Engine Overheat

If your temperature gauge indicates overheating, you experience a loss of power, or you hear a loud knocking or pinging noise, the engine may be overheating. If this happens, you should:

1. Pull off the road and stop as soon as it is safe to do so.

2. Place the shift lever in the P (Park) position for automatic transmission or in Neutral for manual transmission, and apply the parking brake. If the air conditioner is on, turn it off.

3. If engine coolant is leaking from under the vehicle or from under the hood, stop the engine. Do not open the hood until the coolant stops leaking or steam stops. If there is no visible coolant loss and no steam, leave the engine running and make sure the cooling fan is operating. If the fan does not operate, turn off the engine.

4. Check that the water pump drive belt is not broken. If it is not broken, make sure it is tight. If the drive belt appears satisfactory, check for coolant leaks from the radiator, hoses, or under the vehicle. (If the air conditioner was in use, it is normal for cold water to drip from the vehicle when you stop.)

WARNING

While the engine is running, keep hair, hands, and clothing away from moving parts such as the fan and drive belts to avoid injury.

5. If the water pump drive belt is broken or engine coolant is leaking, stop the engine immediately and contact the nearest authorized Kia dealer for assistance.

WARNING

Do not remove the radiator cap when the engine is hot. This may cause coolant to spray out of the opening and cause serious burns.

6. If you cannot find the cause of the overheating, wait until the engine temperature returns to normal.

Then, if coolant was lost, carefully add coolant to the reservoir until the level reaches the MAX (middle) mark.

7. Proceed with caution and watch for further signs of overheating. If overheating occurs again, seek assistance from an authorized Kia dealer.

CAUTION

A significant loss of coolant indicates a leak in the cooling system and should be inspected by an authorized Kia dealer as soon as possible.