Automatic Transaxle Operation

The automatic transaxle has 4 (or 6) forward speeds and 1 reverse speed. The appropriate gear is selected automatically depending on the selected shift lever position.

NOTICE

On a new vehicle, if the battery was disconnected initially, the first few shifts may be relatively harsh. This is normal. After the Transmission Control Module (TCM) and Powertrain Control Module (PCM) have carried out some shifts, the shift points are adjusted.

To ensure smooth engagement, depress the brake pedal when shifting from N (Neutral) to D (Drive) or R (Reverse).

WARNING

Automatic Transaxle

• ALWAYS check the area around your vehicle for people, especially children, before shifting into D (Drive) or R (Reverse).
• Before leaving the driver's seat, make sure the shift lever is in P (Park), then apply the parking brake and turn off the engine. If these precautions are not observed or are not performed in the correct order, the vehicle may move suddenly and unexpectedly.
• Do not use engine braking on slippery roads (i.e., do not downshift rapidly from a high gear to a lower gear). The vehicle may skid and cause an accident.

DANGER

• To avoid damaging the transaxle, never release the brake and depress the accelerator while in R (Reverse) or a forward gear.
• Do not hold the vehicle stationary on a slope by accelerating. Instead, depress the brake pedal or apply the parking brake.
• Do not move the shift lever from N (Neutral) or P (Park) to D (Drive) or R (Reverse) if the engine speed is higher than idle speed.

Shift Positions

If the ignition switch is in the ON position, the indicators in the instrument cluster show the shift lever position.

P (Park)

Always wait until the vehicle comes to a complete stop before shifting into Park (P). The transmission gear is locked in this position, and the front wheels are locked.

WARNING

• If the selector lever is shifted into Park (P) while the vehicle is moving, the drive wheels will be locked. This may cause you to lose control of the vehicle.
• Do not use Park (P) instead of the parking brake. Make sure the selector lever is locked in the Park (P) position, and firmly apply the parking brake.
• Never leave children unattended in the vehicle.

DANGER

If the selector lever is shifted into Park (P) while the vehicle is in Drive, the transmission may be damaged.

R (Reverse)

Select this position to drive in reverse.

DANGER

Only shift into Reverse (R) or out of Reverse (R) after the vehicle has come to a complete stop. If the selector lever is shifted into Reverse (R) while the vehicle is in Drive, the transmission may be damaged, except as described in "Freeing a Stuck Vehicle" on page 6-104.

N (Neutral)

The connection between the wheels and the transmission is disengaged. The vehicle will roll at the slightest incline if the foot brake or parking brake is not applied.

WARNING

Do not drive with the selector lever in Neutral (N).

Engine braking does not work in this position, which may lead to an accident.

• Park the vehicle with the selector lever in the N (Neutral) position

Perform the following procedure if you need to park the vehicle and then move it.

1. After parking the vehicle, depress the brake pedal and shift the selector lever to the [P] position when the ignition switch is in the [ON] position, the vehicle is stopped, or the engine is running.

2. Release the parking brake if it is applied.

3. Depress the brake pedal and turn the ignition switch to the [OFF] position. - For vehicles with a smart key, the ignition switch can only be turned to the [OFF] position when the selector lever is in the [P] position.

4. Depress the brake pedal and move the selector lever to Neutral [N] while pressing the [SHIFT LOCK RELEASE] button (on the selector lever) or inserting a tool (such as a flat-blade screwdriver) into the [SHIFT LOCK RELEASE] access hole and pressing down. The vehicle can then be pushed.

DANGER

• For safety reasons, always keep the selector lever in the [P] (Park) position and apply the parking brake if the vehicle is parked with the selector lever in Neutral.
• Before parking the vehicle with the selector lever in the [N] (Neutral) position, make sure the parking surface is level and flat. Never park with the selector lever in the [N] (Neutral) position on slopes or grades. If the vehicle is left with the selector lever in the [N] position, the vehicle may move and cause damage or injury.

D (Drive)

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

To accelerate fully when passing another vehicle or driving uphill, depress the accelerator pedal fully (approximately 82%) until it reaches the kickdown detent (if equipped) and you hear a click. The transmission will automatically downshift to the next lower gear.

NOTICE

Always wait until the vehicle comes to a complete stop before shifting into the Drive (D) position.

Sport Mode (if equipped)

You can use Sport Mode both while stopped and while driving. To do so, move the selector lever from the Drive (D) range into the manual shift gate. To return to Drive (D), move the selector lever back into the automatic shift gate.

In Sport Mode, you can upshift or downshift quickly by pushing the selector lever forward or pulling it back. Unlike a manual transmission, shifting in Sport Mode is possible without depressing the clutch pedal.

Using the Shift Switch

Up (+):

Push the selector lever forward once to shift to the next higher gear.

Down (-):

Pull the selector lever back once to shift to the next lower gear.

NOTICE

• In Sport Mode, the driver must shift manually according to driving conditions and watch the engine speed so it stays below the red zone.
• In Sport Mode, only 4th or 6th forward gear can be selected. To change to Reverse (R) or Park (P), move the selector lever to R or D as necessary.
• In Sport Mode, the transmission downshifts automatically when vehicle speed decreases. If the vehicle stops, the transmission automatically shifts to 1st gear.
• In Sport Mode, if the engine speed approaches the red zone, the transmission will automatically shift to the next higher gear.
• To protect the vehicle and for your safety, the system may not carry out certain manual shifts.
• To start on a slippery or smooth surface, push the selector lever forward (+ upshift) again. The transmission shifts to 2nd gear, which is more suitable for starting on slippery roads or loose ground. Pull the selector lever back to the (-) position to shift back to 1st gear.

Shift Lock (if equipped)

For safety reasons, the automatic transmission is equipped with a shift lock that prevents the selector lever from being moved from the Park (P) position to the Reverse (R) position unless the brake pedal is depressed. To shift from Park (P) to Reverse (R), follow these steps:

1. Press and hold the brake pedal.

2. Now move the shift lever.

If the brake pedal is depressed several times and released while the shift lever is in P (Park), a clicking noise may be heard near the shift lever. This is normal.

WARNING

Always fully depress the brake pedal before and while shifting from P (Park) to another position. Failure to do so may cause unintended vehicle movement, which could injure people in or around the vehicle or cause damage to property.

Shift Lock Override

If the shift lever is not in Park (P) and the brake pedal is depressed, you cannot shift into Reverse (R). To override the shift lock, keep the brake pedal depressed and do the following:

Enter

1. Carefully remove the cap (1) to expose the access hole for the shift lock override.

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

3. Now move the shift lever.

4. Have the system inspected by a qualified workshop. Kia recommends visiting a Kia authorized dealer or service partner.

Type B

1. Press the Shift Lock release button.

2. Now move the shift lever.

3. Have the system inspected by a qualified workshop. Kia recommends visiting a Kia authorized dealer or service partner.

Ignition Key Interlock Switch (if equipped)

The ignition key can only be removed when the shift lever is in the P (Park) position.