
Features of your vehicle
48
4
(Continued)
• When the charging system warning
light comes on due to low voltage
(when the alternator or battery
does not operate normally or mal-
function), the steering wheel may
require increased steering effort.Tilt and telescopic steering
Tilt and telescopic steering allows
you to adjust the steering wheel
before you drive. You can also raise it
to give your legs more space when
you get on or off the vehicle.
The steering wheel should be posi-
tioned so that it is comfortable for
you to drive, while permitting you to
see the instrument panel warning
lights and gauges. To change the steering wheel angle,
pull down the lock-release lever (1),
adjust the steering wheel to the
desired angle (2) and height (3) then
pull up the lock-release lever to lock
(4) the steering wheel in place. Be
sure to adjust the steering wheel to
the desired position before driving.
✽ ✽NOTICE
After adjustment, sometimes the
lock release lever may not lock the
steering wheel. It is not a malfunc-
tion. This occurs when two gears are
not engaged correctly. In this case,
adjust the steering wheel again and
then lock the steering wheel.
WARNING- Steering
wheel adjustment
Never adjust the angle and
height of the steering wheel
while driving. You may lose
steering control.
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4113
Features of your vehicle
This system will activate whenbacking up with the ignition switch
or ENGINE START/STOP button to
the ON position.
If the vehicle is moving at a speed
over 3 mph (5 km/h), the system
may not be activated correctly.
The sensing distance while the back-up warning system is in oper-
ation is approximately 48 in (120
cm) at the rear bumper center
area, 24 in (60 cm) at the rear
bumper both side area.
When more than two objects are sensed at the same time, the clos-
est one will be recognized first.
Types of warning sound
When an object is 24 in to 48 in (60cm to 120 cm) from the rear
bumper: Buzzer beeps intermit-
tently.
When an object is 12 in to 24 in (30 cm to 60 cm) from the rear
bumper: Buzzer beeps more fre-
quently.
When an object is within 12 in (30 cm) of the rear bumper:
Buzzer sounds continuously.
Non-operational conditions of
Reverse Parking Distance
Warning system
Reverse Parking Distance
Warning system may not operate
properly when:
1. Moisture is frozen to the sensor. (It will operate normally once the
moisture clears.
2. The sensor is covered with foreign matter, such as snow or water, or
the sensor cover is blocked. (It will
operate normally when the materi-
al is removed or the sensor is no
longer blocked.)
3. Driving on uneven road surfaces (unpaved roads, gravel, bumps,
gradient).
4. Objects generating excessive noise (vehicle horns, loud motor-
cycle engines, or truck air brakes)
are within range of the sensor.
5. Heavy rain or water spray exists.
6. Wireless transmitters or mobile phones are within range of the
sensor.
7. The sensor is covered with snow.
8. Trailer towing The detecting range may decrease
when:
1. The sensor is covered with foreign
matter such as snow or water.
(The sensing range will return to
normal when removed.)
2. Outside air temperature is extremely hot or cold.
The following objects may not be
recognized by the sensor:
1. Sharp or slim objects such as ropes, chains or small poles.
2. Objects which tend to absorb the sensor frequency such as clothes,
sound absorbent material or snow.
3. Undetectable objects smaller than 4 in (100 cm) in height and nar-
rower than 6 in (14 cm) in diame-
ter.

Features of your vehicle
114
4
Reverse Parking Distance
Warning system precautions
Reverse Parking Distance Warning
system may not sound consistently
depending on the speed and
shapes of the objects detected.
Reverse Parking Distance Warning system may malfunction if the vehi-
cle bumper height or sensor instal-
lation has been modified or dam-
aged. Any non-factory installed
equipment or accessories may also
interfere with the sensor perform-
ance.
The sensor may not recognize objects less than 12 in (30 cm)
from the sensor, or it may sense an
incorrect distance. Use caution.
When the sensor is frozen or cov- ered with snow, dirt, or water, the
sensor may be inoperative until the
material is removed using a soft
cloth.
To prevent damage, do not push, scratch or strike the sensor.
✽ ✽ NOTICE
This system can only sense objects
within the range and location of the
sensors. It cannot detect objects in
other areas where sensors are not
installed. Also, small or slim objects,
such as poles or objects located
between sensors may not be detected
by the sensors.
