Introduction
4 1
Other fuels
Using fuels that contain Silicone (Si),
MMT (Manganese, Mn), Ferrocene
(Fe), and Other metalic additives,
may cause vehicle and engine dam-
age or cause misfiring, poor acceler-
ation, engine stalling, catalyst melt-
ing, clogging, abnormal corrosion,
life cycle reduction, etc.
Also, the Malfunction Indicator Lamp
(MIL) may illuminate.
✽ ✽
NOTICE
Damage to the fuel system or per-
formance problem caused by the use
of these fuels may not be covered by
your New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
Gasoline containing MMT
Some gasoline contains harmful man-
ganese-based fuel additives Such as
MMT(Methylcyclopentadienyl
Manganese Tricarbonyl). Kia does not
recommend the use of gasoline con-
taining MMT. This type of fuel can
reduce vehicle performance and affect
your emission control system. The
Malfunction Indicator Lamp on the
cluster may come on.
Do not use methanol
Fuels containing methanol (wood alco-
hol) should not be used in your vehicle.
This type of fuel can reduce vehicle
performance and damage components
of the fuel system, engine control sys-
tem and emission control system.
Fuel Additives
Kia recommends that you use good
quality gasolines treated with deter-
gent additives such as TOP TIER
Detergent Gasoline, which help pre-
vent deposit formation in the engine.
These gasolines will help the engine
run cleaner and enhance performance
of the Emission Control System. For
more information on TOP TIER
Detergent Gasoline, please go to the
website (www.toptiergas.com)
For customers who do not use TOP
TIER Detergent Gasoline regularly,
and have problems starting or the
engine does not run smoothly, addi-
tives that you can buy separately may
be added to the gasoline.
If TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline is not
available, one bottle of additive should
be added to the fuel tank at every
7,500 miles (12,000 km) or every
engine oil change is recommended.
Additives are available from your
authorized Kia dealer along with infor-
mation on how to use them. Do not
mix other additives.
Driving your vehicle
42 5
LIMITED SLIP
DIFFERENTIAL (LSD)
(IF EQUIPPED)
Dynamometer testing
An AWD vehicle must be tested on a
special four wheel chassis
dynamometer.
An AWD vehicle should not be tested
on a 2WD roll tester. If a 2WD roll
tester must be used, perform the fol-
lowing procedure:1. Check the tire pressures recom-
mended for your vehicle.
2. Place the rear wheels on the roll
tester for a speedometer test as
shown in the illustration.
3. Release the parking brake.
4. Place the front wheels on the tem-
porary free roller as shown in the
illustration.Limited Slip Differential (LSD) refers
to a system equipped with a mecha-
nism that controls the differential
functions of the wheels in the Rear-
Differential. It allows for an enhance-
ment in handling performance during
turning.
Never run wheels with one of them
lifted by the jack. It is extremely dan-
gerous for a vehicle equipped with
Limited Slip Differential.
Be sure to inject oil for exclusive use
of LSD when replacing Rear
Differential (for LSD) Oil.
✽ ✽
NOTICE
There could be slight noises coming
from friction plates inside LSD
when the LSD-equipped vehicle is
turning around, but it is a normal
sound in the process of LSD opera-
tion and the noises don’t indicate
vehicle failure.
Oil change is highly recommended in
case that the sound becomes louder.
WARNING
Keep away from the front of the
vehicle while the vehicle is in
gear on the dynamometer. The
vehicle can jump forward and
cause serious injury or death.
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Driving your vehicle
146 5
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 8 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 finish.
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.
