2009 KIA Sorento check engine

441
Driving your vehicle
Immobilizer indicator
(if equipped)This light illuminates when the immobiliz-
er key is inserted and turned to the ON
position to start the engine.
At this time, you can start the engine. The
light goes out after the engine is running.
In case this light goes out before you
start the engine, you must turn to the
LOCK position and restart the engine.
If this light blinks when the ignition switch
is in the ON position 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 ignition switch in
the START or ON position. The warning
light should go off when the parking
brake is released.
Low brake fluid level warningIf 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 safelocation 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.
3. Do not drive the vehicle if leaks are found, the warning light remains on or
the brakes do not operate properly.
Have it towed to any Authorized Kia
Dealer for a brake system inspection
and necessary repairs.
To check bulb operation, check whether
the parking brake and brake fluid warning
light illuminates when the ignition switch
is in the ON position.
Rear hatch open
warning (if equipped)This warning light comes on when the
rear hatch/window 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 has a little amount.
Refuel as soon as possible.Rear hatch window
defroster indicatorThis light comes on when the rear hatch
defroster switch is depressed to remove
the frost on the rear hatch glass.
Press the switch again to shut off the
defroster when the frost is removed.
The rear hatch window defroster will
automatically turn off after 20 minutes.
It will also turn off whenever you remove
the ignition key.
WARNING
Driving the vehicle with a warning
light on is dangerous. If the brake
warning light remains on, have the
brakes checked and repaired imme-
diately by an Authorized Kia Dealer.

Driving your vehicle42
4Door ajar warningThis warning light illuminates when a
door is not closed securely with the igni-
tion in any position.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.
Malfunction indicator
lamp (MIL) (check
engine light)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, but have the system checked by
an authorized Kia Dealer promptly.✽ ✽

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.
CAUTION
- Check engine
light
Prolonged driving with the
Emission Control SystemMalfunction Indicator Light ( ) illuminated may cause damage to the emission controlsystems which could effect dri-vability and/or fuel economy.
If the
Emission
Control System
Malfunction Indicator Light ( ) begins to flash ON and OFF,potential catalytic converter dam- age is possible which could resultin loss of engine power. Have the Engine Control System inspectedas soon as possible by an author-ized Kia Dealer.

Driving your vehicle56
4
WARNING
- Windshield
washer
Do not use the washer in freezing
temperatures without first warming
the windshield with the defrosters;
the washer solution could freeze on
contact with the windshield and
obscure your vision.
CAUTION
To prevent possible damage to the
washer pump, do not operate the washer when the fluid reservoir isempty.If the washer does not work, check the
washer fluid level. If the fluid level is not
sufficient, you will need to add appropri-
ate 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 washer
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.
CAUTION
To prevent possible damage to the wipers or windshield, do notoperate the wipers when thewindshield is dry.
To prevent damage to the wiper blades, do not use gasoline,kerosene, paint thinner, or othersolvents on or near them.
To prevent damage to the wiper arms and other components, donot attempt to move the wipersmanually.
OBL047448NOBL048448N
Type A
Type B

457
Driving your vehicle
If the rear hatch window is open ( ),
the rear wiper will not operate. Check the
rear hatch window warning light in the
instrument cluster, and make sure the
rear hatch window is closed completely.- Spraying washer fluid and wiping
OFF - Wiper is not in operation
INT - Intermittent wiper operation
ON - Normal wiper opertion - Spraying washer fluid and wiping
The defroster heats the window to
remove frost, fog and thin ice from the
interior and exterior of the rear window,
while engine is running. To activate the rear window defroster,
press the rear window defroster button
located in the center console switch
panel. The indicator on the cluster illumi-
nates when the defroster is ON.
If there is heavy accumulation of snow on
the rear window, brush it off before oper-
ating the rear defroster.
The rear window defroster automatically
turns off after 20 minutes or when the
ignition switch is turned off. To turn off the
defroster, press the rear window
defroster button again.
Outside mirror heater (if equipped)There is no control button for the outside
mirror heater, instead the outside mirror
heater automatically turns on when the
rear window defroster is turned on.
OBL026012N
CAUTION
To prevent damage to the con-
ductors bonded to the inside sur-face of the rear window, never usesharp instruments or window cleaners containing abrasives toclean the window.
To prevent the battery from being discharged, the rear windowdefroster will only operate whenthe engine is running.
If you want to defrost and defog on the front windshield, refer to“Windshield Defrosting andDefogging” in this section.DEFROSTER (IF EQUIPPED)

