Kia Sportage: 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.
Gauges
Speedometer The speedometer indicates the forward speed of the vehicle. Tachometer The tachometer indicates the approximate number of engine revolutions per minute (rpm). Use the tachometer to sel ...Compass
To operate compass feature The vehicle compass is a convenient feature which displays the direction the vehicle is heading. Push the ON/OFF button (➀) on lower part of mirror to display t ...See also:
Difference between predicted and actual distances
The distance guide line and the vehicle width
guide line should be used as a reference only
when the vehicle is on a level, paved surface.
The distance viewed on the monitor is for
reference on ...
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
The vehicle identification number (VIN) is the
number used in registering your car and in all
legal matters pertaining to its ownership, etc. It
can be found in three different places on your ...
Other markings
The following makings are also
placed on the sidewall. ...