check engine KIA RIO HATCHBACK 2008 User Guide

Driving your vehicle
20 4
Charging system
warning
This warning light indicates a malfunction
of either the generator or electrical
charging system.
If the warning light comes on while the
vehicle is in motion:
1. Drive to the nearest safe location.
2. With the engine off, check the genera-
tor drive belt for looseness or break-
age.
3. If the belt is adjusted properly, a prob-
lem exists somewhere in the electrical
charging system. Have an authorized
Kia dealer correct the problem as soon
as possible.
Safety belt warning
As a reminder to the driver and passen-
ger, safety belt warning light will blink for
approximately 6 seconds each time you
turn the ignition switch ON.
If the driver's lap/shoulder belt is not fas-
tened when the key is turned ON or if it is
disconnected after the key is turned ON,
the safety belt warning light will blink for
approximately 6 seconds.
If the driver’s lap/shoulder belt is not fas-
tened within 30 seconds after the engine
is started, the safety belt warning light
will blink for 6 seconds. This cycle will
repeat 11 times with an interval of 24
seconds between cycles.
If the system does not operate as
described, see an authorized Kia dealer
for assistance.
Shift pattern indicators
(if equipped)
The individual indicators illuminate to
show the automatic transaxle shift lever
selection.
Immobilizer indicator
(if equipped)
This light illuminates when the immobiliz-
er key is inserted and turned to the ON
position to start the engine.
If this light turns off or blinks when the
ignition switch is in the ON position
before starting the engine, have the sys-
tem checked by an authorized Kia
Dealer.
O/D OFF Indicator
(if equipped)
This indicator comes on when the O/D
system is deactivated.
Parking brake & brake
fluid warning
Parking brake warning
This light is illuminated when the parking
brake is applied with the ignition switch in
the START or ON position. The warning
light should go off when the parking
brake is released.
O/D
OFF

421
Driving your vehicle
Low brake fluid level warning
If the warning light remains on, it may
indicate that the brake fluid level in the
reservoir is low.
If the warning light remains on:
1. Drive carefully to the nearest safe
location and stop your vehicle.
2. With the engine stopped, check the
brake fluid level immediately and add
fluid as required. Then check all brake
components for fluid leaks.
3. Do not drive the vehicle if leaks are
found, the warning light remains on or
the brakes do not operate properly.
Have it towed to any authorized Kia
dealer for a brake system inspection
and necessary repairs.
To check bulb operation, check whether
the parking brake and brake fluid warning
light illuminates when the ignition switch
is in the ON position.
Trunk lid open
warning (if equipped)
This warning light activates when the
trunk is not closed securely.
Door ajar warning
This warning light illuminates when a
door is not closed securely.
Low fuel level
warning
This warning light indicates the fuel tank
is nearly empty. The warning light will
come on when the fuel level has dropped
to about 5.5~6.5 liters (1.5~1.7 gallons).
Refuel as soon as possible.
Headlight high beam
indicator
This indicator illuminates when the head-
lights are on and in the high beam posi-
tion or when the turn signal lever is pulled
into the Flash-to-Pass position.
Air bag warning
(if equipped)
This warning light will blink or illuminate
for approximately 6 seconds each time
you turn the ignition switch to the ON
position.
If this indicator does not go out, or if it illu-
minates while the vehicle is being driven,
see an authorized Kia dealer for immedi-
ate service.
Check fuel filler cap
warning
This warning light indicates the fuel filler
cap is not tight securely.
Always make sure that the fuel filler cap
is tight.
WARNING
Driving the vehicle with a brake
warning light on is dangerous. If the
brake warning light remains on,
have the brakes checked and
repaired immediately by an author-
ized Kia dealer.
AIR
BAG
CHECK
FUEL
CAP