Always visually check behind the
vehicle when backing up.
Be sure to inform any drivers of the
vehicle that may be unfamiliar with
the system regarding the system's
capabilities and limitations.
Self-diagnosis
If you don’t hear an audible warning
sound or if the buzzer sounds inter-
mittently when shifting the gear to
the R (Reverse) position, this may
indicate a malfunction in Reverse
Parking Distance Warning system. If
this occurs, have your vehicle
checked by an authorized Kia dealer
as soon as possible.
✽ ✽NOTICE
Your new vehicle warranty does not
cover any accidents or damage to
the vehicle or injuries to its occu-
pants due to a Reverse Parking
Distance Warning system malfunc-
tion. Always drive safely and cau-
tiously.
![KIA NIRO PHEV 2020 Owners Manual Driving your vehicle
44
5
AUTO HOLD conditions not met.
Close door and hood
When you press the [AUTO HOLD]
switch, if the driver’s door, engine
hood are not closed, a warning will
sound and a messag KIA NIRO PHEV 2020 Owners Manual Driving your vehicle
44
5
AUTO HOLD conditions not met.
Close door and hood
When you press the [AUTO HOLD]
switch, if the driver’s door, engine
hood are not closed, a warning will
sound and a messag](/manual-img/2/55181/w960_55181-353.png)
Driving your vehicle
44
5
AUTO HOLD conditions not met.
Close door and hood
When you press the [AUTO HOLD]
switch, if the driver’s door, engine
hood are not closed, a warning will
sound and a message will appear on
the LCD display. At this moment,
press the [AUTO HOLD] button after
closing the driver’s door and hood.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
ABS (or ESC) will not prevent acci-
dents due to improper or dangerous
driving maneuvers. Even though
vehicle control is improved during
emergency braking, always maintain
a safe distance between you and
objects ahead. Vehicle speeds
should always be reduced during
extreme road conditions. The vehicle
should be driven at reduced speeds
in the following circumstances:
When driving on rough, gravel or snow-covered roads
When driving with tire chains installed
When driving on roads where the road surface is pitted or has differ-
ent surface heights.
Driving in these conditions increases
the stopping distance for your vehicle. The ABS continuously senses the
speed of the wheels. If the wheels
are going to lock, the ABS system
repeatedly modulates the hydraulic
brake pressure to the wheels.
When you apply your brakes under
conditions which may lock the
wheels, you may hear a “tik-tik’’
sound from the brakes, or feel a cor-
responding sensation in the brake
pedal. This is normal and it means
your ABS is active.
In order to obtain the maximum benefit
from your ABS in an emergency situa-
tion, do not attempt to modulate your
brake pressure and do not try to pump
your brakes. Press your brake pedal as
hard as possible to allow the ABS to
control the force being delivered to the
brakes.
✽ ✽
NOTICE
A click sound may be heard in the
engine compartment when the vehi-
cle begins to move after the engine is
started. These conditions are normal
and indicate that the anti-lock brake
system is functioning properly.
ODEP059313L

Driving your vehicle
84
5
It is difficult to detect and distin-
guish the pedestrian or cyclist from
other objects in the surroundings,
for example, when there is a group
of pedestrians, cyclists or a large
crowd
There is an item similar in shape or appearance to a person
The pedestrian or cyclist is below the sensor's viewing range
The sensor can not identify the pedestrian's outline because of
other items changing their profile,
such as mobility assistance devices
The front view camera or front radar is obstructed by a foreign
object or debris
Inclement weather such as heavy rain or snow obscures the field of
view of the radar sensor or camera
When light coming from a street light or an oncoming vehicle is
reflected on a wet road surface
such as a puddle in the road The field of view in front is
obstructed by sun glare
The windshield glass is fogged up; a clear view of the road is obstruct-
ed
The adverse road conditions cause excessive vehicle vibrations while
driving
When the pedestrian or cyclist suddenly enters the path of travel
of the vehicle
When the cyclist in front is riding perpendicular to the direction of
travel
When there is any electromagnetic interference
When the cyclist is near areas con- taining metal objects such as a
construction zone, railroad, etc.
If the bicycle material is not reflect- ed well on the radar
When a pedestrian or cyclist’s height is small.
