gear KIA PICANTO 2012 Owners Manual

Features of your vehicle
26
4
Opening the hood
1. Pull the release lever to unlatch the
hood. The hood should pop open
slightly. 2. Go to the front of the vehicle, raise the
hood slightly, pull the secondary latch(1) inside of the hood center and liftthe hood (2). 3. Pull the support rod from the hood.
4. Hold the hood open with the support
rod.
HOOD
OTA040017OTA040018OTA040019
WARNING
- Hot parts
Grasp the support rod in the area
wrapped in rubber. The rubber will
help prevent you from being burned
by hot metal when the engine ishot.
WARNING
Open the hood after turning off the
engine on a flat surface, shifting
the shift lever to the P(Park) posi-
tion for automatic transaxle and to
the 1st(First) gear or R(Reverse) for
manual transaxle, and setting the
parking brake.

Features of your vehicle
58
4
Electronic brake
force distribution
(EBD) system
warning light
If both warning lights illuminate at the
same time while driving, your vehicle
may have a malfunction with the ABSand EBD system.
In this case, your ABS and regular brake
system may not work normally. Have the
vehicle checked by an authorized KIA
dealer as soon as possible.Parking brake & brake
fluid warning light
Parking brake warning
This warning light is illuminated when the
parking brake is applied with the ignition
switch in the START or ON position. The
warning light should go off when the
parking brake is released while the
engine is running.
Low brake fluid level warning
If the warning light remains on, it may
indicate that the brake fluid level in the
reservoir is low.
If the warning light remains on:
1. Drive carefully to the nearest safe location and stop your vehicle.
2. With the engine stopped, check the brake fluid level immediately and add
fluid as required. Then check all brake
components for fluid leaks.
3. Do not drive the vehicle if leaks are found, the warning light remains on or
the brakes do not operate properly.
Have the vehicle towed to any author-
ized KIA dealer for a brake system
inspection and necessary repairs. Your vehicle is equipped with dual-diago-
nal braking systems. This means you still
have braking on two wheels even if one
of the dual systems should fail. With only
one of the dual systems working, more
than normal pedal travel and greaterpedal pressure are required to stop the
car. Also, the car will not stop in as short
a distance with only a portion of the
brake system working. If the brakes fail
while you are driving, shift to a lower gear
for additional engine braking and stop the
car as soon as it is safe to do so.
To check bulb operation, check whether
the parking brake and brake fluid warning
light illuminates when the ignition switchis in the ON position.
WARNING
If the both ABS and brake warning
lights are on and stay on, your vehi-
cle’s brake system will not work
normally during sudden braking. In
this case, avoid high speed driving
and abrupt braking. Have your vehi-
cle checked by an authorized KIA
dealer as soon as possible.
WARNING
Driving the vehicle with a warning
light on is dangerous. If the brake
warning light remains on, have the
brakes checked and repaired imme-
diately by an authorized KIA dealer.

Features of your vehicle
60
4
Engine oil pressure
warning light
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 and stop.
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.
Automatic transaxle shift indicator (if equipped)
The indicator displays to show the auto-
matic transaxle shift lever selection.
Manual
transaxle shiftindicator
(if equipped)
This indicator informs you which gear is
desired while driving to save fuel.
For example
: Indicates that shifting up to the 3rdgear is desired (currently the shift
lever is in the 2nd gear).
: Indicates that shifting down to the 3rd gear is desired (currently the
shift lever is in the 4th gear).
✽✽ NOTICE
 When the system is not working prop- erly, up & down arrow indicator and
Gear are not displayed.
 If you select the ECO OFF in the trip
computer, the manual transaxle shift
indicator will not illuminate.
CAUTION
If the oil pressure warning light
stays on while the engine is run-
ning, serious engine damage mayresult. The oil pressure warninglight comes on whenever there is insufficient oil pressure. In normal
operation, it should come on whenthe ignition switch is turned on,then go out when the engine is
started. If the oil pressure warninglight stays on while the engine isrunning, there is a serious malfunc-tion.
If this happens, stop the car assoon as it is safe to do so, turn off the engine and check the oil level. Ifthe oil level is low, fill the engine oil to the proper level and start the
engine again. If the light stays onwith the engine running, turn theengine off immediately. In anyinstance where the oil light stays on
when the engine is running, theengine should be checked by anauthorized KIA dealer before the car is driven again.
CAUTION
If the engine is not stopped imme-diately after the engine oil pressure
warning light is illuminated, severe damage could result.
■ Type A
■Type B

