
Introduction
21
HOW TO  USE THIS  MANUAL
We want to help you get the greatest
possible driving pleasure from your
vehicle. Your Owner’s Manual can
assist you in many ways. We strong-
ly recommend that you read the
entire manual. In order to minimize
the chance of death or injury, you
must read the WARNING and CAU-
TION sections in the manual.
Illustrations complement the words
in this manual to best explain how to
enjoy your vehicle. By reading your
manual, you will learn about fea-
tures, important safety information,
and driving tips under various road
conditions.
The general layout of the manual is
provided in the Table of Contents.
Use the index when looking for a
specific area or subject; it has an
alphabetical listing of all information
in your manual.
Sections: This manual has nine sec-
tions plus an index. Each section
begins with a brief list of contents so
you can tell at a glance if that section
has the information you want.You will find various WARNINGs,
CAUTIONs, and NOTICEs in this
manual. These WARNINGs were pre-
pared to enhance your personal safe-
ty. You should carefully read and follow
ALL procedures and recommenda-
tions provided in these WARNINGs,
CAUTIONs and NOTICEs.
✽ 
NOTICE
A NOTICE indicates interesting or
helpful information is being provided.
Your new vehicle is designed to use
only unleaded fuel having a pump
octane number ((R+M)/2) of 87
(Research Octane Number 91) or
higher. (Do not use methanol blend-
ed fuels.)
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.)
• Tighten the cap until it clicks one
time, otherwise the Check Engine light will illuminate.
WARNING
A WARNING indicates a situa-
tion in which harm, serious bod-
ily injury or death could result if
the warning is ignored.
CAUTION
A CAUTION indicates a situationin which damage to your vehiclecould result if the caution isignored.
FUEL REQUIREMENTS 

Features of your vehicle
504
WARNING- Cell phonefires
Do not use cellular phones
while refueling. Electric current
and/or electronic interference
from cellular phones can poten-
tially ignite fuel vapors causing
a fire.
WARNING- Smoking
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.
WARNING- Refueling & Vehicle fires
When refueling, always shut the
engine off. Sparks produced by
electrical components related
to the engine can ignite fuel
vapors causing a fire. Once
refueling is complete, check to
make sure the filler cap and
filler door are securely closed,
before starting the engine.
WARNING- Portable fuel container
When using an approved portable
fuel container, be sure to place
the container on the ground prior
to refueling. Static electricity dis-
charge from the container can
ignite fuel vapors causing a fire.
Once refueling has begun, con-
tact with the vehicle should be
maintained until the filling is com-
plete. Use only approved portable
plastic fuel containers designed
to carry and store gasoline.WARNING- Static  electricity
• 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.
• Do not get back into a vehicle once you have begun refueling
since you can generate static
electricity by touching, rubbing
or sliding against any item or
fabric (polyester, satin, nylon,
etc.) capable of producing stat-
ic electricity. Static electricity
discharge can ignite fuel
vapors resulting in rapid burn-
ing. If you must reenter the
vehicle, you should once again
eliminate potentially danger-
ous static electricity discharge
by touching a metal part of the
vehicle, away from the fuel filler
neck, nozzle or other gasoline
source. 

5
• Change to "winter weight" oil if necessary . . . . . . 5-159
• Check spark plugs and ignition system. . . . . . . . . . 5-159
• To keep locks from freezing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-159
• Use approved window washer anti-freeze in system. 5-159
• Don’t let your parking brake freeze . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-159
• Don't let ice and snow accumulate underneath . . . 5-159
• Carry emergency equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-160
Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-161
• Hitches  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
5-162
• Safety chains  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-162
• Trailer brakes  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-162
• Driving with a trailer   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-163
• Maintenance when trailer towing   . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-166
• If you do decide to pull a trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-167
• Tire and loading information label . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-169
Vehicle load limit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-169
• Certification label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-173
Vehicle weight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-174 

5 159
Driving your vehicle
Change to "winter weight" oil
if necessary
In some climates it is recommended
that a lower viscosity "winter weight"
oil be used during cold weather. See
chapter 9 for recommendations. If
you aren't sure what weight oil you
should use, consult an authorized
Kia dealer.
Check spark plugs and ignition
system
Inspect your spark plugs as
described in chapter 7 and replace
them if necessary. Also check all
ignition wiring and components to be
sure they are not cracked, worn or
damaged in any way.
To keep locks from freezing
To keep the locks from freezing,
squirt an approved de-icer fluid or
glycerine into the key opening. If a
lock is covered with ice, squirt it with
an approved de-icing fluid to remove
the ice. If the lock is frozen internally,
you may be able to thaw it out by
using a heated key. Handle the heat-
ed key with care to avoid injury.
Use approved window washer
anti-freeze in system
To keep the water in the window
washer system from freezing, add an
approved window washer anti-freeze
solution in accordance with instruc-
tions on the container. Window wash-
er anti-freeze is available from an
authorized Kia dealer and most auto
parts outlets. Do not use engine
coolant or other types of anti-freeze
as these may damage the paint fin-
ish.
Don’t let your parking brake
freeze
Under some conditions your parking
brake can freeze in the engaged
position. This is most likely to happen
when there is an accumulation of
snow or ice around or near the rear
brakes or if the brakes are wet. If
there is a risk the parking brake may
freeze, apply it only temporarily while
you put the gear shift lever in P
(Park, Automatic Transmission) and
block the rear wheels so the vehicle
cannot roll. Then release the parking
brake.
Don't let ice and snow accu-
mulate underneath
Under some conditions, snow and
ice can build up under the fenders
and interfere with the steering. When
driving in severe winter conditions
where this may happen, you should
periodically check underneath the
vehicle to be sure the movement of
the front wheels and the steering
components are not obstructed. 

