2011 KIA Sorento body

Driving your vehicle54
5E140100AUNHitches It's important to have the correct hitch
equipment. Crosswinds, large trucks
going by, and rough roads are a few rea-
sons why you’ll need the right hitch. Here
are some rules to follow:
 Will you have to make any holes in the
body of your vehicle when you install a
trailer hitch? If you do, then be sure to
seal the holes later when you remove
the hitch.
If you don’t seal them, deadly carbon
monoxide (CO) from your exhaust can
get into your vehicle, as well as dirt and
water.
 The bumpers on your vehicle are not intended for hitches. Do not attach
rental hitches or other bumper-type
hitches to them. Use only a frame-
mounted hitch that does not attach to
the bumper.
 KIA trailer hitch accessory is available at an authorized KIA dealer.
E140200AUNSafety chains You should always attach chains
between your vehicle and your trailer.
Cross the safety chains under the tongue
of the trailer so that the tongue will not
drop to the road if it becomes separated
from the hitch.
Instructions about safety chains may be
provided by the hitch manufacturer or by
the trailer manufacturer. Follow the man-
ufacturer’s recommendation for attaching
safety chains. Always leave just enough
slack so you can turn with your trailer.
And, never allow safety chains to drag on
the ground.
E140300AUNTrailer brakes If your trailer is equipped with a braking
system, make sure it conforms to your
country’s regulations and that it is prop-
erly installed and operating correctly.
If your trailer weight exceeds the maxi-
mum allowed weight without trailer
brakes, then the trailer will also require its
own brakes as well. Be sure to read and
follow the instructions for the trailer
brakes so you’ll be able to install, adjust
and maintain them properly.
 Don’t tap into or modify your vehicle'sbrake system.
WARNING
- Trailer brakes
Do not use a trailer with its own
brakes unless you are absolutely
certain that you have properly set
up the brake system. This is not a
task for amateurs. Use an experi-
enced, competent trailer shop for
this work.
XM CAN (ENG) 5.qxp 11/26/2009 12:02 PM Page 54

What to do in an emergency86
Removing and storing the spare
tire
Your spare tire is stored underneath
your vehicle, directly below the cargo
area.
To remove the spare tire:
1. Open the tailgate.
2. Find the plastic hex bolt cover andremove the cover with a flat head
object or coin. 3. Use the wheel lug nut wrench to
loosen the bolt enough to lower
the spare tire.
Turn the wrench counterclockwise
until the spare tire reaches the
ground.
(Continued)
 The vehicle can easily roll offthe jack causing serious
injury or death. No person
should place any portion of
their body under a vehicle that
is supported only by a jack;
use vehicle support stands.
 Do not start or run the engine while the vehicle is on the
jack.
 Do not allow anyone to remain in the vehicle while it is on the
jack.
 Make sure any children pres- ent are in a secure place away
from the road and from the
vehicle to be raised with the
jack.
OXM069002
OXM069003
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What to do in an emergency18
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 (or rear) 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 vehi-
cle out of mud, sand or other condi-
tions 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 it steadily and with 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.
 Only use a cable or chain specifi- cally intended for use in towingvehicles. Securely fasten thecable or chain to the towing hookprovided.
WARNING
Use extreme caution when towing
the vehicle.
 Avoid sudden starts or erratic 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 disabled vehicle cannot be moved, 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.
XM CAN (ENG) 6.QXP 11/26/2009 12:06 PM Page 18

Maintenance67G030102AAMWhile operating your vehicle: Note any changes in the sound of theexhaust or any smell of exhaust fumes
in the vehicle.
 Check for vibrations in the steering wheel. Notice any increased steering
effort or looseness in the steering
wheel, or change in its straight-ahead
position.
 Notice if your vehicle constantly turns slightly or “pulls” to one side when trav-
eling on smooth, level road.
 When stopping, listen and check for unusual sounds, pulling to one side,
increased brake pedal travel or “hard-
to-push” brake pedal.
 If any slipping or changes in the oper- ation of your transaxle occurs, check
the transaxle fluid level.
 Check the automatic transaxle P (Park) function.
 Check the parking brake.
 Check for fluid leaks under your vehicle (water dripping from the air condition-
ing system during or after use is nor-
mal).
G030103AHMAt least monthly: Check the coolant level in the enginecoolant 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.G030104AHMAt least twice a year (i.e., every Spring and Fall): Check the radiator, heater and air con- ditioning hoses for leaks or damage.
 Check the windshield washer spray and wiper operation. Clean the wiper
blades with clean cloth dampened with
washer fluid.
 Check the headlight alignment.
 Check the muffler, exhaust pipes, shields and clamps.
 Check the lap/shoulder belts for wear and function.
 Check for worn tires and loose wheel lug nuts.
G030105AHM-C1At least once a year: Clean the body and door drain holes.
 Lubricate the door hinges and checks,and hood hinges.
 Lubricate the door and hood locks and latches.
 Lubricate the door rubber weather- strips.
 Check the air conditioning system.
 Check the power steering fluid level.
 Inspect and lubricate the automatic transaxle linkage and controls.
 Clean the battery and terminals.
 Check the brake/clutch fluid level.
XM CAN (ENG) 7.qxp 4/14/2010 10:56 AM Page 6

