Paddle shifter (if equipped)
With the shift lever in the D position
Pull the [+] or [-] paddle shifter once to shift up or down one gear and the system changes from automatic mode to manual mode.
The Paddle shifter will operate when the vehicle speed is more than 3km/h (2mph)
To change back to automatic shift mode from manual shift mode, do one of the followings:
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Pull the [+] paddle shifter for more than one second
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Move the shift lever from D (Drive) to manual gate and return it to D position again
The manual shift mode also changes back to automatic shift mode in one of following situations
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When the accelerator pedal is gently depressed for more than 6 seconds while driving (not available in sport mode)
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When the vehicle speed decreases below 2km/h (1mph)
With the shift lever in the manual mode
Pull the [+] or [-] paddle shifter once to shift up or down one gear.
If you pull the [+] and [-] paddle shifters at the same time, you cannot shift the gear.
Shift lock system
For your safety, the automatic transmission has a shift lock system which prevents shifting the transmission from P (Park) into R (Reverse) unless the brake pedal is depressed.
To shift the transmission from P (Park) into R (Reverse):
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Depress and hold the brake pedal.
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Start the engine or turn the ignition switch to the ON position.
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Move the shift lever.
If the brake pedal is repeatedly depressed and released with the shift lever in the P (Park) position, a chattering noise near the shift lever may be heard. This is a normal condition.
Always fully depress the brake pedal before and whilst 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.
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:
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Place the ignition switch in the LOCK/OFF position.
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Apply the parking brake.
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After removing shift lever and boot (1), move lever P to N gear in pushing P release button with tool.
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After removing boots, keep pushing P release button with or tools.
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Move lever P to N gear.
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Have the system inspected by a professional workshop. Kia recommends to visit an authorised Kia dealer/service partner.
Ignition key interlock system (if equipped)
The ignition key cannot be removed unless the shift lever is in the P (Park) position.
Good driving practices
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Never move the shift lever from P (Park) or N (Neutral) to any other position with the accelerator pedal depressed.
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Never move the shift lever into P (Park) when the vehicle is in motion.
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Be sure the vehicle is completely stopped before you attempt to shift into R (Reverse) or D (Drive).
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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.
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Do not "ride" the brakes. This can cause them to overheat and malfunction. 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.
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Slow down before shifting to a lower gear. Otherwise, the lower gear may not be engaged.
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Always use the parking brake. Do not depend on placing the transmission in P (Park) to keep the vehicle from moving.
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Exercise extreme caution when driving on a slippery surface. Be especially careful 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.
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Optimum vehicle performance and economy is obtained by smoothly depressing and releasing the accelerator pedal.
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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 performance.
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Always buckle-up! In a collision, an unbelted occupant is significantly more likely to be seriously injured or killed than a properly belted occupant.
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Avoid high speeds when cornering or turning.
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Do not make quick steering wheel movements, such as sharp lane changes or fast, sharp turns.
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The risk of rollover is greatly increased if you lose control of your vehicle at highway speeds.
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Loss of control often occurs if two or more wheels drop off the roadway and the driver oversteers to reenter the roadway.
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In the event your vehicle leaves the roadway, do not steer sharply. Instead, slow down before pulling back into the travel lanes.
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Never exceed posted speed limits.
If your vehicle becomes stuck in snow, mud, sand, etc., then you may attempt to rock the vehicle free by moving it forward and backward. Do not attempt this procedure if people or objects are anywhere near the vehicle. During the rocking operation the vehicle may suddenly move forward of 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 standing start, depress the brake pedal, shift the shift lever to D (Drive). Select the appropriate gear depending on load weight and steepness of the grade, and release the parking brake. Depress the accelerator gradually whilst releasing the service brakes.
When accelerating from a stop on a steep hill, the vehicle may have a tendency to roll backwards.
When you start driving after the car was stopped on a hill, even though the shift lever is in D (Driving) position, if you do not step on the accelerator pedal or brake pedal, the car may roll backward, resulting in a fatal accident.
Always come to a complete stop before shifting into D (Drive).