ABS KIA NIRO PLUG-IN HYBRID 2018 Owners Manual

Features of your vehicle
96
4
Anti-lock Brake System
(ABS) Warning Light
This warning light illuminates:
Once you set the Engine Start/Stop Button to the ON posi-
tion.
- It illuminates for approximately 3seconds and then goes off.
When there is a malfunction with the ABS (The normal braking sys-
tem will still be operational without
the assistance of the anti-lock
brake system).
In this case, have your vehicle
inspected by an authorized Kia
dealer.
Electronic
Brake forceDistribution(EBD) SystemWarning Light
These two warning lights illuminate at
the same time while driving:
When the ABS and regular brake system may not work normally.
In this case, have your vehicle
inspected by an authorized Kia
dealer.
WARNING - Electronic
Brake force Distribution
(EBD) System Warning Light
When both ABS and Parking
Brake & Brake Fluid Warning
Lights are on, the brake system
will not work normally and you
may experience an unexpected
and dangerous situation during
sudden braking thereby
increasing the risk of a crash
and injury. In this case, avoid
high speed driving and abrupt
braking. Have your vehicle
inspected by an authorized Kia
dealer as soon as possible.

497
Features of your vehicle
✽
✽NOTICE- Electronic Brake
force Distribution (EBD)
System Warning Light
When the ABS Warning Light is on
or both ABS and Parking Brake &
Brake Fluid Warning Lights are on,
the speedometer, odometer, or trip-
meter may not work. Also, the EPS
Warning Light may illuminate and
the steering effort may increase or
decrease.
In this case, have your vehicle inspect-
ed by an authorized Kia dealer as
soon as possible.
Regenerative Brake Warning Light
This warning light illuminates :
When the regenerative brake does
not operate and the brake does not
perform well. This causes the Brake
Warning light (red) and Regenerative
Brake Warning Light (yellow) to illu-
minate simultaneously.
In this case, drive safely and have
your vehicle inspected by an author-
ized Kia dealer.
Electronic PowerSteering (EPS) WarningLight
This warning light illuminates:
Once you set the Engine Start/Stop Button to the ON posi-
tion.
- It remains on until the engine isstarted.
When there is a malfunction with the EPS.
In this case, have your vehicle
inspected by an authorized Kia
dealer.(yellow color)
(red color)

Features of your vehicle
108
4
Types of warning sound
When an object is 47 in. to 24 in.
(120 cm to 61 cm) from the rear
bumper: Buzzer beeps intermit-
tently.
When an object is 24 in. to 12 in. (60 cm to 31 cm) from the rear
bumper: Buzzer beeps more fre-
quently.
When an object is within 12 in. (30 cm) of the rear bumper:
Buzzer sounds continuously.
Non-operational conditions of
rear parking assist system
The rear parking assist system
may not operate properly when:
1. Moisture is frozen to the sensor. (It will operate normally once the
moisture clears.
2. The sensor is covered with foreign matter, such as snow or water, or
the sensor cover is blocked. (It will
operate normally when the materi-
al is removed or the sensor is no
longer blocked.)
3. Driving on uneven road surfaces (unpaved roads, gravel, bumps,
gradient).
4. Objects generating excessive noise (vehicle horns, loud motor-
cycle engines, or truck air brakes)
are within range of the sensor.
5. Heavy rain or water spray exists.
6. Wireless transmitters or mobile phones are within range of the
sensor.
7. The sensor is covered with snow.
8. Trailer towing The detecting range may decrease
when:
1. The sensor is covered with foreign
matter such as snow or water.
(The sensing range will return to
normal when removed.)
2. Outside air temperature is extremely hot or cold.
The following objects may not be
recognized by the sensor:
1. Sharp or slim objects such as ropes, chains or small poles.
2. Objects which tend to absorb the sensor frequency such as clothes,
sound absorbent material or snow.
3. Undetectable objects smaller than 40 in. (1 m) in height and narrower
than 6 in. (14 cm) in diameter.

4113
Features of your vehicle
Detecting range may decreasewhen:
1. Outside air temperature is extremely hot or cold.
2. Undetectable objects smaller than 4 in. (1 m) and narrower than 5.5
in. (14 cm) in diameter.
The following objects may not be
recognized by the sensor:
1. Sharp or slim objects such as ropes, chains or small poles.
2. Objects, which tend to absorb sen- sor frequency such as clothes,
spongy material or snow.
✽ ✽NOTICE
1. The warning may not sound
sequentially depending on the speed
and shapes of the objects detected.
2. The parking assist system may malfunction if the vehicle bumper
height or sensor installation has
been modified. Any non-factory
installed equipment or accessories
may also interfere with the sensor
performance.
3. Sensor may not recognize objects less than 12 in. (30 cm) from the
sensor, or it may sense an incor-
rect distance. Use with caution.
4. When the sensor is frozen or stained with snow or water, the sensor may
be inoperative until the stains are
removed using a soft cloth.
5. Do not push, scratch or strike the sensor with any hard objects that
could damage the surface of the
sensor. Sensor damage could occur.
✽ ✽NOTICE
This system can only sense objects
within the range and location of the
sensors, it can not detect objects in
other areas where sensors are not
installed. Also, small or slim objects,
or objects located between sensors
may not be detected.
Always visually check in front and
behind the vehicle when driving.
Be sure to inform any drivers in the
vehicle that may be unfamiliar with
the system regarding the systems
capabilities and limitations.

