HYUNDAI KONA 2021 Owners Manual

5-37
Driving your vehicle
5
The VSM does not operate when:
Driving on a banked road such
as gradient or incline.
Driving rearward.
ESC OFF indicator light is on.
EPS (Electric Power Steering)
warning light ( ) is on or
blinks.
Driving with wheels and tires with dif-
ferent sizes may cause the ESC sys-
tem to malfunction. Before replacing
tires, make sure all four tires and
wheels are the same size. Never
drive the vehicle with different sized
tires and wheels installed.
Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC)
The Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC)
helps prevent the vehicle from rolling
backwards when starting a vehicle
from a stop on a hill. The system
operates the brakes automatically for
approximately 2 seconds and releas-
es the brake after 2 seconds or when
the accelerator pedal is depressed.
The HAC does not operate when
the shift lever is in P (Park) or N
(Neutral)
The HAC activates even though
the ESC (Electronic Stability
Control) is off but does not acti-
vate when the ESC has malfunc-
tioned.
Downhill Brake Control (DBC)
The Downhill Brake Control (DBC)
feature assists the driver to descend
down a steep hill without having to
depress the brake pedal. The system
automatically applies the brakes to
maintain the vehicle speed below 5
mph (8 km/h) and allows the driver to
concentrate on steering the vehicle
down hill.
NOTICE
NOTICE
If ESC indicator light ( ) or
EPS warning light ( ) stays on
or blinks, your vehicle may have
a malfunction with the VSM sys-
tem. When the warning light illu-
minates, have your vehicle
checked by an authorized
HYUNDAI dealer as soon as
possible.
WARNING
Always be ready to depress the
accelerator pedal when starting
off on a incline. The HAC activates
only for approximately 2 seconds.
WARNING
OOS057058

5-38
Driving your vehicle
The DBC defaults to the OFF
position whenever the ignition
switch is placed in the ON posi-
tion.
Noise or vibration may occur
from the brakes when the DBC is
activated.
The rear stop light comes on
when DBC is activated.
DBC operation
NOTICE
Always turn off the DBC on nor-
mal roads. The DBC might acti-
vate inadvertently from the stand-
by mode when driving through
speed bumps or making sharp
curves.
WARNING
Standby
Press the DBC button when vehicle speed is under
25 mph (40 km/h). The DBC system will turn ON and
enter the standby mode.
The system does not turn ON if vehicle speed is over
25 mph (40 km/h).
In the standby mode, if vehicle speed is under 22 mph
(35 km/h) while driving down a steep hill, the DBC will
activate automatically.
In the activated mode, the DBC will temporarily deacti-
vate under the following conditions:


The brake pedal or accelerator pedal is depressed.
If the above conditions are not met, the DBC will auto-
matically activate again.
The DBC will turn OFF under the following conditions:


Activated
Temporarily
deactivated
OFF
Mode Indicator light Description
blinks
illuminated
not
illuminated
illuminated

5-39
Driving your vehicle
5 The DBC may not deactivate on
steep inclines even though the
brake or accelerator pedal is
depressed.
The DBC does not operate
when:
- The shift lever is in P (Park).
- The ESC is activated.
Good Braking Practices
Wet brakes can be dangerous! The
brakes may get wet if the vehicle is
driven through standing water or if it
is washed. Your vehicle will not stop
as quickly if the brakes are wet. Wet
brakes may cause the vehicle to pull
to one side.To dry the brakes, apply the brakes
lightly until the braking action returns
to normal, taking care to keep the
vehicle under control at all times. If
the braking action does not return to
normal, stop as soon as it is safe to
do so and call an authorized
HYUNDAI dealer for assistance.
DO NOT drive with your foot resting
on the brake pedal. Even light, but
constant pedal pressure can result in
the brakes overheating, brake wear,
and possibly even brake failure.
If a tire goes flat while you are driv-
ing, apply the brakes gently and
keep the vehicle pointed straight
ahead while you slow down. When
you are moving slowly enough for it
to be safe to do so, pull off the road
and stop in a safe location.
Keep your foot firmly on the brake
pedal when the vehicle is stopped to
prevent the vehicle from rolling for-
ward.
NOTICE
If the DBC red indicator light
illuminates, the system may
have overheated or have mal-
functioned. When the warning
light illuminates even though
the DBC system has cooled off,
have your vehicle checked by
an authorized HYUNDAI dealer
as soon as possible.
WARNING
Whenever leaving the vehicle or
parking, always come to a com-
plete stop and continue to
depress the brake pedal. Move
the shift lever into P (Park) posi-
tion, then apply the parking
brake, and place the ignition
switch in the LOCK/OFF posi-
tion.
Vehicles parked with the park-
ing brake not applied or not
fully engaged may roll inadver-
tently and may cause injury to
the driver and others. ALWAYS
apply the parking brake before
exiting the vehicle.
WARNING

