check oil KIA FORTE 2020 Owners Manual

485
Features of your vehicle
If there is a malfunction with either
the alternator or electrical charging
system:
1. Drive carefully to the nearest safelocation and stop your vehicle.
2. Turn the engine off and check the alternator drive belt for looseness
or breakage.
If the belt is adjusted properly,
there may be a problem in the
electrical charging system.
In this situation, have your vehicle
inspected by an authorized Kia
dealer as soon as possible.Engine Oil Pressure Warning Light
This warning light illuminates:
Once you set the ignition switch or Engine Start/Stop Button to the ON
position.
- It remains on until the engine isstarted.
When the engine oil pressure is low.
If the engine oil pressure is low:
1.Drive carefully to the nearest safe location and stop your vehicle.
2.Turn the engine off and check the engine oil level (For more details,
refer to the “Engine Oil” section in
Chapter 8). If the level is low, add
oil as required.
If the warning light remains on after
adding oil or if oil is not available,
have your vehicle inspected by an
authorized Kia dealer as soon as
possible.
CAUTION - Engine
damage
If the engine is not stopped immediately after the engine oilpressure warning light is illumi-nated and stays on while theengine is running, seriousengine damage may result.
CAUTION - Engine over-
heating
Do not continue driving with theengine overheated. Otherwise,the engine may be damaged.

Features of your vehicle
86
4
If the warning light stays on while the
engine is running, there may be seri-
ous engine damage. In this case,
1. Stop the vehicle as soon as it is
safe to do so.
2. Turn off the engine and check the oil level. If the oil level is low, fill the
engine oil to the proper level.
3. Start the engine again. If the warn- ing light stays on after the engine
is started, turn the engine off
immediately. In this situation, have
your vehicle inspected by an
authorized Kia dealer.Low Fuel Level Warning
Light
This warning light illuminates:
When the fuel tank is nearly empty.
If the fuel tank is nearly empty:
Add fuel as soon as possible.
Low Tire PressureWarning Light
This warning light illuminates:
Once you set the ignition switch or Engine Start/Stop Button to the ON
position.
- It illuminates for approximately 3seconds and then goes off.
When one or more of your tires are significantly underinflated.
❈ For more details, refer to the “Tire
Pressure Monitoring System
(TMPS)” section in Chapter 6.
CAUTION - Low Fuel
Level
Driving with the Low Fuel Level
warning light on or with the fuellevel below “E” can cause theengine to misfire and damagethe catalytic converter (ifequipped).

Features of your vehicle
124
4
CAUTION- A/C Repair
It is important that the correct
type and amount of oil andrefrigerant is used, otherwisedamage to the vehicle mayoccur. To prevent damage, theair conditioning system in yourvehicle should only be servicedby trained and certified techni-cians.
Checking the amount of air
conditioner refrigerant and
compressor lubricant
When the amount of refrigerant is
low, the performance of the air con-
ditioning is reduced. Overfilling also
has a negative influence on the air
conditioning system.
Therefore, if abnormal operation is
found, have the system inspected by
an authorized Kia dealer.
WARNING - Vehicles
equipped with R-1234yf
Because the refriger-
ant is mildly flamma-
ble and at very high
pressure, the air con-
ditioning system
should only be serv-
iced by trained and
certified technicians.
It is important that the correct
type and amount of oil and
refrigerant is used.
Otherwise, it may cause dam-
age to the vehicle and personal
injury.
WARNING
The oil and refrigerant in your
vehicle's air conditioning sys-
tem is under very high pres-
sure. If proper service proce-
dures are not followed, an
explosion may result. To reduce
the risk of serious injury or
death, the air conditioning sys-
tem in your vehicle should only
be serviced by trained and cer-
tified technicians.

