3. Exhaust Emission Control

The exhaust emission control system is an effective system that limits the emission of pollutants without affecting vehicle performance.

vehicle modifications

The vehicle is not designed to be modified. Vehicle modifications may affect the performance, safety and service life of your vehicle and may even violate applicable safety and environmental regulations.

In addition, damage and loss of performance resulting from structural modifications are not covered by the warranty.

• If you use unauthorized electronic devices, this may cause unusual vehicle behavior, damage to the wiring, discharge of the battery and may cause a fire. For safety reasons, do not use illegal electronic devices.

Safety Precautions for Exhaust Gas (Carbon Monoxide)

• Carbon monoxide is one of the substances contained in exhaust gases. If you notice the smell of your vehicle's exhaust gases inside the vehicle, leave the vehicle and have the system inspected and repaired immediately. If you ever feel that exhaust gases are entering the passenger compartment, do not drive the vehicle. Drive only with all windows fully open. Have your vehicle inspected and repaired immediately.

WARNING

Exhaust Gas

Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide (CO). This colorless and odorless gas is hazardous and can be fatal when inhaled. Follow these instructions to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

• Do not let the engine run longer than necessary to enter or exit enclosed areas (e.g. garages) or areas with insufficient ventilation.
• When the vehicle is parked outside with the engine running for an extended time, adjust the ventilation as needed to supply fresh air to the interior.
• Do not remain in a stationary vehicle with the engine running for a long time.
• If the engine stalls or does not start, repeated starting attempts may damage the emission control system.

Safety Precautions for Catalytic Converters (if equipped)

WARNING

Fire Hazard

• Do not park your vehicle over or near flammable materials such as dry grass, leaves, paper, etc., as they may be ignited by the hot exhaust system.
• The exhaust system and catalytic converter are very hot while the engine is running and shortly after the engine is turned off. Keep away from the exhaust system and catalytic converter, as you may otherwise get burned. Also, do not remove the heat shields around the exhaust system or the underbody coating. Under certain conditions, this may create a fire hazard.

Your vehicle is equipped with a catalytic converter. Therefore, observe the following safety precautions:

• Be sure to inspect your vehicle according to the "Fuel Regulations" on page 1-03.
• Do not allow the engine to run if there are signs of engine malfunction (for example, misfiring or loss of power).
• Do not abuse or carelessly operate the engine. Examples of improper or careless use include coasting with the ignition switched off, or driving down slopes with the transmission in neutral and the ignition switched off.
• Do not let the engine idle for extended periods (5 minutes or longer) or run at high speed for long periods.
• Do not make any modifications to the engine or emission control system components. All inspections and adjustments must be performed at a specialized workshop. Kia recommends visiting a Kia dealer or service partner.
• Avoid driving with a very low fuel level. At low fuel level, the engine may misfire, which can damage the catalytic converter.

Failure to follow these safety instructions may damage the catalytic converter and reduce its service life. In addition, such incidents will void the warranty.

Gasoline Particulate Filter (GPF) (if equipped)

The Gasoline Particulate Filter (GPF) is an exhaust soot removal system. Unlike a disposable air filter, the GPF burns (oxidizes) soot. The GPF automatically burns off soot and removes it during driving.

For repeated short trips or long trips at low speed, the accumulated soot may not be removed automatically by the GPF system. If a certain amount of soot has accumulated, the GPF warning lamp ( ) will illuminate. To activate the GPF system, the vehicle must be driven for at least 30 minutes at a speed above 80 km/h. Make sure the following conditions are met: safe driving conditions, 3rd gear or higher, and engine speed between 1500 and 4000 rpm. Once you have driven at a speed of at least 80 km/h for the recommended time, the GPF system is reactivated and the GPF warning lamp goes out.

Visit a specialized workshop and have the GPF system checked when the GPF warning lamp is illuminated or the warning message "Check Exhaust System" appears, even after every trip at the recommended speed and duration. Kia recommends visiting a Kia dealer or service partner. If you continue driving with the GPF warning lamp illuminated, the GPF system may be damaged and fuel consumption may increase.

Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) (if equipped)

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

Unlike a disposable air filter, the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) automatically separates soot and burns it (oxidizes it), and always removes it depending on driving conditions. In other words, active combustion through the engine management system and high exhaust gas temperature during normal and fast driving burns and removes the accumulated soot.

However, if the vehicle is only driven on short trips or at low speed for long periods, the separated soot may not be removed automatically because the exhaust gas temperature is too low. If a larger amount of soot accumulates, the warning lamp () illuminates and indicates a malfunction. The malfunction indicator lamp flashes until the vehicle is driven faster than 60 km/h or the engine runs in 2nd gear or higher for a certain time (approx. 25 minutes) at 1,500 to 2,500 rpm.

If, despite this procedure, the warning lamp () continues to flash or the warning message "Check Exhaust System" is displayed, visit a specialized workshop and have the DPF system checked. Kia recommends visiting a Kia dealer or service partner.

If you continue driving while the malfunction indicator lamp flashes for an extended period, the DPF system may be damaged and fuel consumption may increase.

DANGER

Diesel Fuel (if equipped with DPF)

Use of diesel fuel is recommended for diesel vehicles. Use diesel fuel that is standardized for vehicles equipped with a DPF system.

If you use diesel fuel with a high sulfur content (more than 50 ppm sulfur) or unapproved additives, the DPF system may become damaged and emit white smoke.

NOx Storage Catalyst (LNT) (if equipped)

The NOx Storage Catalyst (LNT) removes nitrogen oxides from the exhaust gas. Depending on the fuel quality, an odor may be noticeable in the exhaust, and NOx removal may be reduced or improved. Therefore, use standard diesel fuel for passenger vehicles.

Selective Catalytic Reduction (if equipped)

The Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system converts NOx into nitrogen and water vapor using a catalyst and a reducing agent solution of urea.

WARNING

• Driving a vehicle without urea solution may be a punishable offense.
• Use and refilling with the required urea solution meeting the specification is a prerequisite for the validity of the certificate of conformity issued for this vehicle type.

Urea Sensor (if equipped)

The urea sensor indicates the amount of urea solution remaining in the urea tank.

❈ The urea indication always appears when the ENGINE START/STOP button is in the ON position.

Warning Message Due to Low Urea Solution Level (if equipped)

The low urea message always appears when only 3.6 L of urea solution remains. If the "Low Urea" warning message is displayed and the SCR warning lamp ( ) illuminates, you need to refill the urea tank. If refilling does not occur within a certain distance, the message "Refill Urea" and the SCR warning lamp ( appear.) indicator light comes on.

In this case, the urea tank must be refilled immediately. If the warning message "Refill urea in xxx km or engine will not start" (urea in xxx km or the vehicle will no longer start) appears and the SCR warning lamp () illuminates, the remaining urea amount in the urea tank is too low. The display "xxx km (miles)" indicates the permissible remaining driving distance. Do not exceed the permissible remaining distance without refilling urea.

Otherwise, the vehicle will no longer start after the engine is switched off with the ENGINE START/STOP button. The remaining distance is based on driving style, environmental conditions and the calculated road profile, and may deviate from the actual distance.

If the message "Low urea level" or "Refill urea" (urea level low or refill urea) is displayed, add a sufficient amount of urea solution. If the message "Refill urea in xxx km or engine will not start" (refill urea in xxx km or the vehicle will no longer start) is displayed, fill with the appropriate amount of urea solution afterwards.

If the message "Refill urea tank or engine will not start" (refill urea tank or the vehicle will no longer start) is displayed and the SCR warning lamp () illuminates, the vehicle can only be started once the engine has been switched off with the ENGINE START/STOP button. In the cases mentioned above, a complete refill is always recommended.

SCR System Malfunction (if equipped)

The SCR system has malfunctioned due to disconnected electrical components, incorrect urea solution, etc. The display "xxx km (miles)" indicates the permissible remaining driving distance. Do not use the remaining distance as a substitute for correcting the cause of the malfunction. Otherwise, the vehicle will no longer start after the engine is switched off with the ENGINE START/STOP button. In this case, have the vehicle inspected at a specialized workshop. Kia recommends contacting an authorized Kia dealer or service partner.