Driving your vehicle
Before driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4
Before entering vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4
Necessary inspections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4
Before starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4
Key positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6
Illuminated ignition switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6
Ignition switch position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6
Starting the hybrid system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7
Engine start/stop button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-9
Illuminated engine start/stop button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-9
Engine start/stop button position. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-9
Starting the hybrid system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-11
Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-14
Dual clutch transmission operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-14
Good driving practices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-21
Brake system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-23
Power brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-23
Parking brake – Foot type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-25
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-27
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-29
Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-32
Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-34
Good braking practices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-34
Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) . . . . . . . 6-36
System setting and activation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-36
AEB warning message and system control . . . . . . . . 6-39
Brake operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-40
Sensor to detect the distance from the vehicle in front (Front radar) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-41
System malfunction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-42
Limitation of the system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-43
Cruise control system. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-47
To set cruise control speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-48
To increase cruise control set speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-48
To decrease the cruising speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-49
To temporarily accelerate with the cruise control on . 6-49
To cancel cruise control, do one of the following . . . 6-49
To resume cruising speed at more than approximately 20 mph (30 km/h) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-50
To turn cruise control off, do one of the following . . 6-50
Smart Cruise Control system (SCC) . . . . . . . . . . 6-51
Speed setting (SCC). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-52
Vehicle to vehicle distance setting (SCC) . . . . . . . . . 6-57
To adjust the sensitivity of smart cruise control . . . 6-60
To convert to cruise control mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-60
Limitations of the system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-61
6

627
Driving your vehicle
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
ABS (or ESC) will not prevent acci-
dents due to improper or dangerous
driving maneuvers. Even though
vehicle control is improved during
emergency braking, always maintain
a safe distance between you and
objects ahead. Vehicle speeds
should always be reduced during
extreme road conditions. The vehicle
should be driven at reduced speeds
in the following circumstances:
When driving on rough, gravel orsnow-covered roads
When driving with tire chains installed
When driving on roads where the road surface is pitted or has differ-
ent surface heights.
Driving in these conditions increases
the stopping distance for your vehicle. The ABS continuously senses the
speed of the wheels. If the wheels
are going to lock, the ABS system
repeatedly modulates the hydraulic
brake pressure to the wheels.
When you apply your brakes under
conditions which may lock the
wheels, you may hear a “tik-tik’’
sound from the brakes, or feel a cor-
responding sensation in the brake
pedal. This is normal and it means
your ABS is active.
In order to obtain the maximum benefit
from your ABS in an emergency situa-
tion, do not attempt to modulate your
brake pressure and do not try to pump
your brakes. Press your brake pedal as
hard as possible or as hard as the sit-
uation allows the ABS to control the
force being delivered to the brakes.
✽ ✽
NOTICE
A click sound may be heard in the
engine compartment when the vehi-
cle begins to move after the engine is
started. These conditions are normal
and indicate that the anti-lock brake
system is functioning properly.
Even with the anti-lock brake sys-
tem, your vehicle still requires suf-
ficient stopping distance. Always
maintain a safe distance from the
vehicle in front of you.
Always slow down when cornering. The anti-lock brake system cannot
prevent accidents resulting from
excessive speeds.
On loose or uneven road surfaces, operation of the anti-lock brake
system may result in a longer stop-
ping distance than for vehicles
equipped with a conventional
brake system.

Driving your vehicle
28
6
The ABS warning light will stay on for
approximately 3 seconds after the
engine start/stop button is ON.
During that time, the ABS will go
through self-diagnosis and the light
will go off if everything is normal. If
the light stays on, you may have a
problem with your ABS. Contact an
authorized Kia dealer as soon as
possible. When you drive on a road having
poor traction, such as an icy road,
and have operated your brakes
continuously, the ABS will be active
continuously and the ABS warning
light may illuminate. Pull your vehi-
cle over to a safe place and stop
the engine.
Restart the engine. If the ABS warning light goes off, then your
ABS system is normal. Otherwise,
you may have a problem with the
ABS. Contact an authorized Kia
dealer as soon as possible.
✽ ✽ NOTICE
When you jump start your vehicle
because of a drained battery, the
engine may not run as smoothly and
the ABS warning light may turn on at
the same time. This happens because
of low battery voltage. It does not
mean your ABS has malfunctioned.
• Do not pump your brakes!
• Have the battery recharged before
driving the vehicle.
W-78