4135
Features of your vehicle
Climate control air filter
(if equipped)
The climate control air filter installed
behind the glove box filters the dust or
other pollutants that come into the
vehicle from the outside through the
heating and air conditioning system. If
dust or other pollutants accumulate in
the filter over a period of time, the air
flow from the air vents may decrease,
resulting in moisture accumulation on
the inside of the windshield even
when the outside (fresh) air position is
selected. If this happens, have the cli-
mate control air filter replaced by an
authorized Kia dealer.
✽ ✽NOTICE
• Replace the filter according to the
Maintenance Schedule.
If the vehicle is being driven in
severe conditions such as dusty or
rough roads, more frequent air
conditioner filter inspections and
changes are required.
• When the air flow rate suddenly decreases, the system should be
checked at an authorized Kia
dealer.
Checking the amount of air
conditioner refrigerant and
compressor lubricant
When the amount of refrigerant is
low, the performance of the air con-
ditioning is reduced. Overfilling also
has a negative impact on the air con-
ditioning system.
Therefore, if abnormal operation is
found, have the system inspected by
an authorized Kia dealer.
1LDA5047
Outside air
Recirculatedair
Climate control
air filter Blower
Evaporator
coreHeater core
WARNING - Vehicles
equipped with R-1234yf
Because the refriger-
ant is mildly flamma-
ble and at very high
pressure, the air con-
ditioning system
should only be serv-
iced by trained and
certified technicians.
It is important that the correct
type and amount of oil and
refrigerant is used.
Otherwise, it may cause dam-
age to the vehicle and personal
injury.

Driving your vehicle
45
Be sure the exhaust system does
not leak.
The exhaust system should be
checked whenever the vehicle is
raised to change the oil or for any
other purpose. If you hear a change in
the sound of the exhaust or if you drive
over something that strikes the under
side of the vehicle, have the exhaust
system checked as soon as possible
by an authorized Kia dealer.
WARNING- Engineexhaust
Do not inhale exhaust fumes or
leave your engine running in a
enclosed area for a prolonged
time. Exhaust fumes contain
carbon monoxide, a colorless,
odorless gas that can cause
unconsciousness and death by
asphyxiation.
WARNING- Open trunk
Do not drive with the trunk open.
Poisonous exhaust gases can
enter the passenger compart-
ment. If you must drive with the
trunk open proceed as follows:
1. Close all windows.
2. Open side vents.
3. Set the air intake control at “Fresh”, the air flow control
at “Floor” or “Face” and the
fan at the highest speed.

55
Driving your vehicle
Before entering vehicle
• Be sure that all windows, outsidemirror(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, at the exact interval
depending on the fluid. Further
details are provided in chapter 7,
“Maintenance”.
Before starting
Close and lock all doors.
Position the seat so that all con-trols are easily reached.
Buckle your seat belt.
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
familiar with your vehicle and its
equipment.
BEFORE DRIVING
WARNING - Distracted driving
Focus on the road while driving.
The driver's primary responsi-
bility is in the safe and legal
operation of the vehicle. Use of
any handled devices, other
equipment or vehicle systems
that distract the driver should
not be used during vehicle
operation.

Driving your vehicle
144
5
Driving in flooded areas
Avoid driving through flooded areas
unless you are sure the water is no
higher 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 sev-
eral times while the vehicle is moving
slowly.
Driving off-road
Drive carefully off-road because your
vehicle may be damaged by rocks or
roots of trees. Become familiar with
the off-road conditions where you
are going to drive before you begin
driving.
Highway driving
Tires
Adjust the tire inflation pressures to
specification. Low tire inflation pres-
sures will result in overheating and
possible failure of the tires.
Avoid using worn or damaged tires
which may result in reduced traction
or tire failure.
Never exceed the maximum tire
inflation pressure shown on the tires.
Fuel, engine coolant and engine oil
High speed travel consumes more
fuel than urban motoring. Do not for-
get to check both the engine coolant
and engine oil.
Drive belt
A loose or damaged drive belt may
result in overheating of the engine.
WARNING- Under/over
inflated tires
Always check the tires for proper
inflation before driving.
Underinflated or overinflated
tires can cause poor handling,
loss of vehicle control, and sud-
den tire failure leading to acci-
dents, injuries, and even death.
For proper tire pressures, refer to
the “Tires and wheels” section in
Chapter 8.
WARNING- Tire tread
Always check the tire tread
before driving your vehicle.
Worn-out tires can result in loss
of vehicle control. Worn-out tires
should be replaced as soon as
possible. For further information
and tread limits, refer to the
“Tires and wheels” section in
Chapter 7.

