2012 KIA Sportage check engine

Features of your vehicle
34
4
Electric power steering
Power steering uses the motor to assist
you in steering the vehicle. If the engine
is off or if the power steering system
becomes inoperative, the vehicle may
still be steered, but it will require
increased steering effort.
The motor driven power steering is con-
trolled by the power steering control unit
which senses the steering wheel torque
and vehicle speed to command the
motor.
The steering wheel becomes heavier as
the vehicle’s speed increases and
becomes lighter as the vehicle’s speed
decreases for better control of the steer-
ing wheel.
Should you notice any change in the
effort required to steer during normal
vehicle operation, have the power steer-
ing checked by an authorized Kia dealer.
✽ ✽
NOTICE
The following symptoms may occur dur-
ing normal vehicle operation:
• The EPS warning light does not illu-
minate.
• The steering effort is high immediate- ly after turning the ignition switch on.
This happens as the system performs
the EPS system diagnostics. When the
diagnostics is completed, the steering
wheel will return to its normal condi-
tion.
• A click noise may be heard from the EPS relay after the ignition switch is
turned to the ON or LOCK position.
• Motor noise may be heard when the vehicle is at a stop or at a low driving
speed.
• The steering effort can suddenly increase, if the operation of the EPS
system is stopped to prevent serious
accidents when it detects malfunction
of the EPS system by self-diagnosis.
• The steering effort increases if the steering wheel is rotated continuously
when the vehicle is not in motion.
However, after a few minutes, it will
return to its normal conditions.
• When you operate the steering wheel in low temperature, abnormal noise
could occur. If temperature rises, the
noise will disappear. This is a normal
condition.
STEERING WHEEL
CAUTION
If the EPS system does not operate
normally, the warning light will illu-minate on the instrument cluster. The steering wheel may becomedifficult to control or operate abnor-mally. Take your vehicle to an authorized Kia dealer and have thevehicle checked as soon as possi- ble.

Features of your vehicle
52
4
Outside thermometer (if equipped)
This mode indicates the outside temper-
ature around the vehicle.
The meter's working range is from -40°C
to 80°C (-40°F to 176°F).
To change the outside temperature dis-
play unit (°C ↔
°F), press the RESET
button more than 1 second in this mode.
The outside temperature on the display may not change immediately like a
general thermometer to prevent the
driver from being inattentive. ECOMINDERTM INDICATOR
ECO ON/OFF mode (if equipped)
You can turn the ECOMINDER
TMindica-
tor (which is identified on your instrument
dashboard by the “ECO” name) on/off on
the instrument cluster in this mode.
If you push the RESET button more than
1 second in the ECOMINDER
TM indicator
ECO ON mode, then ECO OFF is dis-
played in the screen and the ECO indica-
tor turns off.
If you want to display the ECOMINDER
TM
indicator ECO again, press the RESET
button more than 1 second in the ECO
OFF mode and then ECO ON mode is
displayed in the screen.
When you press the TRIP button in the
ECO mode, the mode is changed to trip
meter.
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.
OSL040208C
Type A Type BOSL040209L
Type A
Type B

455
Features of your vehicle
D150305AHM
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,
it indicates a malfunction in the turn sig-
nal system. You should consult your deal-
er for repairs.
D150306AUN
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.
D150309AUN
Front fog light indicator (if equipped)
This indicator illuminates when the front
fog lights are on.
D150331ABH
Tail light indicator
(if equipped)
This indicator illuminates when the tail
lights are on.
D150307AHM
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 engine is not stopped imme- diately after the engine oil pressurewarning light is illuminated, severedamage could result.
CAUTION
If the oil pressure warning lightstays 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 vehicle 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 thevehicle is driven again.