Driving your vehicle
22 4
Malfunction indicator
(if equipped)
This indicator light is part of the Engine
Control System which monitors various
emission control system components. If
this light illuminates while driving, it indi-
cates that a potential problem has been
detected somewhere in the emission
control system.
Generally, your vehicle will continue to be
drivable and will not need towing, but
have the system checked by an author-
ized Kia dealer as soon as possible.
Safety belt warning chime
(if equipped)
If the driver's seat belt is not fastened
when the ignition key is turned “ON”or if
it is disconnected after the key is turn
ON, the safety belt warning chime will
sound for approximately 6 seconds.
If the driver’s lap/shoulder belt is not fas-
tened within 30 seconds after the engine
is started, the safety belt warning chime
will sound for 6 seconds. This cycle will
repeat 11 times with an interval of 24
seconds between cycles.
Door ajar warning chime
(if equipped)
If a door is opened with the ignition
switch ON, the warning chime will sound.
Key reminder warning chime
(if equipped)
If the driver’s door is opened and the igni-
tion key is left in the ignition switch in the
LOCK or ACC position, the key reminder
warning chime will sound. This is to pre-
vent you from locking your keys in the
vehicle.
CHECK
CAUTION
• Prolonged driving with the
Emission Control System
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
( ) illuminated may cause
damage to the emission control
systems which could effect dri-
vability and/or fuel economy.
•
If the EmissionControl System
Malfunction Indicator Light ( )
begins to flash ON and OFF,
potential catalytic converter dam-
age is possible which could result
in loss of engine power. Have the
Engine Control System inspected
as soon as possible by an author-
ized Kia dealer.
CHECKCHECK
CHECKCHECK

Driving your vehicle
28 4
If the washer does not work, check the
washer fluid level. If the fluid level is not
sufficient, you will need to add appropri-
ate non-abrasive windshield washer fluid
to the washer reservoir.
The reservoir filler neck is located in the
front of the engine compartment on the
passenger side.
✽
NOTICE
To prevent possible damage to the wash-
er pump, do not operate the washer
when the fluid reservoir is empty.
Rear window wiper and washer
switch (if equipped)
The rear window wiper and washer
switch is located at the end of the wiper
and washer switch lever. Turn the switch
to desired position to operate the rear
wiper and washer.
- Spraying washer fluid and wiping
ON - Normal wiper operation
OFF - Wiper is not in operationWARNING
Do not use the washer in freezing
temperatures without first warming
the windshield with the defrosters;
the washer solution could freeze on
contact with the windshield and
obscure your vision.
7JBN4056

Driving your vehicle
36 4
Air conditioning system opera-
tion tips
• If the vehicle has been parked in direct
sunlight during hot weather, open the
windows for a short time to let the hot
air inside the vehicle escape.
• To help reduce moisture inside of win-
dows on rainy or humid days, decrease
the humidity inside the vehicle by oper-
ating the air conditioning system.
• During air conditioning system opera-
tion, you may occasionally notice a
slight change in engine speed at idle
as the air conditioning compressor
cycles. This is a normal system opera-
tion characteristic.
• Use the air conditioning system every
month if only for a few minutes to
ensure maximum system perform-
ance.
• When using the air conditioning sys-
tem, you may notice clear water drip-
ping (or even pudding) on the ground
under the passenger side of the vehi-
cle. This is a normal system operation
characteristic.• The air conditioning system includes a
function that automatically turns the air
conditioning compressor off if engine
coolant temperature approaches an
over heating level. The air conditioning
compressor operation will resume
once engine coolant temperature
returns to the normal range. Also, the
air conditioning compressor is auto-
matically turned off for a few seconds
when the accelerator is fully depressed
(wide open throttle).
• When operating the air conditioning
system use the outside (fresh) air posi-
tion.
• Operating the air conditioning system
in the recirculated air position does
provide maximum cooling, however,
continual operation in this mode may
cause the air inside the vehicle to
become stale.
Checking the amount of air con-
ditioner refrigerant and compres-
sor lubricant
When the amount of refrigerant is low,
the performance of the air conditioning is
reduced. Overfilling also has a bad influ-
ence on the air conditioning system.
Therefore, if abnormal operation is
found, have the system inspected by an
authorized Kia dealer.
✽
NOTICE
When the performance of the air condi-
tioning system is reduced it is important
that the correct type and amount of oil
and refrigerant is used. Otherwise,
damage to the compressor and abnor-
mal system operation may occur.
CAUTION
The air conditioning system should
be serviced by an authorized Kia
dealer. Improper service may cause
serious injury.