Maintenance
Engine compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3
Maintenance services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4
• Owner’s responsibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4
• Owner maintenance precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-5
Owner maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-7
• Owner maintenance schedule. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-7
Scheduled maintenance service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-9
Explanation of scheduled maintenance items . . . 7-16
Checking fluid levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-19
Engine oil. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-20
• Checking the engine oil level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-20
• Changing the engine oil and filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-21
Engine coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-22
• Checking the coolant level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-22
• Changing the coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-25
Brake fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-26
• Checking the brake fluid level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-26
Washer fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-27
• Checking the washer fluid level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-27
Parking brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-28
• Checking the parking brake. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-28
Air cleaner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-29
• Filter replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-29
Climate control air filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-30
• Filter inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-30
Wiper blades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-32
• Blade inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-32
• Blade replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-32
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-35
• Battery replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-35
• For best battery service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-35
• Recharging the battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-37
• Reset items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-38
Tires and wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-39
• Tire care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-39
• Recommended cold tire inflation pressures . . . . . . . 7-39
• Tire pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-40
• Checking tire inflation pressure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-40
• Tire rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-41
• Wheel alignment and tire balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-42
• Flat Spots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-43
• Tire replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-43
• Wheel replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-44
• Tire traction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-44
• Tire maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-44
• Tire sidewall labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-45
• Tire terminology and definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-48
• All season tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-51
7
Maintenance
10 7
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
Lambda II PE 3.3L
T- G D IRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
Fuel additives *2Add every 6,000 miles (10,000 km) or 12 months
Air cleaner filter-I-R-I-R-I-R-I-
Spark plugs
Theta II 2.0L T-GDIReplace every 42,000 miles (70,000 km)
Lambda II PE 3.3L
T- G D IReplace every 42,000 miles (70,000 km)
MAINTENANCE
INTERVALS
MAINTENANCE
ITEM
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.
713
Maintenance
Number of months or driving distance, whichever comes first
Months1224364860728496108120132144156168180
Miles×1,00061218243036424854606672788490
Km×1,000102030405060708090100110120130140150
Transfer case oil (AWD)No check, No service required
Vapor hose, fuel filler cap and fuel tankIIIIIII
Fuel tank air filter *4IIIIIII
Fuel lines, hoses and connectionsIII
Parking brakeIIIIIII
Brake fluidInspect every 6,000 miles (10,000 km) or 12 months,
Replace every 48,000 miles (80,000 km) or 48 months
MAINTENANCE INTERVALS
MAINTENANCE
ITEM
Normal Maintenance Schedule - Turbo Models
I : Inspect and if necessary, adjust, correct, clean or replace.
R : Replace or change.
*
4: Fuel tank air filter are considered to be maintenance free but periodic inspection is recommended for this maintenance sched- ule depends on fuel quality.
721
Maintenance
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 lubricants
and capacities” in chapter 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.
OCK077012
OCK077013
■THETA II 2.0L T-GDI (Gasoline engine)
■Lambda II PE 3.3L T-GDI (Gasoline engine)
WARNING - Used engine
oil
Used engine oil may cause irrita-
tion or cancer of the skin if left in
contact with the skin for pro-
longed 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
26
7
BRAKE FLUID
Checking the brake fluid level
Check the fluid level in the reservoir
periodically. The fluid level should be
between MAX (Maximum) and MIN
(Minimum) marks on the side of the
reservoir.
Before removing the reservoir cap
and adding brake fluid, clean the
area around the reservoir cap thor-
oughly to prevent brake fluid contam-
ination. Periodically check that the fluid level
in the brake fluid reservoir is
between MIN and MAX. The level will
fall with accumulated mileage. This is
a normal condition associated with
the wear of brake linings. If the fluid
level is excessively low, have the
brake system checked by an author-
ized Kia dealer.
Use only the specified brake fluid.
(Refer to “Recommended lubricantsand capacities” in chapter 8.)
Never mix different types of fluid.
In the event the brake system
requires frequent additions of fluid,
the vehicle should be inspected by
an authorized Kia dealer.
When changing and adding brake
fluid, handle it carefully. Do not let it
come in contact with your eyes. If
brake fluid should come in contact
with your eyes, immediately flush
them with a large quantity of fresh
tap water. Have your eyes examined
by a doctor as soon as possible.
Brake fluid, which has been exposed
to open air for an extended time
should never be used as its quality
cannot be guaranteed. It should be
disposed of properly.
CAUTION - Brake fluid
Do not allow brake fluid to con-tact the vehicle's body paint, aspaint damage will result.
CAUTION - Proper fluid
Only use brake fluid in brakesystem. Small amounts ofimproper fluids (such as engineoil) can cause damage to thebrake system.
OCK077019