Features of your vehicle
56
4
D150308AHM-EE
Parking brake & brake
fluid warning 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 after a few seconds
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
vehicle. Also, the vehicle 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 vehicle 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.
D150312AAM
Shift pattern indicator
(if equipped)
This indicator displays which automatic
transaxle shift position is selected.
Manual transaxle shift indicator (if equipped)
This indicator informs you which gear is
desired while driving to save fuel.
For example
: Indicates that shifting up to the 3rdgear is desired (currently the shift
lever is in the 2nd gear).
: Indicates that shifting down to the 3rd gear is desired (currently the
shift lever is in the 4th gear).
✽ ✽ NOTICE
When the system is not working proper-
ly, up & down arrow indicator and Gear
are not displayed.
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.
P
■Type A■Type B

457
Features of your vehicle
D150313AHM
Charging system warninglight
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.
D150315AUN
Tailgate open warning light
This warning light illuminates when the
tailgate is not closed securely 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.
D150318AHM
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.
Electric power steering(EPS) system warning light
This indicator light comes on after the
ignition key is turned to the ON position
and then it will go out after the engine is
started.
This light also comes on when the EPS
has some troubles. If it comes on while
driving, have your vehicle inspected by
an authorized Kia dealer.
EPS

Features of your vehicle
58
4
Immobilizer indicator
(if equipped)
With smart key system
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, if the ENGINE START/STOP button is in
the ACC or ON position, the indicator
will illuminate for approximately 30
seconds to indicate 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 seconds to indicate that you are
not be able to start the engine.
If the indicator illuminates only for 2 seconds and goes out when the
ENGINE START/STOP button is
turned to ON position with the smart
key in the vehicle, have the system
checked by an authorized Kia dealer.
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. Also, if the smart
key system related parts have a prob-
lem, the indicator will blink.
D150320AHM-EU-U1
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 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.
CAUTION
If the Emission Control SystemMalfunction Indicator Light illumi-nates, potential catalytic converterdamage is possible. This could result in loss of engine power. Havethe Engine Control System inspect- ed as soon as possible by anauthorized Kia dealer.
CAUTION
Prolonged driving with the Emission Control System MalfunctionIndicator Light illuminated may cause damage to the emission con-trol systems which could effect dri-vability and/or fuel economy.

Features of your vehicle
60
4
D150325AAM
Cruise indicators (if equipped)
CRUISE indicator
The indicator illuminates when the cruise
control system is enabled.
The cruise indicator in the instrument
cluster is illuminated when the cruise
control ON-OFF switch on the steering
wheel is pushed.
The indicator goes off when the cruise
control ON-OFF switch is pushed again.
For more information about the use of
cruise control, refer to “Cruise control
system” in section 5.
Cruise SET indicator
The indicator illuminates when the cruise
function switch (SET - or RES +) is ON.
The cruise SET indicator in the instru-
ment cluster is illuminated when the
cruise control switch (SET - or RES +) is
pushed.
The cruise SET indicator does not illumi-
nate when the cruise control switch
(CANCEL) is pushed or the system is
disengaged.
D150327AUN
Key reminder warning chime
(if equipped)
If the driver’s door is opened while the
ignition key is left in the ignition switch
(ACC or LOCK position), the key
reminder warning chime will sound. This
is to prevent you from locking your keys
in the vehicle. The chime sounds until the
key is removed from the ignition switch or
the driver’s door is closed.
KEY OUT indicator (if equipped)
When the ENGINE START/STOP button
is 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 indicator will blink, and if all doors are
closed, the chime will also sound for
about 5 seconds. The indicator will go off
while the vehicle is moving. Keep the
smart key in the vehicle or insert it in the
smart key holder.
4WD system warning light(if equipped)
When the ignition switch is turned to the
ON position, the 4WD indicator will illu-
minate and then go off in a few seconds.
If the 4WD system warning light
illuminates, this indicates that there is a
malfunction in the 4WD system. If this
occurs, have your vehicle checked by an
authorized Kia dealer as soon as possi-
ble.
SET
CRUISE
KEY
OUT

Features of your vehicle
62
4
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.
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 turn to
the ACC position. If the button is pressed
once more it will turn 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.
Also, the warning chime sounds for about
10 seconds. (if equipped)
Check stop lamp fuse
When the stop lamp fuse is disconnect-
ed, the warning illuminates for 10 sec-
onds on the LCD display.
Replace the fuse with a new one. If that
is not possible you can start the engine
by pressing the engine start/stop button
for 10 seconds with the engine start/stop
button in ACC. 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 nor-
mally or the theft alarm system is armed.
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 the 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.
Low washer liquid
This warning light indicates the washer
fluid reservoir is near empty. Refill the
washer fluid as soon as possible.