KIA Soul 2011 1.G Owner's Manual

k i a ,
t h e

c o m p a n y
Thank you for becoming the owner of a new Kia vehicle.
As a global car manufacturer focused on building high-quality, value
for money prices, Kia Motors is dedicated to providing you with a
customer service experience that exceeds your expectations.
All information contained in this Owner’s Manual is accurate at the
time of publication. However, Kia reserves the right to make changes
at any time so that our policy of continual product improvement can
be carried out.
This manual applies to all Kia models and includes descriptions and
explanations of optional as well as standard equipment. As a result,
you may encounter material in this manual that is not applicable to
your specific Kia vehicle.
Drive safely and enjoy your Kia!

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Thank you for choosing a KIA vehicle.
When you require service, remember that your KIA Dealer
knows your vehicle best. Your dealer has factory-trained tech-
nicians, recommended special tools, genuine KIA replacement
parts and is dedicated to your complete satisfaction.
Because subsequent owners require this important information
as well, this publication should remain with the vehicle if it is
sold.
This manual will familiarize you with operational, mainte-
nance and safety information about your new vehicle. It is sup-
plemented by a Warranty and Consumer Information manual
that provides important information on all warranties regarding
your vehicle.
We urge you to read these publications carefully and follow the
recommendations to help assure enjoyable and safe operation
of your new vehicle.
KIA offers a great variety of options, components and features
for its various models. Therefore, some of the equipment
described in this manual, along with the various illustrations,
may not be applicable to your particular vehicle.
The information and specifications provided in this manual
were accurate at the time of printing. KIA reserves the right to
discontinue or change specifications or design at any time
without notice and without incurring any obligation. If you
have questions, always check with your KIA dealer.
We assure you of our continuing interest in your motoring
pleasure and satisfaction in your KIA vehicle.
© 2011 Kia Canada Inc.
All rights reserved. Reproduction by any means, electronic or
mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any
information storage and retrieval system or translation in
whole or part is not permitted without written authorization
from Kia Canada Inc..
Printed in Korea
Foreword

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4
5
6
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8
I
Introduction
Your vehicle at a glance
Safety features of your vehicle
Features of your vehicle
Driving your vehicle
What to do in an emergency
Maintenance
Specifications & Consumer information
Index
table of contents

1
How to use this manual / 1-2
Fuel requirements / 1-3
Vehicle handling instructions / 1-5
Vehicle break-in process / 1-5
Indicator symbols on the instrument cluster / 1-6
Introduction

Introduction
21
A010000AAM
We want to help you get the greatest
possible driving pleasure from your vehi-
cle. Your Owner’s Manual can assist you
in many ways. We strongly recommend
that you read the entire manual. In order
to minimize the chance of death or injury,
you must read the WARNING and CAU-
TION sections in the manual.
Illustrations complement the words in this
manual to best explain how to enjoy your
vehicle. By reading your manual, you will
learn about features, important safety
information, and driving tips under vari-
ous road conditions.The general layout of the manual is pro-
vided in the Table of Contents. Use the
index when looking for a specific area or
subject; it has an alphabetical listing of all
information in your manual.
Sections: This manual has eight sections
plus an index. Each section begins with a
brief list of contents so you can tell at a
glance if that section has the information
you want.
You will find various WARNINGs,
CAUTIONs, and NOTICEs in this manu-
al. These WARNINGs were prepared to
enhance your personal safety. You should
carefully read and follow ALL procedures
and recommendations provided in these
WARNINGS, CAUTIONS and NOTICES.
✽ ✽


NOTICE
A NOTICE indicates interesting or help-
ful information is being provided.
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
WARNING
A WARNING indicates a situation in
which harm, serious bodily injury or
death could result if the warning is
ignored.
CAUTION
A CAUTION indicates a situation in
which damage to your vehicle couldresult if the caution is ignored.

