Electronic Control Suspension (ECS)
With Electronic Control Suspension (ECS), the Kia Opirus (2003–2011) offers luxury-class ride comfort. A sporty or a comfortable driving mode can be selected at the press of a button. The system automatically adjusts damping to road conditions, providing an optimal balance between comfort and handling. Notes on fault diagnosis and response times when the engine is switched off complete this chapter.
The Electronic Control Suspension (ECS) uses various sensors to monitor road and driving conditions. ECS adjusts the suspension accordingly to provide maximum ride comfort and to compensate for shocks caused by road irregularities.
The driver can freely choose between Normal mode and Sport mode.

Selecting the ECS mode
To select the ECS mode, press the ECS button on the center console.
When you press the ECS button, Sport mode (SPT) is activated and the SPORT indicator light in the instrument cluster comes on.
Sport mode provides firmer suspension tuning.
When you press the ECS button again, the system returns to Normal mode (NOR) and the SPORT indicator light in the instrument cluster goes out. Normal mode provides softer suspension tuning.
Under normal driving conditions, select Normal mode (NOR).

When Sport mode (SPT) is activated
In this mode, the SPORT indicator light in the instrument cluster comes on.
Select this mode for sporty driving on winding mountain roads and at higher speeds. Suspension damping is automatically adjusted as follows:


When Normal mode (NOR) is activated
In this mode, the SPORT indicator light in the instrument cluster goes out.
Suspension damping is automatically adjusted depending on the driving conditions during normal driving as follows:

When the warning light comes on while driving
If there is a malfunction in the ECS system, the SPORT indicator light in the instrument cluster flashes at an interval of 0.5 seconds.
Although the ECS system is not operational in this case, the vehicle can continue to be driven.
1. Park the vehicle in a safe place and then switch off the ignition.
2. Restart the engine.
If the indicator light stops flashing after approx.
4 minutes, the ECS system is functioning properly.
3. If the indicator light continues to flash, have your vehicle inspected and repaired by an authorized KIA dealer. Although the ECS system is not operational in this case, the vehicle can continue to be driven.
NOTE
If your vehicle is equipped with ECS, wait at least 3 minutes after switching off the engine before raising the vehicle with a jack.
This period allows the automatic suspension control to reset to its basic state.
The Electronic Control Suspension (ECS) in the Kia Opirus 2003–2011 provides a comfortable and safe driving experience. Depending on the selected mode, the suspension adapts to road and driving conditions and effectively compensates for uneven road surfaces.
Thanks to the simple switching between Normal and Sport mode, the driver can tailor the driving characteristics to their needs and enjoy maximum ride comfort.
The precise technology of the ECS underlines the premium character of the Kia Opirus 2003–2011 and ensures a compelling driving experience.
Test yourself
A quick Kia Opirus quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.