Kia Soul (2024 year). Manual in english

Driving your vehicle

•

ISG system deactivation .............................................................................5-
36

•

ISG system malfunction ..............................................................................5-
36

Drive mode integrated control system .....................................5-37

Economical operation................................................................. 5-38

Special driving conditions ......................................................... 5-39

Winter driving ............................................................................. 5-43

Trailer towing .............................................................................. 5-46

Vehicle load limit ........................................................................ 5-46

•

Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit -.......................................5-47

僅

Certification label ...........................................................................................5-49

Vehicle weight............................................................................. 5-50

Driving your vehicle

Be sure the exhaust system does not leak.

Driving your vehicle

Be sure the exhaust system
does not leak.

The exhaust system should be checked
whenever the vehicle is raised to change
the oil or for any other purpose.

If you hear a change in the sound of the
exhaust or if you drive over something
that strikes the underneath side of the
vehicle, have the exhaust system
checked as soon as possible by an
authorized Kia dealer.

W ARNING

Engine exhaust
Do not inhale exhaust fumes or leave
your engine running in a enclosed area
for a prolonged time. Exhaust fumes
contain carbon monoxide, a colorless,
odorless gas that can cause uncon

sciousness and death by asphyxiation.

W ARNING

Open trunk
Do not drive with the trunk open. Poi

sonous exhaust gases can enter the pas

senger compartment. If you must drive
with the trunk open proceed as follows:

1. Close all windows.

2. Open side vents.
3. Set the air intake control at "Fresh",

the air flow control at "Floor" or "Face"
and the fan at the highest speed.

Before driving

Before getting into the vehicle, you
should examine the car and its sur

roundings. After getting into the vehicle,
you should check a number of things
before driving.

Before entering vehicle

• Be sure that all windows, outside mir

ror(s), and outside lights are clean.

• Check the condition of the tires.
• Check under the vehicle for any sign

of leaks.

• Be sure there are no obstacles behind

you if you intend to back up.

Necessary inspections

Fluid levels, such as engine oil, engine
coolant, brake fluid, and washer fluid
should be checked on a regular basis, at
the exact interval depending on the
fluid. Further details are provided in
"Maintenance" on page 8-4.

W ARNING

Distracted driving
Focus on the road while driving. The
driver's primary responsibility is in the
safe and legal operation of the vehicle.
Use of any handled devices, other
equipment or vehicle systems that dis

tract the driver should not be used
during vehicle operation.

Driving your vehicle

Before driving

Before starting

• Close and lock all doors.
• Position the seat so that all controls

are easily reached.

• Buckle your seat belt.
• Adjust the inside and outside rearview

mirrors.

• Be sure that all lights work.

僅

Check all gauges.

• Check the operation of warning lights

when the ignition switch is turned to
the ON position.

• Release the parking brake and make

sure the brake warning light goes out.

For safe operation, be sure you are
familiar with your vehicle and its equip

ment.

W ARNING

Fire risk
When you intend to park or stop the
vehicle with the engine on, be careful not
to depress the accelerator pedal for a
long period of time. It may overheat the
engine or exhaust system and cause fire.

W ARNING

Check surroundings
Always check the surrounding areas
near your vehicle for pedestrians, espe

cially children, before putting a vehicle
into D (Drive) or R (Reverse).

W ARNING

Loose objects
Securely store items in your vehicle.
When you make a sudden stop or turn
the steering wheel rapidly; loose objects
may drop on the floor and it could inter

fere with the operation of the foot ped

als, possibly causing an accident.

Driving your vehicle

Key positions

W ARNING

Driving while intoxicated
Do not drive while intoxicated. Drinking
and driving is dangerous. Even a small
amount of alcohol will affect your
reflexes, perceptions and judgment.

Driving while under the influence of
drugs is as dangerous as or more dan

gerous than driving drunk.

W ARNING

Proper footwear
Always wear appropriate shoes when
operating your vehicle. Unsuitable shoes
(high heels, ski boots, sandals, etc.) may
interfere with your ability to use the brake
and accelerator pedals.

Key positions (if equipped)

Your

vehicle is equipped with four differ

ent

ignition positions.

Illuminated ignition switch

Whenever a front door is opened, the
ignition switch will illuminate for your
convenience, provided the ignition
switch is not in the ON position.

The light will go off immediately when the
ignition switch is turned on. It will also go
off after about 30 seconds when the door
is closed.

Ignition switch position

Your vehicle is equipped with four differ

ent ignition positions.

OSK3058159NR

OSK3058160NR

Driving your vehicle

Key positions

LOCK (1)

The ignition key can be removed only in
the LOCK position.

ACC (Accessory) (2)

The electrical accessories are operative.
If difficulty is experienced turning the
ignition switch to the ACC position, turn
the key while turning the steering wheel
right and left to release the tension.

ON (3)

The warning lights can be checked
before the engine is started. This is the
normal running position after the engine is
started.

Do not leave the ignition switch ON if the
engine is not running to prevent battery
discharge.

START (4)

Turn the ignition switch to the START
position to start the engine. The engine
will crank until you release the key; then
it returns to the ON position. The brake
warning light can be checked in this
position.

The anti-theft steering column lock (if
equipped) is not a substitute for the
parking brake. Before leaving the
driver's seat, always make sure the shift
lever is engaged in P (Park) for intelli

gent variable transmission, set the park

ing brake fully and shut the engine off.
Unexpected and sudden vehicle move

ment may occur if these precautions are
not taken.

W ARNING

Ignition switch
Never turn the ignition switch to LOCK
or ACC while the vehicle is moving. This
would result in loss of directional control
and braking function, which could cause
an accident.

NOTICE

If you leave the ignition switch to the
ACC or ON position for a long time, the
battery may discharge.

W ARNING

Key holder
Do not attach small purses, multiple
keys, or any other heavy accessories to
the driver's key chain used to start the
vehicle. This may cause the driver to
accidently make the key inserted in the
vehicle to change the ignition position to
the ACC position while the vehicle is
moving thereby increasing the risk of an
accident and causing the deactivation of
several safety features.

W ARNING

Leaving the Vehicle
To avoid unexpected or sudden vehicle
movement, never leave your vehicle if
the transmission is not locked in the P
(Park) position and the parking brake is
fully engaged. Before leaving the driver's
seat, always make sure the shift lever is
engaged in P (Park), set the parking
brake fully and shut the engine off.

Driving your vehicle

Key positions

Starting the engine

1. Make sure the parking brake is

applied.

2. Place the transmission shift lever in P

(Park). Depress the brake pedal fully.
You can also start the engine when
the shift lever is in the N (Neutral)
position.

3. Turn the ignition switch to START and

hold it there until the engine starts (a
maximum of 10 seconds), then release
the key.

It should be started without depress

ing the accelerator.

4. Do not wait for the engine to warm up

while the vehicle remains stationary.
Start driving at moderate engine
speeds. (Steep accelerating and
decelerating should be avoided.)

W ARNING

Steering wheel
Never reach for any controls through the
steering wheel while the vehicle is in
motion. The presence of your hand or
arm in this area could cause a loss of
vehicle control.

