2010 KIA Optima check engine light

Features of your vehicle
56
4
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Turn signal indicator
The blinking green arrows on the instru-
ment panel show the direction indicated
by the turn signals. If the arrow comes on
but does not blink, blinks more rapidly
than normal, or does not illuminate at all,
a malfunction in the turn signal system is
indicated. Your dealer should be consult-
ed for repairs.
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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.
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Tail light indicator
(if equipped)
This indicator illuminates when the tail
lights are on.
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Engine oil pressure
warning light
This warning light indicates the engine oil
pressure is low.
If the warning light illuminates while driv-
ing:
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.
CAUTION
If the oil pressure warning light stays on while the engine is run-ning, serious engine damage may result. The oil pressure warninglight comes on whenever there isinsufficient oil pressure. In normal operation, it should come on whenthe ignition switch is turned on, then go out when the engine isstarted. If the oil pressure warning light stays on while the engine isrunning, there is a serious malfunc-tion.
If this happens, stop the car assoon as it is safe to do so, turn offthe engine and check the oil level. If the oil level is low, fill the engine oilto the proper level and start the engine again. If the light stays onwith the engine running, turn theengine off immediately. In any instance where the oil light stays onwhen the engine is running, theengine should be checked by an authorized KIA dealer before thecar is driven again.
CAUTION
If the engine is not stopped imme- diately after the engine oil pressurewarning light is illuminated, severe damage could result.

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Features of your vehicle
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Parking brake & brake fluidwarning light
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 warning
If 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 safe location 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 the vehicle towed to any author-
ized KIA dealer for a brake system
inspection and necessary repairs. Your vehicle is equipped with dual-diago-
nal braking systems. This means you still
have braking on two wheels even if one
of the dual systems should fail. With only
one of the dual systems working, more
than normal pedal travel and greater
pedal pressure are required to stop the
car. Also, the car will not stop in as short
a distance with only a portion of the
brake system working. If the brakes fail
while you are driving, shift to a lower gear
for additional engine braking and stop the
car as soon as it is safe to do so.
To check bulb operation, check whether
the parking brake and brake fluid warning
light illuminates when the ignition switch
is in the ON position.
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Shift pattern indicator
(if equipped)
The indicator displays which automatic
transaxle shift position is selected.
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Charging system warninglight
This warning light indicates a malfunction
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 genera- tor drive belt for looseness or break-
age.
3. If the belt is adjusted properly, a prob- lem exists somewhere in the electrical
charging system. Have an authorized
KIA dealer correct the problem as
soon as possible.
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.

Features of your vehicle
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Front fog light indicator
(if equipped)
This light comes on when the front fog
lights are ON.
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Trunk lid open warninglight
This warning light illuminates when the
trunk lid is not closed securely with the
ignition in any position.
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Door ajar warning light
This warning light illuminates when a
door is not closed securely with the igni-
tion switch in any position.
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Immobilizer indicator
Without smart key system
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.
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.
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Low fuel level warning light
This warning light indicates the fuel tank
is nearly empty. When it comes on, you
should add fuel as soon as possible.
Driving with the fuel level warning light on
or with the fuel level below “E” can cause
the engine to misfire and damage the
catalytic converter.
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Low washer fluid levelwarning light (if equipped)
This warning light indicates the washer
fluid reservoir is near empty. Refill the
washer fluid as soon as possible.

459
Features of your vehicle
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Malfunction indicator light(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 malfunction has
been detected somewhere in the emis-
sion control system.
This light will also illuminate when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON posi-
tion, and will go out in a few seconds
after the engine is started. If it illuminates
while driving, or does not illuminate when
the ignition switch is turned to the ON
position, take your vehicle to your near-
est authorized KIA dealer and have the
system checked.
Generally, your vehicle will continue to be
drivable, but have the system checked by
an authorized KIA dealer promptly.
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ESC indicator (ElectronicStability Control)
The ESC indicator will illuminate when
the ignition switch is turned ON, but
should go off after approximately 3 sec-
onds. When the ESC is on, it monitors
the driving conditions and under normal
driving conditions, the ESC light will
remain off. When a slippery or low trac-
tion condition is encountered, the ESC
will operate, and the ESC indicator will
blink to indicate the ESC is operating.
CAUTION
Prolonged driving with the Malfunction Indicator Light illumi-nated may cause damage to theemission control systems whichcould effect drivability and/or fuel economy.

