Kia Optima DL3 Quiz
Driving Your Vehicle

Starting the Engine with the Smart Key

In this manual: Driving Your Vehicle
Your Vehicle at a Glance — 5Safety Features of Your Vehicle — 46Vehicle Specifications — 139Driving Your Vehicle — 69What to Do in an Emergency — 18Maintenance — 64Specifications and Consumer Information — 13
~2min read

1. Carry the smart key or keep it in the vehicle.

2. Make sure the parking brake is firmly applied.

3. Move the gear selector lever to P (Park). Fully depress the brake pedal. You can also start the engine when the gear selector lever is in N (Neutral).

4. Press the Engine Start/Stop button while depressing the brake pedal. The engine should start without depressing the accelerator pedal.

5. Do not wait for the engine to warm up while the vehicle is stationary. Start driving at moderate engine speed. Avoid rapid acceleration and braking.

  • Even if the smart key is in the vehicle but far away from you, the engine may not start.
  • When the engine START/STOP button is in the ACC position or ON position, if any door is open, the system checks for the smart key. If the smart key is not in the vehicle, the message "Key not detected in vehicle" appears on the LCD display. If all doors are closed, a warning chime sounds for 5 seconds. The indicator or warning turns off while the vehicle is moving. Always keep the smart key with you.

WARNING - Unintended Vehicle Movement

Never leave the smart key in the vehicle with children or other passengers who are not familiar with the vehicle's operation. Pressing the ENGINE START/STOP button while the smart key is inside the vehicle may result in unintended engine start and/or unintended vehicle movement.

  • If the battery is discharged or the Smart Key is not operating properly, you can start the engine by pressing the Engine Start/Stop button with the Smart Key.

The lock button side must make direct contact with the Engine Start/Stop button.

When pressing the Engine Start/Stop button directly with the Smart Key, the Smart Key must touch the button at a right angle.

  • When the stop lamp fuse is blown, you cannot start the engine normally. Replace the fuse with a new one. If this is not possible, you can start the engine by pressing the ENGINE START/STOP button for 10 seconds while in the ACC position. The engine may start without depressing the brake pedal. However, for your safety, always depress the brake pedal before starting the engine.

Do not press the ENGINE START/STOP button for more than 10 seconds, except when the stop lamp fuse is blown.

Test yourself

A quick Kia Optima DL3 quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.