If the engine stalls while you are in
motion, do not attempt to move the shift
lever to the P (Park) position. If traffic and
road conditions permit, you may put the
shift lever in the N (Neutral) position while
the vehicle is still moving and turn the
ignition switch to the START position in
an attempt to restart the engine.

CAUTION

Starter
Do not engage the starter for more than
10 seconds. If the engine stalls or fails to
start, wait 5 to 10 seconds before reen

gaging the starter. Improper use of the
starter may damage it.

Driving your vehicle

ENGINE START/STOP button

ENGINE START/STOP button
(if equipped)

Your vehicle is equipped with four differ

ent ignition positions.

Illuminated ENGINE START/STOP
button

Whenever the front door is opened, the
ENGINE

START/STOP

button

will

illumi

nate for your convenience.

The light will go off after about 30 sec

onds when the door is closed. It will also
go off immediately when the theft-alarm
system is armed.

ENGINE START/STOP button
position

Your vehicle is equipped with four differ

ent ignition positions.

OFF

To turn off the engine (START/RUN
posi

tion) or vehicle power (ON position),

press the ENGINE START/STOP button
with the shift lever in the P (Park) posi

tion. When you press the ENGINE
START/STOP button without the shift
lever in the P (Park) position, the
ENGINE START/STOP button will not
change to the OFF position but to the
ACC position.

Vehicles equipped with anti-theft
steering column lock

The steering wheel locks when the
ENGINE START/STOP button is in the
OFF position to protect you against
theft. It locks when the door is opened.

If the steering wheel is not locked prop

erly when you open the driver's door, the
warning chime will sound. Try locking the
steering wheel again. If the problem is
not solved, have the system checked by
an authorized Kia dealer.

In addition, if the ENGINE START/STOP
button is in the OFF position after the
driver's door is opened, the steering
wheel will not lock and the warning chime
will sound. In such a situation, close the
door. Then the steering wheel will lock
and the warning chime will stop.

NOTICE

If the steering wheel doesn't unlock
properly, the ENGINE START/STOP
but

ton will not work. Press the ENGINE

START/STOP button while turning the
steering wheel right and left to release
the tension.

NOTICE

You are able to turn off the engine
(START/RUN) or vehicle power (ON),
only when the vehicle is not in motion.

CAUTION

In an emergency situation while the
vehicle is in motion, you are able to turn
the engine off and to the ACC position
by pressing the ENGINE START/STOP
button for more than 2 seconds or 3
times successively within 3 seconds.

If the vehicle is still moving, to restart the
vehicle:

OSK3058001NR

Driving your vehicle

ENGINE START/STOP button

• Press the ENGINE START/STOP

but

ton when vehicle speed is 3 mph

(5 km/h) or over.

ACC (Accessory)

Press the ENGINE START/STOP
button while it is in the OFF position
without depressing the brake pedal.

The steering wheel unlocks and electri

cal accessories are operational.

If the ENGINE START/STOP button is
in the ACC position for more than 1 hour,
the button is turned off automatically to
prevent battery discharge.

Press the ENGINE START/STOP
button while it is in the ACC position
without depressing the brake pedal.

The warning lights can be checked
before the engine is started. Do not
leave the ENGINE START/STOP
button in the ON position for a long
time. The battery may discharge,
because the engine is not running.

START/RUN

To start the engine, depress the brake
pedal and press the ENGINE START/
STOP button with the shift lever in the P
(Park) or the N (Neutral) position. For
your safety, start the engine with the shift
lever in the P (Park) position.

NOTICE

If you press the ENGINE
START/STOP button without
depressing the brake pedal, the engine
will not start and the ENGINE
START/STOP button changes as
follow:

OFF

→ ACC → ON → OFF or ACC

NOTICE

you

leave

the

ENGINE

START/STOP button in the ACC or
ON position for a long time, the battery
will discharge.

W ARNING

• Never press the ENGINE

START/STOP button while the vehicle
is in motion. This would result in loss
of directional control and braking
function, which could cause an
accident.

• The anti-theft steering column lock is

not a substitute for the parking brake.
Before leaving the driver's seat,
always make sure the shift lever is
engaged in P (Park), set the parking
brake fully and shut the engine off.
Unexpected and sudden vehicle
movement may occur if these precau

tions are not taken.

• Never reach for the ENGINE START/

STOP button or any other controls
through the steering wheel while the
vehicle is in motion. The presence of
your hand or arm in the area could
cause loss of vehicle control, an acci

OSK3042478L

Driving your vehicle

ENGINE START/STOP button

dent and serious bodily injury or
death.

• Do not place any movable objects

around the driver's seat as they may
move while driving, interfere with the
driver and lead to an accident.

Starting the engine

W ARNING

• Do not start the vehicle with the accel

erator pedal depressed. The vehicle
can move and lead to an accident.

• Wait until the engine rpm is normal.

The vehicle may suddenly move if the
brake pedal is released when the rpm
is high.

Starting the engine

1. Carry the smart key or place it inside

the vehicle.

2. Make sure the parking brake is firmly

applied.

3. Place the transmission shift lever in P

(Park). Depress the brake pedal fully.
You can also start the engine when
the shift lever is in the N (Neutral)
position.

4. Press the ENGINE START/STOP

but

ton.

It should be started without depress

ing the accelerator pedal.

5. Do not wait for the engine to warm up

while the vehicle remains stationary.
Start driving at moderate engine
speeds. (Steep accelerating and
decelerating should be avoided.)

Starting and stopping the engine
for turbocharger intercooler

1. Do not race or accelerate the engine

immediately after starting.

If the engine is cold, idle for several
seconds before sufficient lubrication
is ensured in the turbocharger unit.

2. After high speed or extended driving,

requiring a heavy engine load, idle the
engine about 1 minute before turning it
off.

This idle time will allow the turbo

charger to cool prior to shutting the
engine off.

CAUTION

Do not turn the engine off immediately
after it has been subjected to a heavy
load. Doing so may cause severe dam

age to the engine or turbocharger unit.

Starting the engine with smart
key

Even if the smart key is in the vehicle, if
it is far away from you, the engine may
not start.

When the ENGINE START/STOP
button is in the ACC position or above, if
any door is opened, the system checks
for the smart key. If the smart key is not
in the vehicle, the "

" indicator and a

message "Key is not in the vehicle" will
appear on the instrument cluster and
LCD window. And if all doors are closed,
the chime will sound for 5 seconds. The
indicator or warning will turn off while the
vehicle is moving. Always have the smart
key with you.

Driving your vehicle

ENGINE START/STOP button

W ARNING

The engine will start, only when the
smart key is in the vehicle. Never allow
children or any person who is unfamiliar
with the vehicle touch the ENGINE
START/STOP button or related parts.
Pushing the ENGINE START/STOP
but

ton while the smart key is in the

vehicle
may result in unintended engine activa

tion and/or unintended vehicle move

ment.

CAUTION

If the engine stalls while the vehicle is in
motion, do not attempt to move the shift
lever to the P (Park) position. If the traffic
and road conditions permit, you may put
the shift lever in the N (Neutral) position
while the vehicle is still moving and
press the ENGINE START/STOP
button in an attempt to restart the engine.

