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Maintenance
16
7
Severe driving conditions
A - Repeatedly driving short distances of less than 5 miles (8
km) in normal temperature or less than 10 miles (16 km) in
freezing temperature
B - Extensive engine idling or low speed driving for long dis- tances
C - Driving on rough, dusty, muddy, unpaved, graveled or salt- spread roads
D - Driving in areas using salt or other corrosive materials or in very cold weather E - Driving in heavy dust conditions
F - Driving in heavy traffic areas
G- Driving on uphill, downhill, or mountain roads repeatedly
H - Towing a Trailer, or using a camper, or roof rack
I - Driving as a patrol car, taxi, other commercial use or vehicle
towing
J - Driving over 106 mph (170 km/h)
K - Frequently driving in stop-and-go conditions
MAINTENANCE ITEMMAINTENANCE OPERATIONMAINTENANCE INTERVALSDRIVING
CONDITION
Drive shafts and bootsIMore frequentlyC, D, E, F, G, H, I, J
Differential oil (rear)REvery 72,000 miles (120,000 km)C, E, G, H, I, J
Differential oil (front) (AWD)REvery 72,000 miles (120,000 km)C, E, G, H, I, J
Climate control air filter
(for evaporator and blower unit)RMore frequentlyC, E, G
Propeller shaftIMore frequentlyC, E
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717
Maintenance
EXPLANATION OF SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE ITEMS
Engine oil and filter
The engine oil and filter should be
changed at the intervals specified in
the maintenance schedule. If the
vehicle is being driven in severe con-
ditions, more frequent oil and filter
changes are required.
Drive belts
Inspect all drive belts for evidence of
cuts, cracks, excessive wear or oil
saturation, and replace if necessary.
Drive belts should be checked peri-
odically for proper tension and
adjusted as necessary.
Fuel filter (for gasoline)
This gasoline powered vehicle is
equipped with a lifetime fuel filter that
is integrated with the fuel tank.
Regular maintenance or replace-
ment is not needed; however, the
quality of fuel used may impact the
frequency of maintenance needed. If
there are any fuel related problems
like fuel flow restriction, surging, loss
of power, hard starting problem, etc.,
fuel filter inspection or replacement
may be needed.
The fuel filter can be inspected or
replaced by an authorized K900 Kia
dealer.
Fuel lines, fuel hoses and con-
nections
Check the fuel lines, fuel hoses and
connections for leakage and dam-
age. Have an authorized K900 Kia
dealer replace any damaged or leak-
ing parts immediately.
Vapor hose and fuel filler cap
The vapor hose and fuel filler cap
should be inspected at the intervals
specified in the maintenance sched-
ule. Make sure that a new vapor hose
or fuel filler cap is installed correctly.
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Maintenance
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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.
Valve clearance (if equipped)
Inspect for excessive valve noise
and/or engine vibration and adjust if
necessary. An authorized K900 Kia
dealer should perform this procedure.
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.
Automatic transmission fluid
Automatic transmission fluid should
not be checked under normal usage
conditions.
But in severe conditions, the fluid
should be changed at an authorized
K900 Kia dealer in accordance to the
scheduled maintenance at the begin-
ning of this chapter.
✽ ✽
NOTICE
Automatic transmission fluid color
is usually red.
As the vehicle is driven, the auto-
matic transmission 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.
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Maintenance
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7
Parking brake
Inspect the parking brake system
including the parking brake pedal
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.
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.
CHECKING FLUID LEVELS
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721
Maintenance
ENGINE OIL
Checking the engine oil level
1. Be sure the vehicle is on levelground.
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.
CAUTION - Replacing
engine oil
Do not overfill the engine oil. Itmay 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.
ORJ078004
■Lambda II 3.3L T-GDI Engine (Gasoline)
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Maintenance
22
7
If it is near or at L, add enough oil to
bring the level to F. Do not overfill.
Use a funnel to help prevent oil
from being spilled on engine com-
ponents.
Use only the specified engine oil. (Refer to “Recommended lubricantsand capacities” in chapter 8.)
Changing the engine oil and
filter
Have engine oil and filter changed by
an authorized K900 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.
ORJ078005
■Lambda II 3.3L T-GDI Engine (Gasoline)
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723
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.
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 bodily injury
from escaping hot coolant or
steam.
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Maintenance
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7
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 K900 Kia dealer
for a cooling system inspection.
Recommended engine coolant
When adding coolant, use only
deionized water or soft water for
your vehicle and never mix hard
water in the coolant filled at the fac-
tory. An improper coolant mixture
can result in serious malfunction or
engine damage.
The engine in your vehicle has alu- minum engine parts and must be
protected by an ethylene-glycol
with phosphate based coolant to
prevent corrosion and freezing.
Do not use alcohol or methanol coolant or mix them with the spec-
ified coolant.
Do not use a solution that contains more than 60% antifreeze or less
than 35% antifreeze. This would
reduce the effectiveness of the
solution.
ORJ078006
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.