth
until medical attention is
received.
If electrolyte gets on
your skin, thoroughly
wash the contacted area.
If you feel a pain or a
burning sensation, get
medical attention imme-
diately.
Wear eye protection
when charging or work-
ing near a battery.
Always provide ventila-
tion when working in an
enclosed space.
(Continued)(Continued)
• When lifting a plastic-cased
battery, excessive pressure on
the case may cause battery
acid to leak, resulting in person-
al injury. Lift with a battery car-
rier or with your hands on
opposite corners.
• Never attempt to charge the
battery when the battery cables
are connected.
• The electrical ignition system
works with high voltage. Never
touch these components with
the engine running or the igni-
tion switched on.
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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.