NOTICE

• If the battery is weak or the smart key

does not work correctly, you can start
the engine by pressing the ENGINE
START/STOP button with the smart
key.

The side with the lock button should
contact the ENGINE START/STOP
button directly. When you press the
ENGINE START/STOP button
directly with the smart key, the smart
key should contact the button at a
right angle.

• When the stop lamp fuse is blown,

you cannot start the engine normally.
Replace the fuse with a new one. If it
is not possible, you can start the
engine by pressing the ENGINE
START/STOP button for 10
seconds while it is in the ACC
position. The engine can start without
depressing the brake pedal. But for
your safety always depress the
brake pedal and clutch pedal (if
equipped) before starting the engine.

CAUTION

• Do not press the ENGINE START/

STOP button for more than 10 sec

onds except when the stop lamp fuse
is blown.

• Do not turn the ignition switch to the

START position with the engine run

ning. It may damage the starter.

OSK3051002N

Driving your vehicle

Intelligent variable transmission (IVT)

Intelligent variable transmis

sion (IVT) (if equipped)

The Intelligent Variable Transmission
(IVT) automatically shifts depending on
speed, accelerate pedal position. The
individual speeds are selected automati

cally, depending on the position of the
shift lever.

Depress the brake pedal and the

lock release button when shifting.

Press the lock release button when

shifting.

The shift lever can be shifted

freely.

Intelligent Variable Transmission
(IVT) operation

For smooth operation, depress the brake
pedal when shifting from N (Neutral) to a
forward or reverse gear.

W ARNING

Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT)
• Always check the surrounding areas

near your vehicle for people, espe

cially children, before shifting a car
into D (Drive) or R (Reverse).

• Before leaving the driver's seat,

always make sure the shift lever is in
the P (Park) position; then set the

parking brake fully and shut the
engine off. Unexpected and sudden
vehicle movement can occur if these
precautions are not followed in the
order identified.

• Do not use the engine brake (shifting

from a high gear to lower gear) rap

idly on slippery roads. The vehicle
may slip causing an accident.

• Engage the gear and check the gear

position from the cluster before driv

ing with D (drive) when driving for

ward on a hill or downhill, and R
(reverse) when driving backwards. If
you drive in the opposite direction of
the gear positon, the engine is off and
brake does not work, which is in dan

ger.

CAUTION

• To avoid damage to your transmis

sion, do not accelerate the engine in R
(Reverse) or any forward gear posi

tion with the brakes on.

• When stopped on an incline, do not

hold the vehicle stationary with
engine power. Use the service brake
or the parking brake.

• Do not shift from N (Neutral) or P

(Park) into D (Drive), or R (Reverse)
when the engine is above idle speed.

Transmission ranges

The indicator in the instrument cluster
displays the shift lever position when the
ignition switch is in the ON position.

P (Park)

Always come to a complete stop before
shifting into P (Park). This position locks
the transmission and prevents the front
wheels from rotating.

OSK3058003NR

Driving your vehicle

Intelligent variable transmission (IVT)

W ARNING

• Shifting into P (Park) while the vehicle

is in motion will cause the drive wheels
to lock which will cause you to lose
control of the vehicle.

• Do not use the P (Park) position in

place of the parking brake. Always
make sure the shift lever is latched in
the P (Park) position and set the park

ing brake fully.

• Never leave a child unattended in a

vehicle.

CAUTION

The transmission may be damaged if
you shift into P (Park) while the vehicle is
in motion.

R (Reverse)

Use this position to drive the vehicle
backward.

CAUTION

Always come to a complete stop before
shifting into or out of R (Reverse); you
may damage the transmission if you shift
into R while the vehicle is in motion,
except as explained in "Rocking the
vehicle" in this section.

N (Neutral)

The wheels and transmission are not
engaged. The vehicle will roll freely even
on the slightest incline unless the park

ing brake or service brakes are applied.

W ARNING

Do not drive with the shift lever in N
(Neutral).

The engine brake will not work which
could lead to an accident.

CAUTION

• Always park the vehicle in "P" (Park)

for safety and engage the parking
brake.

D (Drive)

This is the normal forward driving posi

tion. The transmission will automatically
shift, providing the best fuel economy
and power.

For extra power when passing another
vehicle or climbing grades, depress the
accelerator fully, at which time the trans

mission will automatically downshift to the
next lower gear.

NOTICE

Always come to a complete stop before
shifting into D (Drive).

Sports mode

Whether the vehicle is stationary or in
motion, sports mode is selected by
pushing the shift lever from the D (Drive)
position into the manual gate. To return
to D (Drive) range operation, push the
shift lever back into the main gate.

Driving your vehicle

Intelligent variable transmission (IVT)

SPORT mode manages the driving
dynamics by automatically adjusting the
steering effort, and the engine and
transmission control logic for enhanced
driver performance.

In sports mode, moving the shift lever
backwards and forwards will allow you
to select the desired range of gears for
the current driving conditions.
• Up (+): Push the lever forward once to

shift up one gear.

• Down (-): Pull the lever backwards

once to shift down one gear.

NOTICE

• In sports mode, the driver must exe

cute upshifts in accordance with road
conditions, being careful to keep the
engine speed below the red zone.

• In sports mode, only the 8 forward

gears can be selected. To reverse or
park the vehicle, move the shift lever
to the R (Reverse) or P (Park) position
as required.

• In sports mode, downshifts are made

automatically when the vehicle slows
down. When the vehicle stops, 1st
gear is automatically selected.

• In sports mode, when the engine rpm

approaches the red zone, shift points
are varied to upshift automatically.

• To maintain the required levels of

vehicle performance and safety, the
system may not execute certain gear

shifts when the shift lever is operated.

• When driving on a slippery road, push

the shift lever forward into the + (up)
position. This causes the transmission
to shift into the 2nd gear which is bet

ter for smooth driving on a slippery
road. Push the shift lever to the -
(down) side to shift back to the 1st
gear.

• When SPORT mode is activated:

- The engine rpm will tend to remain

raised over a certain length of time
even after releasing the accelera

tor.

- Upshifts are delayed when acceler

ating.

• In SPORT mode, the fuel efficiency

may decrease.

Shift lock system

For your safety, the Intelligent Variable
Transmission (IVT) has a shift lock sys

tem which prevents shifting the trans

mission from P (Park) into R (Reverse)
unless the brake pedal is depressed.

To shift the transmission from P (Park)
into R (Reverse):

1. Depress and hold the brake pedal.
2. Start the engine or turn the ignition

switch to the ON position.

3. Move the shift lever.
If the brake pedal is repeatedly
depressed and released with the shift
lever in the P (Park) position, a chatter

ing noise near the shift lever may be
heard. This is a normal condition.

OSK3058004NR

Driving your vehicle

Intelligent variable transmission (IVT)

W ARNING

Always fully depress the brake pedal
before and while shifting out of the P
(Park) position into another position to
avoid inadvertent motion of the vehicle
which could injure persons in or around
the vehicle.

Your vehicle is designed to go into a pro

tective mode if the driver inadvertently
selects the R (Reverse) gear while the
vehicle is being propelled forward. If this
occurs, the engine, power brakes and
power steering will all deactivate. This
mode is designed to alert the driver to the
gear-selection error and prevent damage
to the transmission.

