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7-30
Maintenance
Cooling system
Check cooling system components,
such as radiator, coolant reservoir,
hoses and connections for leakage
and damage. Replace any damaged
parts.
Coolant
The coolant should be changed at
the intervals specified in the mainte-
nance schedule.
Automatic transaxle fluid
Automatic transaxle fluid should not
be checked under normal usage
conditions.
But in severe conditions, the fluid
should be changed at an authorized
Kia Premium dealer in accordance to
the scheduled maintenance at the
beginning of this chapter.
✽NOTICE
Automatic transaxle fluid color is
basically red.
As the vehicle is driven, the auto-
matic transaxle fluid will begin to
look darker.
This is normal condition and you
should not judge the need to replace
the fluid based upon the changed
color.
The use of a non-specified fluid
could result in transmission
malfunction and failure.
Use only specified automatic
transmission fluid. (Refer to
“Recommended lubricants and
capacities” in section 8.)
CAUTION
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7-34
Maintenance
ENGINE COOLANT
The high-pressure cooling system
has a reservoir filled with year-round
antifreeze coolant. The reservoir is
filled at the factory.
Check the antifreeze protection and
coolant level at least once a year, at
the beginning of the winter season,
and before traveling to a colder cli-
mate. Checking the coolant level Turn the engine off and wait until itcools down. Use extreme care
when removing the radiator cap.
Wrap a thick towel around it, and
turn it counterclockwise slowly to
the first stop. Step back while the
pressure is released from the cool-
ing system.
When you are sure all the pressure
has been released, press down on
the cap, using a thick towel, and
continue turning counterclockwise
to remove it.
Even if the engine is not operating, do not remove the radiator cap or
the drain plug while the engine and
radiator are hot. Hot coolant and
steam may still blow out under
pressure, causing serious injury.
Removing radia-
tor cap
Never attempt to remove the
radiator cap while the engine is
operating or hot. Doing so
might lead to cooling system
and engine damage and could
result in serious personal injury
from escaping hot coolant or
steam.
WARNING
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Maintenance
7
7-35
Check the condition and connections
of all cooling system hoses and
heater hoses. Replace any swollen
or deteriorated hoses.
The coolant level should be filled
between F and L marks on the side
of the coolant reservoir when the
engine is cool.If the coolant level is low, add enough
distilled (deionized) water. Bring the
level to F, but do not overfill. If fre-
quent additions are required, see an
authorized Kia Premium dealer for a
cooling system inspection.
Cooling fan
Use caution when
working near the
blade of the cooling
fan. The electric
motor (cooling fan) is
controlled by engine coolant
temperature, refrigerant pres-
sure and vehicle speed. it may
sometimes operate even when
the engine is not running. If
your vehicle is equipped with
GDI, the electric motor (cooling
fan) may operate until you dis-
connect the negative battery
cable.
WARNING
OKH075004N
OKH075087N
■ 3.8L
■ 5.0L
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Maintenance
7
7-37
Changing the coolant
Have coolant changed by an author-
ized Kia Premium dealer according
to the Maintenance Schedule at the
beginning of this section.
Put a thick cloth around the radiator
cap before refilling the coolant in
order to prevent the coolant from
overflowing into engine parts such as
the generator.
Radiator cap
Do not remove the radiator cap
when the engine and radiator
are hot. Scalding hot coolant
and steam may blow out under
pressure causing serious injury.
WARNING
Coolant
Do not use radiator coolant orantifreeze in the washer fluid
reservoir.
Radiator coolant can severely obscure visibility when
sprayed on the windshield
and may cause loss of vehicle
control or damage to paint
and body trim.
WARNING
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7-40
Maintenance
WASHER FLUID
Checking the washer fluid
level
The reservoir is translucent so that
you can check the level with a quick
visual inspection.
Check the fluid level in the washer
fluid reservoir and add fluid if neces-
sary. Plain water may be used if
washer fluid is not available.
However, use washer solvent with
antifreeze characteristics in cold cli-
mates to prevent freezing.
Coolant
Do not use radiator coolant orantifreeze in the washer fluid
reservoir.
Radiator coolant can severely obscure visibility when
sprayed on the windshield
and may cause loss of vehicle
control or damage to paint
and body trim.
WARNING
OKH075008N
Windshield fluid
Do not drink the windshield
washer fluid. The windshield
washer fluid is poisonous to
humans and animals.
WARNING
Flammable fluid
Do not allow the washer fluid to
come in contact with open
flames or sparks. The wind-
shield washer fluid is flamma-
ble under certain circum-
stances. This can result in a fire.
WARNING
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