check engine KIA SPECTRA5 2007 User Guide

Driving your vehicle32
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Engine oil pressure
warning This warning light indicates the
engine oil pressure is low.
If the warning light illuminates while
driving:
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.
Charging system
warning This warning light indicates a mal-
function of either the generator or
electrical charging system.
If the warning light comes on while
the vehicle is in motion:
1. Drive to the nearest safe location.
2. With the engine off, check the gen- erator drive belt for looseness or
breakage.
3. If the belt is adjusted properly, a problem exists somewhere in the
electrical charging system. Have
an Authorized Kia Dealer correct
the problem as soon as possible.
Safety belt warning If the driver's lap/shoulder belt is not
fastened when the ignition switch is
turned ON, the safety belt warning
light and chime will activate for about
6 seconds. And if the lap/shoulder
belt is fastened when the ignition
switch is turned ON, the safety belt
warning light will blink for about 6
seconds.
If the lap/shoulder belt is unfastened
while the lap/shoulder belt is fas-
tened with the ignition switch ON, the
safety belt warning light will blink for
about 6 seconds and if the vehicle
speed exceeds 10km/h the safety
belt warning light and chime will acti-
vate until it is fastened.
CAUTION
If the engine is not stoppedimmediately, severe damagecould result.

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Driving your vehicle
Rear window defroster
indicator (if equipped) This light comes on when the rear
defroster switch is depressed to
remove the frost on the rear glass.
Press the switch again to shut off the
defroster when the frost is removed.
The rear window defroster will auto-
matically turn off after 20 minutes.
It will also turn off whenever you
remove the ignition key.
Shift pattern indicators
(if equipped)The individual indicators illuminate to
show the automatic transaxle shift
lever selection.Door ajar warningThis warning light illuminates when a
door is not closed securely with the
ignition in any position.
Parking brake & brake
fluid warning Parking brake warning This light is illuminated when the
parking brake is applied with the igni-
tion switch in the START or ON posi-
tion. The warning light should go off
when the parking brake is released.Low brake fluid level warningIf 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 safelocation 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.

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Driving your vehicle
Malfunction indicator
(if equipped)This indicator light is part of the
Engine Control System which moni-
tors various emission control system
components. If this light illuminates
while driving, it indicates that a
potential problem has been detected
somewhere in the emission control
system.
Generally, your vehicle will continue
to be drivable and will not need tow-
ing, but have the system checked by
an Authorized Kia Dealer as soon as
possible.✽ ✽
NOTICEA loose fuel filler cap may cause the
On Board Diagnostic System
Malfunction Indicator Light ( )
in the instrument panel to illuminate
unnecessarily. Always make sure
that the fuel filler cap is tight.
Air bag warning
(if equipped) This warning light will blink or illumi-
nate for approximately 6 seconds
each time you turn the ignition switch
to the ON position.
If this indicator does not go out, or if
it illuminates while the vehicle is
being driven, see an Authorized Kia
Dealer for immediate service.
CHECK
CHECK
CHECKCHECK
CAUTION
 Prolonged driving with the
Emission Control SystemMalfunction Indicator Light ( ) illuminated may causedamage to the emission con-trol systems which couldeffect drivability and/or fueleconomy.
If the
Emission
Control System
Malfunction Indicator Light ( ) begins to flash ON andOFF, potential catalytic con-verter damage is possiblewhich could result in loss ofengine power. Have the EngineControl System inspected assoon as possible by anAuthorized Kia Dealer.
CHECK
CHECKCHECK
CHECK

Driving your vehicle44
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Windshield washers In the OFF position, pull the lever
gently toward you to spray washer
fluid on the windshield and to run the
wipers 2-3 cycles.
Use this function when the wind-
shield is dirty.
The spray and wiper operation will
continue 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
appropriate 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.
Rear window wiper and wash-
er switch (if equipped)The rear window wiper and washer
switch is located at the end of the
wiper and washer switch lever. Turn
the switch to desired position to
operate the rear wiper and washer.
- Spraying washer fluid and wip-ing
INT - Intermittent wiper operation
ON - Normal wiper opertion - Spraying washer fluid and wip-ing
OLD026109N
WARNING
Do not use the washer in freez-
ing temperatures without 1st
warming the windshield with the
defrosters; the washer solution
could freeze on contact with the
windshield and obscure your
vision.
OLD026110N
CAUTION
To prevent possible damage tothe washer pump, do not oper-ate the washer when the fluidreservoir is empty.

53
Driving tips
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEMThe emission control system of your
vehicle is covered by a written limited
warranty. Please see the warranty
information contained in the
Warranty & Consumer Information
Manual in your vehicle.Vehicle modifications This vehicle should not be modified.
Modification of your Kia could affect
its performance, safety or durability,
may violate governmental safety and
emissions regulations, and void the
vehicle’s warranty.
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 presentwith 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.  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 or
out 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.
 When the engine stalls or fails to start, excessive attempts to re-
start the engine may cause dam-
age to the emission control sys-
tem.
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WARNING
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 impair-
ment.

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Driving tips
BEFORE DRIVING Before entering vehicle: Be sure that all windows, outsidemirror(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 light
goes out.
For safe operation, be sure you are
familiar with your vehicle and its
equipment.
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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 a
small 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 ride
with a driver who has been
drinking or taking drugs.
Choose a designated driver or
call a cab.
Driving while under the influ-
ence of drugs is as dangerous
or more dangerous than driving
drunk.