Driving your vehicle
146
5
Use high quality ethylene gly-
col coolant
Your vehicle is delivered with high
quality ethylene glycol coolant in the
cooling system. It is the only type of
coolant that should be used because
it helps prevent corrosion in the cool-
ing system, lubricates the water
pump and prevents freezing. Be sure
to replace or replenish your coolant
in accordance with the maintenance
schedule in Chapte 7. Before winter,
have your coolant tested to assure
that its freezing point is sufficient for
the temperatures anticipated during
the winter.
Check battery and cables
Winter puts additional burdens on
the battery system. Visually inspect
the battery and cables as described
in Chapte 7. The level of charge in
your battery can be checked by an
authorized Kia dealer or a service
station.
Change to "winter weight" oil
if necessary
In some climates, it is recommended
that a lower viscosity "winter weight"
oil be used during cold weather. See
Chapte 8 for recommendations. If
you aren't sure what weight oil you
should use, consult an authorized
Kia dealer.
Check spark plugs and ignition
system
Inspect your spark plugs as
described in Chapte 7 and replace
them if necessary. Also check all
ignition wiring and components to be
sure they are not cracked, worn or
damaged in any way.
To keep locks from freezing
To keep the locks from freezing,
squirt an approved de-icer fluid or
glycerine into the key opening. If a
lock is covered with ice, squirt it with
an approved de-icing fluid to remove
the ice. If the lock is frozen internally,
you may be able to thaw it out by
using a heated key. Handle the heat-
ed key with care to avoid injury.
Use approved window washer
anti-freeze in system
To keep the water in the window
washer system from freezing, add an
approved window washer anti-freeze
solution in accordance with instruc-
tions on the container. Window wash-
er anti-freeze is available from an
authorized Kia dealer and most auto
parts outlets. Do not use engine
coolant or other types of anti-freeze
as these may damage the paint fin-
ish.

What to do in an emergency
46
IF THE ENGINE WILL NOT START
If engine doesn't turn over or
turns over slowly
1. If your vehicle has an IntelligentVariable Transmission, be sure the
shift lever is in N (Neutral) or P
(Park) and the emergency brake is
set.
2. Check the battery connections to be sure they are clean and tight.
3. Turn on the interior light. If the light dims or goes out when you oper-
ate the starter, the battery is dis-
charged.
4. Check the starter connections to be sure they are securely tight-
ened.
5. Do not push or pull the vehicle to start it. See instructions for "Jump
starting".
If engine turns over normally
but does not start
1. Check the fuel level.
2. With the ignition switch in theLOCK position, check all connec-
tors at the ignition coils and spark
plugs. Reconnect any that may be
disconnected or loose.
3. Check the fuel line in the engine compartment.
4. If the engine still does not start, call an authorized Kia dealer or
seek other qualified assistance.
WARNING - Push/
pull start
Do not push or pull the vehicle
to start it. Push or pull starting
may cause the catalytic con-
verter to overload and create a
fire hazard.

What to do in an emergency
38
6
CAUTION
- Intelligent Variable
Transmission
If the car is being towed with all four wheels on the ground, itcan be towed only from thefront. Be sure that the transmis-sion is in neutral. Be sure thesteering is unlocked by placingthe ignition switch in the ACCposition. A driver must be inthe towed vehicle to operatethe steering and brakes.
To avoid serious damage to the Intelligent VariableTransmission, limit the vehiclespeed to 15 km/h (10 mph) anddrive less than 1.5 km (1 mile)when towing.
Before towing, check the Intelligent VariableTransmission for fluid leaksunder your vehicle. If theIntelligent VariableTransmission fluid is leaking,flatbed equipment or a towingdolly must be used.
CAUTION
- Intelligent Variable
Transmission (IVT)
Vehicles with Intelligent VariableTransmission (IVT) can only betowed to an ordinary vehiclewhen there is no IVT transmis-sion oil leakage. If towing to anordinary vehicle in the event ofoil leakage, the transmissionmay be damaged. If towing to anordinary vehicle in the event ofoil leakage, the transmissionmay be damaged.