W ARNING

Confirm the desired gear position is
selected when driving on a graded road.
If the protective mode is triggered on an
incline, the driver may not become aware
that the power braking and steer

ing

have been turned off which can
increases the risk of an accident.

Shift-lock override

If the shift lever cannot be moved from
the P (Park) position into R (Reverse)
position with the brake pedal depressed,

continue depressing the brake, then do
the following:

1. Place the ignition switch in the LOCK/

OFF position.

2. Apply the parking brake.
3. Carefully remove the cap covering the

shift-lock release access hole.

4. Insert a tool (e.g. flathead screwdriver)

into the access hole and press down
on the tool.

5. Move the shift lever.
6. Remove the tool from the shift-lock

override access hole then install the
cap.

If the shift lever does not move even
after performing this procedure, have
the system inspected by an authorized
Kia dealer.

Ignition key interlock system

The ignition key cannot be removed
unless the shift lever is in the P (Park)
position.

Intelligent variable transmission
(IVT) warning messages

Transmission high temperature

OSK3058005NR

OSK3052492N

Driving your vehicle

Intelligent variable transmission (IVT)

A: Transmission temp. is high! Stop
safely
• Under certain conditions, such as

repeated stop-and-go launches on
steep grades, sudden take off or
acceleration, or other harsh driving
conditions, the transmission clutch
temperatures will increase exces

sively. Finally the clutch in transmis

sion could be overheated.

NOTICE

• When driving in stop-and-go traffic, in

stop condition, to reduce the driving
stress and have better transmission
operation move the shift lever to N
(Neutral) or P (Parking) position.

• When the clutch is overheated, the

safe protection mode engages and the
gear position indicator on the cluster
blinks with a chime. At this time,
"Transmission temp. is high! Stop
safely" warning message will appear
on the LCD display and driving may
not be smooth.

• If this occurs, pull over to a safe loca

tion, stop the vehicle with the engine
running, apply the parking brake after
shifting the vehicle to N (Neutral) with
the brake pedal depressed, and allow
the transmission to cool.

• If you ignore this warning, the driving

condition may become worse. You
may experience abrupt shifts, fre

quent shifts, or jerkiness. To return to
the normal driving condition, stop the
vehicle and apply the foot brake or
shift into P (Park). Then allow the
transmission to cool for a few minutes
with engine on, before driving off.

• When possible, drive the vehicle

smoothly.

Transmission overheated

A: Transmission Hot! Park with engine
on
• If the transmission temperature

reaches the maximum temperature
limit, the warning message will be dis

played. Driving under severe condi

tions such as continuous rapid start
and acceleration, etc. using the accel

erator pedal may cause the transmis

sion to overheat, and warning
message will appear on the cluster
with a chime from the self-protection
mode.

• If this occurs, pull over to a safe loca

tion, stop the vehicle with the engine
running, apply the brakes and shift the
vehicle to P (Park), and allow the
transmission to cool. If the warning
messages in the LCD display continue
to blink, for your safety, have the sys

tem checked by a professional work

shop. Visit an authorized Kia dealer.

OSK3052490N

Driving your vehicle

Intelligent variable transmission (IVT)

A: Vehicle Power limited due to high
transmission temperature
• If the vehicle continues to be driven

with severe conditions even if the
maximum temperature limit warning
message is appeared, the following
warning message will be displayed.
The vehicle power will be limited by
the self-protection mode.

• If this occurs, pull over to a safe loca

tion, stop the vehicle with the engine
running, apply the brakes and shift
the vehicle to P (Park), and allow the
transmission to cool.

• If the warning messages in the LCD

display continue to blink, for your
safety, have the system checked by a
professional workshop. Visit an autho

rized Kia dealer.

A: Trans cooled. Resume driving
• When the warning message is dis

played, the vehicle can be driven nor

mally.

Good driving practices

• Never move the shift lever from P

(Park) or N (Neutral) to any other
position with the accelerator pedal
depressed.

• Never move the shift lever into P

(Park) when the vehicle is in motion.

• Be sure the vehicle is completely

stopped before you attempt to shift
into R (Reverse) or D (Drive).

• Never take the vehicle out of gear and

coast down a hill. This may be
extremely hazardous. Always leave
the vehicle in gear when moving.

• Do not "ride" the brakes. This can

cause them to overheat and malfunc

tion. Instead, when you are driving
down a long hill, slow down and shift
to a lower gear. When you do this,
engine braking will help slow down the
vehicle.

• Slow down before shifting to a lower

gear. Otherwise, the lower gear may
not be engaged.

• Always use the parking brake. Do not

depend on placing the transmission in
P (Park) to keep the vehicle from
moving.

W ARNING

Exercise extreme caution when driving
on a slippery surface. Be especially care

ful when braking, accelerating or shifting
gears. On a slippery surface, an abrupt
change in vehicle speed can cause the
drive wheels to lose traction and the
vehicle to go out of control.

OSK3052489N

OSK3052491N

Driving your vehicle

Intelligent variable transmission (IVT)

• Optimum vehicle performance and

economy is obtained by smoothly
depressing and releasing the acceler

ator pedal.

W ARNING

• When driving uphill or downhill,

always shift to D (Drive) for driving
forward or shift to R (Reverse) for
driving backwards, and check the
gear position indicated on the cluster
before driving.

Driving in the opposite direction of the
selected gear can lead to a dangerous
situation by shutting off the engine
and affecting the braking perfor

mance.

• Always buckle-up! In a collision, an

unbelted occupant is significantly
more likely to be seriously injured or
killed than a properly belted occu

pant.

• Avoid high speeds when cornering or

turning.

• Do not make quick steering wheel

movements, such as sharp lane
changes or fast, sharp turns.

• The risk of a rollover is greatly

increased if you lose control of your
vehicle at highway speeds.

• Losing control often occurs if two or

more wheels drop off the roadway
and the driver oversteers to reenter
the roadway.

• In the event your vehicle leaves the

roadway, do not steer sharply.
Instead, slow down before pulling
back into the travel lanes.

• Never exceed posted speed limits.

W ARNING

If your vehicle becomes stuck in snow,
mud, sand, etc., then you may attempt to
rock the vehicle free by moving it for

ward and backward. Do not attempt this
procedure if people or objects are any

where near the vehicle. During the rock

ing operation the vehicle may suddenly
move forward or backward as it becomes
unstuck, causing injury or damage to
nearby people or objects.

Moving up a steep grade from a
standing start

To move up a steep grade from a stand

ing start:

1. Depress the brake pedal, release the

parking break, and shift the shift lever
to D (Drive).

2. Select the appropriate gear depend

ing on load weight and steepness of
the grade, and release the parking
brake.

3. Depress the accelerator gradually

while releasing the service brakes.

When accelerating from a stop on a
steep hill, the vehicle may have a ten

dency to roll backwards. Shifting the
shift lever into 2 (Second Gear) will
help prevent the vehicle from rolling
backwards.

Driving your vehicle

Brake system

Your vehicle has power-assisted brakes,
parking brake, and various braking sys

tems for safe driving.