Features of your vehicle
68
4
✽✽
NOTICE
This system can only sense objects with-
in 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, such as poles or
objects located between sensors may not
be detected by the sensors.
Always visually check behind the vehi-
cle when backing up.
Be sure to inform any drivers of the
vehicle that may be unfamiliar with the
system regarding the systems capabili-
ties and limitations.Self-diagnosis
If you don’t hear an audible warning
sound or if the buzzer sounds intermit-tently when shifting the gear to the R
(Reverse) position, this may indicate a
malfunction in the rear parking assist sys-
tem. If this occurs, have your vehicle
checked by an authorized KIA dealer as
soon as possible.
WARNING
Pay close attention when the vehi-
cle is driven close to objects on the
road, particularly pedestrians, and
especially children. Be aware that
some objects may not be detected
by the sensors, due to the object’s
distance, size or material, all of
which can limit the effectiveness of
the sensor. Always perform a visu-al inspection to make sure the vehi-
cle is clear of all obstructions
before moving the vehicle in anydirection.
WARNING
Your new vehicle warranty does not
cover any accidents or damage to
the vehicle or injuries to its occu-pants due to a rear parking assist
system malfunction. Always drive
safely and cautiously.

55
Driving your vehicle
WARNING- Ignition switch
Never turn the ignition switch to LOCK or ACC while the vehicle is
moving. This would result in loss
of directional control and braking
function, which could cause anaccident.
The anti-theft steering column lock is not a substitute for the parking
brake. Before leaving the driver’s
seat, always make sure the shift
lever is engaged in 1 st
gear for the
manual transaxle or P (Park) for
the automatic transaxle, set the
parking brake fully and shut the
engine off. Unexpected and sud-
den vehicle movement may occurif these precautions are not taken.
Never reach for the ignition switch, or any other controls
through the steering wheel while
the vehicle is in motion. The pres-
ence of your hand or arm in this
area could cause a loss of vehicle
control, an accident and serious
bodily injury or death.
(Continued)(Continued)
Do not place any movable objectsaround the driver’s seat as they
may move while driving, interferewith the driver and lead to anaccident.

Driving your vehicle
24
5
Manual transaxle operation
The manual transaxle has 5 forward
gears.
This shift pattern is imprinted on the shift
knob. The transaxle is fully synchronized
in all forward gears so shifting to either a
higher or a lower gear is easily accom-plished.
Depress the clutch pedal down fully while
shifting, then release it slowly.
If your vehicle is equipped with an igni-
tion lock switch, the engine will not start
when starting the engine without
depressing the clutch pedal. (if equipped)
The shift lever must be returned to the
neutral position before shifting into R
(Reverse).
Make sure the vehicle is completely
stopped before shifting into R (Reverse).
Never operate the engine with thetachometer (rpm) in the red zone. During cold weather, shifting may be difficult until the transaxle lubricant is
warmed up. This is normal and not
harmful to the transaxle.
If you've come to a complete stop and it's hard to shift into 1st or R(Reverse),
leave the shift lever at N(Neutral) posi-
tion and release the clutch. Press the
clutch pedal back down, and then shift
into 1st or R(Reverse) gear position.
MANUAL TRANSAXLE (IF EQUIPPED)
OTA050010
CAUTION
When downshifting from fifth gear
to fourth gear, caution should betaken not to inadvertently pressthe shift lever sideways in such a
manner that the second gear isengaged. Such a drastic down-shift may cause the engine speed to increase to the point that the
tachometer will enter the red-zone. Such over-revving of theengine and transaxle may possi-bly cause engine damage.
Do not downshift more than 2 gears or downshift the gear whenthe engine is running at highspeed (5,000 RPM or higher).Such a downshifting may damage
the engine.
CAUTION
To avoid premature clutch wear and damage, do not drive withyour foot resting on the clutch
pedal. Also, don’t use the clutchto hold the vehicle stopped on an uphill grade, while waiting for atraffic light, etc.
Do not use the shift lever as a handrest during driving, as thiscan result in premature wear ofthe transaxle shift forks.

525
Driving your vehicle
Using the clutch
The clutch should be pressed all the way
to the floor before shifting, then released
slowly. The clutch pedal should always be
fully released while driving. Do not rest
your foot on the clutch pedal while driv-
ing. This can cause unnecessary wear.
Do not partially engage the clutch to hold
the vehicle on an incline. This causes
unnecessary wear. Use the foot brake or
parking brake to hold the vehicle on an
incline. Do not operate the clutch pedal
rapidly and repeatedly.
Downshifting
When you must slow down in heavy traf-
fic or while driving up steep hills, down-
shift before the engine starts to labor.
Downshifting reduces the chance of
stalling and gives better acceleration
when you again need to increase your
speed. When the vehicle is traveling
down steep hills, downshifting helps
maintain safe speed and prolongs brake
life.WARNING
Before leaving the driver’s seat,
always set the parking brake fully
and shut the engine off. Then makesure the transaxle is shifted into 1st
gear when the vehicle is parked on
a level or uphill grade, and shifted
into R (Reverse) on a downhill
grade. Unexpected and sudden
vehicle movement can occur if
these precautions are not followed
in the order identified.
CAUTION
When operating the clutch pedal, press the clutch pedal down fully. If
you don’t press the clutch pedalfully, the clutch may be damaged ornoise may occur.

