3. Exhaust Emission Control System

The exhaust emission control system is a highly effective system that controls exhaust emissions while maintaining good vehicle performance.

Vehicle Modifications

This vehicle must not be modified. Modifying your vehicle may affect its performance, safety or durability and may even violate federal safety and emissions regulations.

In addition, damage or performance problems resulting from any modification may not be covered by the warranty.

• Use of unauthorized electrical devices may cause the vehicle to malfunction, wiring to be damaged, the battery to discharge or a fire to occur. For your safety, do not use unauthorized electrical devices.

Engine Exhaust Precautions (Carbon Monoxide)

• Carbon monoxide may be present in other exhaust gases. Therefore, if you smell exhaust fumes of any kind inside your vehicle, have it inspected and repaired immediately. If you suspect exhaust gases are entering your vehicle, drive only with all windows fully open. Inspect and repair your vehicle immediately.

WARNING - Exhaust

Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide (CO). Although it is colorless and odorless, it is dangerous and can be fatal if inhaled. Follow the instructions below to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

• Do not operate the engine in enclosed or confined areas (such as garages) any longer than necessary to enter or exit the area.
• When the vehicle is stopped in an open area for more than a short time with the engine running, adjust the ventilation system (if necessary) to draw outside air into the vehicle.
• Never sit in a parked or stopped vehicle for a long period with the engine running.
• When the engine stalls or fails to start, excessive attempts to restart the engine may cause damage to the emission control system.

Catalytic Converter Operation Precautions

WARNING! Fire

• The hot exhaust system may ignite flammable materials under the vehicle. Do not park, stop or drive the vehicle over or near flammable materials such as dry grass, paper, leaves, etc.
• The exhaust system and catalytic converter become very hot while the engine is running or immediately after the engine is turned off. Keep away from the exhaust system and catalytic converter. You may be burned. Also, do not remove heat shields around the exhaust system, do not seal the underbody, and do not apply corrosion protection coatings to the vehicle. Under certain conditions, this may create a fire hazard.

Your vehicle is equipped with a catalytic converter.

Therefore, observe the following precautions:

• Be sure to refuel your vehicle in accordance with the "Fuel Requirements" in Chapter 1.
• Do not drive the vehicle if you notice signs of engine malfunction, such as misfiring or a noticeable loss of performance.
• Do not misuse or abuse the engine. Examples of misuse include coasting with the ignition switched off and descending steep hills in gear with the ignition switched off.
• Do not run the engine at high idle speed for a long time (5 minutes or more).
• Do not modify or tamper with any part of the engine or emission control system. We recommend that the system be inspected by an authorized Kia dealer.
• Avoid driving with a very low fuel level. Running out of fuel may cause engine misfire, resulting in damage to the catalytic converter.

Failure to observe these precautions may cause damage to the catalytic converter and to your vehicle. In addition, such actions may void your warranties.

Diesel Particulate Filter

The Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) system removes soot from the exhaust gas.

Unlike a disposable air filter, the DPF system automatically burns (oxidizes) and removes accumulated soot depending on driving conditions. In other words, active regeneration controlled by the engine management system and the high exhaust gas temperature produced during normal/aggressive driving burns off and removes the accumulated soot. However, if the vehicle continues to be driven on repeated short trips or at low speed for a long time, the accumulated soot may not be removed automatically due to low exhaust gas temperature. When the amount of soot exceeds a certain level, the warning indicator () will illuminate.

When the warning indicator flashes, it may stop flashing when driving the vehicle at a speed above 60 km/h or in a gear higher than second with engine speed of 1500 ~ 2500 rpm for a certain period of time (about 25 minutes).

If the malfunction indicator () continues to flash or the warning message "Check Exhaust System" remains on despite the procedure, visit an authorized Kia dealer and have the DPF system inspected.

If you continue to drive while the warning indicator flashes for a long time, the DPF system may be damaged and fuel consumption may increase.

WARNING! Diesel Fuel (for vehicles with DPF)

For diesel vehicles equipped with a DPF system, it is recommended to use specified automotive diesel fuel.

If you use diesel fuel with high sulfur content (more than 50 ppm) or unspecified additives, this may damage the DPF system and white smoke may be emitted.

Lean NOx Trap (LNT) (if equipped)

The Lean NOx Trap (LNT) system removes nitrogen oxide from the exhaust gas. An odor may appear in the exhaust gas depending on fuel quality, and this may reduce NOx reduction efficiency. Please use specified automotive diesel fuel.