Driving Your Vehicle

Shift Lock System

~1min read

For your safety, the automatic transmission has a shift lock system that prevents shifting from P (Park) to R (Reverse) unless the brake pedal is depressed.

To shift from P (Park) to R (Reverse):

1. Depress and hold the brake pedal.

2. Start the engine or turn the ENGINE START/STOP button 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 knocking and vibration may be felt near the shift lever. This is a normal condition.

WARNING. Shifting from Park

Always fully depress the brake pedal before and during shifting from the P (Park) position to another position to prevent unintended vehicle movement that could injure people in or around the vehicle.

Releasing the Shift Lock

If the shift lever cannot be moved from the P (Park) position to the R (Reverse) position with the brake pedal depressed, continue to depress the brake pedal, then perform the following steps:

1. Place the ENGINE START/STOP button in the OFF position.

2. Apply the parking brake.

3. Carefully remove the cap (1) covering the shift lock release hole.

4. Insert a tool (such as a flat-blade screwdriver) into the access hole and press on the tool.

5. Move the shift lever.

6. Remove the tool from the shift lock release hole, then close the access hole and install the cap.

7. Have your vehicle inspected immediately by an authorized Kia dealer.

ENGINE START/STOP Button Shift Lock System

The ENGINE START/STOP button will not change to the OFF position unless the shift lever is in the P (Park) position.

Test yourself

A quick Kia Cadenza VG Owner's Manual quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.