Power brakes

Your vehicle has power-assisted brakes
that adjust automatically through nor

mal usage.

In the event that the power-assisted
brakes lose power because of a stalled
engine or some other reason, you can
still stop your vehicle by applying
greater force to the brake pedal than
you normally would. The stopping dis

tance, however, will be longer.

When the engine is not running, the
reserve brake power is partially depleted
each time the brake pedal is applied. Do
not pump the brake pedal when the
power assist has been interrupted.

Pump the brake pedal only when neces

sary to maintain steering control on slip

pery surfaces.

NOTICE

• When stepping on the brake pedal

under a certain driving or weather
condition. you may witness your car
make a sound of squealing or some
other noises. This is not a brake mal

function but a normal phenomenon.

• When driving on the road to which

deicing chemicals are applied, the
vehicle may witness noises from the
brake or abnormal abrasion of tires
because of such deicing chemicals.
You should operate brake additionally
so that you would be able to remove
the deicing chemicals on the brake
disk and pad under a safe traffic con

dition.

CAUTION

Brake Pedal
Do not drive with your foot resting on
the brake pedal. This will create abnor

mally high brake temperatures which
can cause excessive brake lining and
pad wear.

W ARNING

Steep hill braking
Avoid continuous application of the
brakes when descending a long or steep
hill by increasing the regeneration level.
Continuous brake application will cause
the brakes to overheat and could result
in a temporary loss of braking perfor

mance.

Wet brakes may impair the vehicle's abil

ity to safely slow down; the vehicle may
also pull to one side when the brakes are
applied. Applying the brakes lightly will
indicate whether they have been affected
in this way. Always test your brakes in
this fashion after driving through deep
water. To dry the brakes, apply them
lightly while maintaining a safe forward
speed until brake perfor

mance returns

to normal.

In the event of brake failure

If service brakes fail to operate while the
vehicle is in motion, you can make an
emergency stop with the parking brake.
The stopping distance, however, will be
much greater than normal.

W ARNING

Parking brake
Avoid applying the parking brake to stop
the vehicle while it is moving except in an
emergency situation. Applying the

Driving your vehicle

Brake system

parking brake while the vehicle is mov

ing at normal speeds can cause a sud

den loss of control of the vehicle. If you
must use the parking brake to stop the
vehicle, use great caution in applying the
brake.

Disc brakes wear indicator

When

your brake pads are worn and new
pads are required, you will hear a
high-pitched warning sound from your
front brakes or rear brakes. You may
hear this sound come and go or it may
occur whenever you depress the brake
pedal.

Always replace the front or rear brake
pads as pairs.

CAUTION

Replace brake pads
Do not continue to drive with worn brake
pads. Continuing to drive with worn brake
pads can damage the braking sys

tem

and result in costly brake repairs, and
can also lead to a serious accident.

W ARNING

Brake wear
Do not ignore high pitched wear sounds
from your brakes. If you ignore this audi

ble warning, you will eventually lose
braking performance, which could lead to
a serious accident.

Rear drum brakes (if equipped)

Your rear drum brakes do not have wear
indicators. Therefore, have the rear brake
linings inspected if you hear a rear brake
rubbing noise. Also have your rear brakes
inspected each time you change

or rotate your tires and when you have
the front brakes replaced.

Parking brake (if equipped)

Applying the parking brake

To engage the parking brake, first apply
the foot brake and then pull up the park

ing brake lever as far as possible.

In addition it is recommended that when
parking the vehicle on a incline, the shift
lever should be in a low gear on manual
transmission vehicles.

CAUTION

• Driving with the parking brake applied

will cause excessive brake pad and
brake rotor wear.

• Do not operate the parking brake while

the vehicle is moving except in an
emergency situation. It could dam

age

the vehicle system and make
endanger driving safety.

OSK3058007NR

Driving your vehicle

Brake system

Releasing the parking brake

To release the parking brake, first apply
the foot brake and pull up the parking
brake lever slightly. Secondly depress
the release button (1) and lower the
parking brake lever (2) while holding the
button.

If the parking brake does not release or
does not release all the way, have the
system checked by an authorized Kia
dealer.
• Be cautious when parking on a hill.

Firmly engage the parking brake and
place the shift lever in first or reverse
gear (manual transmission). If your
vehicle is facing downhill, turn the
front wheels into the curb to help keep
the vehicle from rolling. If your vehicle
is facing uphill, turn the front wheels
away from the curb to help keep the
vehicle from rolling. If there is no curb
or if it is required by other conditions to
keep the vehicle from rolling, block
the wheels.

• Under some conditions your parking

brake can freeze in the engaged posi

tion. 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 that
the parking brake

may freeze, apply it only temporarily
while you put the shift lever in first or
reverse gear (manual transmission)
and block the rear wheels so the vehi

cle cannot roll. Then release the park

ing brake.

• Do not hold the vehicle on the

upgrade with the accelerator pedal.
This can cause the transmission to
overheat. Always use the brake pedal
or parking brake.

W ARNING

• Never allow anyone who is unfamiliar

with the vehicle to touch the parking
brake. If the parking brake is released
unintentionally, serious injury may
occur.

• All vehicles should always have the

parking brake fully engaged when
parking to avoid inadvertent move

ment of the vehicle which can injure
occupants or pedestrians.

Check the brake warning light by turn

ing the ignition switch or ENGINE
START/STOP button ON (do not start
the engine). This light will be appeared
when the parking brake is applied with
the ignition switch or ENGINE START/
STOP button in the START or ON
posi

tion.

Before driving, be sure the parking
brake is fully released and the brake
warning light is off.

If the brake warning light remains on after
the parking brake is released while
engine is running, there may be a mal

function in the brake system. Immediate
attention is necessary.

OSK3058008NR

WK-23-1

Driving your vehicle

Brake system

If at all possible, cease driving the vehi

cle immediately. If that is not possible,
use extreme caution while operating the
vehicle and only continue to drive the
vehicle until you can reach a safe loca

tion or repair shop.

Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) (if
equipped)

After parking the vehicle, apply the Elec

tronic Parking Brake (EPB) to prevent
the vehicle from being moved by the
external force.

Applying EPB manually

1. Depress the brake pedal.

2. Pull up the EPB switch.
Make sure the warning light comes on.

Also, the EPB is applied automatically if
the Auto Hold button is on when the
vehicle is turned off. In addition, if you
pull up the EPB switch after the vehicle
is turned off, the EPB will be applied.

W ARNING

Risk of accident and injury due to chil

dren left unattended in the vehicle.

If you leave children unaccompanied in
the vehicle, they may be able to set the
vehicle in motion, for example by:
• Releasing the parking brake.

• Shifting the transmission out of P

(Park) position.

• Starting the engine. In addition, they

may operate vehicle equipment.

Never leave children and animals unat

tended in the vehicle.

When leaving the vehicle, always take
the smart key with you and lock the
vehicle.

NOTICE

On a steep incline or when pulling a
trailer, if the vehicle does not remain at a
standstill, do as follows:

1. Apply the EPB.
2. Pull up the EPB switch for more than 3

seconds.

