2020 KIA FORTE maintenance

Maintenance
22
7
Vacuum crankcase ventilation
hoses
Inspect the surface of hoses for evi-
dence of heat and/or mechanical
damage. Hard and brittle rubber,
cracking, tears, cuts, abrasions, and
excessive swelling indicate deterio-
ration.
Pay particular attention to the hose
surfaces nearest to high heat
sources, such as the exhaust mani-
fold.
Inspect the hose routing to assure
that the hoses do not come in con-
tact with any heat source, sharp
edges or moving component which
might cause heat damage or
mechanical wear. Inspect all hose
connections, such as clamps and
couplings, to make sure they are
secure, and that no leaks are pres-
ent. Hoses should be replaced
immediately if there is any evidence
of deterioration or damage.
Air cleaner filter
A Genuine Kia air cleaner filter is rec-
ommended when the filter is replaced.
Spark plugs
Make sure to install new spark plugs
of the correct heat range.
Cooling system
Check the cooling system compo-
nents, such as the 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.
Dual clutch transmission fluid
(if equipped)
Inspect the dual clutch transmission
fluid according to the maintenance
schedule.
Intelligent Variable
Transmission (IVT) fluid
The Intelligent Variable Transmission
(IVT) fluid should not be checked
under normal usage conditions.
But in severe conditions, the fluid
should be changed at an authorized
Kia dealer in accordance to the
scheduled maintenance at the begin-
ning of this chapter.
(Refer to the “Maintenance Under
Severe Usage Conditions” section in
Chapter 7.)
✽ ✽
NOTICE
The Intelligent Variable
Transmission (IVT) fluid color is
amber.
As the vehicle is driven, the
Intelligent Variable Transmission
(IVT) fluid will begin to look darker.
This is normal, and you should not
judge the need to replace the fluid
based upon the changed color.

723
Maintenance
Manual transmission fluid
(if equipped)
Inspect the manual transmission
fluid according to the maintenance
schedule.
Brake hoses and lines
Visually check for proper installation,
chafing, cracks, deterioration and
any leakage. Replace any deteriorat-
ed or damaged parts immediately.CAUTION
Use only specified IntelligentVariable Transmission (IVT)fluid. The use of non-specifiedfluid (even marked as compati-ble with genuine) could resultin shift quality deteriorationand vibrations, and eventually,transmission failure. (Refer tothe “Recommended lubricantsand capacities” section inChapter 8.)
OBD078066

Maintenance
24
7
Brake fluid
Check the brake fluid level in the
brake fluid reservoir. The level should
be between the “MIN” and “MAX”
marks on the side of the reservoir.
Use only hydraulic brake fluid con-
forming to DOT 3 or DOT 4 specifi-
cation.
Parking brake
Inspect the parking brake system
including the parking brake lever and
cables.
Brake discs, pads, calipers
and rotors
Check the pads and discs for exces-
sive wear and calipers for fluid leak-
age.
Exhaust pipe and muffler
Visually inspect the exhaust pipes,
muffler and hangers for cracks, dete-
rioration, or damage. Start the
engine and listen carefully for any
exhaust gas leakage. Tighten con-
nections or replace parts as neces-
sary.
Suspension mounting bolts
Check the suspension connections
for looseness or damage. Retighten
to the specified torque.

725
Maintenance
CHECKING FLUID LEVELS
Steering gear box, linkage &
boots/lower arm ball joint
With the vehicle stopped and engine
off, check for excessive free-play in
the steering wheel.
Check the linkage for bends or dam-
age. Check the dust boots and ball
joints for deterioration, cracks, or
damage. Replace any damaged
parts.
Drive shafts and boots
Check the drive shafts, boots and
clamps for cracks, deterioration, or
damage. Replace any damaged
parts and, if necessary, repack the
grease.
Air conditioning refrigerant
Check the air conditioning lines and
connections for leakage and damage.When checking engine oil, engine
coolant, brake fluid, and washer fluid,
always be sure to clean the area
around any filler plug, drain plug, or
dipstick before checking or draining
any lubricant or fluid. This is espe-
cially important in dusty or sandy
areas and when the vehicle is used
on unpaved roads. Cleaning the plug
and dipstick areas will prevent dirt
and grit from entering the engine and
other mechanisms that could be
damaged.

Maintenance
26
7
ENGINE OIL
Checking the engine oil level
1. Be sure the vehicle is on level
ground. 2. Start the engine and allow it to
reach normal operating tempera-
ture.
3. Turn the engine off and wait for a few minutes (about 5 minutes) for
the oil to return to the oil pan.
4. Pull the dipstick out, wipe it clean, and reinsert it fully.
5. Pull the dipstick out again and check the level. The level should
be between F and L.
If it is near or at L, add enough oil to
bring the level to F.Do not overfill.
CAUTION - Replacing
engine oil
Do not overfill the engine oil. It
may damage the engine.
WARNING- Radiator hose
Be very careful not to touch the
radiator hose when checking or
adding the engine oil as it may
be hot enough to burn you.
OBD078103L
■Nu 2.0L MPI Engine (Gasoline)
OBD078124L
■Gamma 1.6L T-GDI Engine (Gasoline)
OBD078105L
■Nu 2.0L MPI Engine (Gasoline)
OBD078125L
■Gamma 1.6L T-GDI Engine (Gasoline)

727
Maintenance
Use a funnel to help prevent oil
from being spilled on engine com-
ponents.
Use only the specified engine oil.(Refer to the “Recommended lubri-cants and capacities” section inChapter 8.)
Changing the engine oil and
filter
Have engine oil and filter changed by
an authorized Kia dealer according
to the Maintenance Schedule at the
beginning of this chapter.
WARNING- Used engine
oil
Used engine oil may cause irri-
tation or cancer of the skin if
left in contact with the skin for
prolonged periods of time.
Always protect your skin by
washing your hands thoroughly
with soap and warm water as
soon as possible after handling
used oil.

Maintenance
28
7
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 it
cools 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.
WARNING
Removing radiator
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.

729
Maintenance
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
specified coolant to provide protec-
tion against freezing and corrosion.
Bring the level to F, but do not over-
fill. If frequent additions are required,
see an authorized Kia dealer for a
cooling system inspection.
✽ ✽
NOTICE
Make sure the coolant cap is proper-
ly closed after refilling the coolant.
Otherwise the engine could be over-
heated while driving.
WARNING- 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.
OBD078005
■Nu 2.0L MPI Engine (Gasoline)
OCD078009
■Gamma 1.6L TGDI Engine (Gasoline)