Kia Sportage: Ignition switch

Illuminated ignition switch (if equipped) Whenever a door is opened, the ignition switch will be illuminated for your convenience, provided the ignition switch is not in the ON position. The light will go off approximately 10 seconds after closing the door or when the ignition switch is turned on.

Ignition switch and anti-theft steering column lock Ignition switch position LOCK The steering wheel locks to protect against theft. The ignition key can be removed only in the LOCK position. When turning the ignition switch to the LOCK position, push the key inward at the ACC position (Type A) and turn the key toward the LOCK position. ACC (Accessory) The steering wheel is unlocked and electrical accessories are operative. ON 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 Turn the ignition key 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 lamp can be checked in this position.

NOTICE 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.

WARNING 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.

WARNING - Ignition key • 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 immediate accident. • Before leaving the driver’s seat, always make sure the shift lever is engaged in 1st gear for manual transaxle or P (Park) for automatic transaxle, set the parking brake fully and shut the engine off. Unexpected and sudden vehicle movement may occur if these precautions are not taken. • Never reach for the ignition switch, or any other 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, an accident 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.

Automatic transaxle When turning the ignition switch to the LOCK position, the shift lever must be in the P (Park) position.

Starting the engine

CAUTION Always wear appropriate shoes when operating your vehicle. Unsuitable shoes (high heels, ski boots,etc.) may interfere with your ability to use the brake and accelerator pedal, and the clutch (if equipped).

1. Make sure the parking brake is applied. 2. Manual Transaxle - Depress the clutch pedal fully and shift the transaxle into Neutral. Keep the clutch pedal depressed while turning the ignition switch to the start position. The starter will not operate if the clutch pedal is not fully depressed. Automatic Transaxle - Place the transaxle 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. 4. In extremely cold weather (below -18°C / 0°F) or after the vehicle has not been operated for several days, let the engine warm up without depressing the accelerator. Whether the engine is cold or warm, it should be started without depressing the accelerator.

CAUTION - Stall 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.

NOTICE Do not engage the starter for more than 10 seconds. If the engine stalls or fails to start, wait 5 to 10 seconds before re-engaging the starter. Excessive or improper use of the starter may damage it.

The starter will not operate if: • Manual Transaxle - the clutch pedal is not fully depressed. • Automatic Transaxle - the shift lever is NOT in the P (Park) or N (Neutral) position.

Manual transaxle

Manual transaxle operation The manual transaxle has five forward gears. Press the clutch pedal down fully while shifting, then release it slowly. A special safety feature prevents inadvertent shifting from 5 (Fifth) to R (Reverse). The gearshift lever must be returned to the neutral position before shifting into R (Reverse). Make sure the vehicle is completely stopped before shifting into R (Reverse). Never operate the engine with the tachometer (rpm) in the red zone.

NOTICE To avoid premature clutch wear and damage, do not drive with your foot resting on the clutch pedal. Also, don’t use the clutch to hold the vehicle stopped on an upgrade, while waiting for a traffic light, etc.

WARNING - Manual transaxle Before leaving the driver’s seat, always set the parking brake fully and shut the engine off. Then make sure the transaxle is shifted into 1st gear when the vehicle is parked on a level or uphill grade, and shifted into R (Reverse) on a downhill grade. Unexpected and sudden vehicle movement can occur if these precautions are not followed in the order identified.

Downshifting When you must slow down in heavy traffic or while driving up steep hills, downshift before the engine starts to labor. Downshifting reduces the chance of stalling and gives better acceleration when you again need to increase your speed. When the vehicle is traveling down steep hills, downshifting helps maintain safe speed and prolongs brake life.

Audio system

Automatic transaxle