Warnings and indicators

Warning lights / audible indicators Checking operation
All warning lights are checked by turning the ignition switch ON (do not start the engine). Any light that does not illuminate should be checked by an authorized Kia dealer.

After starting the engine, check to make sure that all warning lights are off. If any are still on, this indicates a situation that needs attention. When releasing the parking brake, the brake system warning light should go off. The fuel warning light will stay on if the fuel level is low.

Anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light (if
equipped)
This light illuminates if the key is turned to ON and goes off in approximately 3 seconds if the system is operating normally.

If the light stays on, you may have a problem with your ABS. Contact an authorized Kia dealer as soon as possible.

Electronic brake force
distribution (EBD) system warning
(if equipped)
If ABS and BRAKE warning lights illuminate at the same time while driving, your vehicle has a problem with ABS and EBD system.

In this case, your ABS and regular brake system may not work normally. Have the vehicle checked by an authorized Kia dealer as soon as possible.

WARNING - Brake indicators If the both ABS and Brake warning lights are ON and stay ON, your vehicle’s brake system will not work normally. You may experience an unexpected and dangerous situation during sudden braking. In this case, avoid high speed driving and abrupt braking. Have your vehicle checked by authorized Kia dealer as soon as possible.

Engine oil pressure
warning
This warning light indicates the engine oil pressure is low.

If the warning light illuminates while driving: 1. Drive safely to the side of the road and stop.

2. With the engine off, check the engine oil level. If the level is low, add oil as required.

If the warning light remains on after adding oil or if oil is not available, call an authorized Kia dealer.

NOTICE
If the engine is not stopped immediately, severe damage could result.

Engine temperature
warning light
This warning light shows the temperature of the engine coolant when the ignition switch is ON.

Red warning light illuminates if the temperature of the engine coolant is above 123±3°C (253±5.5°F).

Do not continue driving with an overheated engine. If your vehicle overheats, refer to “Overheating” in the Index.

NOTICE
If the red engine temperature warning light illuminates, it indicates overheating that may damage the engine.

Charging system
warning
This warning light indicates a malfunction of either the generator or electrical charging system.

If the warning light comes on while the vehicle is in motion:
1. Drive to the nearest safe location.

2. With the engine off, check the generator drive belt for looseness or breakage.

3. If the belt is adjusted properly, a problem exists somewhere in the electrical charging system. Have an authorized Kia dealer correct the problem as soon as possible.

Safety belt warning
As a reminder to the driver and passenger, safety belt warning light will blink for approximately 6 seconds each time you turn the ignition switch ON.

If the driver's lap/shoulder belt is not fastened when the key is turned ON or if it is disconnected after the key is turned ON, the safety belt warning light will blink for approximately 6 seconds.

If the driver’s lap/shoulder belt is not fastened within 30 seconds after the engine is started, the safety belt warning light will blink for 6 seconds. This cycle will repeat 11 times with an interval of 24 seconds between cycles.

If the system does not operate as described, see an authorized Kia dealer for assistance.

Shift pattern indicators (if equipped)
The individual indicators illuminate to show the automatic transaxle shift lever selection.

Immobilizer indicator
(if equipped)
This light illuminates when the immobilizer key is inserted and turned to the ON position to start the engine.

If this light turns off or blinks when the ignition switch is in the ON position before starting the engine, have the system checked by an authorized Kia Dealer.

O/D OFF Indicator
(if equipped)
This indicator comes on when the O/D system is deactivated.

Parking brake & brake fluid warning
Parking brake warning
This light is illuminated when the parking brake is applied with the ignition switch in the START or ON position. The warning light should go off when the parking brake is released.

Low brake fluid level warning If the warning light remains on, it may indicate that the brake fluid level in the reservoir is low.

If the warning light remains on: 1. Drive carefully to the nearest safe location and stop your vehicle.

2. With the engine stopped, check the brake fluid level immediately and add fluid as required. Then check all brake components for fluid leaks.

3. Do not drive the vehicle if leaks are found, the warning light remains on or the brakes do not operate properly.

Have it towed to any authorized Kia dealer for a brake system inspection and necessary repairs.

To check bulb operation, check whether the parking brake and brake fluid warning light illuminates when the ignition switch is in the ON position.

WARNING
Driving the vehicle with a brake warning light on is dangerous. If the brake warning light remains on, have the brakes checked and repaired immediately by an authorized Kia dealer.