Driving your vehicle
32
6
ESC OFF usage
When driving
ESC should be turned on for daily
driving whenever possible.
To turn ESC off while driving, press the ESC OFF button while driving
on a flat road surface.
✽ ✽ NOTICE
• When operating the vehicle on a
dynamometer, ensure that the
ESC is turned off (ESC OFF light
illuminated). If the ESC is left on,
it may prevent the vehicle speed
from increasing, and result in false
diagnosis.
• Turning the ESC off does not affect ABS or brake system opera-
tion.
Vehicle stability management
(VSM)
This system provides further
enhancements to vehicle stability
and steering responses when a vehi-
cle is driving on a slippery road or a
vehicle detects changes in coeffi-
cient of friction between right wheels
and left wheels when braking.
WARNING- Operating
ESC
Never press the ESC OFF but-
ton while ESC is operating (ESC
indicator light blinks).
If ESC is turned off while ESC is
operating, the vehicle may slip
out of control.
WARNING- Tire/ Wheel size
When replacing tires and wheels,
make sure they are the same size
as the original tires and wheels
installed. Driving with varying
tire or wheel sizes may diminish
any supplemental safety benefits
of the VSM system.

655
Driving your vehicle
Cancelled automatically
The driver's door is opened.
The shift lever is shifted to N(Neutral), R (Reverse) or P(Parking).
The EPB (electronic parking brake) is applied.
The vehicle speed is over 120 mph (190 km/h)
The ESC, ABS or TCS is operating.
The ESC is turned off.
The sensor or the cover is dirty or blocked with foreign matter.
When the vehicle is stopped for over 5 minutes.
The driver starts driving by pushing the lever up (RES +) or down
(SET -) or depressing the acceler-
ator pedal approximately 3 sec-
onds after the vehicle is stopped by
the Smart Cruise Control System
with no other vehicle ahead or a
vehicle stopped far away in front.
The engine speed is in dangerous range. The SCC system has malfunc-
tioned.
The accelerator pedal is continu- ously depressed for long time.
Each of these actions will cancel the
SCC operation. (The set speed and
vehicle-to-vehicle distance on the
LCD display will go off.)
If the SCC is cancelled automati-
cally, the SCC will not resume even
though the RES+ or SET- lever is
moved. Also, the EPB (electronic
parking brake) will be applied when
the vehicle is stopped.
- When activating the AEB(Autonomous Emergency Braking)
If the SCC is cancelled by a reason
not mentioned, have the system
checked by an authorized Kia dealer.✽ ✽ NOTICE
If the system is automatically can-
celled, the warning chime will sound
and a message (“Smart Cruise
Control canceled”) will appear for a
few seconds.
You must adjust the vehicle speed by
depressing the accelerator or brake
pedal according to the road condi-
tions ahead and driving condition.
Always check the road conditions.
Do not rely on the warning chime.

689
Driving your vehicle
Hazardous driving conditions
When hazardous driving conditions
are encountered such as water,
snow, ice, mud, sand, or similar haz-
ards, follow these suggestions:
Drive cautiously and allow extradistance for braking.
Avoid sudden braking or steering.
When braking with non-ABS brakes pump the brake pedal with
a light up-and-down motion until
the vehicle is stopped.
Do not pump the brake pedal on a
vehicle equipped with ABS. If stalled in snow, mud, or sand,
use the second gear. Accelerate
slowly to avoid spinning the drive
wheels.
Use sand, rock salt, or other non- slip material under the drive
wheels to provide traction when
stalled in ice, snow, or mud.
Reducing the risk of a rollover
This multi-purpose passenger vehi-
cle is defined as a Sports Utility
Vehicle (SUV). Utility vehicles have a
significantly higher rollover rate than
other types of vehicles. SUV's have
higher ground clearance and a nar-
rower track to make them capable of
performing in a wide variety of off-
road applications. Specific design
characteristics give them a higher
center of gravity than ordinary vehi-
cles. An advantage of the higher
ground clearance is a better view of
the road, which allows you to antici-
pate problems. They are not
designed for cornering at the same
speeds as conventional passenger
vehicles, any more than low-slung
sports vehicles are designed to per-
form satisfactorily in off-road condi-
tions. Due to this risk, driver and pas-
sengers are strongly recommended
to buckle their seat belts. In a rollover
crash, an unbelted person is signifi-
cantly more likely to die than a per-
son wearing a seat belt. There are
steps that a driver can make to
reduce the risk of a rollover.
SPECIAL DRIVING CONDITIONS
WARNING- Downshifting
Do not downshift with a dual
clutch transmission while driv-
ing on slippery surfaces. The
sudden change in tire speed
could cause the tires to skid
and result in an accident.