2012 KIA Optima Hybrid check engine light

What to do in an emergency
46
IF THE ENGINE WILL NOT START
If the engine doesn't turn over orturns over slowly
1. If your vehicle has an automatic transaxle, be sure the shift lever is in N
(Neutral) or P (Park) and the emer-
gency brake is set.
2. Check the battery connections to be sure they are clean and tight.
3. Turn on the interior light. If the light dims or goes out when you operate the
starter, the battery is discharged.
4. Check the starter connections to be sure they are securely tightened.
5. Do not push or pull the vehicle to start it. See instructions for "Jump starting".
If engine turns over normally butdoes not start
1. Check fuel level.
2. With the ignition switch in the LOCK position, check all connectors at the
ignition coil and spark plugs.
Reconnect any that may be discon-
nected or loose.
3. Check the fuel line in the engine com- partment.
4. If the engine still does not start, call an authorized Kia dealer or seek other
qualified assistance.
WARNING - Push/pull start
Do not push or pull the vehicle to
start it. Push or pull starting may
cause the catalytic converter to
overload and create a fire hazard.

75
Maintenance
OWNER MAINTENANCE
The following lists are vehicle checks and
inspections that should be performed by
the owner or an authorized Kia dealer at
the frequencies indicated to help ensure
safe, dependable operation of your vehi-
cle.
Any adverse conditions should be
brought to the attention of your dealer as
soon as possible.
These Owner Maintenance Checks are
generally not covered by warranties and
you may be charged for labor, parts and
lubricants used.Owner maintenance schedule
When you stop for fuel:
Check the engine oil level.
Check the coolant level in coolantreservoir.
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 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).
Check inverter coolant.
WARNING - Hot coolant
Be careful when checking your
engine or inverter coolant level
when the engine is hot. Scalding
hot coolant and steam may blow
out under pressure.

Maintenance
67
At 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.
At 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.
At 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 automatic transaxle linkage and controls.
Clean the battery and terminals.
Check the brake fluid level.
Check the drive belt.

737
Maintenance
Battery recharging
Your vehicle has a maintenance-free,
calcium-based battery.
If the battery becomes discharged in ashort time (because, for example, the
headlights or interior lights were left on
while the vehicle was not in use),
recharge it by slow charging (trickle)
for 10 hours.
If the battery gradually discharges because of high electric load while the
vehicle is being used, recharge it at 20-
30A for two hours. When recharging the battery, observe
the following precautions:
The battery must be removed from the
vehicle and placed in an area with
good ventilation.
Watch the battery during charging, and stop or reduce the charging rate if the
battery cells begin gassing (boiling)
violently or if the temperature of the
electrolyte of any cell exceeds 49°C
(120°F).
Wear eye protection when checking the battery during charging.
Disconnect the battery charger in the following order.
1. Turn off the battery charger main switch.
2. Unhook the negative clamp from the negative battery terminal.
3. Unhook the positive clamp from the positive battery terminal.
Before performing maintenance or recharging the battery, turn off all
accessories and stop the engine.
The negative battery cable must be removed first and installed last when
the battery is disconnected.
Reset items
Items should be reset after the battery
has been discharged or the battery has
been disconnected.
Auto down window (See section 4)
Sunroof (See section 4)
Trip computer (See section 4)
Climate control system (See section 4)
Clock (See section 4)
Audio (See section 4)

751
Maintenance
FUSES
A vehicle’s electrical system is protected
from electrical overload damage by
fuses.
This vehicle has 2 fuse panels, one locat-
ed in the driver’s side panel bolster, the
other in the engine compartment near
the battery.
If any of your vehicle’s lights, acces-
sories, or controls do not work, check the
appropriate circuit fuse. If a fuse has
blown, the element inside the fuse will
melt.
If the electrical system does not work,
first check the driver’s side fuse panel.
Always replace a blown fuse with one of
the same rating.
If the replacement fuse blows, this indi-
cates an electrical problem. Avoid using
the system involved and immediately
consult an authorized Kia dealer.
Three kinds of fuses are used: blade typefor lower amperage rating, cartridge type,and multi fuse for higher amperage rat-ings.
✽ ✽ NOTICE
The actual fuse/relay panel label may
differ from equipped items.
WARNING - Fuse replace-
ment
Never replace a fuse with any-
thing but another fuse of the
same rating.
A higher capacity fuse could cause damage and possibly a
fire.
Never install a wire or aluminum foil instead of the proper fuse -
even as a temporary repair. It may
cause extensive wiring damage
and a possible fire.
CAUTION - Fuse
replacement
Do not use a screwdriver or anyother metal object to remove fuses because it may cause a short circuitand damage the system.
OLM079051N
Normal
Normal
Blade type
Cartridge type
Multi fuse
Main fuse Blown
Blown
Normal Blown
Normal Blown