Trunk lid open
warning (if equipped)
This warning light activates when the trunk is not closed securely.

Door ajar warning
This warning light illuminates when a door is not closed securely.

Low fuel level
warning
This warning light indicates the fuel tank is nearly empty. The warning light will come on when the fuel level has dropped to about 5.5~6.5 liters (1.5~1.7 gallons).

Refuel as soon as possible.

Headlight high beam
indicator
This indicator illuminates when the headlights are on and in the high beam position or when the turn signal lever is pulled into the Flash-to-Pass position.

Air bag warning
(if equipped)
This warning light will blink or illuminate for approximately 6 seconds each time you turn the ignition switch to the ON position.

If this indicator does not go out, or if it illuminates while the vehicle is being driven, see an authorized Kia dealer for immediate service.

Check fuel filler cap
warning
This warning light indicates the fuel filler cap is not tight securely.

Always make sure that the fuel filler cap is tight.

Malfunction indicator
(if equipped)
This indicator light is part of the Engine Control System which monitors various emission control system components. If this light illuminates while driving, it indicates that a potential problem has been detected somewhere in the emission control system.

Generally, your vehicle will continue to be drivable and will not need towing, but have the system checked by an authorized Kia dealer as soon as possible

CAUTION
• Prolonged driving with the Emission Control System
Malfunction Indicator Lamp ( ) illuminated may cause damage to the emission control systems which could effect drivability and/or fuel economy.

• If the Emission Control System Malfunction Indicator Light ( ) begins to flash ON and OFF, potential catalytic converter damage is possible which could result in loss of engine power. Have the Engine Control System inspected as soon as possible by an authorized Kia dealer.

ECO indicator
(if equipped)
The ECO indicator is displayed to help you improve fuel efficiency when you are driving.

• The ECO indicator (green) will turn on when you drive fuel efficiently in the ECO ON mode. If you don't want the indicator displayed, you can turn the ECO ON mode to OFF mode by pressing the TRIP button.

• When the instant fuel consumption mode (if equipped) is displayed on the LCD display or the system is not working properly, the indicator turns off. If the indicator turns off when the instant fuel consumption mode is not selected, have the system checked by an authorized KIA dealer as soon as possible.

• The fuel efficiency depends on the driver's driving habit and road condition.

• The system stops operating when the transaxle is in the P (Park), R (Reverse), N (Neutral) position or when the instant fuel consumption mode is selected.

WARNING
Don't keep watching the indicator while driving. It will distract you and cause an accident that results in severe personal injury.

Cruise indicators (if equipped) CRUISE indicator
The indicator illuminates when the cruise control system is enabled.

The cruise indicator in the instrument cluster is illuminated when the cruise control ON-OFF switch on the steering wheel is pushed.

The indicator goes off when the cruise control ON-OFF switch is pushed again.

For more information about the use of cruise control, refer to “Cruise control system” in section 4.

Cruise SET indicator
The indicator illuminates when the cruise function switch (SET - or RES +) is ON.

The cruise SET indicator in the instrument cluster is illuminated when the cruise control switch (SET - or RES +) is pushed.

The cruise SET indicator does not illuminate when the cruise control switch (CANCEL) is pushed or the system is disengaged.

Manual transaxle shift
indicator (if equipped)
This indicator informs you which gear is desired while driving to save fuel.

For example
: Indicates that shifting up to the 3rd gear is desired (currently the shift lever is in the 2nd gear).

: Indicates that shifting down to the 3rd gear is desired (currently the shift lever is in the 4th gear).

NOTICE
When the system is not working properly, up & down arrow indicator will blink (Gear is not displayed).

(if equipped)
If the driver's seat belt is not fastened when the ignition key is turned “ON” or if it is disconnected after the key is turn ON, the safety belt warning chime will sound for approximately 6 seconds.

If the driver’s lap/shoulder belt is not fastened within 30 seconds after the engine is started, the safety belt warning chime will sound for 6 seconds. This cycle will repeat 11 times with an interval of 24 seconds between cycles.

Key reminder warning chime (if equipped)
If the driver’s door is opened and the ignition key is left in the ignition switch in the LOCK or ACC position, the key reminder warning chime will sound. This is to prevent you from locking your keys in the vehicle.

    See also:

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    Power steering
    Checking the power steering fluid level With the vehicle on level ground, check the fluid level in the power steering reservoir periodically. The fluid should be between MAX and MIN marks on t ...

    Your vehicle at a glance
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