2012 KIA Forte check engine light

Features of your vehicle
50
4
D150301ATD-EU
Engine coolant tempera-
ture warning light (if equipped)
The warning light shows the temperature
of the engine coolant when the ignition
switch is ON.
The warning light illuminates if the tem-
perature of the engine coolant is above
120±3°C (248±5.5°F).
Do not continue driving with an overheat-
ed engine. If your vehicle overheats, refer
to “Overheating” in the Index.
✽ ✽ NOTICE
If the engine coolant temperature warn-
ing light illuminates, it indicates over-
heating that may damage the engine.
D150313AHM
Charging system warning
light
This warning light indicates a malfunction
of either the generator or electrical
charging system.
If the warning light illuminates 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.
D150315ATD
Trunk lid (or tailgate) openwarning light
This warning light illuminates when the
trunk lid (or tailgate) is not closed secure-
ly with the ignition switch in any position.
D150316AUN
Door ajar warning light
This warning light illuminates when a
door is not closed securely with the igni-
tion switch in any position.

Features of your vehicle
52
4
D150320ATD
Malfunction indicator lamp
(MIL) (check engine light)
This indicator is part of the Engine
Control System which monitors various
emission control system components. If
this indicator illuminates while driving, it
indicates that a potential malfunction has
been detected somewhere in the emis-
sion control system.
This indicator will also illuminates when
the ignition switch is turned to the ON
position, and will go off 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 the nearest
authorized KIA dealer and have the sys-
tem checked.
Generally, your vehicle will continue to be
drivable, but have the system checked by
an authorized KIA dealer promptly.
D150323AUN-EU
ESC indicator (ElectronicStability Control) (if equipped)
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. Under normal driv-
ing conditions, the ESC indicator 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.
The ESC indicator stays on when the
ESC may have a malfunction. Take your
car to an authorized KIA dealer and have
the system checked.
D150324AHM-EU
ESC OFF indicator (if equipped)
The ESC OFF indicator will illuminate
when the ignition switch is turned ON,
but should go off after approximately 3
seconds. To switch to ESC OFF mode,
press the ESC OFF button. The ESC
OFF indicator will illuminate indicating
the ESC is deactivated.
CAUTION
Prolonged driving with the
Emission Control SystemMalfunction Indicator Light illumi-nated may cause damage to theemission control systems which could effect drivability and/or fueleconomy.

If the EmissionControl System
Malfunction Indicator Light illumi- nates, potential catalytic converterdamage. This could result in lossof engine power. Have the EngineControl System inspected as soonas possible by an authorized KIAdealer.

Features of your vehicle
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4
D150340ATD-EU
ECOMINDERTMindicator
(if equipped)
The ECOMINDERTMindicator is dis-
played to help you improve fuel efficiency
when you are driving.
The ECOMINDER
TMindicator will turn
the ECO light green on the instrument
panel when you are driving fuel effi-
ciently in the ECO ON mode.
If you don't want the indicator dis-
played, you can turn the ECO ON
mode to OFF mode by pressing the
TRIP button.
When the instant fuel consumption mode(if equipped) is displayed on the
LCD display or the system is not work-
ing properly, the indicator turns off. If
the indicator turns off when the instant
fuel consumption mode or ECO OFF
mode is not selected, have the system
checked by an authorized KIA dealer
as soon as possible.
The fuel efficiency depends on the dri- ver's driving habit and road condition.
The system stops operating when the transaxle is in the P (Park), R
(Reverse), N (Neutral) position or
sports mode, or when the instant fuel
consumption mode is selected.
D150400ATD
LCD display warning (if equipped)
Door Open
This warning illuminates when a door is
not closed securely.
The indicator displays which door is
opened.
Low Battery
This warning indicates a malfunction of
either the generator or electrical charging
system.
If the warning illuminates while the vehi-
cle 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.ECOECOMINDERTM WARNING
Don't keep watching the “ECO”
ECOMINDERTM indicator while driv-
ing. It may distract you while driv-
ing and cause an accident that
could result in severe personal
injury.