13
Introduction
A020101AHM-EU
Your new vehicle is designed to use only
unleaded fuel having a pump octane
number ((R+M)/2) of 87 (Research
Octane Number 91) or higher.
Your new vehicle is designed to obtain
maximum performance with UNLEADED
FUEL, as well as minimize exhaust emis-
sions and spark plug fouling.
A020103AUN-EU
Gasoline containing alcohol andmethanol
Gasohol, a mixture of gasoline and
ethanol (also known as grain alcohol),
and gasoline or gasohol containing
methanol (also known as wood alcohol)
are being marketed along 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 prob-
lems and damage to the fuel system.
Discontinue using gasohol of any kind if
drivability problems occur.
Vehicle damage or drivability problems
may not be covered by the manufactur-
er’s warranty if they result from the use
of:
1. Gasohol containing more than 10% ethanol.
2. Gasoline or gasohol containing methanol.
3. Leaded fuel or leaded gasohol.
FUEL REQUIREMENTS
CAUTION
Never add any fuel system cleaning agents to the fuel tank other thanwhat has been specified. (Consultan authorized KIA dealer fordetails.)
WARNING
• Do not "top off" after the nozzle automatically shuts off when
refueling.
Tighten the cap until it clicks, oth- erwise the Check Engine
light will illuminate.
Always check that the fuel cap is installed securely to prevent fuel
spillage in the event of an acci-
dent.

Introduction
41
"E85" fuel is an alternative fuel com-
prised of 85 percent ethanol and 15 per-
cent gasoline, and is manufactured
exclusively for use in Flexible Fuel
Vehicles. “E85” is not compatible with
your vehicle. Use of “E85” may result in
poor engine performance and damage to
your vehicle's engine and fuel system.
KIA recommends that customers do not
use fuel with an ethanol content exceed-
ing 10 percent.A020104AUN
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.
A020105AUN
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 of
the fuel system.
A020106AUN
Gasolines for cleaner air
To help contribute to cleaner air, KIA rec-
ommends you use gasolines treated with
detergent additives, which help prevent
deposit formation in the engine. These
gasolines will help the engine run clean-
er and enhance performance of the
Emission Control System.
A020107AUN
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.
CAUTION
Your New Vehicle Limited Warrantymay not cover damage to the fuelsystem and any performance prob-lems that are caused by the use of fuels containing methanol or fuelscontaining MTBE (Methyl TertiaryButyl Ether) over 15.0% vol.(Oxygen Content 2.7% weight.)
CAUTION
Never use gasohol which containsmethanol. Discontinue use of anygasohol product which impairs dri-vability.
CAUTION
Your New Vehicle Limited Warrantydoes not cover damage to the fuelsystem or any performance prob-lems caused by the use of “E85” fuel.

15
Introduction
A090000AEN
As with other vehicles of this type, failure
to operate this vehicle correctly may
result in loss of control, an accident or
vehicle rollover.
Specific design characteristics (higher
ground clearance, track, etc.) give this
vehicle a higher center of gravity than
other types of vehicles. It is not designed
for cornering at the same speeds as a
conventional 2-wheel drive sedans or
sports coupe. Avoid sharp turns or abrupt
maneuvers. Failure to operate this vehi-
cle correctly may result in loss of control,
an accident or vehicle rollover.Be sure
to read the “Reducing the risk of a
rollover” driving guidelines, in section
5 of this manual.
A030000AUN
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
VEHICLE HANDLING
INSTRUCTIONS

Introduction
61
INDICATOR SYMBOLS ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
Seat Belt Warning Light
High Beam Indicator
Turn Signal Indicator
ABS Warning Light*
Parking Brake & Brake Fluid
Warning Light
Malfunction Indicator*
Immobilizer Indicator
Low Fuel Level Warning Light
* : if equipped Tailgate Open Warning Light
❈ For more detailed explanations, refer to “Instrument cluster” in section 4.
Charging System Warning Light
Door Ajar Warning Light
A050000AAM-EC
Front Fog Light Indicator*
Engine Oil Pressure Warning Light
O/D OFF Indicator*
O/D
OFF
Air Bag Warning Light*
TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring
System) Malfunction Indicator*
Low Tire Pressure Telltale*
Cruise Indicator*
Cruise SET Indicator*
Shift Pattern Indicator
ESC Indicator*
ESC OFF Indicator*TPMS
Tail Light Indicator*
Low Windshield Washer Fluid
Level Warning Light*
Low Beam Indicator*

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Interior overview / 2-2
Instrument panel overview / 2-3
Engine compartment / 2-4
Your vehicle at a glance