2014 KIA Soul fuel cap

13
Introduction
Your new Kia vehicle is designed to
use only unleaded fuel having a
pump octane number ((R+M)/2) of
87 (Research Octane Number 91) or
higher.
Your new vehicle is designed to
obtain maximum performance with
UNLEADED FUEL, as well as mini-
mize exhaust emissions and spark
plug fouling.
Never add any fuel system cleaning
agents to the fuel tank other than
what has been specified. (Consult an
authorized Kia dealer for details.)
✽ ✽

NOTICE
Tighten the cap until it clicks one
time, otherwise the fuel cap open
warning indicator light (or LCD
display) will illuminate.
Gasoline containing alcohol and
methanol
Gasohol, a mixture of gasoline and
ethanol (also known as grain alcohol),
and gasoline or gasohol containing
methanol (also known as wood alco-
hol) are being marketed along with or
instead of leaded or unleaded gaso-
line.
Pursuant to EPA regulations, ethanol
may be used in your vehicle. Do not
use gasohol containing more than
10% ethanol, and do not use gasoline
or gasohol containing any methanol.
Ethanol provides less energy than
gasoline and it attracts water, and it is
thus likely to reduce your fuel efficien-
cy and could lower your MPG results.
Methanol may cause drivability prob-
lems and damage to the fuel system.
Discontinue using gasohol of anykind
if drivability problems occur. Vehicle
damage or drivability problems may
not be covered by the manufacturer's
warranty if they result from the use of:
1. Gasoline or gasohol containing methanol.
2. Leaded fuel or leaded gasohol.
FUEL REQUIREMENTS
WARNING - Refueling
• Do not "top off" after the noz- zle automatically shuts off.
Attempts to force more fuel
into the tank can cause fuel
overflow onto you and the
ground causing a risk of fire.
Always check that the fuel cap is installed securely to pre-
vent fuel spillage, especially
in the event of an accident.

Features of your vehicle
34
4
Opening the fuel filler lid
The fuel filler lid must be opened
from inside the vehicle by pulling up
the fuel filler lid opener.
If the fuel filler lid does not open
because ice has formed around it,
tap lightly or push on the lid to break
the ice and release the lid. Do not pry
on the lid. If necessary, spray around
the lid with an approved de-icer fluid
(do not use radiator anti-freeze) or
move the vehicle to a warm place
and allow the ice to melt. 1. Stop the engine.
2. To open the fuel filler lid, push the
fuel filler lid opener button.
3. Pull open the fuel filler lid (1).
4. To remove the cap, turn the fuel filler cap (2) counterclockwise.
5. Refuel as needed.
Closing the fuel filler lid
1. To install the cap, turn it clockwise until it “clicks” once. This indicates
that the cap is securely tightened.
2. Close the fuel filler lid and push it in lightly making sure that it is
securely closed.
✽ ✽NOTICE
There may be an intermittent noise
near the refueling hole while the
engine is idling if the fuel cap is not
closed securely. This occurs normal-
ly with the OBD system.
✽ ✽NOTICE
When refueling fully at an up hill,
the fuel gauge may not point to the F
position.
It is not a malfunction. If you move
your vehicle to a level ground, the fuel
gauge will move to the full position.
FUEL FILLER LID
OPS043027
OPS043026