Maintenance
52
7
Instrument panel fuse replacement
1. Turn the ignition switch and all other
switches off.
2. Open the fuse panel cover. 3. Pull the suspected fuse straight out.
Use the removal tool provided in the
engine compartment fuse panel.
4. Check the removed fuse; replace it if it is blown.
5. Push in a new fuse of the same rating, and make sure it fits tightly in the clips.
If it fits loosely, consult an authorized Kia
dealer.
If you do not have a spare, use a fuse of the same rating from a circuit you maynot need for operating the vehicle, suchas the cigar lighter fuse.
If the headlights or other electrical com-
ponents do not work and the fuses are
OK, check the fuse block in the engine
compartment. If a fuse is blown, it must
be replaced.
Memory fuse
Your vehicle is equipped with a memory
fuse to prevent battery discharge if your
vehicle is parked without being operated
for prolonged periods. Use the following
procedures before parking the vehicle for
prolonged periods.
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Turn off the headlights and tail lights.
3. Open the driver’s side panel cover and pull up the memory fuse.
OTF070019
OTF070017
OTF070018

753
Maintenance
✽
✽NOTICE
• If the memory fuse is pulled up from
the fuse panel, the warning chime,
audio, clock and interior lamps, etc.,
will not operate. Some items must be
reset after replacement. Refer to
“Battery” in this section.
• Even when the memory fuse is pulled up, the battery can still be discharged
by operation of the headlights or other
electrical devices.
Engine compartment panel fuse
replacement
1. Turn the ignition switch and all other switches off.
2. Remove the fuse box cover by press- ing the tap and pulling up the cover.
3. Check the removed fuse; replace it if it is blown. To remove or insert the fuse,
use the fuse puller in the engine com-
partment fuse panel.
4. Push in a new fuse of the same rating, and make sure it fits tightly in the clips.
If it fits loosely, consult an authorized
Kia dealer.
CAUTION - Fuse panel
covers
After checking the fuse panel in theengine compartment, securely install the fuse panel cover to pre-vent electrical failures which mayoccur from water leaking in.
OTF070020

H6Starting the Hybrid System
1. Carry the smart key into the vehicle.
2. Make sure the parking brake is firmly
applied.
3. Place the shift lever in the P(Park) position.
In N (neutral) position, you can not
start the vehicle.
4. Depress the brake pedal.
5. Press the engine start/stop button.
6. The engine should be started without pressing the accelerator. In extremely
cold weather or after the vehicle has
not been operated fro several days, let
the engine warm up without depress-
ing the accelerator.
• Even if the smart key is in the vehicle,if it is far away from you, the engine
may not start.
in the ACC or ON position, if any door
is open, the system checks for the
smart key. If the smart key is not in
the vehicle, the warning, "Key is not
in vehicle" will come on, and if all
doors are closed, the chime will also
sound for about 5 seconds. The indi-
cator will turn off while the vehicle is
moving. Keep the smart key in the
vehicle when using the ACC position
or if the vehicle engine is on.
If the starting procedure is followed,
the "READY" symbol on the instru-
ment cluster will turn on. For more
details, Please check chapter 5.
ECONOMICAL and SAFE OPERA-
TION of Hybrid system
Drive smoothly. Accelerate at a mod- erate rate and maintain a steady cruis-
ing speed. Don't make "jack-rabbit"
starts. Don't race between stoplights.
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.
The regenerative brake generates energy when the vehicle decelerates.
When the hybrid battery power is low, the hybrid system automatically
recharges the hybrid battery.
When the engine runs in "N" position, the hybrid system cannot generate
electricity. The hybrid battery cannot
recharge in "N" position. Please refer
to chapter 5.
STARTING THE HYBRID VEHICLE (SMART KEY)