2009 KIA Sorento power steering

523
Driving tips
Hard-packed snow and ice offer the
worst tire traction. On these surfaces, it’s
very easy to lose control. On wet ice, for
example, the traction is so poor that you
will even have difficulty accelerating. And
if you do get moving, poor steering and
difficult braking can easily cause you to
slide out of control.
Driving in waterLight rain causes no special off-road driv-
ing problems. However, heavy rain can
cause flash flooding, and flood waters
demand extreme caution.
Find out how deep the water is before
you drive through it. If it’s deep enough to
cover your wheel bearing hubs, axles, or
exhaust pipe, don’t try it, You probably
won’t get through. Also, water that deep
can damage your axle and other vehicle
parts.
If the water isn’t too deep, then drive
through slowly. At fast speeds, water can
splash on your ignition system and your
vehicle can stall. Stalling can also occur
if your tailpipe goes underwater. As long
as your tailpipe is underwater, you will
not be able to start your engine. When
you go through water, remember that it
may take you longer to stop when your
brakes are wet.
If you have driven through water that was
deep enough to cover your wheel bear-
ing hubs, it may be a good idea to have
an Authorized Kia dealer or other com-
petent service center repack your front
wheel bearings and examine your rear-
end fluid for evidence of water.
CAUTION
In case of loss of traction in mud,loose soil, or sand, turn the steer-ing wheel rapidly from side-to-side. This can help generate addi- tional traction.
Do not gun the engine. This will cause the tires to spin and digdown, not forward, and couldbury the vehicle to the frame. Smooth, easy power is betterthan too much power.
WARNING
- Frozen sur-
faces
Driving on frozen lakes, ponds or
rivers can be dangerous.
Underwater springs, currents under
the ice, or sudden thaws can weak-
en the ice. Your vehicle could fall
through the ice and you and your
passengers could drown. Drive
your vehicle on safe surfaces only.

In case of an emergency16
6If towing service is not available in an
emergency, your vehicle may be tem-
porarily towed using a cable or chain
secured to the emergency towing hook
under the front of the vehicle. Use
extreme caution when towing the vehicle.
A driver must be in the vehicle to steer it
and operate the brakes.
Towing in this manner may be done only
on hard-surfaced roads for a short dis-
tance and at low speeds. Also, the
wheels, axles, power train, steering and
brakes must all be in good condition.
Do not use the tow hooks to pull a
vehicle out of mud, sand or other con-
ditions from which the vehicle cannot
be driven out under its own power.
Avoid towing a vehicle heavier than the vehicle doing the towing.
The drivers of both vehicles should communicate with each other frequent-
ly. Before emergency towing, check that
the hook is not broken or damaged.
Fasten the towing cable or chain securely to the hook.
Do not jerk the hook. Apply steady and even force.
To avoid damaging the hook, do not pull from the side or at a vertical angle.
Always pull straight ahead.
CAUTION
Attach a towing strap to the tow hook.
Using a portion of the vehicle other than the tow hooks for tow-ing may damage the body of yourvehicle.
Use only a cable or chain specifi- cally intended for use in towingvehicles. Securely fasten the cable or chain to the towing hookprovided.
WARNING
Use extreme caution when towing
the vehicle.
driving maneuvers which would
place excessive stress on the
emergency towing hook and tow-
ing cable or chain. The hook and
towing cable or chain may break
and cause serious injury or dam-
age.
If the towing vehicle can hardly move, do not forcibly continue
the towing. Contact an Authorized
Kia dealer or a commercial tow
truck service for assistance.
Tow the vehicle as straight ahead as possible.
Keep away from the vehicle dur- ing towing.

In case of an emergency18
6
than normal since you will have
reduced brake performance.
because the power steering system
will be disabled.
brakes may overheat and brake per-
formance will be reduced. Stop often
and let the brakes cool off.✽ ✽ NOTICETo prevent internal damage to the trans-
mission, never tow your vehicle from the
rear (backwards) with all four tires in
contact with the surface.
Tips for towing a stuck vehicleThe following methods are effective
when your vehicle is stuck in mud, sand
or similar substances that prevent the
vehicle from being driven out under its
own power.
Remove the soil and sand, etc. from
the front and the back of the tires.
Place a stone or wood under the tires.

