KIA PICANTO 2006 Owners Manual

Driving your vehicle
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4
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 When maximum cooling is desired,
set the temperature control to the
extreme left position, set the air
intake control to the recirculated air
position, then set the fan speedcontrol to the highest speed.
✽✽
NOTICE

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Driving your vehicle
Checking the amount of air
conditioner refrigerant andcompressor lubricant (ifequipped)
When the amount of refrigerant is
low, the performance of the air con-
ditioning is reduced. Overfilling alsohas a bad influence on the air condi-tioning system.
Therefore, if abnormal operation is
found, have the system inspected by
an authorized Kia dealer.Air conditioner refrigerant andcompressor lubricant
The system complies with SAE J-639.
✽✽ NOTICE
When the performance of the air
conditioning system is reduced it is
important that the correct type and
amount of oil and refrigerant isused. Otherwise, damage to the
compressor and abnormal system
operation may occur.
CAUTION
The air conditioning system should be serviced by an authorized Kia dealer. Improperservice may cause seriousinjury.

Driving your vehicle
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To defog inside windshield
1. Select any fan speed except “0”.
2. Select desired temperature.
3. Select the or position.
4. Turn on the air-conditioning sys- tem.
5. Select the outside (fresh) air mode. To defrost outside windshield
1. Set the fan speed to the
“3”or “4”
position.
2. Set the temperature to the extreme hot position.
3. Select the position.
4. Turn on the air-conditioning sys- tem.
5. Select the outside (fresh) air mode.
WINDSHIELD DEFROSTING AND DEFOGGING
1SAA21431SAA2144
CAUTION
Do not use the or posi-
tion during cooling operation inextremely humid weather. The difference between the tempera-ture of the outside air and thatof the windshield could cause the outer surface of the wind-shield to fog up, causing loss ofvisibility. In this case, set themode selection knob to the position and fan speed controlknob to the lower speed.

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Driving your vehicle
Theft alarm system will not operate
when the ignition key is in the ignition
switch.
If the doors are locked by the trans-
mitter key, unlock the doors with the
transmitter.If the lock button on the transmitter is
pressed when the key is not in the
ignition and any vehicle door or therear hatch is open, then, the doors
will lock but the theft alarm system
will not activate. However, the theft
alarm system will automatically acti-
vate then the open door(s) or rear
hatch is closed and locked.
Armed stage
When the ignition switch is in the “
LOCK ”position, and key is not in the
ignition, the system will be armedand the hazard lights will flash once
when the following conditions aremet:  The hood, rear hatch and doors
are all closed and the lock button
on the transmitter is pressed.
 If a door or the rear hatch is not
opened within approximately 30
seconds after unlocking with the
transmitter, all doors will be locked
again and theft alarm system
armed.
THEFT-ALARM SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
HMR.082

Driving your vehicle
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Alarm stage
The alarm will be activated when:
1. Any door is opened without using
the transmitter.
2. The rear hatch lid is opened with anything except the transmitter (opening the rear hatch with the
key will cause the alarm to sound).
The alarm sound and flash will be
ON for 30 seconds. During this time,
the engine will not start. (For Europe)
The alarm will sound ON for 30 sec-
onds, then OFF for 10 seconds. ThisON/OFF cycle will be repeated three
times. During this time, the engine
will not start. (Except Europe) Disarmed stage
If the following conditions are met,
the alarm system will be deactivatedand hazard flasher light will flash
twice. 
When the unlock button on the
transmitter is pressed. If a door orthe rear hatch is not opened within
approximately 30 seconds after
unlocking with the transmitter, all
doors will be locked again and theft
alarm system armed.
 When the ignition key is in the ON
position for 30 seconds or more.

1 234567891 23456789Fuel requirements / 5-2
Emission control system / 5-3
Before driving / 5-5
Suggestions for economical operation / 5-6Special driving conditions / 5-7
Trailer towing / 5-13Overloading / 5-21Label information / 5-22
Driving tips