435
Features of your vehicle
(Continued)
Do not get back into a vehicleonce you have begun refuel-
ing since you can generate
static electricity by touching,
rubbing or sliding against any
item or fabric (polyester, satin,
nylon, etc.) capable of produc-
ing static electricity. Static
electricity discharge can
ignite fuel vapors resulting in
rapid burning. If you must re-
enter the vehicle, you should
once again eliminate poten-
tially dangerous static elec-
tricity discharge by touching a
metal part of the vehicle, away
from the fuel filler neck, noz-
zle or other gasoline source.
(Continued)WARNING - Refueling
dangers
Automotive fuels are flammable
materials. When refueling, please
note the following guidelines
carefully. Failure to follow these
guidelines may result in severe
personal injury, severe burns or
death by fire or explosion.
Read and follow all warnings posted at the gas station facil-
ity.
Before refueling, note the location of the Emergency
Gasoline Shut-Off, if available,
at the gas station facility.
Before touching the fuel noz- zle, you should eliminate
potentially dangerous static
electricity discharge by touch-
ing another metal part of the
vehicle, a safe distance away
from the fuel filler neck, noz-
zle, or other gas source.
(Continued)WARNING - Refueling
If pressurized fuel sprays out, it can cover your clothes or
skin and subject you to the
risk of fire and burns. Always
remove the fuel cap carefully
and slowly. If the cap is vent-
ing fuel or if you hear a hiss-
ing sound, wait until the con-
dition stops before complete-
ly removing the cap.
Do not "top off" after the noz- zle automatically shuts off
when refueling.
Tighten the cap until it clicks once, otherwise the fuel cap
open warning indicator
light will illuminate
Always check that the fuel cap is installed securely to pre-
vent fuel spillage in the event
of an accident.

Features of your vehicle
36
4
(Continued)
When using an approved
portable fuel container, be
sure to place the container on
the ground prior to refueling.
Static electricity discharge
from the container can ignite
fuel vapors causing a fire.
Once refueling has begun,
contact with the vehicle
should be maintained until the
filling is complete.
Use only approved portable
plastic fuel containers
designed to carry and store
gasoline.
Do not use cellular phones while refueling. Electric cur-
rent and/or electronic interfer-
ence from cellular phones can
potentially ignite fuel vapors
causing a fire.
(Continued)(Continued)
When refueling, always shutthe engine off. Sparks pro-
duced by electrical compo-
nents related to the engine
can ignite fuel vapors causing
a fire. Once refueling is com-
plete, check to make sure the
filler cap and filler door are
securely closed, before start-
ing the engine.
DO NOT use matches or a lighter and DO NOT SMOKE or
leave a lit cigarette in your
vehicle while at a gas station
especially during refueling.
Automotive fuel is highly
flammable and can, when
ignited, result in fire.
If a fire breaks out during refu- eling, leave the vicinity of the
vehicle, and immediately con-
tact the manager of the gas
station and then contact the
local fire department or 911.
Follow any safety instructions
they provide.CAUTION
Make sure to refuel your vehi- cle according to the “Fuelrequirements” suggested inchapter 1.
If the fuel filler cap requires replacement, use only a gen-uine Kia cap or the equivalentspecified for your vehicle. Anincorrect fuel filler cap canresult in a serious malfunctionof the fuel system or emissioncontrol system.
Do not spill fuel on the exterior surfaces of the vehicle. Anytype of fuel spilled on paintedsurfaces may damage the paint.
After refueling, make sure the fuel cap is installed securelyto prevent fuel spillage in theevent of an accident.

Features of your vehicle
58
4
Fuel Gauge
This gauge indicates the approxi-
mate amount of fuel remaining in the
fuel tank.
✽ ✽
NOTICE
• The fuel tank capacity is given in
chapter 8.
• The fuel gauge is supplemented by a low fuel warning light, which
will illuminate when the fuel tank
is nearly empty.
• On inclines or curves, the fuel gauge pointer may fluctuate or the
low fuel warning light may come
on earlier than usual due to the
movement of fuel in the tank.
✽ ✽ NOTICE
Fuel display may not be accurate if
you are filling in sloping places.
OPS043110
OPS043111
■Type A
■ Type B
WARNING - Fuel Gauge
Running out of fuel can expose
vehicle occupants to danger.
You must stop and obtain addi-
tional fuel as soon as possible
after the warning light comes
on or when the gauge indicator
comes close to the “E (Empty)”
level.
CAUTION
Avoid driving with a extremely low fuel level. Running out offuel could cause the engine tomisfire damaging the catalyticconverter.