What to do in an emergency
46
IF THE ENGINE WILL NOT START
If engine doesn't turn over or
turns over slowly
1. Be sure the shift lever is in N(Neutral) or P (Park) and the
emergency brake is set.
2. Check the battery connections to be sure they are clean and tight.
3. Turn on the interior light. If the light dims or goes out when you oper-
ate the starter, the battery is dis-
charged.
4. Check the starter connections to be sure they are securely tight-
ened.
5. Do not push or pull the vehicle to start it. See instructions for "Jump
starting".
If engine turns over normally
but does not start
1. Check the fuel level.
2. With the ignition switch in theLOCK position, check all connec-
tors at the ignition coils and spark
plugs. Reconnect any that may be
disconnected or loose.
3. Check the fuel line in the engine compartment.
4. If the engine still does not start, call an authorized Kia dealer or
seek other qualified assistance.
WARNING - Push/
pull start
Do not push or pull the vehicle
to start it. Push or pull starting
may cause the catalytic con-
verter to overload and create a
fire hazard. 

65
What to do in an emergency
EMERGENCY STARTING
Connect cables in numerical order
and disconnect in reverse order.
Jump starting
Jump starting can be dangerous if
done incorrectly. Therefore, to avoid
harm to yourself or damage to your
vehicle or battery, follow these jump
starting procedures. If in doubt, we
strongly recommend that you have a
competent technician or towing serv-
ice jump start your vehicle.
CAUTION - Push/pull start
to 12 Volt Battery
Use only a 12-volt jumper sys- tem. You can damage a 12-voltstarting motor, ignition system,and other electrical partsbeyond repair by use of a 24-volt power supply (either two12-volt batteries in series or a24-volt motor generator set).
WARNING- Battery
Never attempt to check the elec-
trolyte level of the battery as
this may cause the battery to
rupture or explode.
OQL068043
WARNING- Frozen batteries
Do not attempt to jump start the
vehicle if the discharged battery
is frozen or if the electrolyte
level is low as the battery may
rupture or explode.
WARNING- Sulfuric acid risk
When jump starting your vehi-
cle, be careful not to get acid on
yourself, your clothing or on the
vehicle. Automobile batteries
contain sulfuric acid. This is poi-
sonous and highly corrosive.
WARNING- Battery
Keep all flames or sparks away
from the battery. The battery
produces hydrogen gas which
will explode if exposed to flame
or sparks. 

Maintenance
107
Normal Maintenance Schedule - Turbo Models
The following maintenance services must be performed to ensure good emission control and performance.
Keep receipts for all vehicle emission services to protect your warranty. Where both mileage and time are shown, the
frequency of service is determined by whichever occurs first.
Number of months or driving distance, whichever comes first
Months1224364860728496108120132144156168180
Miles×1,00061218243036424854606672788490
Km×1,000102030405060708090100110120130140150
Drive belts *1At first, inspect at 60,000 miles (100,000 km) or 72 months,
after that, inspect every 12,000 miles (20,000 km) or 24 months
Engine oil and engine oil
filterTheta II 2.0L T-GDIRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
Fuel additives *2Add every 6,000 miles (10,000 km) or 12 months
Air cleaner filter-I-R-I-R-I-R-I-
Spark plugsTheta II 2.0L T-GDIReplace every 45,000 miles (72,000 km) or 36 months
Valve clearance *3Theta II 2.0L T-GDIInspect every 60,000 miles (100,000 km) or 72 months
I : Inspect and if necessary, adjust, correct, clean or replace.
R : Replace or change.
*
1: The drive belt should be replaced when cracks occur or tension is reduced.
*2: If TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline is not available, one bottle of additive is recommended. Additives are available from your authorized Kia dealer along with information on how to use them. Do not mix other additives.
*
3: Inspect for excessive valve noise and/or engine vibration and adjust if necessary. Have an authorized Kia dealer perform the operation.
MAINTENANCE INTERVALS
MAINTENANCE
ITEM 

Maintenance
147
Maintenance Under Severe Usage Conditions - Turbo Models
The following items must be serviced more frequently on cars normally used under severe driving conditions. Refer
to the chart below for the appropriate maintenance intervals.
R : Replace      I : Inspect and, after inspection, clean, adjust, repair or replace if neces\
sary
MAINTENANCE ITEMMAINTENANCEOPERATIONMAINTENANCE INTERVALSDRIVING 
CONDITION
Engine oil and engine oil filterTheta II 2.0L T-GDIREvery 3,000 miles (5,000 km) or 6 monthsA, B, C, D, E,
F, G, H, I, J, K
Air cleaner filterIMore frequentlyC, E
Spark plugs RMore frequentlyA, B, F, G, H, I, K
Automatic transmission fluidREvery 60,000 miles (100,000 km) A, C, E, F,  G, H, I, J
Front brake disc/pads, calipersIMore frequentlyC, D, E, G, H
Rear brake disc/padsIMore frequentlyC, D, E, G, H
Parking brakeIMore frequentlyC, D, G, H
Steering gear box, linkage & boots/
Lower arm ball joint, upper arm ball jointIMore frequentlyC, D, E, F, G