check engine KIA Amanti 2008 1.G User Guide

Driving your vehicle
284
Warning lights / audible indica-
tors
Checking operation
All warning lights are checked by turning
the ignition switch ON (do not start the
engine). Any light that does not illuminate
should be checked by an Authorized Kia
Dealer.
After starting the engine, check to make
sure that all warning lights are off. If any
are still on, this indicates a situation that
needs attention. When releasing the
parking brake, the brake system warning
light should go off. The fuel warning light
will stay on if the fuel level is low.
Anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light
(if equipped)
This light illuminates if the key is turned
to ON and goes off approximately 3 sec-
onds if the system is operating normally.
If the light stays on, you may have a
problem with your ABS system. Contact
an authorized Kia dealer as soon as pos-
sible.
Electronic brake force
distribution (EBD) sys-
tem warning light
(if equipped)
If two warning lights illumi-
nate at the same time while
driving, your vehicle has a
problem with ABS and EBD
system. In this case, your ABS system and regu-
lar brake system may not work normally.
Have the vehicle checked by an
Authorized Kia Dealer as soon as possi-
ble.
WARNINGS AND INDICATORS
ABS
ABS
WARNING
If both ABS and Brake warning
lights are ON and stay ON, your
vehicle’
s brake system will not work
normally. In such a case, you may
experience an unexpected and dan-
gerou s situation when braking
abruptly. When both ABS and brake
lights are on, avoid high speed driv-
ing and abrupt braking. Have your
vehicle checked by an Authorized
Kia Dealer as soon as possible.

429
Driving your vehicle
Engine oil
pressure
warning
This warning light indicates the engine oil
pressure is low.
If the warning light illuminates while driv-
ing:
1. Drive safely to the side of the road andstop.
2. With the engine off, check the engine oil level. If the level is low, add oil as
required.
If the warning light remains on after
adding oil or if oil is not available, call an
Authorized Kia Dealer.
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
If the driver’s lap/shoulder belt is not fas-
tened when the key is turned ON or if it is
unfastened after the key is ON, the safe-
ty belt warning light blinks until the belt is
fastened.
If the system does not operate as
described, see an Authorized Kia Dealer
for assistance.
CHECK
ENGINE OIL!RECHARGE BATTERY
CAUTION
If the engine is not stopped imme-diately, severe damage could result.

Driving your vehicle
304
Front fog light indicator
(if equipped)
This light comes on when the front fog
lights are ON.
Stop/Tail light failure
warning
This light indicates a malfunction in the
stop/tail light circuit, such as a burned
out bulb. If this indicator comes on,
check for a burned out stop/tail lamp, if
the indicator is still on have the vehicle
checked by an authorized Kia dealer for
service.
Shift pattern
indicators
The individual indicators illuminate to
show the shift lever selection.
Taillight indicator
(if equipped)
This light comes on when the taillights
are ON.
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.
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.
CHECK
STOP LAMP!
WARNING
Driving the vehicle with a warning
light on is dangerous. If the brake
warning light remain s on, have the
brakes checked and repaired imme-
diately by an Authorized Kia Dealer.

431
Driving your vehicle
Trunk lid open
warning
This warning light activates when the
trunk 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 9 liters. Refuel as soon as pos-
sible.
Door open
display
This warning light illuminates when a
door is not closed securely with the igni-
tion in any position. And the door open
display will illuminate the corresponding
position light which door is not closed
securely.
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.
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.
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
Authorized Kia Dealer as soon as possi-
ble.
✽NOTICE
A loose fuel filler cap may cause the On
Board Diagnostic System Malfunction
Indicator Light ( ) in the instrument
panel to illuminate unnecessarily.
Always make sure that the fuel filler cap
is tight.
TRUNK
OPEN!
LOW
FUEL
DOOR
OPEN!

441
Driving your vehicle
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.The defroster heats the window to
remove frost, fog and thin ice from the
interior and exterior of the rear window,
while the engine is running.To activate the rear window defroster,
press the rear window defroster button
located in the heater contorl panel. The
indicator on the rear window defroster
button illuminates when the defroster is
ON.
If your vehicle is equipped with the front
windshield deicer, it will be operating at
the same time when you operate the rear
window defroster.
If there is heavy accumulation of snow on
the rear window, brush it off before oper-
ating the rear defroster.
The rear window defroster automatically
turns off after 20 minutes or when the
ignition switch is turned off. To turn off the
defroster, press the rear window
defroster button again.
WARNING
Do not use the washer in freezing
temperature s without fir st warming
the windshield with the defroster s;
the washer solution could freeze on
contact with the winds hield and
obscure your vision.
DEFROSTER
OGH026044
CAUTION
To prevent possible damage to the washer pump, do not operate thewasher when the fluid reservoir isempty.