Features of your vehicle
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4
Remove key
When you turn off the engine with the
smart key in the smart key holder, the
warning illuminates on the LCD display
for about 10 seconds. Also, the smart key
holder light blinks for about 10 seconds.
To remove the smart key push the smart
key once and pull it out from the smart
key holder.
Insert key
If you press the ENGINE START/STOP
button while "Key is not detected" illumi-
nates on the LCD display, the warning
“Insert key” illuminates for about 10 sec-
onds. Also, the immobilizer indicator and
the key holder light blinks for about 10
seconds. Press start button again
If you can not operate the ENGINE
START/STOP button when there is a
problem with the ENGINE START/STOP
button system, the warning illuminates
for 10 seconds and the chime sounds
continuously to
indicate that you could
start the engine by pressing the ENGINE
START/STOP button once more.
The chime will stop if the ENGINE START/
STOP button system works normally.
If the warning illuminates each time you
press the ENGINE START/STOP button,
take your vehicle to an authorized KIA
dealer and have the system checked. Shift to "P" or "N" to start engine
If you try to start the engine with the shift
lever not in the P (Park) or N (Neutral)
position, the warning illuminates for
about 10 seconds on the LCD display.
You can also start the engine with the
shift lever in the N (Neutral) position, but
for your safety start the engine with the
shift lever in the P (Park) position.

457
Features of your vehicle
Press start button while turn steering
If the steering wheel does not unlock nor-
mally when the ENGINE START/STOP
button is pressed, the warning illuminates
for 10 seconds on the LCD display. Also,
the warning chime sounds once and the
ENGINE START/STOP button light blinks
for 10 seconds.
When you are warned, press the
ENGINE START/STOP button while turn-
ing the steering wheel right and left. Check steering wheel lock
If the steering wheel does not lock nor-
mally when the ENGINE START/STOP
button turns to the OFF position, the
warning illuminates for 10 seconds on
the LCD display. Also, the
ENGINE
START/STOP button light blinks for 10
seconds.

Features of your vehicle
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4
D200100ATD
Windshield wipers
Operates as follows when the ignition
switch is turned ON.
MIST : For a single wiping cycle, move the
lever upward and release it. The
wipers will operate continuously if
the lever is held in this position.
OFF : Wiper is not in operation
INT : Wiper operates intermittently at the same wiping intervals. Use this
mode in a light rain or mist. To vary
the speed setting, turn the speed
control knob.
LO : Normal wiper speed
HI : Fast wiper speed
✽ ✽ NOTICE
If there is heavy accumulation of snow
or ice on the windshield, defrost the
windshield for about 10 minutes, or
until the snow and/or ice is removed
before using the windshield wipers to
ensure proper operation.
D200200ASA
Windshield washers
In the OFF position, pull the lever gently
toward you to spray washer fluid on the
windshield and to run the wipers 1-3
cycles.
Use this function when the windshield is
dirty.
The spray and wiper operation will con-
tinue 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.
CAUTION
To prevent possible damage to the
washer pump, do not operate thewasher when the fluid reservoir is empty.
WARNING
Do not use the washer in freezing
temperatures without first warming
the windshield with the defrosters;
the washer solution could freeze on
the windshield and obscure your
vision.

53
Driving your vehicle
E020100AUN
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.
E020200AUN
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”.
E020300AHM
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, espe-
cially children, before putting a vehi-
cle into D (Drive) or R (Reverse).
WARNING
Driving while distracted can result
in a loss of vehicle control, that
may lead to an accident, severe
personal injury, and death. The dri-
ver's primary responsibility is in
the safe and legal operation of a
vehicle, and use of any handheld
devices, other equipment, or vehi-
cle systems which take the driver's
eyes, attention and focus away
from the safe operation of a vehicle
or which are not permissible by law
should never be used during oper-
ation of the vehicle.

55
Driving your vehicle
E030202AUN
ACC (Accessory)
The steering wheel is unlocked and elec-
trical accessories are operative.
✽ ✽NOTICE
If difficulty is experienced turning the
ignition switch to the ACC position, turn
the key while turning the steering wheel
right and left to release the tension.
E030203AUN
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.
E030204APB
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 light can be checked in this posi-
tion.
E030205APB
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 1st
gear for the manual transaxle or
P (Park) for the automatic
transaxle, set the parking brake
fully and shut the engine off.
Unexpected and sudden vehicle
movement may occur if these
precautions are not taken.
Never reach for the ignition switch, 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.
(Continued)
(Continued)
Do not place any movable objectsaround the driver’s seat as they
may move while driving, interfere
with the driver and lead to an
accident.