5-40
Driving your vehicle
The All Wheel Drive (AWD) system
delivers engine torque to both the
front and rear wheels for extra trac-
tion. AWD is useful when maximum
traction is required on slippery,
muddy, wet, or snow-covered roads.
Occasional off-road use such as
established unpaved roads and trails
are OK. It is always important that
the driver carefully reduces the
speed to a level that does not exceed
the safe operating speed for those
conditions. Do not drive in water if the level
is higher than the bottom of the
vehicle.
Check your brake condition
once you are out of mud or
water. Depress the brake pedal
several times as you move slow-
ly until you feel normal braking
return.
Shorten your scheduled mainte-
nance interval if you drive in off-
road conditions such as sand,
mud or water (see "Maintenance
Under Severe Usage Conditions"
in chapter 7).
Always wash your vehicle thor-
oughly after off road use, espe-
cially the bottom of the vehicle.
Be sure to equip the vehicle with
four tires of the same size and
type.
Make sure that a full time AWD
vehicle is towed by a flat bed
tow truck.
NOTICE
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To reduce the risk of SERIOUS
INJURY or DEATH:
Do not drive in conditions that
exceed the vehicles intended
design such as challenging
off-road conditions.
Avoid high speeds when cor-
nering or turning.
Do not make quick steering
wheel movements, such as
sharp lane changes or fast,
sharp turns.
The risk of a rollover is great-
ly increased if you lose con-
trol of your vehicle at highway
speeds.
Loss of control often occurs if
two or more wheels drop off
the roadway and the driver
over steers to reenter the
roadway.
In the event your vehicle
leaves the roadway, do not
steer sharply. Instead, slow
down before pulling back into
the travel lanes.
WARNING
OOS057057

5-41
Driving your vehicle
5
AWD operation
If AWD warning light ( ) stays on the instrument cluster, your vehicle may have a malfunction with the
AWD system. When the AWD warning light ( ) illuminates have your vehicle checked by an authorized
HYUNDAI dealer as soon as possible.
WARNING
In the AWD LOCK mode, the system is deactivated when vehi-
cle speed is over 20 mph (30 km/h) and the mode is shifted to
AWD AUTO mode. If the vehicle speed is reduced back down
to 20 mph (30 km/h) the system shifts back into AWD LOCK
mode.
Use this mode when driving up or down steep inclines, driving
off-road, driving on sandy and muddy roads, etc. to maximize
traction AWD AUTO
(AWD LOCK is
deactivated)
(not illuminated)
Transfer mode Selection button Indicator light Description
In the AWD AUTO mode, under normal operating conditions,
the vehicle operates similar to conventional 2WD vehicles. If the
system determines there is a need for four wheel drive, the
engine's driving power is distributed to all four wheels automat-
ically.
Use this mode when driving on normal roads.
AWD LOCK
(illuminated)
All Wheel Drive (AWD) mode selection

5-42
Driving your vehicle
When the AWD LOCK mode is
deactivated, a sensation may be
felt as the driving power is deliv-
ered entirely to the front wheels.
For safe AWD operation
Before driving
Make sure all passengers are
wearing seat belts.
Sit upright and closer to the steer-
ing wheel than usual. Adjust the
steering wheel to a position com-
fortable for you to drive.
Driving on snow-covered or icy
roads
Start off slowly by applying the
accelerator pedal gently.
Use snow tires or tire chains.
Keep sufficient distance between
your vehicle and the vehicle in front
of you.
Apply engine braking during decel-
eration by switching the gear shift
lever to Manual Shift Mode and
manually selecting a lower gear.
Avoid speeding, rapid acceleration,
sudden brake applications, and
sharp turns to prevent skids.
Driving in sand or mud
Maintain slow and constant speed.
Use tire chains driving in mud if
necessary.
Keep sufficient distance between
your vehicle and the vehicle in front
of you.
Reduce vehicle speed and always
check the road condition.
Avoid speeding, rapid acceleration,
sudden brake applications, and
sharp turns to prevent getting
stuck.
NOTICE
When driving on normal roads,
deactivate the AWD LOCK mode
by pushing the AWD LOCK but-
ton (AWD LOCK indicator light
goes off). Driving on normal
roads with the AWD LOCK
mode, especially, when corner-
ing may cause mechanical
noise or vibration. The noise
and vibration will disappear
when the AWD LOCK mode is
deactivated. Prolong driving
with the noise and vibration
may damage some parts of the
power train.
CAUTION
When the vehicle is stuck in
snow, sand or mud, place a non-
slip material under the drive
wheels to provide traction OR
Slowly spin the wheels in for-
ward and reverse directions
which causes a rocking motion
that may free the vehicle.
However, avoid running the
engine continuously at high
rpm, doing so may damage the
AWD system.
CAUTION

