2012 KIA Forte fuel

Features of your vehicle
46
4
D150300AAM
Warnings and indicators
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
warning lights 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.
D150302AUN
Air bag warning light
This warning light will illuminate for
approximately 6 seconds each time you
turn the ignition switch to the ON posi-
tion.
This light also comes on when the
Supplement Restraint System (SRS) is
not working properly. If the air bag warn-
ing light does not come on, or continu-
ously remains on after operating for
about 6 seconds when you turned the
ignition switch to the ON position or start-
ed the engine, or if it comes on while
driving, have the SRS inspected by an
authorized KIA dealer.
D150303AHM-U1
Anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light
This warning light illuminates if the igni-
tion switch is turned ON and goes off in
approximately 3 seconds if the system
is operating normally.
If the ABS warning light remains on,
comes on while driving, or does not
come on when the ignition switch is
turned to the ON position, this indicates
that the ABS may have malfunctioned.
If this occurs, have your vehicle checked
by an authorized KIA dealer as soon as
possible. The normal braking system will
still be operational, but without the assis-
tance of the anti-lock brake system.

451
Features of your vehicle
D150317ATD-EU
Immobilizer indicator
If any of the following occurs in a vehicle
equipped with the smart key, the immobi-
lizer indicator illuminates, blinks or goes
off.
When the smart key is in the vehicle, ifthe ENGINE START/STOP button is in
the ACC or ON position, the indicator
will illuminate for a few minutes to indi-
cate that you are able to start the
engine. However, when the smart key
is not in the vehicle, if the ENGINE
START/STOP button is pressed, the
indicator will blink for a few minutes to
indicate that you are not be able to
start the engine.
When the ENGINE START/STOP but- ton changes to the ON position from
the ACC position without the smart key
in the vehicle, the indicator blinks for a
few minutes to indicate that you are not
be able to start the engine. When the battery is weak, if the
ENGINE START/STOP button is
pressed, the indicator will blink and you
are not able to start the engine.
However, you are able to start the
engine by inserting the smart key in
the smart key holder. If the smart key
system related parts have a problem,
the indicator will blink.
D150318ATD
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 (if equipped).

Features of your vehicle
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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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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.

455
Features of your vehicle
Low Fuel!
This warning 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 on or
with the fuel level below "E" can cause
the engine to misfire and damage the
catalytic converter (if equipped).
Key is not in vehicle
If the smart key is not in the vehicle and
if any door is opened or closed with the
ENGINE START/STOP button in the ACC,
ON, or START position, the warning illu-
minates on the LCD display. Also, the
chime sounds for 5 seconds when the
smart key is not in the vehicle and the
door is closed.
Always have the smart key with you. Key is not detected
If the smart key is not in the vehicle or is
not detected and you press the ENGINE
START/STOP button, the warning illumi-
nates on the LCD display for 10 seconds.
Also, the immobilizer indicator and the
key holder light blinks for 10 seconds.
Low key battery
If the ENGINE START/STOP button is
pressed to the OFF position when the
smart key in the vehicle discharges, the
warning illuminates on the LCD display
for about 10 seconds.
Replace the battery with a new one.
Press brake pedal to start engine
If the ENGINE START/STOP button is
pressed to the ACC position twice by
pressing the button repeatedly without
depressing the brake pedal, the warning
illuminates on the LCD display for about
10 seconds to indicate that you should
depress the brake pedal to start the
engine.
Shift to "P" position
If you try to turn off the engine without the
shift lever in the P (Park) position, the
ENGINE START/STOP button will change
to the ACC position. If the button is
pressed once more it will change to the
ON position. The warning illuminates on
the LCD display for about 10 seconds to
indicate that you should press the ENGINE
START/ STOP button with the shift lever
in the P (Park) position to turn off the
engine.

517
Driving your vehicle
R (Reverse)
Use this position to drive the vehicle
backward.
N (Neutral)
The wheels and transaxle are not
engaged. The vehicle will roll freely even
on the slightest incline unless the parking
brake or service brakes are applied.D (Drive)
This is the normal forward driving posi-
tion. The transaxle will automatically shift
through a 6-gear sequence, providing the
best fuel economy and power.
For extra power when passing another
vehicle or climbing grades, depress the
accelerator fully, at which time the
transaxle will automatically downshift to
the next lower gear.
✽ ✽
NOTICE
Always come to a complete stop before
shifting into D (Drive).
WARNING
Shifting into P (Park) while the
vehicle is in motion will cause the
drive wheels to lock which will
cause you to lose control of the
vehicle.
Do not use the P (Park) position in place of the parking brake.
Always make sure the shift lever
is latched in the P (Park) position
and set the parking brake fully.
Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle.
CAUTION
The transaxle may be damaged ifyou shift into P (Park) while the vehicle is in motion.
CAUTION
Always come to a complete stopbefore shifting into or out of R (Reverse); you may damage thetransaxle if you shift into R(Reverse) while the vehicle is inmotion, except when “Rocking theVehicle” explained in this section.