Resetting Vehicle Restart Prohibition (if equipped)

After the warning messages have reached the final stage and vehicle restart is prevented, the system can only be deactivated by adding urea solution to the urea tank or by correcting the malfunction. If the vehicle can be restarted after the message "Refill urea tank or engine will not start" (refill urea tank or the vehicle will no longer start) is displayed, add a sufficient amount of urea solution, wait a few minutes, and then try to start the vehicle again. If the vehicle still does not start regardless of the urea level, have the vehicle inspected at a specialized workshop. Kia recommends contacting an authorized Kia dealer or service partner.

Refilling Urea Solution

Filling urea solution with the filler hose

1. Press the ENGINE START/STOP button to the OFF position.

2. Turn the urea tank cap counterclockwise to open.

3. Fill the urea tank to the top with urea solution that conforms to ISO 22241 using the filler hose. Fill with a sufficient amount of urea solution.

❈ Be careful not to accidentally fill the fuel tank with urea solution. Otherwise, vehicle performance will be severely affected and various malfunctions may occur.

❈ Never use urea solution mixed with additives or water. Foreign substances may enter the urea tank. In this case, vehicle function will be severely affected and various malfunctions may occur.

❈ Use only urea solution conforming to ISO 22241. Any non-approved urea solution will certainly affect vehicle performance and cause various malfunctions.

4. Turn the urea tank cap clockwise to close.

Filling urea solution with a refill bottle

1. Press the ENGINE START/STOP button to the OFF position.

2. Turn the urea tank cap counterclockwise to open.

3. Pour urea solution that conforms to ISO 22241 into the urea tank. Fill with a sufficient amount of urea solution.

❈ Be careful not to accidentally fill the fuel tank with urea solution. Otherwise, vehicle performance will be severely affected and various malfunctions may occur.

❈ When filling the urea tank from a refill bottle, take special care not to overfill it. An overfilled urea tank expands when exposed to freezing outside temperatures, which may cause serious damage to the urea tank and the urea system.

❈ Never use urea solution mixed with additives or water. Foreign substances may enter the urea tank. In this case, vehicle function will be severely affected and various malfunctions may occur.

❈ Use only urea solution conforming to ISO 22241. Any non-approved urea solution will certainly affect vehicle performance and cause various malfunctions.

4. Turn the urea tank cap clockwise to close.

Refill urea solution: approximately every 5600 km (urea consumption depends on the road profile, driving style and environmental conditions).

❈ It takes some time for the displays in the instrument cluster to update after urea solution is added.

WARNING

• Do not subject the DPF system to external impact loads. This may damage the catalyst in the DPF system.
• Do not modify or manipulate the DPF system, or extend or relocate the exhaust pipe. This may seriously impair the function of the DPF system.
• Avoid contact with water discharged from the exhaust pipe. This water is slightly acidic and dangerous to the skin. Wash thoroughly if you have come into contact with this water.
• Intentional manipulation or modification of the DPF system may cause system malfunction. The DPF system is controlled by a complex device.
• Wait until the DPF system has cooled down before performing any maintenance, as it generates high heat. Otherwise, you may get burned.
• Add only the specified urea solution if your vehicle is equipped with a urea system.
• The urea system (urea injector, urea pump and DCU) continues to operate for about two minutes after the remaining urea solution is removed, even if the ENGINE START/STOP button has been pressed to the "OFF" position. Make sure the urea system is completely shut down before performing maintenance.
• Improper urea solution or unapproved fluids can damage the DPF system. Any unverified additives in the urea solution may cause clogging of the SCR catalytic converter and other malfunctions, so the expensive DPF system must be replaced.
• If urea solution gets into your eyes or onto your skin, wash the affected area thoroughly.
• If you have swallowed urea solution, rinse your mouth thoroughly and drink plenty of fresh water. Seek medical attention immediately.
• If your clothing has become contaminated with urea solution, change immediately.
• If you already have an allergy to urea solution, seek medical attention immediately.
• Keep urea solution out of the reach of children.
• Wipe up spilled urea solution with a cloth or rinse it off. If urea solution has crystallized, wipe it with a sponge or cloth moistened with cold water. If spilled urea solution is exposed to air for a long time, it crystallizes into white crystals that can attack the vehicle surface.
• Urea solution is not a fuel additive. Therefore, do not pour it into the fuel tank. This may damage the engine.
• Urea solution is a water-based, non-flammable, non-toxic solution with no odor and no color.
• Store the urea tank only in well-ventilated areas. If the urea solution is exposed to temperatures above 50 °C for a long time, it may cause chemical decomposition and release of ammonia vapors.