If the Malfunction Indicator Light illuminates, potential catalyticconverter damage is possiblewhich could result in loss ofengine power. Have the EngineControl System inspected as soonas possible by an authorized KIAdealer.
ESC

Features of your vehicle
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Air conditioning system operation 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 or 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 as the
air conditioning compressor cycles.
This is a normal system operation
characteristic.
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
characteristic.
Operating the air conditioning system in the recirculated air position provides
maximum cooling, however, continual
operation in this mode may cause the
air inside the vehicle to become stale.
During cooling operation, you may occasionally notice a misty air flow
because of rapid cooling and humid air
intake. This is a normal system opera-
tion characteristic.
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Climate control air filter
(if equipped)
The climate control air filter installed
behind the glove box filters the dust or
other pollutants that come into the vehi-
cle from the outside through the heating
and air conditioning system. If dust or
other pollutants accumulate in the filter
over a period of time, the air flow from the
air vents may decrease, resulting in
moisture accumulation on the inside of
the windshield even when the outside
(fresh) air position is selected. If this hap-
pens, have the climate control air filter
replaced by an authorized KIA dealer.
✽ ✽ NOTICE
• If the car is being driven in severe
conditions such as dusty, rough roads,
more frequent climate control air fil-
ter inspections and changes are
required.
• When the air flow rate is suddenly decreased, the system should be
checked at an authorized KIA dealer.
1LDA5047
Outside air
Recirculatedair
Climate control
air filter Blower
Evaporator
coreHeater core

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Driving your vehicle
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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.
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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 sec-
tion 7, “Maintenance”.
E020300BUN
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.
BEFORE DRIVING
WARNING
All passengers must be properly
belted whenever the vehicle is mov-
ing. Refer to “Seat belts” in section
3 for more information on their
proper use.
WARNING
Always check the surrounding
areas near your vehicle for people,
especially children, before putting a
car into D (Drive) or R (Reverse).
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 judgment. 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.

55
Driving your vehicle
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ACC (Accessory)
The steering wheel is unlocked (if
equipped) and electrical accessories are
operative.
✽ ✽NOTICE
If difficulty is experienced in turning the
ignition switch to the ACC position, turn
the key while turning the steering wheel
right and left to release the tension.
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ON
The warning lights can be checked
before the engine is started. This is the
normal running position after the engine
is started.
Do not leave the ignition switch ON if the
engine is not running to prevent batterydischarge.
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START
Turn the ignition switch to the START
position to start the engine. The engine
will crank until you release the key; then
it returns to the ON position. The brake
warning lamp can be checked in this
position.
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WARNING - Ignition
switch
Never turn the ignition switch to LOCK or ACC while the vehicle is
moving. This would result in loss
of directional control and braking
function, which could cause an
accident.
The anti-theft steering column lock is not a substitute for the
parking brake. Before leaving the
driver’s seat, always make sure
the shift lever is engaged in P
(Park) set the parking brake fully
and shut the engine off.
Unexpected and sudden vehicle
movement may occur if these
precautions are not taken.
(Continued)
(Continued)
Never reach for the ignitionswitch, or any other controls
through the steering wheel while
the vehicle is in motion. The pres-
ence of your hand or arm in this
area could cause a loss of vehicle
control, an accident and serious
bodily injury or death.
Do not place any movable objects around the driver’s seat as they
may move while driving, interfere
with the driver and lead to an
accident.

Driving your vehicle
85
E030203ABH
ON
Press the engine start/stop button when
the button is in the ACC position.
The warning lights can be checked
before the engine is started. Do not leave
the button in the ON position if the engine
is not running to prevent the battery from
discharging.
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START
To start the engine, press the brake
pedal and press the engine start/stop
button with the shift lever in the P(Park)
or the N(Normal) position.
✽ ✽NOTICE
• If you press the engine start/stop but-
ton without depressing the brake
pedal, the engine does not start and
the engine start/stop button changes
as follow :
OFF → →
ACC →
→
ON →
→
OFF
• If you leave the engine start/stop but- ton in the ACC or the ON position for
a long time, the battery may be dis-
charged.
E030205ABH
WARNING
Never press the engine start/stop
button for more than 3 seconds
or 3 times successively when the
vehicle is moving. This would
result in the engine turning off
and loss of power assist for the
steering and brakes, which may
lead to loss of directional control
and braking function, which
could cause an accident.
Before leaving the driver’s seat, always make sure the shift lever
is engaged in P
(Park),set the
parking brake fully and shut the
engine off. Unexpected and sud-
den vehicle movement may occur
if these precautions are not
taken.
(Continued)
(Continued)
Never reach for the enginestart/stop button, or any other
controls through the steering
wheel while the vehicle is in
motion. The presence of your
hand or arm in this area could
cause a loss of vehicle control,
an accident and serious bodily
injury or death.
Do not place any movable objects around the driver’s seat as they
may move while driving, interfere
with the driver and lead to an
accident.