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Driving tips
 Driving too fast through large pud-dles can affect your brakes. If you
must go through puddles, try to
drive through them slowly.
 If you believe you may have gotten your brakes wet, apply them lightly
while driving until normal braking
operation returns.
Winter driving We recommend that you carryemergency equipment, including
tire chains, a window scraper,
windshield de-icer, a bag of sand
or salt, flares, a small shovel and
jumper cables.
 Make sure you have sufficient eth- ylene-glycol coolant in the radiator.
 Check the battery condition and cables. Cold temperatures reduce
the capacity of any battery, so it
must be in excellent condition to
provide enough winter starting
power.
 Make sure the engine oil viscosity is suitable for cold weather.
 Check the ignition system for loose connections and damage.  Use antifreeze-formulated wind-
shield washer fluid. (Do not use
engine coolant antifreeze.)
 Do not use the parking brake if it might freeze. When parking, shift
to 1 (First) or R (Reverse) with a
manual transaxle or P (Park) with
an automatic transaxle and block
the rear wheels.
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Driving tips
Chain installation
When installing chains, follow the
manufacturer's instructions and
mount them as tightly as you can.
Drive slowly with chains installed. If
you hear the chains contacting the
body or chassis, stop and tighten
them. If they still make contact, slow
down until it stops. Remove the
chains as soon as you begin driving
on cleared roads.
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CAUTION
 Make sure the snow chainsare the correct size and typefor your tires. Incorrect snowchains can cause damage tothe vehicle body and suspen-sion and may not be coveredby your vehicle manufacturerwarranty. Also, the snow chainconnecting hooks may bedamaged from contactingvehicle components causingthe snow chains to comeloose from the tire. Make surethe snow chains are SAEclass “S” certified.
 Always check chain installa- tion for proper mounting afterdriving approximately 0.3 to0.6 miles (0.5 to 1 km) toensure safe mounting.Retighten or remount thechains if they are loose.
WARNING
When mounting snow chains,
park the vehicle on level ground
away from traffic. Turn on the
vehicle Hazard Warning flashers
and place a triangular emer-
gency warning device behind
the vehicle if available. Always
place the vehicle in park (P),
apply the parking brake and
turn off the engine before
installing snow chains.
WARNING
- Tire chains
 The use of chains may adversely affect vehicle han-
dling.
 Do not exceed 20 mph (30 km/h) or the chain manufac-
turer’s recommended speed
limit, whichever is lower.
 Drive carefully and avoid bumps, holes, sharp turns,
and other road hazards, which
may cause the vehicle to
bounce.
 Avoid sharp turns or locked- wheel braking.
 Chains that are the wrong size or improperly installed can
damage your vehicle's brake
lines, suspension, body and
wheels.
 Stop driving and retighten the chains any time you hear them
hitting the vehicle.

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Driving tips
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Maintenance when trailer tow-
ing Your vehicle will need service more
often when you regularly pull a trail-
er. Important items to pay particular
attention to include engine oil, auto-
matic transaxle fluid, axle lubricant
and cooling system fluid. Brake con-
dition is another important item to
frequently check. Each item is cov-
ered in this manual, and the Index
will help you find them quickly. If
you’re trailering, it’s a good idea to
review these sections before you
start your trip.
Don’t forget to also maintain your
trailer and hitch. Follow the mainte-
nance schedule that accompanied
your trailer and check it periodically.
Preferably, conduct the check at the
start of each day’s driving. Most
importantly, all hitch nuts and bolts
should be tight.
CAUTION
 Due to higher load duringtrailer usage, overheatingmight occur in hot days orduring uphill driving. If thecoolant gauge indicates over-heating, switch off the A/C andstop the vehicle in a safe areato cool down the engine.
 When towing check transaxle fluid more frequently.
 If your vehicle is not equipped with the air conditioner, youshould install a condenser fanfor engine performance whentowing a trailer.

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OVERHEATING If your temperature gauge indicates
overheating, if you experience a loss
of power, or if you hear a loud knock-
ing or pinging noise, the engine has
probably overheated. Should any of
these symptoms occur, use the fol-
lowing procedure:
1. Turn on the hazard warning flash-er, then drive to the nearest safe
location and stop your vehicle; set
the automatic transaxle in P
(Park), or shift the manual
transaxle to N (Neutral) and apply
the parking brake.
2. Make sure the air conditioner is off.
3. If coolant or steam is boiling out of the radiator, stop the engine and
call an Authorized Kia Dealer for
assistance. If coolant is not boiling out, allow
the engine to idle and open the
hood to permit the engine to cool
gradually.
If the temperature does not go
down with the engine idling, stop
the engine and allow sufficient
time for it to cool.
4. The coolant level should then be checked. If the level in the reser-
voir is low, look for leaks at the
radiator hoses and connections,
heater hoses and connections,
radiator, and water pump. If you
find a major leak or another prob-
lem that may have caused the
engine to overheat, do not operate
the engine until it has been cor-
rected. Call an Authorized Kia
Dealer for assistance. If you do not
find a leak or other problem, care-
fully add coolant to the reservoir.
If the engine frequently overheats,have the cooling system checkedand repaired by an Authorized KiaDealer.
WARNING
- Removing
radiator cap
Do not remove the radiator cap
when the engine and radiator
are hot. Scalding hot coolant
and steam may blow out under
pressure. This could cause seri-
ous injury.