5-43
Driving your vehicle
5
Driving up or down hills
Driving uphill
- Before starting off, check if it is
possible to drive uphill.
- Drive as straight as possible.
Driving downhill
- Do not change gear while driving
downhill. Select gear before driv-
ing downhill.
- Drive slowly using engine braking
while driving downhill.
- Drive straight as possible.
Driving through water
Try to avoid driving in deep stand-
ing water. It may stall your engine
and clog your exhaust system.
If you need to drive in water, stop
your vehicle, set the vehicle in
AWD LOCK mode and drive under
5 mph (8 km/h).
Do not change gear while driving in
water.
OLMB053017
OLMB053018
Exercise extreme caution when
driving up or down steep hills.
The vehicle may flip over
depending on the grade, the ter-
rain, and the trail conditions.
WARNING
Do not drive across the contour
of steep hills. A slight change in
the wheel angle can destabilize
the vehicle, or a stable vehicle
may lose stability if the vehicle
stops its forward motion. Your
vehicle may roll over and lead to
a serious injury or death.
WARNING
Always drive slowly in water. If
you drive too fast, water may
get into the engine compart-
ment and wet the ignition sys-
tem causing your vehicle to
suddenly stop.
CAUTION

5-44
Driving your vehicle
Additional driving conditions
Become familiar with the off-road
conditions before driving.
Always pay attention when driving
off-road and avoid dangerous
areas.
Drive slowly when driving in heavy
wind.
Reduce vehicle speed when cor-
nering. The center of gravity of
AWD vehicles is higher than con-
ventional 2WD vehicles, making
them more likely to roll over when
you rapidly turn corners. Always hold the steering wheel
firmly when you are driving off-
road.
Emergency precautions
Tires
Do not use a tire and wheel package
with a different size and type from
the one originally installed on your
vehicle. It can affect the safety and
performance of your vehicle, which
could lead to steering failure or
rollover causing serious injury.
When replacing the tires, be sure to
equip all four tires with the tire and
wheel of the same size, type, tread,
brand and load-carrying capacity. If
you equip your vehicle with any
tire/wheel combination not recom-
mended by HYUNDAI for off-road
driving, you should not use these
tires for highway driving.
OOS057075L
Do not grab the inside of the
steering wheel when you are
driving off-road. You may hurt
your arm by a sudden steering
maneuver or from steering wheel
rebound due to an impact with
objects on the ground. You could
lose control of the steering wheel
which may lead to serious injury
or death.
WARNING
Never start or run the engine
while a full-time AWD vehicle is
raised on a jack. The vehicle can
slip or roll off of a jack causing
serious injury or death to you or
those nearby.
WARNING

5-45
Driving your vehicle
5
Towing
AWD vehicles must be towed with a
wheel lift and dollies or flatbed equip-
ment with all the wheels off the
ground. For more information, refer
to "Towing" in chapter 6.
Dynamometer testing
A full-time AWD vehicle must be test-
ed on a special four wheel chassis
dynamometer.
A full-time AWD vehicle should not
be tested on a 2WD roll tester. If a
2WD roll tester must be used, per-
form the following procedure:
1. Check the tire pressures recom-
mended for your vehicle.
2. Place the front wheels on the roll
tester for a speedometer test as
shown in the illustration.
3. Release the parking brake.
4. Place the rear wheels on the tem-
porary free roller as shown in the
illustration.
OOS057009Roll Tester (Speedometer)
Temporary Free Roller
Never engage the parking
brake while performing the
test.
When the vehicle is lifted up,
do not operate the front and
rear wheel separately. All four
wheels should be operated.
CAUTION
Keep away from the front of the
vehicle while the vehicle is in
gear on the dynamometer. The
vehicle can jump forward and
cause serious injury or death.
WARNING

5-46
Driving your vehicle
The drive mode may be selected
according to the driver's preference
or road condition.
The system resets to be in the NOR-
MAL mode, when the engine is
restarted.
Information
If there is a problem with the instru-
ment cluster, the drive mode will be in
NORMAL mode and may not change
to SPORT mode. The mode changes, as below, when-
ever the DRIVE MODE button is
pressed.
NORMAL mode
In NORMAL mode the engine and
transmission control logic work
together to provide regular daily driv-
ing performance with some fuel effi-
ciency.
When NORMAL mode is selected,
it is not displayed on the instrument
cluster.
SPORT mode
SPORT mode manages
the driving dynamics by
automatically adjusting the
steering effort, and the
engine and transmission
control logic for enhanced
driving performance.
When SPORT mode is selected by
pressing the DRIVE MODE button,
the SPORT indicator will illuminate.
Whenever the engine is restarted,
the Drive Mode will revert back to
NORMAL mode. If SPORT mode is
desired, re-select SPORT mode
from the DRIVE MODE button.
When SPORT mode is activated:
- The engine rpm will tend to
remain a little higher for a brief
time even after releasing the
accelerator. This is a typical when
the SPORT mode is activated.
- Upshifts are delayed when accel-
erating
Information
In SPORT mode, the fuel efficiency
may decrease.
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OOS058060
NORMAL SPORT