Driving your vehicle
26
5
Good driving practices
Never take the vehicle out of gear and
coast down a hill. This is extremely
hazardous. Always leave the vehicle in
gear.
Don't "ride" the brakes. This can cause them to overheat and malfunction.
Instead, when you are driving down a
long hill, shift to a lower gear. When
you do this, engine braking will help
slow down the vehicle.
Slow down before shifting to a lower gear. This will help avoid over-revving
the engine, which can cause damage.
Slow down when you encounter cross winds. This gives you much better con-
trol of your vehicle.
Be sure the vehicle is completely stopped before you attempt to shift into
reverse. The transaxle can be dam-
aged if you do not. To shift into reverse,
depress the clutch, move the shift lever
to neutral, wait three seconds, then
shift to the reverse position.
Exercise extreme caution when driving on a slippery surface. Be especially
careful when braking, accelerating or
shifting gears. On a slippery surface,
an abrupt change in vehicle speed can
cause the drive wheels to lose traction
and the vehicle to go out of control.
WARNING
Always buckle-up! In a collision, an unbelted occupant is signifi-
cantly more likely to be seriously
injured or killed than a properlybelted occupant.
Avoid high speeds when corner- ing or turning.
Do not make quick steering wheel movements, such as sharp
lane changes or fast, sharp turns.
The risk of rollover is greatly increased if you lose control of
your vehicle at highway speeds.
Loss of control often occurs if two or more wheels drop off the
roadway and the driver over-
steers to reenter the roadway.
In the event your vehicle leaves the roadway, do not steer sharply.
Instead, slow down before pulling
back into the travel lanes.
Never exceed posted speed lim- its.

Driving your vehicle
28
5
For smooth operation, depress the brake
pedal when shifting from N (Neutral) to aforward or reverse gear.Transaxle ranges
The indicator in the instrument cluster
displays the shift lever position when the
ignition switch is in the ON position.
P (Park)
Always come to a complete stop before
shifting into P (Park). This position locks
the transaxle and prevents the drivewheels from rotating.
WARNING - Automatic
transaxle
Always check the surrounding areas near your vehicle for peo-
ple, especially children, beforeshifting a car into D (Drive) or R
(Reverse).
Before leaving the driver’s seat, always make sure the shift lever
is in the P (Park) position; then
set the parking brake fully and
shut the engine off. Unexpected
and sudden vehicle movementcan occur if these precautions
are not followed in the order iden-tified.
CAUTION
To avoid damage to your
transaxle, do not accelerate the
engine in R (Reverse) or any for-ward gear position with thebrakes on.
When stopped on an incline, do not hold the vehicle stationarywith engine power. Use the serv-ice brake or the parking brake.
Do not shift from N (Neutral) or P (Park) into D (Drive), or R
(Reverse) when the engine isabove idle speed.
WARNING
Shifting into P (Park) while the vehicle is in motion will cause the
drive wheels to lock which will
cause you to lose control of the
vehicle.
Do not use the P (Park) position in place of the parking brake.
Always make sure the shift lever
is latched in the P (Park) position
and set the parking brake fully.
Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle.
CAUTION
The transaxle may be damaged if
you shift into P (Park) while the vehicle is in motion.

529
Driving your vehicle
R (Reverse)
Use this position to drive the vehicle
backward.N (Neutral)
The wheels and transaxle are not
engaged. The vehicle will roll freely even
on the slightest incline unless the parking
brake or service brakes are applied.
D (Drive)
This is the normal forward driving posi-
tion. The transaxle will automatically shift
through a 4-gear sequence, providing the
best fuel economy and power.
For extra power when passing another
vehicle or climbing grades, depress the
accelerator fully, at which time the
transaxle will automatically downshift to
the lower gear.
✽✽
NOTICE
Always come to a complete stop before
shifting into D (Drive).
3 (Third gear)
Use for towing a trailer during hill climb-
ing or to use engine braking downhill.
"3" automatically shifts between 1st, 2nd
and 3rd gears. This means that no shift-
up to 4th gear is performed. However, theshift-up to 4th gear is done when the car
speed exceeds a certain value to prevent
the engine from over-revving. Manually
move the selector to "D" when returning
to normal driving condition.
2 (Second gear)
Use for driving on a slippery road, hill
climbing or engine braking downhill. "2"
automatically shifts between first and
second gears. This means that no shift-up to 3rd gear is
performed. However, the shift-up to thirdgear is done when the car speed
exceeds a certain value to prevent the
engine from over-revving. Manually move
the selector to "D" returning to normal
driving condition.
CAUTION
Always come to a complete stop before shifting into or out of R(Reverse); you may damage thetransaxle if you shift into R(Reverse) while the vehicle is in
motion, except as explained in“Rocking the vehicle” in this sec- tion.