When a pedestrian or cyclist’s behavior is unstable. When a pedestrian or cyclist sud-
denly interrupts in front of the vehi-
cle.
When there are many pedestrians or cyclists.
When there is an object that reflects radar well. (such as a
guardrail or a nearby vehicle)

5103
Driving your vehicle
After any dirt or debris is removed,
BCW should operate normally after
about 10 minutes of driving the vehi-
cle.
If the system still does not operate
normally, have your vehicle inspect-
ed by an authorized Kia dealer.Check Blind-Spot Collision Warning
system
If there is a problem with BCW sys-
tem, a warning message will appear
and the light on the switch will turn off.
The system will turn off automatically.
We recommend that you have your
vehicle inspected by an authorized Kia
dealer.Limitations of the system
The driver must be cautious in the
below situations, because the sys-
tem may not detect other vehicles or
objects in certain circumstances.
When a trailer or carrier is installed.
The vehicle drives in inclementweather such as heavy rain or
snow.
The sensor is polluted with rain, snow, mud, etc.
The rear bumper where the sensor is located is covered with a foreign
object such as a bumper sticker, a
bumper guard, a bike rack, etc.
The rear bumper is damaged, or the sensor is out of the original
default position.
The vehicle height gets lower or higher due to heavy loading in a
liftgate, abnormal tire pressure,
etc.
When the temperature of the rear bumper is high.
When the sensors are blocked by other vehicles, walls or parking-lot
pillars.
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Driving your vehicle
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5
The vehicle drives on a curved road.
The vehicle drives through a tollgate.
The road pavement (or the periph-
eral ground) abnormally contains
metallic components (i.e. possibly
due to subway construction).
There is a fixed object near the vehicle, such as a guardrail.
While going down or up a steep road where the height of the lane is
different.
Driving on a narrow road where trees or grass or overgrown.
Driving in rural areas where the sensor does not detect another
vehicle or structure for an extended
period of time.
Driving on a wet road.
Driving on a road where the guardrail or wall is in double structure.
A big vehicle is near such as a bus or truck.
When the other vehicle approach- es very close.
When the other vehicle passes at a very fast speed. While changing lanes.
If the vehicle has started at the
same time as the vehicle next to
you and has accelerated.
When the vehicle in the next lane moves two lanes away from you
OR when the vehicle two lanes
away moves to the next lane from
you.
A motorcycle or bicycle is near.
A flat trailer is near.
If there are small objects in the detecting area such as a shopping
cart or a baby stroller.
If there is a low height vehicle such as a sports car.
The brake pedal is depressed.
ESC (Electronic Stability Control) is activated.
ESC (Electronic Stability Control) malfunctions.
The tire pressure is low or a tire is damaged.
The brake is reworked. The vehicle abruptly changes driv-
ing direction.
The vehicle makes sharp lane changes.
The vehicle sharply stops.
Temperature is extremely low around the vehicle.
The vehicle severely vibrates while driving over a bumpy road,
uneven/bumpy road, or concrete
patch.
The vehicle drives on a slippery surface due to snow, water puddle,
or ice.
Lane Departure Warning system or Lane Keeping Assist system do not
operate normally.
For more information refer to “Lane
Keeping Assist (LKA)” in this chap-
ter.

Driving your vehicle
106
5
Driving on a slope
BCW system may not operate prop-
erly when driving on a slope. In cer-
tain instances the system may not
detect the vehicle in the next lane.
Also, in certain instances the system
may wrongly recognize the ground or
structures.
Always pay attention to road and
driving conditions, while driving. Driving where the heights of the
lanes are different
BCW system may not operate prop-
erly when driving where the heights
of the lanes are different.
In certain instances, the system may
not detect the vehicle on a road with
different lane heights (underpass
joining section, grade separated
intersections, etc.).
Always pay attention to road and
driving conditions, while driving.[A] : noise barrier, [B] : guardrail
Driving where there is a structure beside the road
BCW system may not operate prop-
erly when driving where there is
structure beside the road.
In certain instances, the system may
wrongly recognize the structures
(noise barriers, guardrail, double
guardrail, median strip, bollard,
street light, road sign, tunnel wall,
etc.) beside the road.
Always pay attention to road and
driving conditions, while driving.
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