Steering wheel

Electronic power steering

The power steering uses the motor to assist steering effort. If the engine is off or the power steering fails, the vehicle can still be steered, but the steering effort required will increase.

The power steering is controlled by the power steering control unit, which detects steering wheel torque and vehicle speed to control the motor.

The steering wheel becomes firmer as vehicle speed increases and lighter as vehicle speed decreases, to provide better steering control.

If you notice a change in the steering effort during normal vehicle operation, have the power steering checked at an authorized Kia dealer.

NOTICE

The following symptoms may occur during normal vehicle operation:

• The EPS warning light does not come on.
• The steering wheel becomes harder to turn after starting the engine. This occurs while the EPS performs its diagnostic sequence.

Once the sequence is complete, the steering wheel will return to its normal state.

You may hear a clicking sound from the EPS relay after turning the ignition key to the ON or LOCK position.

You may hear motor noise while the vehicle is stationary or driving at low speed.

If the electric power steering system does not operate normally, the warning light will illuminate on the instrument panel. The steering wheel may become difficult to control or may not operate normally. Visit an authorized Kia dealer as soon as possible to have your vehicle inspected.

The steering effort increases if you keep turning the steering wheel while the vehicle is not moving. It will return to normal after a few minutes.

An abnormal noise may occur when you turn the steering wheel in very cold weather. This noise will disappear as the temperature rises. This is a normal condition.

Tilt steering wheel

The tilt steering column allows you to adjust the steering wheel height before driving. You can also raise the steering wheel to provide more legroom when getting in and out of the vehicle.

The steering wheel should be adjusted to a comfortable position while allowing a clear view of the gauges and warning lights on the instrument panel.

WARNING

• Never adjust the steering wheel angle or height while driving. You could lose control of the vehicle, causing serious or fatal injury or an accident.
• After adjusting the steering wheel, try to push it down or pull it up to make sure it is locked in position.

To change the steering wheel angle, lower the lock lever (1), adjust the angle (2) and height (3, if equipped) of the steering wheel, then raise the lever to lock the steering wheel in position. Be sure to adjust the steering wheel before driving.

Horn

To sound the horn, press the horn symbol on the steering wheel. Check the horn regularly to make sure it works properly.

NOTICE

To sound the horn, press the area marked with the horn symbol on the steering wheel (see illustration). The horn will only sound if you press in this area.

CAUTION

Do not strike the horn hard to make it sound.

Do not strike it with your fist.

Do not press the horn with a sharp object.

Heated steering wheel (if equipped)

With the engine start/stop button in the ON position, press the steering wheel heater button to heat the steering wheel. The indicator built into the button will illuminate. To turn off the steering wheel heater, press the button again. The indicator built into the button will go off. The heater turns off automatically after approximately 30 minutes of operation. If you turn the ignition back on within half an hour after the engine is turned off, the heater will remain on.

CAUTION

• Do not install any covers on the steering wheel. This could damage the steering wheel heating system.
• Do not use solvents such as paint thinner, benzene, alcohol or gasoline to clean the heated steering wheel. This will damage the surface of the steering wheel.
• If the steering wheel surface is damaged by a sharp object, the heating element components may also be damaged.