Driving tips
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5
FUEL REQUIREMENTS
Gasoline engine (unleaded)
Your new Kia vehicle is designed to
use only unleaded fuel having an
Octane Rating of RON (ResearchOctane Number) 91 / AKI (Anti-
Knock Index) 87 or higher.
Your new Kia is designed to obtain
maximum performance with
UNLEADED FUEL, as well as mini-
mize exhaust emissions and spark
plug fouling.
✽✽ NOTICE
NEVER USE LEADED FUEL. The use of leaded fuel is detrimental to
the catalytic converter and will
damage the engine control system’s
oxygen sensor and affect emission
control.
Never add any fuel system cleaning
agents to the fuel tank other thanwhat Kia has specified. (Consult an
Authorized Kia Dealer for details.)
Gasoline Engine (Leaded)
In countries using LEADED FUEL,
your new Kia vehicle must use
LEADED FUEL. Your new Kia Vehicleis designed to correspond to LEAD-
ED FUEL specifically. Please check
your vehicle whether your vehiclecan use LEADED FUEL or not. Gasoline containing alcohol and methanol Gasohol, a mixture of gasoline and
ethanol (also known as grain alco-hol), and gasoline or gasohol con-
taining methanol (also known as
wood alcohol) are being marketedalong with or instead of leaded or
unleaded gasoline. Do not use gasohol containing more than 10% ethanol, and do not use
gasoline or gasohol containing any
methanol. Either of these fuels may
cause drivability problems and dam-age to the fuel system.
Discontinue using gasohol of any
kind if drivability problems occur.
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53
Driving tips
Vehicle damage or driveability prob-
lems may not be covered by the
manufacturer’s warranty if they resultfrom the use of:
1. Gasohol containing more than10% ethanol.
2. Gasoline or gasohol containing methanol.
3. Leaded fuel or leaded gasohol.
✽✽ NOTICE
Never use gasohol which contains methanol. Discontinue use of any
gasohol product which impairs dri-
vability.
The emission control system of your
vehicle is covered by a written limited
warranty. Please see the warranty
information contained in the
Warranty & Maintenance book 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 modifi-
cation may not be covered under
warranty. Engine exhaust gas precau-
tions (carbon monoxide)
 Carbon monoxide can be present
with other exhaust fumes.
Therefore, if you smell exhaust
fumes of any kind inside your vehi-
cle, have it inspected and repaired
immediately by an authorized Kia
dealer. If you ever suspect exhaust
fumes are coming into your vehi-
cle, drive it only with all the win-
dows fully open. Have your vehicle
checked and repaired immediately.
1 23456789WARNING
Engine exhaust gases contain
carbon monoxide (CO). Though
colorless and odorless, it is
dangerous and could be lethal if
inhaled. Follow the instructions
following to avoid CO poison-ing.
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM

Driving tips
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5
 Do not operate the engine in con-
fined or closed areas (such as
garages) any more than what is
necessary to move the vehicle in orout 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 vehicle for any extended time with
the engine running.
 Inspect the emission control sys- tem whenever engine stalls.
 If the engine stalls or fails to start, do not re-engaging the starter over
3 times. If the engine stalls or re-
engaged excessively, it may causedamage to the emission controlsystem. Operating precautions for cat-
alytic converters
Your vehicle is equipped with a cat-
alytic converter emission control
device.
Therefore, the following precautions
must be observed:
 Use only UNLEADED FUEL for
gasoline engine (unleaded).
 Do not operate the vehicle when there are signs of engine malfunc-
tion, such as misfire or a noticeable
loss of performance.
 Do not misuse or abuse the engine. Examples of misuse arecoasting with the ignition off and
descending steep grades in gear
with the ignition off.  Do not operate the engine at high
idle speed for extended periods (5
minutes or more).
 Do not modify or tamper with any part of the engine or emission con-
trol system. All inspections and
adjustments must be made by an
authorized Kia dealer.
Failure to observe these precautionscould result in damage to the catalyt-
ic converter and to your vehicle.
Additionally, such actions could void
your warranties.
1 23456789WARNING - Fire
A hot exhaust system can ignite
flammable items under your
vehicle. Do not park the vehicle
over or near flammable objects,
such as dry grass, paper,
leaves, etc.

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Driving tips
BEFORE DRIVING
Before entering vehicle:
 Be sure that all windows, outside mirror(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 con-
trols 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 lightgoes out.
For safe operation, be sure you are
familiar with your vehicle and itsequipment.
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WARNING - Driving under
the influence of alcohol or drugs
Drinking and driving is danger-
ous. Drunk driving is the num-
ber one contributor to the high-
way death toll each year. Even asmall amount of alcohol will
affect your reflexes, perceptions
and judgement.
You are much more likely to
have a serious accident if you
drink and drive.
If you are drinking or taking
drugs, don’t drive. Do not ridewith a driver who has beendrinking or taking drugs.Choose a designated driver orcall a cab. Driving while under the influ-
ence of drugs is as dangerous
or more dangerous than drivingdrunk.