Maintenance87Chassis and body
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
Air conditioner compressor operation & IIIII
refrigerant amount
*
Climate control air filter* R R R RRRRR
Exhaust pipes, heat shield & mountings I I IIIIII
Front suspension ball joints I I I I
Transfer case fluid (4WD)* I I I R I
Rear differential fluid (4WD)* I I I R I
Brakes/clutch* fluid (1) I I I I I I I R IIIII IIR
Front brake pads & discs (3) I I I I I I IIIIIII III
Rear brake pads & discs/drums (3) I I I I I I IIIIIII III
Parking brake I I I IIIII
Brake lines & connections IIIII
(including booster)
Manual transaxle oil* (1) I I I R I
Clutch* & brake pedal free play I I I I I I IIIIIII III
Propeller shaft L L L L L
MAINTENANCE INTERVALS
MAINTENANCE
ITEM
* if equipped
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79
Maintenance
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 transaxle fluid* (1) 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 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
MAINTENANCE
INTERVALS
MAINTENANCE
ITEM
Inspect when abnormal condition noted
Rotate the tires every 12,000 km
* if equipped
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717
Maintenance
G070200AHMChanging the coolantHave the coolant changed by an author-
ized KIA dealer according to the
Maintenance Schedule at the beginning
of this section.
WARNING -
Radiator cap
Do not remove the radiator cap
when the engine and radiator are
hot. Scalding hot coolant and
steam may blow out under pres-
sure causing serious injury.
CAUTION
Put a thick cloth around the radiatorcap before refilling the coolant in order to prevent the coolant fromoverflowing into engine parts suchas the alternator.
WARNING -
Coolant
 Do not use radiator coolant or antifreeze in the washer fluid
reservoir.
 Radiator coolant can severely obscure visibility when sprayed
on the windshield and may cause
loss of vehicle control or damage
the paint and body trim.
OXM079007
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Maintenance18
7BRAKE/CLUTCH (IF EQUIPPED) FLUIDG080100AAMChecking the brake/clutch* fluid
level Check the fluid level in the reservoir peri-
odically. The fluid level should be
between MAX and MIN marks on the
side of the reservoir.
Before removing the reservoir cap and
adding brake/clutch* fluid, clean the area
around the reservoir cap thoroughly to
prevent brake/clutch* fluid contamina-
tion.
* if equipped If the level is low, add fluid to the MAX
level. The level will fall with accumulated
mileage. This is a normal condition asso-
ciated with the wear of the brake linings
and/or clutch disc (if equipped). If the
fluid level is excessively low, have the
brake/clutch* system checked by an
authorized KIA dealer.
Use only the specified brake/clutch* fluid.
(Refer to “Recommended lubricants andcapacities” in section 8.)
Never mix different types of fluid.
WARNING -
Brake/clutch*
fluid
When changing and adding
brake/clutch* fluid, handle it care-
fully. Do not let it come in contact
with your eyes. If brake/clutch* fluid
should come in contact with your
eyes, immediately flush them with a
large quantity of fresh tap water.
Have your eyes examined by a doc-
tor as soon as possible.
WARNING -
Loss of
brake/clutch* fluid
In the event the brake/clutch* sys-
tem requires frequent additions of
fluid, the vehicle should be inspect-
ed by an authorized KIA dealer.
CAUTION
Do not allow brake/clutch* fluid to
contact the vehicle's body paint, aspaint damage will result.
Brake/clutch* fluid, which has beenexposed to open air for an extendedtime should never be used as its quality cannot be guaranteed. Itshould be disposed of properly. Don't put in the wrong kind of fluid.A few drops of mineral-based oil, such as engine oil, in yourbrake/clutch* system can damagebrake/clutch* system parts.
OXM079008
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