483
Features of your vehicle
Fuel cap open warningindicator (if equipped)
This warning light illuminates:
When the fuel filler cap is not tight- en securely.
Always make sure that the fuel
filler cap is tight.
Indicator Lights
Electronic Stability
Control (ESC) IndicatorLight
This indicator light illuminates:
Once you set the ignition switch or Engine Start/Stop Button to the ON
position.
- It illuminates for approximately 3seconds and then goes off.
When there is a malfunction with the ESC system.
In this case, have your vehicle
inspected by an authorized Kia
dealer. This indicator light blinks:
While the ESC is operating.
For more details, refer to “Electronic
Stability Control (ESC)” in chapter 5.

Driving your vehicle
66
5
Certification label
The certification label is located on
the driver's door sill at the center pil-
lar.
This label shows the maximum
allowable weight of the fully loaded
vehicle. This is called the GVWR
(Gross Vehicle Weight Rating). The
GVWR includes the weight of the
vehicle, all occupants, fuel and
cargo.
This label also tells you the maxi-
mum weight that can be supported
by the front and rear axles, called
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR).
To find out the actual loads on your
front and rear axles, you need to go
to a weigh station and weigh your
vehicle. Your dealer can help you with
this. Be sure to spread out your load
equally on both sides of the center-
line. The label will help you decide how
much cargo and installed equipment
your vehicle can carry.
If you carry items inside your vehicle
- like suitcases, tools, packages, or
anything else - they are moving as
fast as the vehicle. If you have to stop
or turn quickly, or if there is a crash,
the items will keep going and can
cause an injury if they strike the driv-
er or a passenger.WARNING- Over
loading
Never exceed the GVWR for
your vehicle, the GAWR for
either the front or rear axle
and vehicle capacity weight.
Exceeding these ratings can
cause an accident or vehicle
damage. You can calculate the
weight of your load by weigh-
ing the items (or people)
before putting them in the
vehicle. Be careful not to over-
load your vehicle.
(Continued)
(Continued)
Do not load your vehicle anyheavier than the GVWR, either
the maximum front or rear
GAWR and vehicle capacity
weight. If you do, parts,
including tires on your vehicle
can break, and it can change
the way your vehicle handles
and braking ability. This could
cause you to lose control and
crash. Also, overloading can
shorten the life of your vehi-
cle.

This section will guide you in the
proper loading of your vehicle and/or
trailer, to keep your loaded vehicle
weight within its design rating capa-
bility, with or without a trailer.
Properly loading your vehicle will
provide maximum return of the vehi-
cle design performance. Before load-
ing your vehicle, familiarize yourself
with the following terms for determin-
ing your vehicle's weight ratings, with
or without a trailer, from the vehicle's
specifications and the certification
label:
Base curb weight
This is the weight of the vehicle
including a full tank of fuel and all
standard equipment. It does not
include passengers, cargo, or option-
al equipment.
Vehicle curb weight
This is the weight of your new vehicle
when you picked it up from your deal-
er plus any aftermarket equipment.
Cargo weight
This figure includes all weight added
to the Base Curb Weight, including
cargo and optional equipment.
GAW (Gross axle weight)
This is the total weight placed on
each axle (front and rear) - including
vehicle curb weight and all payload.
GAWR
(Gross axle weight rating)
This is the maximum allowable
weight that can be carried by a single
axle (front or rear). These numbers
are shown on the certification label.
The total load on each axle must
never exceed its GAWR.
GVW (Gross vehicle weight)
This is the Base Curb Weight plus
actual Cargo Weight plus passen-
gers.
GVWR
(Gross vehicle weight rating)
This is the maximum allowable
weight of the fully loaded vehicle
(including all options, equipment,
passengers and cargo). The GVWR
is shown on the certification label
located on the driver’s door sill.
VEHICLE WEIGHT GLOSSARY
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Driving your vehicle