7
Maintenance services / 7-2
Maintenance schedule / 7-3
Explanation of scheduled maintenance items / 7-7
Owner maintenance / 7-10
Engine compartment / 7-13
Engine oil / 7-14
Engine cooling system / 7-15
Brake fluid / 7-17
Power steering / 7-18
Automatic transmission / 7-19
Lubricants and fluids / 7-21
Air cleaner / 7-22
Climate control air filter / 7-23
Wiper blades / 7-23
Battery / 7-25
Tires and wheels / 7-28
Lubricant specifications / 7-41
Exterior care / 7-43
Interior care / 7-46
Maintenance

75
Maintenance
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE (CONTINUED)
MAINTENANCEINTERVALS
MAINTENANCE
ITEM
Inspect when abnormal condition noted
Rotate the tires every 12,000 km
Chassis and body (Continued)
Kilometers or time in months, whichever comes first
× 1,000 km 8 16 24 32 40 48 56 64 72 80 88 96 104 112 120 128
# Months 4 8 12 16 20 24 28 32 36 40 44 48 52 56 60 64
Automatic transmission fluid (1) I I I R I I I R I I I R I I I R
Chassis & underbody bolts & nuts I I I I I I IIIIIII III
Tire condition & inflation pressure I I I I I I IIIIIII III
Wheel alignment (4)
Tire rotation
Steering operation & linkage I I I I I I IIIIIII III
Power steering fluid & lines I I I IIIII
Driveshaft u-joints (SUV) L L L L L L LLLLLLL LLL
Driveshaft dust boots I I I I I
Seat belts, buckles & anchors I I I I I I IIIIIII III
Lock, hinges & hood latch L L L L L L LLLLLLL LLL

79
Maintenance
Parking brakeInspect the parking brake system includ-
ing the parking brake pedal and cables.Brake discs, pads, calipers and
rotorsCheck the pads for excessive wear, discs
for run out and wear, and calipers for fluid
leakage.Exhaust pipe and mufflerVisually inspect the exhaust pipes, muf-
fler and hangers for cracks, deterioration,
or damage. Start the engine and listen
carefully for any exhaust gas leakage.
Tighten connections or replace parts as
necessary.Suspension mounting boltsCheck the suspension connections for
looseness or damage. Retighten to the
specified torque.
Steering gear box, linkage &
boots/lower arm ball jointWith the vehicle stopped and engine off,
check for excessive free-play in the
steering wheel.
Check the linkage for bends or damage.
Check the dust boots and ball joints for
deterioration, cracks, or damage.
Replace any damaged parts.Power steering pump, belt and
hosesCheck the power steering pump and
hoses for leakage and damage. Replace
any damaged or leaking parts immedi-
ately. Inspect the power steering belt for
evidence of cuts, cracks, excessive wear,
oiliness and proper tension. Replace or
adjust it if necessary.
Drive shafts and bootsCheck the drive shafts, boots and clamps
for cracks, deterioration, or damage.
Replace any damaged parts and, if nec-
essary, repack the grease.Air conditioning refrigerant
(if equipped)Check the air conditioning lines and con-
nections for leakage and damage.

711
Maintenance
At least monthly: Check coolant level in the coolantrecovery reservoir.
Check the operation of all exterior lights, including the stoplights, turn sig-
nals and hazard warning flashers.
Check the inflation pressures of all tires including the spare.
At least twice a year (i.e., every Spring and Fall) : Check radiator, heater and air condi- tioning hoses for leaks or damage.
Check windshield washer spray and wiper operation. Clean wiper blades
with clean cloth dampened with wash-
er fluid.
Check headlight alignment.
Check muffler, exhaust pipes, shields and clamps.
Check the lap/shoulder belts for wear and function.
Check for worn tires and loose wheel lug nuts.
At least once a year : Clean body and door drain holes.
Lubricate door hinges and checks, andhood hinges.
Lubricate door and hood locks and latches.
Lubricate door rubber weatherstrips.
Check the air conditioning system before the warm weather season.
Check the power steering fluid level.
Inspect and lubricate automatic trans- mission linkage and controls.
Clean battery and terminals.
Check the brake fluid level.

713
Maintenance
ENGINE COMPARTMENT
OBL086001N
1. Air cleaner
2. Engine oil filler cap
3. Engine oil dipstick
4. Auto transmission fluid dipstick*
5. Brake / clutch* fluid reservoir
6. Fuse box
7. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
8. Power steering fluid reservoir
9. Radiator cap
10. Engine coolant reservoir
11. Battery
* : if equipped
1
4
35 6
2
7
89 11
10
* The actual engine room in the vehicle may differ from the illustration.