Do not operate the EPB while the vehicle
is moving except in an emergency situa

tion.

NOTICE

A click or electric brake motor whine
sound may be heard while operating or
releasing the EPB.

These conditions are normal and indi

cate that the EPB is functioning properly.

Releasing EPB manually

OSK3052281L

OSK3052282L

Driving your vehicle

Brake system

Releasing the parking brake with EPB
switch,

1. Have the ENGINE START/STOP

but

ton in the ON position.

2. Press the brake pedal.
3. Make sure the gear is shifted to P

(Park) position.

4. Press the EPB switch.
5. Make sure the brake warning light

goes off.

Releasing EPB automatically

The EPB is released automatically under
following conditions.
• Gear in P (Park)

With the engine running engage the
brake pedal and shift out of P (Park)
to R (Reverse) or D (Drive).

(if Shift Lever is equipped)

僅

Gear in N (Neutral)

With the engine running engage the
brake pedal and shift out of N (Neu

tral) to R (Reverse) or D (Drive).

(if Shift Lever is equipped)

僅

Automatic transmission

1. Start the engine.

2. Fasten the driver's seat belt.
3. Close the driver's door, hood and

liftgate.

4. Press the accelerator pedal while

the gear is in R (Rear), D (Drive)
or

manual mode.

Make sure the brake warning light goes
off.

NOTICE

• For your safety, you can engage the

EPB even though the ENGINE
START/ STOP button is in the OFF
position, but you cannot release it.

• For your safety, press the brake pedal

and release the parking brake manu

ally with the EPB switch when you
drive downhill or when backing up the
vehicle.

Do not follow the above procedure when
driving on a flat level ground. The vehi

cle may suddenly move forward.

NOTICE

If the parking brake warning light is still
on even though the EPB has been
released, have the system checked by
an authorized Kia dealer.

CAUTION

Do not drive your vehicle with the EPB
applied. It may cause excessive brake
pad and brake rotor wear.

Applying EPB automatically

The EPB is applied automatically under
following conditions:
• Shift to P (Park) on a slope
• Engine OFF while AUTO HOLD

button is on

• When the vehicle moves a bit in P

(Park) position

• Conditions below while AUTO HOLD

is activated:

- Driver's door is opened

- Hood is opened
- Vehicle stops for more than

approximately 10 minutes

• Requested by other systems

NOTICE

For Electronic Parking Brake (EPB)
equipped vehicles with AUTO HOLD
function used while driving, if the
ENGINE START/STOP button has
been turned OFF, the EPB will be
engaged automatically. Therefore,

Driving your vehicle

Brake system

AUTO HOLD function should be turned
off before the ENGINE START/STOP
button is turned off.

EPB warning

The EPB will display a warning message
with sound under certain conditions.
• If you try to drive off while engaging

the accelerator pedal with the EPB
applied, but the EPB doesn't release
automatically, a warning will sound
and a message will appear.

• If the driver's seat belt is not fastened

and the vehicle hood, driver's door or
liftgate is opened, a warning will sound
and a message will appear.

A: AUTO HOLDconditions not met.
Close door, hood,and trunk/liftgate.

• If there is a problem with the vehicle, a

warning may sound and a message
may appear.

If the above situation occurs, press the
brake pedal and release EPB by pressing
the EPB switch.

W ARNING

Parking Brake Use
• Never allow a passenger to touch the

parking brake. If the parking brake is
released unintentionally, serious injury
may occur.

• All vehicles should always have the

parking brake fully engaged when
parked to avoid inadvertent move

ment of the vehicles which can injure
occupants or pedestrians.

• A click or electric brake motor whine

sound may be heard while operating
or releasing the EPB. These conditions
are normal and indicate that the EPB
is functioning properly.

• When leaving your keys with a park

ing lot attendant or valet, make sure to
inform him/her how to operate the
EPB.

• The EPB may malfunction if you drive

with the EPB applied.

• When you automatically release EPB

by pressing the accelerator pedal,
press it slowly.

When the conversion from Auto Hold to
EPB is not working properly a warning
will sound and a message will appear.

NOTICE

Engage the brake pedal when the above
message appears for the Auto Hold and
EPB may not activate.

If the EPB is applied while Auto Hold is
activated because of an Electronic Sta

OSK3052292N

OSK3052314N

Driving your vehicle

Brake system

bility Control (ESC) signal, a warning will
sound and a message will appear.

A: Parking brake automatically
engaged

EPB malfunction indicator

This warning light appears if the ENGINE
START/STOP button is changed to the
ON position and goes off in approxi

mately 3 seconds if the system is operat

ing normally.

If the EPB malfunction indicator remains
on, comes on while driving, or does not
come on when the ENGINE START/
STOP button is changed to the ON posi

tion, this indicates that the EPB may
have malfunctioned.

If this occurs, have your vehicle checked
by an authorized Kia dealer.

The EPB malfunction indicator may
appear when the ESC indicator comes
on to indicate that the ESC is not work

ing properly, but it does not indicate a
malfunction of the EPB.

NOTICE

The EPB warning light may appear if the
EPB switch operates abnormally. Shut
the engine off and turn it on again after a
few minutes. The warning light will go off
and the EPB switch will operate nor

mally. However, if the EPB warning light
is still on, have your vehicle checked by
an authorized Kia dealer.

If the parking brake warning light does
not appear or blinks even though the
EPB switch was pulled up, the EPB is not
applied.

If the parking brake warning light blinks
when the EPB warning light is on, press
the EPB switch, then pull it up. Once
more press it back to its original position
and pull it back up. If the EPB warning
does not go off, have your vehicle
checked by an authorized Kia dealer.

Emergency braking with the EPB
switch

If there is a problem with the brake pedal
while driving, emergency braking is
possible by pulling up and holding the
EPB switch.

Braking is possible only while you are
holding the EPB switch.

W ARNING

Do not operate the Electronic Parking
Brake (EPB) while the vehicle is moving
except in an emergency situation. Apply

ing the EPB while the vehicle is moving
at normal speeds can cause a sudden
loss of control of the vehicle. If you must

OSK3052293N

OSK3042495N

Driving your vehicle

Brake system

use the EPB to stop the vehicle, use
great caution in applying the brake.

NOTICE

During emergency braking by the EPB,
the parking brake warning light will
appear to indicate that the system is
operating.

If you notice a continuous noise or burn

ing smell when the EPB is used for emer

gency braking, have your vehicle
checked by an authorized Kia dealer.

When the EPB is not released

If the EPB does not release normally,
take your vehicle to a professional work

shop by loading the vehicle on a flatbed
tow truck and have the system checked.
Visit an authorized Kia dealer.

AUTO HOLD

The Auto Hold is designed to maintain
the vehicle in a standstill even though
the brake pedal is not pressed after the
driver brings the vehicle to a complete
stop by pressing the brake pedal.

Applying Auto Hold function

1. Press the brake pedal and start the

vehicle.

2. Press the Auto Hold button. The white

AUTO HOLD indicator will come on
indicating the system is in standby.

Before the Auto Hold will engage, the
driver's door and engine hood must be
closed.

