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.
Engine temperature
warning light
The warning light indicates the temperature
of the engine coolant when
the ignition switch is ON.
The warning light illuminates if the temperature of the engine coolant is very hot above normal range.
Do not continue driving with an overheated engine. If your vehicle overheats, refer to "Overheating" in the index.
NOTICE
If the engine temperature warning
light illuminates, it indicates overheating
that may damage the
engine.
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 system.
Contact an authorized Kia dealer as soon as possible.
Electronic brake force
distribution (EBD)
system warning light
(if equipped)
If two warning lights illuminate
at the same time
while driving, your vehicle
has a problem with ABS
and EBD system.
In this case, your ABS system 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.
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
If the driver's safety belt is not fastened
when the key is turned ON or
if it is unfastened after the key is
turned ON, the safety belt warning
light blinks until the belt fastened.
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.
At this time, you can start the engine.
The light goes out after the engine is running. In case this light goes out before you start the engine, you must turn to the LOCK position and restart the engine.
If this light blinks when the ignition switch is in the ON position before starting the engine, have the system checked by an authorized Kia Dealer.
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 warning
light on is dangerous. If the
brake warning light remains on,
have the brakes checked and
repaired immediately by an
Authorized Kia Dealer.
Rear hatch open
warning (if equipped)
This warning light comes on when
the rear hatch/window 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 9~10 liters
(2.4~2.6 gallons). Refuel as soon as
possible.
Door ajar warning
This warning light illuminates when a
door is not closed securely with the
ignition in any position.
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.
Front fog light indicator
(if equipped)
This light comes on when the front
fog lights are ON.
Malfunction indicator
lamp (MIL) (check
engine light)
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, but have the system checked by an authorized Kia Dealer promptly.
NOTICE
A loose fuel filler cap may cause the
On Board Diagnostic System
Malfunction Indicator Light ( )
in the instrument panel to illuminate
unnecessarily. Always make sure
that the fuel filler cap is tight.
CAUTION - Check engine
light
• Prolonged driving with the
Emission Control System
Malfunction Indicator Light
( ) 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.
Air bag warning
(if equipped)
This warning light will 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.
Auto cruise indicator
(if equipped)
CRUISE indicator
The indicator light illuminates when
the cruise control system is enabled.
SET indicator
(if equipped)
The indicator light illuminates when
the cruise function switch (- / SET or
+ / RES) is ON.
ESC indicator
(Electronic Stability
Contror) (if equipped)
The ESC indicator will illuminate
when the ignition switch is turned
ON, but should go off after approximately
3 seconds. When the ESC is
on, it monitors the driving conditions
and under normal driving conditions,
the ESC light will remain off. When a
slippery or low traction condition is
encountered, the ESC will operate,
and the ESC indicator will blink to
indicate the ESC is operating.
ESC OFF indicator
(if equipped)
The ESC OFF indicator will illuminate
when the ignition switch is
turned ON, but should go off after
approximately 3 seconds. To switch
to ESC OFF mode, press the ESC
OFF button. The ESC OFF indicator
will illuminate indicating the ESC is
deactivated. If this indicator stays on
in the ESC ON mode, the ESC may
have a malfunction. Take your car to
the authorized Kia dealer and have
the system checked.
Low washer fluid level
warning indicator
(If equipped)
This warning light indicates the
washer fluid reservoir is near empty.
Refill the washer fluid as soon as possible.
4WD system warning
(if equipped)
When the key is turned to the “ON”
position, the 4WD system warning
light will come on and then go off in a
few seconds.
CAUTION
If the 4WD system warning light
( ) blinks, this indicates that
there is a malfunction in the
4WD system. If this occurs, have
your vehicle checked by an
Authorized Kia Dealer as soon
as possible.
4WD LOCK indicator
light (if equipped)
4WD LOCK indicator light is illuminated
when the 4WD LOCK button is
pushed. The purpose of this 4WD
LOCK mode is to increase the drive
power when driving on dry road surface,
wet pavement, snow-covered
roads and/or off-road. 4WD LOCK
indicator light is turned off by pushing
the button once again
CAUTION
Do not use 4WD LOCK mode on
dry paved roads or highway, it
can cause noise, vibration or
damage of 4WD related parts.
Safety belt warning chime If the driver's safety belt is not fastened when the ignition key is turned ON or if it is unfastened after the key is ON, the safety belt warning chime will sound for approximately 6 seconds.
At this time, if the safety belt is fastened, the chime will stop at once.
Parking start warning chime If you drive over 10 km/h (6.2 mph) with the parking brake applied, the parking start warning chime will sound.
Key reminder warning chime If the driver’s door is opened while the ignition key is left in the ignition switch, the key reminder warning chime will sound. This is to prevent you from locking your keys in the vehicle.
See also:
Driving your vehicle
Before driving
Key positions
Engine start/stop button
Manual Transaxle
Automatic transaxle
Four wheel drive (4WD)
Brake system
Cruise control system
Economical operation
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