53
Driving tips
• Carbon monoxide can be present with
other exhaust fumes. Therefore, if you
smell exhaust fumes of any kind inside
your vehicle, have it inspected and
repaired immediately. If you ever sus-
pect exhaust fumes are coming into
your vehicle, drive it only with all the
windows fully open. Have your vehicle
checked and repaired immediately.
• Do not operate the engine in confined
or closed areas (such as garages) any
more than what is necessary to move
the vehicle in or out of the area.
• When the vehicle is stopped in an
open area for more than a short time
with the engine running, adjust the
ventilation system (as needed) to draw
outside air into the vehicle.
• Never sit in a parked or stopped vehi-
cle for any extended time with the
engine running.
• When the engine stalls or fails to start,
excessive attempts to re-start the
engine may cause damage to the
emission control system.Operating precautions for catalytic
converters
Your vehicle is equipped with a catalytic
converter emission control device.
Therefore, the following precautions
must be observed:
• Use only UNLEADED FUEL for gaso-
line engine (unleaded).
• Do not operate the vehicle when there
are signs of engine malfunction, such
as misfire or a noticeable loss of per-
formance.
• Do not misuse or abuse the engine.
Examples of misuse are coasting with
the ignition off and descending steep
grades in gear with the ignition off.• Do not operate the engine at high idle
speed for extended periods (5 minutes
or more).
• Do not modify or tamper with any part
of the engine or emission control sys-
tem. All inspections and adjustments
must be made by an authorized Kia
dealer.
Failure to observe these precautions
could result in damage to the catalytic
converter and to your vehicle.
Additionally, such actions could void your
warranties.
WARNING- Fire
A hot exhaust system can ignite
flammable items under your vehi-
cle. Do not park the vehicle over or
near flammable objects,such as
grass, vegetation, paper, leaves,
etc..

Driving tips
4 5
BEFORE DRIVING
Before entering vehicle:
• Be sure that all windows, outside mir-
ror(s), and outside lights are clean.
• Check the condition of the tires.
• Check under the vehicle for any sign of
leaks.
• Be sure there are no obstacles behind
you if you intend to back up.
Necessary inspections
Fluid levels, such as engine oil, engine
coolant, brake fluid, and washer fluid
should be checked on a regular basis,
with the exact interval depending on the
fluid. Further details are provided in
Section 7, Maintenance.
Before starting
• Close and lock all doors.
• Position the seat so that all controls are
easily reached.
• Adjust the inside and outside rearview
mirrors.
• Be sure that all lights work.
• Check all gauges.
• Check the operation of warning lights
when the ignition switch is turned to
the ON position.
• Release the parking brake and make
sure the brake warning light goes out.
For safe operation, be sure you are famil-
iar with your vehicle and its equipment.WARNING- Driving under
the influence of alcohol or
drugs
Drinking and driving is dangerous.
Drunk driving is the number one
contributor to the highway death
toll each year. Even a small amount
of alcohol will affect your reflexes,
perceptions and judgement. Driving
while under the influence of drugs
is as dangerous or more dangerous
than driving drunk.
You are much more likely to have a
serious accident if you drink or take
drugs and drive.
If you are drinking or taking drugs,
don’t drive. Do not ride with a driv-
er who has been drinking or taking
drugs. Choose a designated driver
or call a cab.

