tow KIA PICANTO 2012 Owners Manual

Introduction
4
1
Use of MTBE
KIA recommends avoiding fuels contain-
ing MTBE (Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether)
over 15.0% vol. (Oxygen Content 2.7%
weight) in your vehicle.
Fuel containing MTBE over 15.0% vol.
(Oxygen Content 2.7% weight) may
reduce vehicle performance and produce
vapor lock or hard starting.
Do not use methanol
Fuels containing methanol (wood alco-
hol) should not be used in your vehicle.
This type of fuel can reduce vehicle per-
formance and damage components ofthe fuel system.
Fuel Additives
KIA recommends that you use good quality gasolines meet Europe Fuel stan-
dards (EN228) or equivalents.
For customers who do not use good
quality gasolines including fuel additives
regularly, and have problems starting or
the engine does not run smoothly, one
bottle of additives added to the fuel tank
at every 15,000km (For Europe)/
5,000km (Except Europe). Additives are
available from your authorized KIA deal-
er along with information on how to use
them. Do not mix other additives.
Operation in foreign countries
If you are going to drive your vehicle in
another country, be sure to:
Observe all regulations regarding reg-
istration and insurance.
Determine that acceptable fuel is avail- able. No special break-in period is needed. By
following a few simple precautions for the
first 1,000 km (600 miles) you may add to
the performance, economy and life of
your vehicle.
Do not race the engine.
While driving, keep your engine speed
(rpm, or revolutions per minute)
between 2,000 rpm and 4,000 rpm.
Do not maintain a single speed for long
periods of time, either fast or slow.
Varying engine speed is needed to
properly break-in the engine.
Avoid hard stops, except in emergen- cies, to allow the brakes to seat prop-
erly.
Don't let the engine idle longer than 3 minutes at one time.
Don't tow a trailer during the first 2,000 km (1,200 miles) of operation.
VEHICLE BREAK-IN PROCESS
CAUTION
Your New Vehicle Limited Warranty
may not cover damage to the fuelsystem and any performance prob-lems that are caused by the use offuels containing methanol or fuels
containing MTBE (Methyl TertiaryButyl Ether) over 15.0% vol. (Oxygen Content 2.7% weight.)

321
Safety features of your vehicle
When using the rear center seat belt, the
buckle with the “CENTER” mark must beused.To release the seat belt:
When you want to release the seat belt,
press the button (1) in the locking buckle.Stowing the rear seat belt
The rear seat belt buckles can be stowed
in the pocket between the rear seatback
and cushion when not in use.
The center seat belt can be stowed with
the plate and webbing rolled in the pock-
et between the rear seatback and cush-
ion. (2-point static type belt, if equipped)
OTA032025OTA030027B210A02NF-2
WARNING
The center lap belt latching mecha-
nism is different from those for the
rear seat shoulder belts. When fas-tening the rear seat shoulder belts
or the center lap belt, make sure
they are inserted into the correct
buckles to obtain maximum protec-
tion from the seat belt system and
assure proper operation.

331
Safety features of your vehicle
2. Fasten the lap/shoulder belt latch intothe buckle. Listen for the distinct “click” sound.
Position the release button so that it is
easy to access in case of an emergency.
3. Buckle the seat belt and allow the seat belt to take up any slack. After installa-
tion of the child restraint system, try to
move it in all directions to be sure the
child restraint system is securelyinstalled.
If you need to tighten the belt, pull more
webbing toward the retractor. When you
unbuckle the seat belt and allow it to
retract, the retractor will automatically
revert back to its normal seated passen-
ger emergency locking usage condition.Installing a child restraint system by lap belt (on the center rear seat) (if equipped) - Except Europe
To install a child restraint system on the
center rear seats, do the following:
1. Place the child restraint system on the center rear seat.
2. Extend the latch plate tongue of the lap belt.
3. Route the lap belt through the restraint according to the seat manufacturer’s
instructions.
4. Buckle the seat belt and adjust the lap belt for a snug hold on the child
restraint by pulling on the loose end of
the belt. After installation of the child
restraint system, try to move it in all
directions to be sure the child restraintsystem is securely installed.
E2BLD347E2BLD310
WARNING
A child can be seriously injured or
killed in a collision if the child
restraint is not properly anchored
to the car and the child is not prop-
erly restrained in the child restraint.
Always follow the child seat manu-
facturer’s instructions for installa-
tion and use.
MMSA3030

359
Safety features of your vehicle
SRS Care
The SRS is virtually maintenance-free
and so there are no parts you can safely
service by yourself. If the SRS air bag
warning light does not illuminate
when you turn the ignition ON, or if it con-
tinuously remains on, have your vehicle
immediately inspected by an authorized
KIA dealer.
Any work on the SRS system, such as
removing, installing, repairing, or any
work on the steering wheel must be per-
formed by an authorized KIA dealer.Improper handling of the SRS system
may result in serious personal injury.
WARNING
Modification to SRS components or wiring, including the addition
of any kind of badges to the pad
covers or modifications to the
body structure, can adversely
affect SRS performance and lead
to possible injury.
For cleaning the air bag pad cov- ers, use only a soft, dry cloth or
one which has been moistened
with plain water. Solvents or
cleaners could adversely affect
the air bag covers and proper
deployment of the system.

No objects should be placed over
or near the air bag modules on the
steering wheel, instrument panel,
and the front passenger's panel
above the glove box, because any
such object could cause harm if the
vehicle is in a crash severe enough
to cause the air bags to inflate.
(Continued)
(Continued)
If the air bags inflate, they must be replaced by an authorized KIA
dealer.
Do not tamper with or disconnect SRS wiring, or other components
of the SRS system. Doing so
could result in injury, due to acci-
dental inflation of the air bags or
by rendering the SRS inopera-
tive.
If components of the air bag sys- tem must be discarded, or if the
vehicle must be scrapped, certain
safety precautions must be
observed. An authorized KIA
dealer knows these precautions
and can give you the necessary
information. Failure to follow
these precautions and proce-dures could increase the risk of
personal injury.
If your car was flooded and has soaked carpeting or water on the
flooring, you shouldn't try to start
the engine; have the car towed to
an authorized KIA dealer.