465
Driving your vehicle
Air conditioning system opera-
tion tips If the vehicle has been parked in directsunlight during hot weather, open the
windows for a short time to let the hot
air inside the vehicle escape.
To help reduce moisture inside of win- dows on rainy humid days, decrease
the humidity inside the vehicle by oper-
ating the air conditioning system.
During air conditioning system opera- tion, you may occasionally notice a
slight change in engine speed at idle as
the air conditioning compressor cycles
on. This is a normal system operation
characteristics.
Use the air conditioning system every month if only for a few minutes to
ensure maximum system performance.
When using the air conditioning sys- tem, you may notice clear water drip-
ping (or even puddling) on the ground
under the passenger side of the vehi-
cle. This is a normal system operation
characteristics.
Operating the air conditioning system in the recirculated air position does
provide maximum cooling, however,
continual operation in this mode may
cause the air inside the vehicle to
become stale.
Checking the amount of air con-
ditioner refrigerant and compres-
sor lubricantWhen the amount of refrigerant is low,
the performance of the air conditioning is
reduced. Overfilling also has a bad influ-
ence on the air conditioning system.
Therefore, if abnormal operation is
found, have the system inspected by an
authorized Kia dealer.
CAUTION
When using the air conditioning system, monitor the temperaturegauge closely while driving up hills or in heavy traffic when out-side temperatures are high. Airconditioning system operationmay cause engine overheating. Continue to use the blower fanbut turn the air conditioning sys-tem off if the temperature gauge indicates engine overheating.
When opening the windows in humid weather air conditioningmay create water droplets insidethe vehicle. Since excessive water droplets may cause dam-age to electrical equipment, airconditioning should only be run with the windows closed.
CAUTION
The air conditioner refrigerant con-tainer is highly pressurized.Therefore it should be serviced by an authorized Kia dealer. Improperservice may cause serious injury.
CAUTION
When the performance of the air conditioning system is reduced it isimportant that the correct type andamount of oil and refrigerant isused. Otherwise, damage to the compressor and abnormal systemoperation may occur.

Driving your vehicle74
4
Air conditioning system opera-
tion tips If the vehicle has been parked in direct
sunlight during hot weather, open the
windows for a short time to let the hot
air inside the vehicle escape.
To help reduce moisture inside of win- dows on rainy humid days, decrease
the humidity inside the vehicle by oper-
ating the air conditioning system.
During air conditioning system opera- tion, you may occasionally notice a
slight change in engine speed at idle
as the air conditioning compressor
cycles on. This is a normal system
operating characteristic.
Use the air conditioning system every month if only for a few minutes to
ensure maximum system perform-
ance.
When using the air conditioning sys- tem, you may notice clear water drip-
ping (or even puddling) on the ground
under the passenger side of the vehi-
cle. This is a normal system operating
characteristic.
Operating the air conditioning system in the recirculated air position does
provide maximum cooling, however,
continual operation in this mode may
cause the air inside the vehicle to
become stale.
Checking the amount of air con-
ditioner refrigerant and compres-
sor lubricantWhen the amount of refrigerant is low,
the performance of the air conditioning is
reduced. Overfilling also has a bad influ-
ence on the air conditioning system.
Therefore, if abnormal operation is
found, have the system inspected by an
authorized Kia dealer.
CAUTION
When using the air conditioningsystem, monitor the temperature gauge closely while driving up hillsor in heavy traffic when outside tem-peratures are high. Air conditioningsystem operation may cause engine overheating. Continue to use theblower fan but turn the air condi-tioning system off if the temperature gauge indicates engine overheat-ing.
CAUTION
The air conditioner refrigerant con-tainer is highly pressurized.Therefore it should be serviced by an authorized Kia dealer. Improperservice may cause serious injury.
CAUTION
When the performance of the airconditioning system is reduced it is important that the correct type andamount of oil and refrigerant is used. Otherwise, damage to thecompressor and abnormal systemoperation may occur.

53
Driving tips
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEMThe emission control system of your
vehicle is covered by a written limited
warranty. Please see the warranty infor-
mation 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 and
may even violate governmental safety
and emissions regulations.
In addition, damage or performance
problems resulting from any modification
may not be covered under warranty.
Engine exhaust gas precautions
(carbon monoxide) Carbon monoxide can be present withother exhaust fumes. Therefore, if you
smell exhaust fumes of any kind inside
your vehicle, have it inspected and
repaired immediately. If you ever sus-
pect exhaust fumes are coming into
your vehicle, drive it only with all the
windows fully open. Have your vehicle
checked and repaired immediately. Do not operate the engine in confined
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 vehi- cle 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 damage to the
emission control system.
WARNING -
Exhaust
Engine exhaust gases contain car-
bon monoxide (CO). Though color-
less and odorless, it is dangerous
and could be lethal if inhaled.
Follow the instructions following to
avoid CO poisoning.

55
Driving tips
BEFORE 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 areeasily 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.