When coming to a complete stop by
pressing the brake pedal, the AUTO
HOLD indicator changes from white to
green indicating the AUTO HOLD is
engaged. The vehicle will remain at a
standstill even if you release the brake
pedal.

If EPB is applied, Auto Hold will be
released.

If you press the accelerator pedal with
the gear in D (Drive) or Manual mode,
the Auto Hold will be released automati

cally and the vehicle will start to move.
The indicator changes from green to
white indicating the Auto Hold is in
standby and the EPB is released.

OSK3052422N

OSK3052423N

Driving your vehicle

Brake system

When driving off from Auto Hold by
pressing the accelerator pedal, always
check the surrounding area near your
vehicle.

Slowly press the accelerator pedal for a
smooth launch.

Canceling Auto Hold function

• To cancel the Auto Hold operation,

press the Auto Hold switch. The AUTO
HOLD indicator will go out.

• To cancel the Auto Hold operation

when the vehicle is at a standstill,
press the Auto Hold switch while
pressing the brake pedal.

NOTICE

• The following are conditions when the

Auto Hold will not engage (Auto Hold
light will not turn green and the Auto
Hold system remains in stand by):

- The driver's door is opened

- The engine hood is opened

- The gear is in P (Park)

- The gear is in R (Reverse)

- The EPB is applied

• For your safety, the Auto Hold auto

matically switches to EPB under any
of the following conditions (Auto Hold
light remains white and the EPB auto

matically applies):

- The driver's door is opened.

- The engine hood is opened.
- The vehicle is in a standstill for

more than 10 minutes.

- The vehicle is standing on a steep

slope.

- The vehicle moved for a few sec

onds.

In these cases, the brake warning
light comes on, the AUTO HOLD
indicator changes from green to
white, and a warning sounds and a
message will appear to inform you
that EPB has been automatically
engaged. Before driving off again,
press foot brake pedal, check the
surrounding area near your vehicle
and release parking brake manu

ally with the EPB switch.

• If the AUTO HOLD indicator lights up

yellow, the Auto Hold is not working
properly. Take your vehicle and have
the system checked by an authorized
Kia dealer.

W ARNING

To reduce the risk of an accident, do not
activate Auto Hold while driving down

hill, backing up or parking your vehicle.

If there is a malfunction with the driver's
door, liftgate or engine hood open
detection system, the Auto Hold may not
work properly.

Take your vehicle and have the system
checked by an authorized Kia dealer.

NOTICE

A click or electric brake motor whine
sound may be heard while operating or
releasing the EPB, but these conditions

OSK3052424N

Driving your vehicle

Brake system

are normal and indicate that the EPB is
functioning properly.

Warning messages

The Auto Hold function will display a
warning message with sound under cer

tain conditions.

When the EPB is applied from Auto Hold,
a warning will sound and a message will
appear.

A: Parking brake automatically
engaged

When the conversion from Auto Hold to
EPB is not working properly a warning
will sound and a message will appear.

A: AUTO HOLD turning Off! Press
brake pedal

NOTICE

When this message is displayed, the
Auto Hold and EPB may not operate. For
your safety, press the brake pedal.

If you do not apply the brake pedal
when you release the Auto Hold by
pressing the [AUTO HOLD] switch, a
warning will sound and a message will
appear.

A: Press brake pedal to deactivate
AUTO HOLD

Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

The Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
system is designed to stabilize the vehi

cle during cornering maneuvers. ESC
checks where you are steering and
where the vehicle is actually going.

OSK3052293N

OSK3052314N

OSK3052314L

OSK3052009L

Driving your vehicle

Brake system

ESC applies the brakes at individual
wheels and intervenes in the engine
management system to stabilize the
vehicle.

W ARNING

Never drive too fast for the road condi

tions or too quickly when cornering.
Electronic stability Control (ESC) will not
prevent accidents. Excessive speed in
turns, abrupt maneuvers and hydroplan

ing on wet surfaces can still result in
serious accidents. Only a safe and atten

tive driver can prevent accidents by
avoiding maneuvers that cause the vehi

cle to lose traction. Even with ESC
installed, always follow all the normal
precautions for driving - including driv

ing

at safe speeds for the conditions.

The Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
system is an electronic system designed
to help the driver maintain vehicle con

trol

under adverse conditions. It is not a
substitute for safe driving practices. Fac

tors including speed, road conditions
and driver steering input can all affect
whether ESC will be effective in prevent

ing a loss of control. It is still your
responsibility to drive and corner at rea

sonable speeds and to leave a sufficient
margin of safety.

When you apply your brakes under con

ditions which may lock the wheels, you
may hear a

“tik-tik’’ sound from the

brakes, or feel a corresponding sensa

tion in the brake pedal. This is normal
and it means your ESC is active.

NOTICE

A click sound may be heard in the
engine compartment when the vehicle
begins to move after the engine is
started. These conditions are normal

and indicate that the Electronic Stability
Control System is functioning properly.

ESC operation

ESC ON condition

When the ignition is turned ON,

ESC and ESC OFF indicator lights
appear for approximately 3 seconds, then
ESC is turned on.
• Press the ESC OFF button after turn

ing the ignition ON to turn ESC off.
(ESC OFF indicator will appear). To
turn the ESC on, press the ESC OFF
button (ESC OFF indicator light will go
off).

• When starting the engine, you may

hear a slight ticking sound. This is the
ESC performing an automatic system
self-check and does not indicate a
problem.

When operating

When the ESC is in operation, the
ESC indicator light blinks.

僅

When the Electronic Stability

Control is operating properly, you can
feel a slight pulsation in the vehicle.
This is only the effect of brake control
and indicates nothing unusual.

• When moving out of the mud or driv

ing on a slippery road, the engine rpm
(revolution per minute) may not be
increased even if you press the accel

erator pedal deeply. This is to main

tain the stability and traction of the
vehicle and does not indicate a prob

lem.

Driving your vehicle

Brake system

ESC OFF condition

To cancel ESC

operation:

僅

State 1

A: Traction Control disabled
Press the ESC OFF button shortly
(ESC OFF indicator light and
message appears). At this state, the
engine control function does not
operate. In other words, the traction
control func

tion does not operate but

only the brake control function
operates.

• State 2

A: Traction and Stability Control
limited

Press the ESC OFF button for more
than 3 seconds. ESC OFF indicator
light and message appears and ESC
OFF warning chime will sound. At this
state, the engine control function and

brake control function does not oper

ate. In other words, the vehicle stabil

ity control function does not operate
any more.

If the ignition switch or ENGINE START/
STOP button is placed to the
LOCK/OFF position when ESC is off,
ESC remains off. Upon restarting the
engine, the ESC will automatically turn on
again.

Indicator light

ESC indicator light

ESC OFF indicator
light

When ignition switch or ENGINE START/
STOP button is turned to ON, the indica

tor light appears, then goes off if the
ESC system is operating normally.

The ESC indicator light blinks whenever
ESC is operating or appears when ESC
fails to operate.

ESC OFF indicator light comes on
when the ESC is turned off with the
button.

CAUTION

Driving with varying tire or wheel sizes
may cause the ESC system to malfunc

tion. When replacing tires, make sure
they are the same type, size, brand, con

struction and tread pattern all four wheels.

