Search by Title only
Home > Driving your vehicle > Automatic transmission > Shift lock system

Shift lock system

For your safety, the automatic transmission has a shift lock system which prevents shifting the transmission from P (Park) into R (Reverse) unless the brake pedal is depressed.

To shift the transmission from P (Park) into R (Reverse):

  1. Depress and hold the brake pedal.

  2. Start the engine or turn the ignition switch or ENGINE START/STOP button to the ON position.

  3. Move the shift lever.

If the brake pedal is repeatedly depressed and released with the shift lever in the P (Park) position, a chattering noise near the shift lever may be heard. This is a normal condition.

WARNING

Always fully depress the brake pedal before and while shifting out of the P (Park) position into another position to avoid inadvertent motion of the vehicle which could injure persons in or around the vehicle.

Shift-lock override

Type A
Type B

If the shift lever cannot be moved from the P (Park) position into R (Reverse) position with the brake pedal depressed, continue depressing the brake, then do the following:

  1. Place the ignition switch or ENGINE START/STOP button in the LOCK/OFF position.

  2. Apply the parking brake.

  3. Carefully remove the cap (1) covering the shift-lock release access hole.

  4. Insert a tool (e.g. flathead screwdriver) into the access hole and press down on the tool.

  5. Move the shift lever.

  6. Remove the tool from the shift lock override access hole then install the cap.

If the shift lever does not move even after performing this procedure, have the system inspected by a professional workshop. Kia recommends that you visit an authorized Kia dealer/service partner.

Ignition key interlock system

The ignition key cannot be removed unless the shift lever is in the P (Park) position.

Automatic transmission warning messages

Transmission high temperature

A: Transmission temp. is high! Stop safely

  • Under certain conditions, such as repeated stop-and-go launches on steep grades, sudden take off or acceleration, or other harsh driving conditions, the transmission clutch temperatures will increase excessively. Finally, the clutch in transmission could be overheated.

  • When the clutch is overheated, the safe protection mode engages and the gear position indicator on the cluster blinks with a chime. At this time, "Transmission temp. is high! Stop safely" warning message will appear on the LCD screen and driving may not be smooth.

  • If this occurs, pull over to a safe location, stop the vehicle with the engine running, apply the brakes and shift the vehicle to P (Park), and allow the transmission to cool.

  • If you ignore this warning, the driving condition may become worse. You may experience abrupt shifts, frequent shifts, or jerkiness. To return to the normal driving condition, stop the vehicle and apply the foot brake or shift into P (Park).

    Then allow the transmission to cool for a few minutes with engine on, before driving off.

  • When possible, drive the vehicle smoothly.

Transmission overheated

A: Transmission hot! Park with engine On

A: Cooling... Remain parked for 00 min.

A: Transmission cooled down. Resume driving

  • If the vehicle continues to be driven and the clutch temperatures reach the maximum temperature limit, the "Transmission Hot! Park with engine on" warning will be displayed. When this occurs the clutch is disabled until the clutch cools to normal temperatures.

  • The warning will display a time to wait for the transmission to cool.

  • If this occurs, pull over to a safe location, stop the vehicle with the engine running, apply the brakes and shift the vehicle to P (Park), and allow the transmission to cool.

  • When the message "Trans cooled. Resume driving." appears you can continue to drive your vehicle.

  • When possible, drive the vehicle smoothly.

If any of the warning messages in the LCD screen continue to blink, for your safety, We recommend have the system checked by a professional workshop. Kia recommends that you visit an authorized Kia dealer/service partner.

ENGINE START/STOP button interlock system (if equipped)

The ENGINE START/STOP button will not change to the OFF position unless the shift lever is in the P (Park) position.