2012 KIA Sportage check engine light

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.

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, at
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 are
easily 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
Driving while distracted can result in
a loss of vehicle control, that may
lead to an accident, severe personal
injury, and death. The driver’s pri-
mary responsibility is in the safe and
legal operation of a vehicle, and use
of any handheld devices, other
equipment, or vehicle systems which
take the driver’s eyes, attention and
focus away from the safe operation
of a vehicle or which are not permis-
sible by law should never be used
during operation of the vehicle.
WARNING
Always check the surrounding
areas near your vehicle for people,
especially children, before putting a
car into D (Drive) or R (Reverse).
WARNING- Driving under
the influence of alcohol or
drugs
Drinking and driving is dangerous.
Drunk driving is the number one
contributor to the highway death
toll each year. Even a small amount
of alcohol will affect your reflexes,
perceptions and judgment. Driving
while under the influence of drugs
is as dangerous or more dangerous
than driving drunk.
You are much more likely to have a
serious accident if you drink or
take drugs and drive.
If you are drinking or taking drugs,
don’t drive. Do not ride with a driv-
er who has been drinking or taking
drugs. Choose a designated driver
or call a cab.

55
Driving your vehicle
E030202AHM
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.
E030205AHM
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
automatic transaxle, set the park-
ing brake fully and shut the engine
off. Unexpected and sudden vehi-
cle movement may occur if these
precautions are not taken.
(Continued)
(Continued)
Never reach for the ignition switch,or any other controls through the
steering wheel while the vehicle is
in motion. The presence of your
hand or arm in this area could
cause a loss of vehicle control, an
accident and serious bodily injury
or death.
Do not place any movable objects around the driver’s seat as they
may move while driving, interfere
with the driver and lead to an acci-
dent.

Driving your vehicle
85
ACC(Accessory)
• With automatic transaxle
Press the ENGINE START/STOP button
while it is in the OFF position without
depressing the brake pedal.
If the ENGINE START/STOP button is in
the ACC position for more than 1 hour,
the button is turned off automatically to
prevent battery discharge.
ON
• With automatic transaxle
Press the ENGINE START/STOP button
while it is in the ACC position without
depressing the brake pedal.
The warning lights can be checked
before the engine is started. Do not leave
the ENGINE START/STOP button in the
ON position for a long time. The battery
may discharge, because the engine is
not running.
START/RUN
• With automatic transaxle
To start the engine, depress the brake
pedal and press the ENGINE START/
STOP button with the shift lever in the P
(Park) or the N (Neutral) position. For
your safety, start the engine with the shift
lever in the P (Park) position.
✽ ✽

NOTICE
If you press the ENGINE START/STOP
button without depressing the brake
pedal for automatic transaxle vehicles,
the engine will not start and the ENGINE
START/STOP button changes as follow:
OFF ➔ ➔
ACC ➔
➔
ON ➔
➔
OFF or ACC
Orange indicatorGreen indicatorNot illuminated

521
Driving your vehicle
Engine power can be delivered to all front
and rear wheels for maximum traction.
4WD is useful when extra traction is
required on road, such as, when driving
on slippery, muddy, wet, or snow-covered
roads. These vehicles are not designed
for challenging off-road use. Occasional
off-road use such as established
unpaved roads and trails are OK. It is
always important when traveling off-high-
way that the driver carefully reduces the
speed to a level that does not exceed the
safe operating speed for those condi-
tions. In general, off-road conditions pro-
vide less traction and braking effective-
ness than normal road conditions. The
driver must be especially alert to avoid
driving on slopes which tilt the vehicle to
either side.
These factors must be carefully consid-
ered when driving off-road. Keeping the
vehicle in contact with the driving surface
and under control in these conditions is
always the driver's responsibility for the
safety of him/herself and his or her pas-
sengers.Tight corner brake effect
Tight corner brake effect is a unique
characteristic of four-wheel drive vehicles
caused by the difference in tire rotation at
the four wheels and the zero-degree
alignment of the front wheels and sus-
pension.
Sharp turns at low speeds should be car-
ried out with caution.
FOUR WHEEL DRIVE (4WD) (IF EQUIPPED)
WARNING- Off road driving
This vehicle is designed primarily
for on road use although it can oper-
ate effectively off road. However, it
was not designed to drive in chal-
lenging off-road conditions. Driving
in conditions that exceed the vehi-
cle's intended design or the driver's
experience level may result in
severe injury or death.
WARNING
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 deal-
er as soon as possible.
CAUTION - 4WD
When turning sharply on a pavedroad at low speed while in four-wheel drive, steering control will be difficult.