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ENGINE START/STOP button (if equipped)

Illuminated ENGINE START/STOP button

Whenever the front door is opened, the ENGINE START/STOP button will illuminate for your convenience. The light will go off after about 30 seconds when the door is closed. It will also go off immediately when the theft-alarm system is armed.

ENGINE START/STOP button position

OFF

  • With Manual Transmission

    To turn off the engine (START/RUN position) or vehicle power (ON position), stop the vehicle then press the ENGINE START/STOP button.

  • With Automatic Transmission

    To turn off the engine (START/RUN position) or vehicle power (ON position), press the ENGINE START/STOP button with the shift lever in the P (Park) position. When you press the ENGINE START/STOP button without the shift lever in the P (Park) position, the ENGINE START/STOP button will not change to the OFF position but to the ACC position.

    Also, the steering wheel locks when the ENGINE START/STOP button is in the OFF position to protect you against theft. It locks when the door is opened.

Vehicles equipped with anti-theft steering column lock

The steering wheel locks when the ENGINE START/STOP button is in the OFF position to protect you against theft. It locks when the door is opened.

If the steering wheel is not locked properly when you open the driver's door, the warning chime will sound. If the problem is not solved, have the system checked by a professional workshop. Kia recommends to visit an authorized Kia dealer/service partner.

In addition, if the ENGINE START/STOP button is in the OFF position after the driver's door is opened, the steering wheel will not lock and the warning chime will sound. In such a situation, close the door. Then the steering wheel will lock and the warning chime will stop.

NOTICE

If the steering wheel doesn't unlock properly, the ENGINE START/STOP button will not work. Press the ENGINE START/STOP button while turning the steering wheel right and left to release the tension.

  • If difficulty is experienced turning the ENGINE START/STOP button to the ACC position, turn the steering wheel right and left to release the tension while pressing the ENGINE START/STOP button.

  • When you turn off the engine, the vehicle should be stopped.

CAUTION

You are able to turn off the engine (START/RUN) or vehicle power (ON), only when the vehicle is not in motion. In an emergency situation while the vehicle is in motion, you are able to turn the engine off and to the ACC position by pressing the ENGINE START/STOP button for more than 2 seconds or 3 times successively within 3 seconds. If the vehicle is still moving, you can restart the engine without depressing the brake pedal by pressing the ENGINE START/STOP button with the shift lever in the N (Neutral) position.

ACC (Accessory)

  • With Manual Transmission

    Press the ENGINE START/STOP button when the button is in the OFF position without depressing the clutch pedal.

  • With Automatic Transmission

    Press the ENGINE START/STOP button while it is in the OFF position without depressing the brake pedal.

    The steering wheel unlocks and electrical accessories are operational.

    If the ENGINE START/STOP button is in the ACC position for more than 1 hour, the button is turned off automatically to prevent battery discharge.

ON

  • With Manual Transmission

    Press the ENGINE START/STOP button when the button is in the ACC position without depressing the clutch pedal.

  • With Automatic Transmission

    Press the ENGINE START/STOP button while it is in the ACC position without depressing the brake pedal.

    The warning lights can be checked before the engine is started. Do not leave the ENGINE START/STOP button in the ON position for a long time. The battery may discharge, because the engine is not running.

START/RUN

  • With Manual Transmission

    To start the engine, depress the clutch pedal and brake pedal, then press the ENGINE START/STOP button with the shift lever in the N (Neutral) position.

  • With Automatic Transmission

    To start the engine, depress the brake pedal and press the ENGINE START/STOP button with the shift lever in the P (Park) or the N (Neutral) position. For your safety, start the engine with the shift lever in the P (Park) position.

NOTICE

If you press the ENGINE START/STOP button without depressing the clutch pedal for Manual Transmission vehicles or without depressing the brake pedal for Automatic Transmission vehicles, the engine will not start and the ENGINE START/STOP button changes as follow:

OFF → ACC → ON → OFF or ACC

NOTICE

If you leave the ENGINE START/STOP button in the ACC or ON position for a long time, the battery will discharge.

WARNING
  • Never press the ENGINE START/STOP button while the vehicle is in motion. This would result in loss of directional control and braking function, which could cause an accident.

  • 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 P (Park), set the parking brake fully and shut the engine off. Unexpected and sudden vehicle movement may occur if these precautions are not taken.

  • Never reach for the ENGINE START/STOP button or any other controls through the steering wheel while the vehicle is in motion. The presence of your hand or arm in the area could cause loss of vehicle control, an accident and serious bodily injury or death.

  • Do not place any movable objects around the driver's seat as they may move while driving, interfere with the driver and lead to an accident.

Starting the engine

WARNING
  • Always wear appropriate shoes when operating your vehicle. Unsuitable shoes (high heels, ski boots, etc.) may interfere with your ability to use the brake, accelerator pedal, and clutch (if equipped).

  • Do not start the vehicle with the accelerator pedal depressed. The vehicle can move and lead to an accident.

  • Wait until the engine rpm is normal. The vehicle may suddenly move if the brake pedal is released when the rpm is high.

Starting the gasoline engine

  1. Carry the smart key or leave it inside the vehicle.

  2. Make sure the parking brake is firmly applied.

  3. Manual Transmission - Depress the clutch pedal fully and shift the Transmission into Neutral. Keep the clutch pedal and brake pedal depressed while turning the ignition switch to the start position.

    Automatic Transmission - Place the Transmission shift lever in P (Park). Depress the brake pedal fully.

    You can also start the engine when the shift lever is in the N (Neutral) position.

  4. Press the ENGINE START/STOP button.

    It should be started without depressing the accelerator.

  5. Do not wait for the engine to warm up while the vehicle remains stationary.

    Start driving at moderate engine speeds. (Steep accelerating and decelerating should be avoided.)

CAUTION

Do not turn the ignition switch to the START position with the engine running. It may damage the starter.

  • Even if the smart key is in the vehicle, if it is far away from you, the engine may not start.

  • When the ENGINE START/STOP button is in the ACC position or above, if any door is opened, the system checks for the smart key. If the smart key is not in the vehicle, the "” or "” indicator will blink or the warning "Key is not in vehicle" will illuminate on the LCD display. And if all doors are closed, the chime will sound for 5 seconds. The indicator or warning will turn off while the vehicle is moving. Always have the smart key with you.

WARNING

The engine will start, only when the smart key is in the vehicle. Never allow children or any person who is unfamiliar with the vehicle touch the ENGINE START/STOP button or related parts.

CAUTION

If the engine stalls while the vehicle is in motion, do not attempt to move the shift lever to the P (Park) position. If the traffic and road conditions permit, you may put the shift lever in the N (Neutral) position while the vehicle is still moving and press the ENGINE START/STOP button in an attempt to restart the engine.

CAUTION
  • If the battery is weak or the smart key does not work correctly, you can start the engine by pressing the ENGINE START/STOP button with the smart key.

  • When the brake switch fuse is blown, you can't start the engine normally. Replace the fuse with a new one. If it is not possible, you can start the engine by pressing the ENGINE START/STOP button for 10 seconds while it is in the ACC position. The engine can start without depressing the brake pedal. But for your safety always depress the brake pedal before starting the engine.

CAUTION

Do not press the ENGINE START/STOP button for more than 10 seconds except when the stop lamp fuse is blown.