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Maintenance10
7Cooling systemCheck cooling system components,
such as radiator, coolant reservoir,
hoses and connections for leakage
and damage. Replace any damaged
parts.CoolantThe coolant should be changed at
the intervals specified in the mainte-
nance schedule.Automatic transaxle fluidThe fluid level should be in the "HOT"
range of the dipstick, after the engine
and transaxle are at normal operat-
ing temperature. Check the automat-
ic transaxle fluid level with the engine
running and the transaxle in neutral,
with the parking brake properly
applied.
Brake hoses and linesVisually check for proper installation,
chafing, cracks, deterioration and
any leakage. Replace any deteriorat-
ed or damaged parts immediately.Brake fluidCheck brake fluid level in the brake
fluid reservoir. The level should be
between “MIN” and “MAX” marks on
the side of the reservoir. Use only
hydraulic brake fluid conforming to
DOT 3 or DOT 4 specification.Parking brakeInspect the parking brake system
including the parking brake pedal
and cables.Rear brake drums and linings
(if equipped)Check the rear brake drums and lin-
ings for scoring, burning, leaking
fluid, broken parts, and excessive
wear.
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,
muffler and hangers for cracks, dete-
rioration, or damage. Start the
engine and listen carefully for any
exhaust gas leakage. Tighten con-
nections or replace parts as neces-
sary.Suspension mounting boltsCheck the suspension connections
for looseness or damage. Retighten
to the specified torque.
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Maintenance
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 dam-
age. 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 immediately. 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 necessary, repack the
grease.Air conditioning refrigerant
(if equipped)Check the air conditioning lines and
connections for leakage and dam-
age.
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Maintenance12
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OWNER MAINTENANCE Owner maintenance schedule The following lists are vehicle checks
and inspections that should be per-
formed by the owner or an
Authorized Kia Dealer at the fre-
quencies indicated to help ensure
safe, dependable operation of your
vehicle.
Any adverse conditions should be
brought to the attention of your deal-
er as soon as possible.
These Owner Maintenance Checks
are generally not covered by war-
ranties and you may be charged for
labor, parts and lubricants used.
When you stop for fuel: Check the engine oil level.
Check coolant level in coolant
reservoir.
Check the windshield washer fluid level.
Look for low or under-inflated tires.
While operating your vehicle: Note any changes in the sound of the exhaust or any smell of
exhaust fumes in the vehicle.
Check for vibrations in the steering wheel. Notice any increased steer-
ing effort or looseness in the steer-
ing wheel, or change in its straight-
ahead position.
Notice if your vehicle constantly turns slightly or “pulls” to one side
when traveling on smooth, level
road.
When stopping, listen and check for strange sounds, pulling to one
side, increased brake pedal travel
or “hard-to-push” brake pedal.
If any slipping or changes in the operation of your transaxle occurs,
check the transaxle fluid level.
Check automatic transaxle P (Park) function.
Check parking brake.
Check for fluid leaks under your vehicle (water dripping from the air
conditioning system during or after
use is normal).
WARNING
Be careful when checking your
engine coolant level when the
engine is hot. Scalding hot
coolant and steam may blow out
under pressure. This could cause
burns or other serious injury.
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Maintenance
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At least monthly: Check coolant level in the coolantrecovery reservoir.
Check the operation of all exterior lights, including the stoplights, turn
signals and hazard warning flash-
ers.
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 con- ditioning hoses for leaks or da-
mage.
Check windshield washer spray and wiper operation. Clean wiper
blades with clean cloth dampened
with washer 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,and hood hinges.
Lubricate door and hood locks and latches.
Lubricate door rubber weather- strips.
Check the air conditioning system before the warm weather season.
Check the power steering fluid level.
Inspect and lubricate automatic transaxle linkage and controls.
Clean battery and terminals.
Check the brake fluid level.
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Maintenance14
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Owner maintenance precau-
tions Improper or incomplete service may
result in problems. This section gives
instructions only for the maintenance
items that are easy to perform.
As explained earlier in this section,
several procedures can be done only
by an Authorized Kia Dealer with
special tools.
Improper owner maintenance dur-
ing the warranty period may affect
warranty coverage. For details,
read the separate Kia Warranty &
Consumer Information Manual
provided with the vehicle. If you're
unsure about any servicing or
maintenance procedure, have it
done by an Authorized Kia Dealer.
WARNING
- Maintenance
work
Performing maintenance work on a vehicle can be danger-
ous. You can be seriously
injured while performing some
maintenance procedures. If
you lack sufficient knowledge
and experience or the proper
tools and equipment to do the
work, have it done by an
Authorized Kia Dealer.
Working under the hood with the engine running is danger-
ous. It becomes even more
dangerous when you wear
jewelry or loose clothing.
These can become entangled
in moving parts and result in
injury. Always remove all
loose or hanging clothing and
all jewelry before working on
the engine.
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Maintenance
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ENGINE COMPARTMENT
7KMS5001
1. Power steering fluid reservoir
2. Engine oil filler cap
3. Brake fluid reservoir
4. Air cleaner
5. Fuse box
6. Negative battery terminal
7. Radiator cap
8. Positive battery terminal
9. Auto transaxle oil dipstick (if equipped)
10. Engine oil dipstick
11. Engine coolant reservoir
12. Windshield washer fluid reser- voir
■ ■
2.0L Gasoline Engine
* The actual engine room in the vehicle may differ from the illustration.
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Maintenance16
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7KMB7015
1. Power steering fluid reservoir
2. Engine oil filler cap
3. Brake fluid reservoir
4. Air cleaner
5. Fuse box
6. Negative battery terminal
7. Radiator cap
8. Positive battery terminal
9. Auto transaxle oil dipstick
(if equipped)
10. Engine coolant reservoir
11. Engine oil dipstick
12. Windshield washer fluid reser- voir
■ ■
2.7L Gasoline Engine
* The actual engine room in the vehicle may differ from the illustration.
Page 326 of 371
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ENGINE OIL AND OIL FILTER
Checking the engine oil level 1. Be sure the vehicle is on levelground.
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.
7KMB70177KMS5003
2.0L Gasoline Engine2.7L Gasoline Engine
WARNING -
Radiator
hose
Be very careful not to touch the
radiator hose when checking or
adding the engine oil as it may
be hot enough to burn you.