Storing urea solution

• Urea solution must not be stored in containers made of certain materials (for example, aluminum, copper, copper alloys, mild steel and galvanized steel). Urea solution attacks metals and may damage the emission control system so badly that it cannot be repaired.
• Store urea solution only in containers made of the following materials (CR-Ni steel, Mo-Cr-Ni steel, polypropylene and polyethylene per DIN EN 10 088-1-/-2-/-3).

Urea Solution Purity

• The DPF system may be damaged under the following conditions.
  - Fuel or other unapproved fluids have been filled into the urea tank.
  - Additives have been mixed into the urea solution.
  - Water has been used to dilute the urea solution.
• Use only urea solution conforming to ISO 22241 or DIN 70070. If unapproved urea solution has been filled into the urea tank, have your vehicle inspected by a specialized workshop. Kia recommends contacting an authorized Kia dealer/service partner.
• If impermissible impurities get into the urea tank, the following problems may occur.
  - Increased emissions
  - DPF system malfunction
  - Engine failure

Never refill used urea solution drained from the urea tank (for example, when performing vehicle maintenance). The purity of this fluid cannot be guaranteed. Always fill with new urea solution.

WARNING

• Ammonia vapors may escape when the urea tank cap is open at high outside air temperatures. Ammonia vapors have a pungent odor and especially irritate the following parts of the body:
  - Skin
  - Mucous membranes
  - Eyes
  They may cause a burning sensation in the eyes, nose and throat (pharynx) as well as throat irritation and watery eyes. Do not inhale ammonia vapors. Avoid direct skin contact with urea solution. Urea solution is harmful to health. Flush affected areas thoroughly with clean water. Consult a doctor if necessary.
• Be careful when handling urea solution in an enclosed room. Ensure good ventilation. If the urea solution bottle is opened, vapors with a pungent odor are released.
• Urea solution must be kept out of the reach of children.
• When urea solution gets onto the body, wash the vehicle surface with clean water to avoid corrosion.
• When refilling, make sure the urea solution does not overflow.
• If the vehicle has been parked for a long time at very low ambient temperatures (below -11 °C), the urea solution freezes in the urea tank. When frozen, the urea solution in the urea tank can only be thawed by the urea solution heater. Incorrect or diluted urea solution raises the freezing point, so the solution may not thaw below the heater's temperature limit. This phenomenon may lead to SCR system malfunction and engine restart problems.
• The thawing time of urea solution varies depending on the outside air temperature and driving conditions.

DANGER

• If an unsuitable or unrecommended solution or fluid is filled, vehicle components may be damaged, for example, the treatment device. If foreign matter gets into the fuel, it is stored in the SCR catalytic converter, the catalyst must be replaced or cracking may occur. Seek to have incorrectly filled urea solution removed as soon as possible at the nearest service center.
• Fluids such as diesel fuel, gasoline and alcohol are not recommended and must never be used instead of urea solution conforming to ISO 22241 or DIN 70070.
• If an unsuitable or unrecommended solution or fluid is filled, vehicle components may be damaged, for example, the treatment device. If foreign matter gets into the fuel, it is stored in the SCR catalytic converter, the catalyst must be replaced or cracking may occur.