Immobilizer System

Your vehicle may be equipped with an electronic engine immobilizer system to reduce the risk of unauthorized vehicle use.

Your immobilizer system consists of a small transponder in the ignition key and electronic devices inside the vehicle.

Vehicles without Smart Key System

With the immobilizer system, when you insert the ignition key into the ignition switch and turn it on, the system checks and identifies whether the ignition key is valid or not.

If the key is valid, the engine will start. If the key is invalid, the engine will not start.

To deactivate the immobilizer system:

Insert the ignition key into the key cylinder and turn it to the ON position.

To activate the immobilizer system:

Turn the ignition key to the OFF position. The immobilizer system is activated automatically. Without a valid ignition key for your vehicle, the engine will not start.

Vehicles with Smart Key System

Whenever the engine start/stop button is turned to the ON position, the immobilizer system checks whether the key is valid or not.

If the key is valid, the engine will start. If the key is invalid, the engine will not start.

To deactivate the immobilizer system

Turn the engine start/stop button to the ON position.

To activate the immobilizer system

Turn the engine start/stop button to the OFF position. The immobilizer system is activated automatically. Without a valid smart key for your vehicle, the engine will not start.

WARNING

To prevent theft of your vehicle, never leave spare keys anywhere in your vehicle. Your immobilizer password is unique to the customer and must be kept secret. Do not keep this number anywhere in your vehicle.

NOTICE

When starting the engine, do not use a key with another immobilizer key nearby. Otherwise, the engine may not start or may stop soon after starting. Keep each key separately to avoid improper starting.

CAUTION

Do not place metal accessories near the ignition switch. Metal accessories may interrupt the transponder signal and may prevent the engine from starting.

NOTICE

If you need additional keys or lose your keys, Kia recommends visiting an authorized Kia dealer/service partner.

CAUTION

The transponder in the ignition key is an important part of the immobilizer system. It is designed to provide years of trouble-free service; however, you should avoid exposure to moisture, static electricity, and rough handling. A malfunction of the immobilizer system may occur.

CAUTION

Do not modify, alter, or adjust the immobilizer system, as this may cause the immobilizer system to malfunction. If this occurs, have the system serviced by a professional workshop. Kia recommends visiting an authorized Kia dealer/service partner.

Malfunctions caused by improper changes, adjustments, or modifications to the immobilizer system are not covered by the vehicle manufacturer's warranty.