411
Features of your vehicle
Smart key precautions
✽✽NOTICE
 If, for some reason, you happen to lose your smart key, you will not be able to
start the engine. Tow the vehicle, if
necessary, and contact an authorized
KIA dealer.
 A maximum of 2 smart keys can be
registered to a single vehicle. If you
lose a smart key, you should immedi-
ately take the vehicle and key to your
authorized KIA dealer to protect it
from potential theft.
 The smart key will not work if any of
following occur:
- The smart key is close to a radiotransmitter such as a radio station or
an airport which can interfere with
normal operation of the smart key.
- You keep the smart key near a
mobile two-way radio system or a
cellular phone.
- Another vehicle’s smart key is being operated close to your vehicle.
When the smart key does not work
correctly, open and close the door with
the mechanical key. If you have a
problem with the smart key, contact
an authorized KIA dealer.CAUTION
Keep the smart key away from
water or any liquid. If the keyless
entry system is inoperative due toexposure to water or liquids, it willnot be covered by your manufactur- er’s vehicle warranty.

415
Features of your vehicle
Operating door locks from out-
side the vehicle
Mechanical key
Turn the key toward the rear of thevehicle to unlock and toward the front
of the vehicle to lock.
If you lock/unlock the door with a key, the doors will lock/unlock.
If you lock/unlock the driver’s door with a key, all vehicle doors will lock/unlock
automatically. (if equipped)
Once the doors are unlocked, they may be opened by pulling the door handle.
When closing the door, push the door by hand. Make sure that doors are
closed securely.
Transmitter/Smart key
Doors can be locked and unlocked withthe transmitter (or smart key). (if equipped)
Doors can be locked and unlocked pressing the button of the outside door
handle with the smart key in your pos-session.
Once the doors are unlocked, they may be opened by pulling the door handle.
When closing the door, push the door by hand. Make sure that doors are
closed securely.✽✽ NOTICE
 In cold and wet climates, door locks and door mechanisms may not work
properly due to freezing conditions.
 If the door is locked/unlocked multi-
ple times in rapid succession with
either the vehicle key or door lock
switch, the system may stop operating
temporarily in order to protect the
circuit and prevent damage to system
components.
DOOR LOCKS
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WARNING
If you don't close the door securely, the door may open
again.
Be careful that someone's body and hands are not trapped when
closing the door.

Features of your vehicle
38
4
Inside rearview mirror
Adjust the rearview mirror to center on
the view through the rear window. Make
this adjustment before you start driving.
Day/night rearview mirror
Make this adjustment before you start
driving and while the day/night lever is in
the day position.
Pull the day/night lever toward you to reduce the glare from the headlights of
the vehicles behind you during night driv-ing.
Remember that you lose some rearview
clarity in the night position.
Outside rearview mirror
Be sure to adjust mirror angles before
driving.
Your vehicle is equipped with both left-
hand and right-hand outside rearview
mirrors. The mirrors can be adjusted
remotely with the remote switch. The mir-
ror heads can be folded back to prevent
damage during an automatic car wash or
when passing in a narrow street.
MIRRORS
WARNING -
Rear visibility
Do not place objects in the rear
seat or cargo area which would
interfere with your vision through
the rear window.
OTA040028L
Day Night
WARNING
Do not adjust the rearview mirror
while the vehicle is moving. This
could result in loss of control, and
an accident which could cause
death, serious injury or property
damage.
WARNING
Do not modify the inside mirror and
do not install a wide mirror. It could
result in injury, during an accident
or deployment of the air bag.
WARNING - Rearview mir-
rors
The outside rearview mirror is convex. Objects seen in the mir-
ror are closer than they appear.
Use your interior rearview mirror or direct observation to deter-
mine the actual distance of fol-
lowing vehicles when changinglanes.

441
Features of your vehicle
Manual type
To fold outside rearview mirror, grasp the
housing of mirror and then fold it toward
the rear of the vehicle.
OTA040031

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.

467
Features of your vehicle
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 willoperate normally when the moisture has been cleared.)
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 material is removed
or the sensor is no longer blocked.)
3. Driving on uneven road surfaces (unpaved roads, gravel, bumps, gradi-ent).
4. Objects generating excessive noise (vehicle horns, loud motorcycle
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 stained with foreign mat-
ter such as snow or water. (The sens-
ing range will return to normal when
removed.)
2. Outside air temperature is extremely hot or cold.
The following objects may not be rec-
ognized by the sensor:
1. Sharp or slim objects such as ropes, chains or small poles.
2. Objects which tend to absorb the sen- sor frequency such as clothes, spongy
material or snow.
3. Undetectable objects smaller than 1 m (40 in.) in height and narrower than 14
cm (6 in.) in diameter. Rear parking assist system pre- cautions
The rear parking assist system may
not sound sequentially depending on the speed and shapes of the objectsdetected.
The rear parking assist system may malfunction if the vehicle bumperheight or sensor installation has been
modified or damaged. Any non-factory
installed equipment or accessories
may also interfere with the sensor per-
formance.
The sensor may not recognize objects less than 40 cm (15 in.) from the sen-
sor, or it may sense an incorrect dis-
tance. Use caution.
When the sensor is frozen or stained with snow, dirt, or water, the sensor
may be inoperative until the stains are
removed using a soft cloth.
Do not push, scratch or strike the sen- sor. Sensor damage could occur.