537
Driving your vehicle
E100000AHM-EC
Your vehicle's fuel economy depends
mainly on your style of driving, where you
drive and when you drive.
Each of these factors affects how many
kilometers (miles) you can get from a
liter (gallon) of fuel. To operate your vehi-
cle as economically as possible, use the
following driving suggestions to help
save money in both fuel and repairs:
Drive smoothly. Accelerate at a moder-ate rate. Don't make "jack-rabbit" starts
or full-throttle shifts and maintain a
steady cruising speed. Don't race
between stoplights. Try to adjust your
speed to the traffic so you don't have to
change speeds unnecessarily. Avoid
heavy traffic whenever possible.
Always maintain a safe distance from
other vehicles so you can avoid unnec-
essary braking. This also reduces
brake wear.
Drive at a moderate speed. The faster you drive, the more fuel your vehicle
uses. Driving at a moderate speed,
especially on the highway, is one of the
most effective ways to reduce fuel con-
sumption. Don't "ride" the brake pedal. This can
increase fuel consumption and also
increase wear on these components.
In addition, driving with your foot rest-
ing on the brake pedal may cause the
brakes to overheat, which reduces
their effectiveness and may lead to
more serious consequences.
Take care of your tires. Keep them inflated to the recommended pressure.
Incorrect inflation, either too much or
too little, results in unnecessary tire
wear. Check the tire pressures at least
once a month.
Be sure that the wheels are aligned correctly. Improper alignment can
result from hitting curbs or driving too
fast over irregular surfaces. Poor align-
ment causes faster tire wear and may
also result in other problems as well as
greater fuel consumption. Keep your vehicle in good condition.
For better fuel economy and reduced
maintenance costs, maintain your vehi-
cle in accordance with the mainte-
nance schedule in section 7. If you
drive your vehicle in severe conditions,
more frequent maintenance is required
(see section 7 for details).
Keep your vehicle clean. For maximum service, your vehicle should be kept
clean and free of corrosive materials. It
is especially important that mud, dirt,
ice, etc. not be allowed to accumulate
on the underside of the vehicle. This
extra weight can result in increased
fuel consumption and also contribute
to corrosion.
Travel lightly. Don't carry unnecessary weight in your vehicle. Weight reduces
fuel economy.
Don't let the engine idle longer than necessary. If you are waiting (and not
in traffic), turn off your engine and
restart only when you're ready to go.
ECONOMICAL OPERATION

Driving your vehicle
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Remember, your vehicle does not
require extended warm-up. After the
engine has started, allow the engine to
run for 10 to 20 seconds prior to plac-
ing the vehicle in gear. In very cold
weather, however, give your engine a
slightly longer warm-up period.
Don't "lug" or "over-rev" the engine. Lugging is driving too slowly in a very
high gear resulting in engine bucking. If
this happens, shift to a lower gear.
Over-revving is racing the engine
beyond its safe limit. This can be avoid-
ed by shifting at the recommended
speed. Use your air conditioning sparingly.
The air conditioning system is operat-
ed by engine power so your fuel econ-
omy is reduced when you use it.
Open windows at high speeds can reduce fuel economy.
Fuel economy is less in crosswinds and headwinds. To help offset some of
this loss, slow down when driving in
these conditions.
Keeping a vehicle in good operating con-
dition is important both for economy and
safety. Therefore, have an authorized KIA
dealer perform scheduled inspections
and maintenance.
WARNING - Engine off dur- ing motion
Never turn the engine off to coast
down hills or anytime the vehicle is
in motion. The power steering and
power brakes will not function
properly without the engine run-
ning. Instead, keep the engine on
and downshift to an appropriate
gear for engine braking effect. In
addition, turning off the ignition
while driving could engage the
steering wheel lock resulting in
loss of vehicle steering which
could cause serious injury or
death.