451
Driving your vehicle
Air conditioning system opera-
tion tips
• If the vehicle has been parked in directsunlight 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 the windows on rainy humid days,
decrease the humidity inside the vehi-
cle by operating the air conditioning
system.
• During air conditioning system opera- tion, you may occasionally notice a
slight change in the engine speed as
the air conditioning compressor cycles
on. This is a normal system operation
characteristics.
• Use the air conditioning system every month only for a few minutes to ensure
maximum system performance.
• 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
characteristics. • 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.
CAUTION
When the performance of the air
conditioning system is reduced it is
important that the correct type and amount of oil and refrigerant isu sed. Otherwis e, damage to the
compressor and abnormal system operation may occur.
CAUTION
When us ing the air conditioning
s ystem, monitor the temperature
gauge closely while driving up hill s
or in heavy traffic when out side
temperatures are high. Air condi- tioning system operation may
caus e engine overheating.
Continue to use the blower fan but turn the air conditioning system off
if the temperature gauge indicate s
engine overheating.
WARNING
The air conditioning system should
be serviced by an authorized Kia
dealer. Improper service may cause
serious injury to the per son per-
forming the service.

53
Driving tips
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
The emission control system of your
vehicle is covered by a written limited
warranty. Please see the warranty infor-
mation contained in the Warranty &
Consumer Information Manual in your
vehicle.
Vehicle modifications
This vehicle should not be modified.
Modification of your Kia could affect its
performance, safety or durability and
may even violate governmental safety
and emissions regulations.
In addition, damage or performance
problems resulting from any modification
may not be covered under warranty.
Engine exhaust gas precautions
(carbon monoxide)
• Carbon monoxide can be present withother exhaust fumes. Therefore, if you
smell exhaust fumes of any kind inside
your vehicle, have it inspected and
repaired immediately by an authorized
Kia dealer or other competent repair
shop. If you ever suspect 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.
WARNING
Engine exhaust gases contain car-
bon monoxide (CO). Though color-
less and odorless, it is dangerous
and could be lethal if inhaled.
Follow the instructions following to
avoid CO poisoning.

55
Driving tips
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 i s dangerous.
Drunk driving is the number one
contributor to the highway death
toll each year. Even a small amount
of alcohol will affect your reflexe s,
perceptions and judgement.
You are much more likely to have a
serious accident if you drink and
drive.
If you are drinking or taking drug s,
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.
Driving while under the influence of
drugs i s as dangerous or more dan-
gerou s than driving drunk.

59
Driving tips
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
capacity of any battery, so it must be in
excellent condition to provide 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 P (Park)
with an automatic transaxle and block
the rear wheels.
Snow tires
If you mount snow tires on your Kia,
make sure they are radial tires of the
same size and load range as the original
tires. Mount snow tires on all four wheels
to balance your vehicle’s handling in all
weather conditions. Keep in mind that the
traction provided by snow tires on dry
roads may not be as high as your vehi-
cle's original equipment tires. You should
drive cautiously even when the roads are
clear. Check with the tire dealer for max-
imum speed recommendations.
Do not install studded tires without firstchecking local, state and municipal regu- lations for possible restrictions againsttheir use.
Driving in flooded areas
Avoid driving through flooded areas
unless you are sure the water is no high-
er than the bottom of the wheel hub.
Drive through any water slowly. Allow
adequate stopping distance because
brake performance may be affected.
After driving through water, dry the
brakes by gently applying them several
times while the vehicle is moving slowly.
WARNING- Snow tire size
Snow tires should be equivalent in
size and type to the vehicle' s stan-
dard tires. Otherwise, the safety and
handling of your vehicle may be
adver sely affected.

Driving tips
225
However, if you ever have to park your
trailer on a hill, here’s how to do it:
1. Apply your brakes, but don’t shift intogear.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release the brakes until the chocks
absorb the load.
4. Reapply the brakes. Apply your park- ing brake, and then shift to P (Park) for
an automatic transaxle.
5. Release the brakes.When you are ready to leave after parking on a hill
1. With the automatic transaxle in P (Park), apply your brakes and hold the
brake pedal down while you:
• Start your engine;
• Shift into gear; and
• Release the parking brake.
2. Slowly remove your foot from the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
Maintenance when trailer towing
Your vehicle will need service more often
when you regularly pull a trailer.
Important items to pay particular atten-
tion include engine oil, automatic
transaxle fluid, axle lubricant and cooling
system fluid. Brake condition is another
important item to frequently check. Each
item is covered in this manual, and the
Index will help you find them quickly. If
you’re trailering, it’s a good idea to review
these sections before you start your trip.
Don’t forget to also maintain your trailer
and hitch. Follow the maintenance
schedule that accompanied your trailer
and check it periodically. Preferably, con-
duct the check at the start of each day’s
driving. Most importantly, all hitch nuts
and bolts should be tight.
WARNING- Parking brake
It can be dangerous to get out of
your vehicle if the parking brake i s
not firmly set.
If you have left the engine running,
the vehicle can move suddenly. You
or other s could be s eriously or
fatally injured.
CAUTION
Due to higher load during trailer usage, overheating might occur inhot days or during uphill driving. Ifthe coolant gauge indicate s over-
heating, switch off the A/C and stop
the vehicle in a safe area to cool
down the engine.