oil level KIA Amanti 2008 1.G Owner's Manual

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.

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.

Maintenance
67
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE (CONTINUED)
Chart symbols:
I- Inspect these items and their related parts. If necessary, correct, clean, refill, adjust of replace.
R- Replace or change
L- Lubricate.
(1) Refer to the lubricant and coolant specifications in the Owner’s Manual
(2) More frequent maintenance is required if driving under dusty conditions.
(3) More frequent maintenance is required if the vehicle is operated under any of the following conditions: a. Short-distance driving
b. Driving on dusty roads.
c. Extensive idling or slow-speed driving in stop-and-go traffic.
(4) If necessary, rotate and balance the wheels.
* Note: Check the engine oil and coolant levels every week.

77
Maintenance
OWNER MAINTENANCE
Owner maintenance schedule
The following lists are vehicle checks and
inspections that should be performed by
the owner or qualified service technician
at the frequencies indicated to help
ensure safe, dependable operation of
your vehicle.
Any adverse conditions should be
brought to the attention of your dealer or
qualified service technician or service
advisor as soon as possible.
These Owner Maintenance Checks are
generally not covered by warranties and
you may be charged for labor, parts and
lubricants used.
When you stop for fuel:
• Check the engine oil level.
• Check coolant level in coolant reser-voir.
• Check the windshield washer fluid level.
• Look for low or under-inflated tires.
While operating your vehicle:
• Note any changes in the sound of the exhaust or any smell of exhaust fumes
in the vehicle.
• Check for vibrations in the steering wheel. Notice any increased steering
effort or looseness in the steering
wheel, or change in its straight-ahead
position.
• Notice if your vehicle constantly turns slightly or “pulls” to one side when trav-
eling on smooth, level road.
• When stopping, listen and check for strange sounds, pulling to one side,
increased brake pedal travel or “hard-
to-push” brake pedal.
• If any slipping or changes in the oper- ation of your transaxle occurs, check
the transaxle fluid level.
• Check automatic transaxle P (Park) function.
• Check parking brake.
• Check for fluid leaks under your vehicle (water dripping from the air condition-
ing system after use is normal).
WARNING
Be careful when checking your
engine coolant level when the
engine is hot. Scalding hot coolant
and steam may blow out under
pressure. This could cause serious
injury.

