tow KIA Optima 2009 2.G User Guide

Features of your vehicle64
4D200200AUNWindshield washers In the OFF position, pull the lever gently
toward you to spray washer fluid on the
windshield and to run the wipers 1-3
cycles.
Use this function when the windshield is
dirty.
The spray and wiper operation will con-
tinue until you release the lever.
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.
CAUTION
To prevent possible damage to the
washer pump, do not operate thewasher when the fluid reservoir is empty.
WARNING
Do not use the washer in freezing
temperatures without first warming
the windshield with the defrosters;
the washer solution could freeze on
contact with the windshield and
obscure your vision.
CAUTION
To prevent possible damage to the wipers or windshield, do notoperate the wipers when thewindshield is dry.
To prevent damage to the wiper blades, do not use gasoline,kerosene, paint thinner, or othersolvents on or near them.
To prevent damage to the wiper arms and other components, donot attempt to move the wipersmanually.
ONF048068

471
Features of your vehicle
D230101AMGMode selectionThe mode selection knob control the
direction of the air flow through the venti-
lation system.Air can be directed to the floor, dashboard
outlets, or windshield. Six symbols are used
to represent MAX A/C, Face, Bi-Level,
Floor, Floor-Defrost and Defrost air position.
The MAX A/C mode is used to cool the
inside of the vehicle faster.MAX A/C-Level (B,D)
Air is discharged through the face level
vents.
If the “MAX A/C” mode is selected, the
A/C will turn on automatically and
“Recirculation” mode will be activated.
Face-Level (B,D)
Air flow is directed toward the upper body
and face. Additionally, each outlet can be
controlled to direct the air discharged
from the outlet.
Bi-Level (B, D, C)
Air flow is discharged towards the face
and floor.
Floor-Level (C, A, D)
Most of the air flow is directed to the
floor, with a small amount of the air being
directed to the windshield and side win-
dow defroster.
Floor/Defrost-Level (A, C, D)
Most of the air flow is directed to the floor
and the windshield with a small amount
directed to the side window defrosters.
Defrost-Level (A, D)
Most of the air flow is directed to the
windshield with a small amount of air
directed to the side window defrosters.
OMG049108
MAX
A/C

Features of your vehicle80
4D240200AUNManual heating and air condition-
ingThe heating and cooling system can be
controlled manually by pushing buttons
other than the AUTO button. In this case,
the system works sequentially according
to the order of buttons selected.
When pressing any button (or turning
any knob) except AUTO button while
automatic operation, the functions not
selected will be controlled automatically.
1. Start the engine.
2. Set the mode to the desired position.
3. Set the temperature control to the
desired position.
4. Set the air intake control to the outside (fresh) air position.
5. Set the fan speed control to the desired speed.
6. If air conditioning is desired, turn the air conditioning system on.
Press the AUTO button in order to con-
vert to full automatic control of the sys-
tem.
D240201AMGMode selectionThe mode selection button controls the
direction of the air flow through the venti-
lation system.
Refer to the illustration in the “Manual cli-
mate control system”.
The air flow outlet port is converted as
follows: Face-Level (B, D)
Air flow is directed toward the upper body
and face. Additionally, each outlet can be
controlled to direct the air discharged
from the outlet.
Bi-Level (B, D, C)
Air flow is discharged towards the face and
floor.
Floor-Level (C, A, D)
Most of the air flow is directed to the
floor, with a small amount of the air being
directed to the windshield and side win-
dow defroster.
Floor/Defrost-Level (A, C, D)
Most of the air flow is directed to the floor
and the windshield with a small amount
directed to the side window defrosters.
OMG049082

