2009 KIA Spectra check engine

Driving your vehicle18
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Power steeringPower 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.
✽ ✽

NOTICEIf 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 rightor left turn) for more than 5seconds with the engine run-ning. Holding the steeringwheel for more than 5 sec-onds in either position maycause damage to the powersteering pump.
If the power steering drive belt breaks or if the power steeringpump 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 operationTCS ON condition
ON, TCS and TCS OFF
indicator light illuminate for
approximately 3 seconds,
then TCS is turned on.
turn TCS off. (TCS OFF
indicator will illuminate). To
turn the TCS on, press the
TCS button (TCS OFF
indicator light will go off).
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.
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.
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
ABSABS
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 vehicle32
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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 stoppedimmediately, severe damagecould 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 warningThis 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 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.

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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.✽ ✽

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.
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
CHECKCHECK
CAUTION
Prolonged driving with the
Emission Control SystemMalfunction Indicator Light ( ) illuminated may causedamage to the emission con-trol systems which couldeffect drivability and/or fueleconomy.
If the
Emission
Control System
Malfunction Indicator Light ( ) begins to flash ON andOFF, potential catalytic con-verter damage is possiblewhich could result in loss ofengine power. Have the EngineControl System inspected assoon as possible by anAuthorized Kia Dealer.
CHECK
CHECKCHECK
CHECK

Driving your vehicle44
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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
OFF - Wiper is not in operation
INT - Intermittent wiper operation (if equipped)
ON - Normal wiper opertion - Wash with brief wipes
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.
CAUTION
To prevent possible damage tothe washer pump, do not oper-ate the washer when the fluidreservoir is empty.
OLD028905N
OLD028906N

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Driving tips
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEMThe 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 presentwith 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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WARNING
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.