Automatic Transmission (if equipped)

Automatic Transmission Operation

The automatic transmission has 6 forward speeds and one reverse speed. Gear speeds are selected automatically, depending on the position of the shift lever.

✽ NOTICE

The first few shifts on a new vehicle, or after the battery has been disconnected, may be somewhat harsh. This is normal, and the shift sequence will adjust after the TCM (Transmission Control Module) or PCM (Powertrain Control Module) has shifted several times.

For smooth operation, depress the brake pedal and press the release button when shifting from P (Park) into a forward or reverse gear.

WARNING - Automatic Transmission

• Always check the area around the vehicle for people, especially children, before shifting the shift lever into D (Drive) or R (Reverse).
• Before leaving the driver's seat, always make sure the shift lever is in P (Park); then fully apply the parking brake and turn off the engine. If these precautions are not followed in the specified order, unexpected and sudden vehicle movement may occur.

CAUTION

• To avoid damaging the transmission, do not race the engine in R (Reverse) or any forward gear with the brakes applied.
• When stopped on a slope, do not hold the vehicle using engine power. Use the service brake or parking brake.
• Do not shift from N (Neutral) or P (Park) into D (Drive) or R (Reverse) when the engine is running above idle speed.

Transmission Ranges

The indicator in the instrument cluster shows the position of the shift lever when the ignition switch is in the ON position.

P (Park)

Always come to a complete stop before shifting into P (Park). This position locks the transmission and prevents the drive wheels from rotating.

WARNING

• Shifting to P (Park) while the vehicle is moving will lock the drive wheels, which may result in loss of vehicle control.
• Do not use P (Park) in place of the parking brake. Always make sure the shift lever is locked in P (Park) and fully apply the parking brake.
• Never leave a child unattended in the vehicle.

CAUTION

The transmission may be damaged if you shift to P (Park) while the vehicle is moving.

R (Reverse)

Use this position to drive the vehicle in reverse.

CAUTION

Always come to a complete stop before shifting into or out of R (Reverse). You may damage the transmission if you shift into R (Reverse) while the vehicle is moving, except as described in this section.

N (Neutral)

The wheels and transmission are not engaged. The vehicle will roll freely even on the slightest incline unless the parking brake or service brake is applied.

D (Drive)

This is the normal forward driving position. The transmission shifts automatically through a 6-speed sequence, providing the best fuel economy and performance.

For extra power when passing another vehicle or climbing a grade, depress the accelerator pedal fully. At this time, the transmission will automatically downshift to the appropriate gear.

✽ NOTICE

Always come to a complete stop before shifting to D (Drive).

Sport Mode

Whether the vehicle is stationary or moving, sport mode is selected by moving the shift lever from the D (Drive) position to the manual gate.

To return to D (Drive) mode, move the shift lever back to the main gate position.

In Sport mode, moving the shift lever backward and forward allows you to change gears quickly.

Unlike a manual transmission, Sport mode allows shifting while the accelerator pedal is depressed.

Up (+):

Push the lever forward once to shift up one gear.

Down (-):

Pull the lever back once to shift down one gear.

✽ NOTICE

• In Sport mode, the driver should upshift according to road conditions, making sure the engine speed stays below the red zone.
• In Sport mode, only 6 forward gears can be selected. To change or park the vehicle, move the shift lever to R (Reverse) or P (Park) as required.
• In Sport mode, the transmission downshifts automatically when the vehicle decelerates. When the vehicle stops, 1st gear is selected automatically.
• In Sport mode, when the engine speed approaches the red zone, the shift points change to automatically upshift.
• To maintain the required level of performance and safety, the system may not perform certain gear shifts when the shift lever is pressed.
• When driving on a slippery road, move the shift lever forward to the + (up) position. This causes the transmission to shift to 2nd gear, which is better for smooth driving on slippery roads. Move the shift lever to the - (down) side to shift back to 1st gear.

Shift Lock System (if equipped)

For your safety, the automatic transmission is equipped with a shift lock system that 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):

1. Depress and hold the brake pedal.

2. Start the engine or turn the ignition key to the ON position.

3. Move the shift lever.

If the brake pedal is pressed and released repeatedly with the shift lever in the P (Park) position, a knocking sound may be heard near the shift lever. This is normal.

WARNING

Always fully depress the brake pedal before and while shifting the shift lever out of P (Park) to prevent unintended vehicle movement, which may injure people inside or near the vehicle.

Releasing the Shift Lock

If the shift lever cannot be moved from P (Park) into R (Reverse) with the brake pedal depressed, continue depressing the brake pedal, then do the following:

1. Carefully remove the cover over the shift lock release access hole (1).

2. Insert a screwdriver into the access hole and press on the screwdriver.

3. Move the shift lever.

4. Have your vehicle checked immediately by an authorized Kia dealer.

Ignition Key Lock System

The ignition key cannot be removed unless the shift lever is in P (Park). Even if the ignition key is in the LOCK position, the key cannot be removed.

If your vehicle is equipped with the ENGINE START/STOP button, the button will not switch to the OFF position unless the shift lever is in the P (Park) position.