497
Features of your vehicle
D300800AEN-EUHow car audio worksAM and FM radio signals are broadcast
from transmitter towers located around
your city. They are intercepted by the
radio antenna on your car. This signal is
then received by the radio and sent to
your car speakers.
When a strong radio signal has reached
your vehicle, the precise engineering of
your audio system ensures the best pos-
sible quality reproduction. However, in
some cases the signal coming to your
vehicle may not be strong and clear. This
can be due to factors such as the dis-
tance from the radio station, closeness of
other strong radio stations or the pres-
ence of buildings, bridges or other large
obstructions in the area.AM broadcasts can be received at
greater distances than FM broadcasts.
This is because AM radio waves are
transmitted at low frequencies. These
long, low frequency radio waves can fol-
low the curvature of the earth rather than
travelling straight out into the atmos-
phere. In addition, they curve around
obstructions so that they can provide bet-
ter signal coverage.
FM broadcasts are transmitted at high
frequencies and do not bend to follow the
earth's surface. Because of this, FM
broadcasts generally begin to fade at
short distances from the station. Also,
FM signals are easily affected by build-
ings, mountains, or other obstructions.
These can result in certain listening con-
ditions which might lead you to believe a
problem exists with your radio. The fol-
lowing conditions are normal and do not
indicate radio trouble:
¢¢¢
¢¢¢JBM002
JBM003
AM reception
FM radio station
¢¢¢
JBM001
FM reception

Features of your vehicle108
4
CAUTION IN USING
USB DEVICE
To use an external USB device,
make sure the device is notmounted when starting up thevehicle and mount the device after starting up.
If you start the vehicle when the USB device is mounted, it maydamage the USB device. (USB isnot ESA)
If the vehicle is started up or turned off while the external USBdevice is connected, the externalUSB device may not work.
It may not play inauthentic MP3 or WMA files.
1) It can only play MP3 files with the compression rate between8Kbps~320Kbps.
2) It can only play WMA music files with the compression ratebetween 8Kbps~320Kbps.
Take cautions for static electricity when mounting or dismountingthe external USB device.
An encoded MP3 PLAYER is not recognizable.
(Continued)
(Continued) Depending on the condition of the external USB device, the con-nected external USB device canbe unrecognizable.
When the formatted byte/sector setting of External USB devices isnot either 512BYTE or 2048BYTE, then the device will not be recog-nized.
Use only a USB device formatted to FAT 12/16/32.
USB devices without USB IF authentication may not be recog-nizable.
Make sure the USB connection terminal does not come in contactwith a human body or any object.
If you repeat mounting or dis- mounting USB device in a shortperiod of time, it may break thedevice.
You might hear a strange noise when mounting or dismounting aUSB device.
(Continued)
(Continued) If you dismount the external USB device during playback in USBmode, the external USB device canbe damaged or malfunction. Therefore, mount the external USBdevice when the engine is turnedoff or in another mode.
Depending on the type and capac- ity of the external USB device orthe type of the files stored in thedevice, there is a difference in the time taken for recognition of thedevice, but this is not an indicator of trouble and you only have towait.
Do not use the USB device for other purposes than playing music files.
Use of USB accessories such as recharger or heater using USB I/Fmay lower performance or cause trouble.
If you use devices such as a USB hub you purchased separately,the vehicle’s audio system may not recognize the USB device.Connect the USB device directly to the multimedia terminal of thevehicle.
(Continued)

5
Before driving / 5-3
Key / 5-4
Manual transaxle / 5-7
Automatic transaxle / 5-10
Brake system / 5-16
Cruise control system / 5-26
Economical operation / 5-30
Special driving conditions / 5-32
Winter driving / 5-36
Trailer Towing / 5-39
Vehicle load limit / 5-46
Vehicle weight / 5-51
Driving your vehicle

Driving your vehicle45
E030100AENIlluminated ignition switch Whenever a front door is opened, the
ignition switch will be illuminated for your
convenience, provided the ignition switch
is not in the ON position. The light will go
off immediately when the ignition switch
is turned on or go off after about 30 sec-
onds when the door is closed.
Ignition switch positionE030201AUNLOCKThe steering wheel locks to protect
against theft. The ignition key can be
removed only in the LOCK position.
When turning the ignition switch to the
LOCK position, push the key inward at
the ACC position and turn the key toward
the LOCK position.
OMG045001
WARNING
When you intend to park or stop the
vehicle with the engine on, be care-
ful not to depress the accelerator
pedal for a long period of time. It
may overheat the engine or exhaust
system and cause fire.
KEY
OMG045002