57
Driving tips
Driving at night
Because night driving presents more
hazards than driving in the daylight, here
are some important tips to remember:
• Slow down and keep more distance
between you and other vehicles, as it
may be more difficult to see at night,
especially in areas where there may
not be any street lights.
• Adjust your mirrors to reduce the glare
from other driver's headlights.
• Keep your headlights clean and prop-
erly aimed on vehicles not equipped
with the automatic headlight aiming
feature. Dirty or improperly aimed
headlights will make it much more diffi-
cult to see at night.
• Avoid staring directly at the headlights
of oncoming vehicles. You could be
temporarily blinded, and it will take
several seconds for your eyes to read-
just to the darkness.
Driving in the rain
Rain and wet roads can make driving
dangerous, especially if you’re not pre-
pared for the slick pavement. Here are a
few things to consider when driving in the
rain:
• A heavy rainfall will make it harder to
see and will increase the distance
needed to stop your vehicle, so slow
down.
• Keep your windshield wiping equip-
ment in good shape. Replace your
windshield wiper blades when they
show signs of streaking or missing
areas on the windshield.
• If your tires are not in good condition,
making a quick stop on wet pavement
can cause a skid and possibly lead to
an accident. Be sure your tires are in
good shape.
• Turn on your headlights to make it eas-
ier for others to see you.
• Driving too fast through large puddles
can affect your brakes. If you must go
through puddles, try to drive through
them slowly.
• If you believe you may have gotten
your brakes wet, apply them lightly
while driving until normal braking oper-
ation returns.
Winter driving
• We recommend that you carry emer-
gency equipment, including tire chains,
a window scraper, windshield de-icer,
a bag of sand or salt, flares, a small
shovel and jumper cables.
• Make sure you have sufficient ethyl-
ene-glycol coolant in the radiator.
• Check the battery condition and
cables. Cold temperatures reduce the
output capability of any battery, so it
must be in excellent condition to pro-
vide enough winter starting power.
• Make sure the engine oil viscosity is
suitable for cold weather.
• Check the ignition system for loose
connections and damage.
• Use antifreeze-formulated windshield
washer fluid. (Do not use engine
coolant antifreeze.)
• Do not use the parking brake if it might
freeze. When parking, shift to 1 (First)
or R (Reverse) with a manual transaxle
or P (Park) with an automatic transaxle
and block the rear wheels.

63
In case of an emergency
4. The coolant level should then be
checked. If the level in the reservoir is
low, look for leaks at the radiator hoses
and connections, heater hoses and
connections, radiator, and water
pump. If you find a major leak or anoth-
er problem that may have caused the
engine to overheat, do not operate the
engine until it has been corrected. Call
an authorized Kia dealer for assis-
tance. If you do not find a leak or other
problem, carefully add coolant to the
reservoir.
If the engine frequently overheats, have
the cooling system checked and repaired
by an authorized Kia dealer.
Jump starting
Jump starting can be dangerous if done
incorrectly. Therefore, to avoid harm to
yourself or damage to your vehicle or
battery, follow the jump starting proce-
dures. If in doubt, we strongly recom-
mend that you have a competent techni-
cian or towing service jump start your
vehicle.
✽
NOTICE
Use only a 12-volt jumper system. You
can damage a 12-volt starting motor,
ignition system, and other electrical
parts beyond repair by use of a 24-volt
power supply (either two 12-volt batter-
ies in series or a 24-volt motor generator
set).
WARNING- Removing
radiator cap
Do not remove the radiator cap
when the engine and radiator are
hot. Scalding hot coolant and steam
may blow out under pressure. This
could cause serious injury.
EMERGENCY STARTING
WARNING- Battery
• Keep all flames or sparks away
from the battery. The battery pro-
duces hydrogen gas which may
explode if exposed to flame or
sparks.
• Do not attempt to jump start the
vehicle if the discharged battery
is frozen or if the electrolyte level
is low;the battery may rupture or
explode.
WARNING- Battery
Never attempt to check the elec-
trolyte level of the battery as this
may cause the battery to rupture or
explode causing serious injury.

65
In case of an emergency
Do not allow the jumper cables to con-
tact anything except the correct bat-
tery terminals or the correct ground.
Do not lean over the battery when
making connections.
6. Start the engine of the vehicle with the
booster battery and let it run at 2,000
rpm, then start the engine of the vehi-
cle with the discharged battery.
If the cause of your battery discharging is
not apparent, you should have your vehi-
cle checked by an authorized Kia dealer.
Push-starting
Your manual transaxle-equipped vehicle
should not be push-started because it
might damage the emission control sys-
tem.
Vehicles equipped with automatic
transaxle cannot be push-started.
Follow the directions in this section for
jump-starting.
CAUTION
Never tow a vehicle to start it
because the sudden surge forward
when the engine starts could cause
a collision with the tow vehicle.
CAUTION - Battery cables
Do not connect the jumper cable
from the negative terminal of the
booster battery to the negative ter-
minal of the discharged battery.
This can cause the discharged bat-
tery to overheat and crack, releas-
ing battery acid.