711
Maintenance
ENGINE OIL AND OIL FILTER
Checking the engine oil level
1. Be sure the vehicle is on level ground.
2. Start the engine and allow it to reachnormal operating temperature.
3. Turn the engine off and wait for a few minutes (about 5 minutes) for the oil to
return to the oil pan.
4. Pull the dipstick out, wipe it clean, and re-insert it fully.
5. Pull the dipstick out again and check the level. The level should be between
F and L.
If it is near or at L, add enough oil to bring
the level to F. Do not overfill.
Use only the specified engine oil. (Refer
to “Recommended Lubricants” later inthis section.)Changing the engine oil and filter
Change engine oil and filter according to
the Scheduled Maintenance at the begin-
ning of this section.
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Maintenance
147
BRAKES
Checking brake fluid level
Check the fluid level in the reservoir peri-
odically. The fluid level should be
between MAX and MIN marks on the
side of the reservoir.
Before removing the reservoir cap and
adding brake fluid, clean the area around
the reservoir cap thoroughly to prevent
brake fluid contamination.If the level is low, add fluid to the MAX
level. The level will fall with accumulated
mileage. This is a normal condition asso-
ciated with the wear of the brake pads. If
the fluid level is excessively low, have the
brake system checked by an Authorized
Kia Dealer.
Use only the specified brake fluid. (Refer
to “Recommended Lubricants” later inthis section.)
Never mix different types of fluid.
WARNING
When changing and adding brake
fluid, handle it carefully. Do not let it
come in contact with your eye s.If
brake fluid should come in contact
with your eyes, immediately flush
them with a large quantity of fre sh
tap water. Have your eye s examined
by a doctor as soon as possible.
WARNING
In the event the brake s ystem
requires frequent additions of fluid,
the vehicle should be inspected by
an Authorized Kia Dealer.
CAUTION
Do not allow brake fluid to contact the vehicle' s body paint, a s paint
damage will res ult. Brake fluid,
which has been exposed to open air for an extended time should never
be used as its quality cannot be guaranteed. It should be thrown
out. Don't put in the wrong kind of fluid. For example, just a few dropsof mineral-bas ed oil,such as
engine oil, in your brake system can damage brake system parts.
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715
Maintenance
POWER STEERING
Checking the power steering fluid
level
With the vehicle on level ground, check
the fluid level in the power steering reser-
voir periodically. The fluid should be
between MAX and MIN marks on the
level gauge attached to the cap.
Before adding power steering fluid, thor-
oughly clean the area around the reser-
voir cap to prevent power steering fluid
contamination.
If the level is low, add fluid to the MAX
level. In the event the power steering system
requires frequent addition of fluid, the
vehicle should be inspected by an
Authorized Kia Dealer.
✽
NOTICE
 To avoid damage to the power steer-
ing pump, do not operate the vehicle
for prolonged periods with a low
power steering fluid level.
 Never start the engine when the reser- voir tank is empty.
 When adding fluid, be careful that dirt does not get into the tank.
 Too little fluid can make the steering wheel heavier or strange noise can be
generated.
 The use of the non-specified fluid could reduce the effectiveness of the
power steering wheel and cause dam-
age to it.
Use only the specified power steering
fluid. (Refer to "RecommendedLubricants" later in this section.)
Power steering hose
Check the connections for oil leaks,
severe damage and the twists in the
power steering hose before driving.
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717
Maintenance
✽NOTICE
“COLD” scale is for reference only and
should NOT be used to determine
transaxle fluid level.
New automatic transaxle fluid should be
red. The red dye is added so the assem-
bly plant can identify it as automatic
transaxle fluid and distinguish it from
engine oil or antifreeze. The red dye,
which is not an indicator of fluid quality, is
not permanent. As the vehicle is driven,
the automatic transaxle fluid will begin to
look darker. The color may eventually
appear light brown.
✽NOTICE
Have an Authorized Kia dealer change
the automatic transaxle fluid according
to the Scheduled Maintenance at the
beginning of this section.CAUTION
• Low fluid level causes transaxle
slippage. Overfilling can caus e
foaming, loss of fluid and transaxle malfunction.
• The use of a non- specified fluid
could result in transaxle malfunc- tion.
WARNING- Parking brake
To avoid sudden movement of the
vehicle, apply parking brake and
depress the brake pedal before
moving the shift lever.
WARNING - Transaxle fluid
The transaxle fluid level should be
checked when the engine i s at nor-
mal operating temperature. This
means that the engine, radiator,
radiator hose and exhaust system
etc., are very hot. Exercise great
care not to burn your self during this
procedure.

Maintenance
187
LUBRICANTS AND FLUIDS
Checking the washer fluid level
The reservoir is translucent so that you
can check the level with a quick visual
inspection.
Check the fluid level in the washer fluid
reservoir and add fluid if necessary. Plain
water may be used if washer fluid is not
available. However, use washer solvent
with antifreeze characteristics in cold cli-
mates to prevent freezing.
Body lubrication
All moving points of the body, such as
door hinges, hood hinges, and locks,
should be lubricated each time the
engine oil is changed. Use a non-freez-
ing lubricant on locks during cold weath-
er.
Make sure the engine hood secondary
latch keeps the hood from opening when
the primary latch is released.WARNING
• Do not use radiator coolant or
antifreeze in the was her fluid
reservoir.
• Radiator coolant can s everely
obscure visibility when sprayed
on the wind shield and may cau se
loss of vehicle control or damage
to paint and body trim.
•Wind shield Washer fluid agents
contain some amounts of alcohol
and can be flammable under cer-
tain circumstances. Do not allow
sparks or flame to contact the
washer fluid or the wa sher fluid
reservoir. Damage to the vehicle
or it's occupants could occur.
•Wind shield washer fluid is poi-
sonous to humans and animals.
Do not drink and avoid contacting
windshield washer fluid. Seriou s
injury or death could occur.
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