Driving your vehicle32
5E110100AMG-ECHazardous driving conditions When hazardous driving conditions are
encountered such as water, snow, ice,
mud, sand, or similar hazards, follow
these suggestions:
Drive cautiously and allow extra dis-
tance for braking.
Avoid sudden movements in 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. If stalled in snow, mud, or sand, use
second gear. Accelerate slowly to
avoid spinning the drive wheels.
Use sand, rock salt, or other non-slip material under the drive wheels to pro-
vide traction when stalled in ice, snow,
or mud.
E110200AUN-EURocking the vehicle If it is necessary to rock the vehicle to free
it from snow, sand, or mud, first turn the
steering wheel right and left to clear the
area around your front wheels. Then, shift
back and forth between R (Reverse) and
any forward gear in vehicles equipped
with an automatic transaxle. Do not race
the engine, and spin the wheels as little
as possible. If you are still stuck after a
few tries, have the vehicle pulled out by a
tow vehicle to avoid engine overheating
and possible damage to the transaxle.
SPECIAL DRIVING CONDITIONS
WARNING -
ABS
Do not pump the brake pedal on a
vehicle equipped with ABS.
WARNING
- Downshifting
Downshifting with an automatic
transaxle, while driving on slippery
surfaces can cause an accident.
The sudden change in tire speed
could cause the tires to skid. Be
careful when downshifting on slip-
pery surfaces.
CAUTION
Prolonged rocking may causeengine over-heating, transaxle dam- age or failure, and tire damage.

Driving your vehicle38
5E120800AMGDon't let your parking brake
freezeUnder some conditions your parking
brake can freeze in the engaged position.
This is most likely to happen when there
is an accumulation of snow or ice around
or near the rear brakes or if the brakes
are wet. If there is a risk the parking
brake may freeze, apply it only temporar-
ily while you put the gear selector lever in
P (automatic transaxle) or in first or
reverse gear (manual transaxle) and
block the rear wheels so the car cannot
roll. Then release the parking brake.E120900AUNDon't let ice and snow accumu-
late underneathUnder some conditions, snow and ice
can build up under the fenders and inter-
fere with the steering. When driving in
severe winter conditions where this may
happen, you should periodically check
underneath the car to be sure the move-
ment of the front wheels and the steering
components is not obstructed.
E121000AUN-ECCarry emergency equipmentDepending on the severity of the weath-
er where you drive your car, you should
carry appropriate emergency equipment.
Some of the items you may want to carry
include tow straps or chains, flashlight,
emergency flares, sand, a shovel, jumper
cables, a window scraper, gloves, ground
cloth, coveralls, a blanket, etc.

539
Driving your vehicle
E140000AUN-ECIf you are considering towing with with
your car, you should first check with your
country’s Department of Motor Vehicles
to determine their legal requirements.
Since laws vary from province to
province the requirements for towing
trailers, cars, or other types of vehicles or
apparatus may differ. Ask an authorized
KIA dealer for further details before tow-
ing.Your vehicle can tow a trailer. To identify
what the vehicle trailering capacity is for
your vehicle, you should read the infor-
mation in “Weight of the trailer” that
appears later in this section.Remember that trailering is different than
just driving your vehicle by itself.
Trailering means changes in handling,
durability, and fuel economy. Successful,
safe trailering requires correct equip-
ment, and it has to be used properly.
This section contains many time-tested,
important trailering tips and safety rules.
Many of these are important for your
safety and that of your passengers.
Please read this section carefully before
you pull a trailer.
Load-pulling components such as the
engine, transaxle, wheel assemblies, and
tires are forced to work harder against
the load of the added weight. The engine
is required to operate at relatively higher
speeds and under greater loads. This
additional burden generates extra heat.
The trailer also adds considerably to
wind resistance, increasing the pulling
requirements.TRAILER TOWING
WARNING
- Towing a trail-
er
If you don't use the correct equip-
ment and drive improperly, you can
lose control when you pull a trailer.
For example, if the trailer is too
heavy, the brakes may not work
well - or even at all. You and your
passengers could be seriously or
fatally injured. Pull a trailer only if
you have followed all the steps in
this section.
WARNING
- Weight limits
Before towing, make sure the total
trailer weight, gross combination
weight, gross vehicle weight, gross
axle weight and trailer tongue load
are all within the limits.
CAUTION
Pulling a trailer improperly can
damage your vehicle and result in costly repairs not covered by yourwarranty. To pull a trailer correctly, follow the advice in this section.