W ARNING

The Electronic Stability Control system is
only a driving aid;use precautions for
safe driving by slowing down on curved,
snowy, or icy roads. Drive slowly and
don’t attempt to accelerate whenever

OSK3052425N

OSK3052317L

Driving your vehicle

Brake system

the ESC indicator light is blinking, or
when the road surface is slippery.

ESC OFF usage

When driving
• ESC should be turned on for daily

driving whenever possible.

• To turn ESC off while driving, press

the ESC OFF button while driving on a
flat road surface.

Never press the ESC OFF button
while ESC is operating (ESC indicator
light blinks).

If ESC is turned off while ESC is
operat

ing, the vehicle may slip out of

control.

NOTICE

• When operating the vehicle on a

dynamometer, ensure that the ESC is
turned off (ESC OFF light appeared).

• Turning the ESC off does not affect

ABS or brake system operation.

W ARNING

Never press the ESC OFF button
while ESC is operating.

If the ESC is turned off while ESC is oper

ating, the vehicle may go out of control.
To turn ESC off while driving, press the
ESC OFF button while driving on a flat
road surface.

Hill-start assist control (HAC)

Hill start Assist Control is a comfort func

tion. The main intend is to prevent the
vehicle from rolling backwards while
driving off uphill on an inclined surface.
HAC holds the braking pressure builtup
by driver during stopping procedure for 2
seconds after releasing brake pedal.

During the pressure-hold period, the
driver has enough time to press the
accelerator pedal to drive off.

The braking pressure is reduced as soon
as the system detects the

driver’s inten

tion to drive off

W ARNING

The HAC is usually activated only for 2
seconds. The driver should be careful
from the rolling backward causing the
accident with behind objects or human,
when the driver may feel the unintended
rolling backward while driving off on hill
due to insufficient brake hold pressure
built-up by driver during stopping pro

cedure.

NOTICE

• The HAC does not operate when the

transmission shift lever is in the P
(Park) or N (Neutral) position.

• The HAC activates even though the

ESC is off but it does not activate
when the ESC has malfunctioned.

Vehicle stability management
(VSM)

This system provides further enhance

ments to vehicle stability and steering
responses when a vehicle is driving on a
slippery road or a vehicle detected
changes in coefficient of friction between
right wheels and left wheels when
braking.

VSM operation

When the VSM is in operation, ESC indi

cator light (

) blinks.

When the vehicle stability management
is operating properly, you can feel a
slight pulsation in the vehicle. This is

Driving your vehicle

Brake system

only the effect of brake control and indi

cates nothing unusual.

The VSM does not operate when:

• Driving on bank road such as gradient

or incline

• Driving rearward

• ESC OFF indicator light (

) remains

on the instrument cluster

• MDPS indicator light remains on the

instrument cluster

VSM operation off

If you press the ESC OFF button to turn
off the ESC, the VSM will also cancel
and

the ESC OFF indicator light (

)

appears.

To turn on the VSM, press the button
again. The ESC OFF indicator light
goes out.

Malfunction indicator

The VSM can be deactivated even if you
don’t cancel the VSM operation by
pressing the ESC OFF button. It
indicates that a malfunction has been
detected somewhere in the Electric
Power Steer

ing system or VSM

system.

If the ESC indicator light (

) or EPS

warning light remains on, have the sys

tem checked by an authorized Kia
dealer.

W ARNING

• The Vehicle Stability Management

system is not a substitute for safe
driving practices but a supplementary
function only. It is the responsibility of
the driver to always check the speed
and the distance to the vehicle ahead.

Always hold the steering wheel firmly
while driving.

• Your vehicle is designed to activate

according to the

driver’s intention,

even with installed VSM. Always fol

low all the normal precautions for
driving at safe speeds for the condi

tions

– including driving inclement

weather and on a slippery road.

• Driving with varying tire or wheel sizes

may cause the VSM system to mal

function. When replacing tires, make
sure they are the same type, size,
brand, construction and tread pattern
all four wheels.

Brake Assistant System (BAS)

The Brake Assistant System provides
additional pressure when the brake pedal
is momentarily and strongly depressed in
a situation sudden braking is required
while driving.

The Brake Assistant System reduces the
time for ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System)
control to enter and consequently
reduces the braking distance, by provid

ing additional pressure up to the point of
ABS intervention.

BAS operation

• When the vehicle speed is more than

30 km/h and the ABS control is not
entered.

• When the brake pedal is depressed

strongly over a certain level.

• When the friction of the road surface

is above a certain level.

BAS operation off

• The vehicle speed is below 6 mph (10

km/h).

Driving your vehicle

Brake system

• The brake pedal is depressed over a

certain conditions.

• The friction of the road surface is

below a certain level.

W ARNING

Brake Assist System (BAS) Limitations
The system may not operate depending
on driver's driving habit, the degree to
which the brake pedal is depressed and
the road surface condition.

Emergency Stop Signal (ESS)

The Emergency Stop Signal system
alerts the driver behind by blinking the
stop light when the vehicle suddenly
stops or when the ABS activates in a
stop. (The system activates when the
vehicle speed is over 55km/h and the
vehicle deceleration is over 7m/s² or the
ABS activates when the vehicle emer

gency braking.)

When the vehicle speed is under 40 km/
h and the ABS deactivates or the sudden
stop situation is over, the stop light
blinking will stop.

CAUTION

The Emergency Stop Signal system will
not work if the hazard warning flasher is
already on.

Good braking practices

Good braking practices help keep occu

pants safe and extend brake life.
• Check to be sure the parking brake is

not engaged and the parking brake
indicator light is out before driving
away.

• Driving through water may get the

brakes wet. They can also get wet
when the vehicle is washed. Wet
brakes can be dangerous! Your vehi

cle will not stop as quickly if the
brakes are wet. Wet brakes may
cause the vehicle to pull to one side.

To dry the brakes, apply the brakes
lightly until the braking action returns
to normal, taking care to keep the
vehicle under control at all times. If the
braking action does not return to
normal, stop as soon as it is safe to do
so and call an authorized Kia dealer
for assistance.

• Don't coast down hills with the vehicle

out of gear. This is extremely hazard

ous. Keep the vehicle in gear at all
times, use the brakes to slow down,
then shift to a lower gear so that vehi

cle braking will help you maintain a
safe speed.

• Don't "ride" the brake pedal. Resting

your foot on the brake pedal while
driving can be dangerous because the
brakes might overheat and lose their
effectiveness. It also increases the
wear of the brake components.

• If a tire goes flat while you are driving,

apply the brakes gently and keep the
vehicle pointed straight ahead while
you slow down. When you are moving
slowly enough for it to be safe to do
so, pull off the road and stop in a safe
place.

• Be cautious when parking on a hill.

Firmly engage the parking brake and
place the shifter dial in P. If your vehi

cle is facing downhill, turn the front
wheels into the curb to help keep the
vehicle from rolling.

If your vehicle is facing uphill, turn the
front wheels away from the curb to
help keep the vehicle from rolling. If
there is no curb or if it is required by
other conditions to keep the vehicle
from rolling, block the wheels.

Kia Soul (2024 year). Manual in english - page 7