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3. Exhaust emission control system

The Exhaust Emission Control System is a highly effective system which controls exhaust emissions while maintaining good vehicle performance.

Engine exhaust gas precautions (carbon monoxide)

  • Carbon monoxide can be present with other exhaust fumes. Therefore, if you smell exhaust fumes of any kind inside your vehicle, have it inspected and repaired immediately. If you ever suspect exhaust fumes are coming into your vehicle, drive it only with all the windows fully open. Have your vehicle checked and repaired immediately.

    WARNING

    Exhaust

    Engine exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide (CO). Though colorless and odorless, it is dangerous and could be lethal if inhaled. Follow the instructions on this page to avoid CO poisoning.

  • Do not operate the engine in confined 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 restart the engine may cause damage to the emission control system.

Operating precautions for catalytic converters (if equipped)

WARNING

Fire

  • A hot exhaust system can ignite flammable items under your vehicle. Do not park the vehicle over or near flammable objects, such as grass, vegetation, paper, leaves, etc.

  • The exhaust system and catalytic system are very hot while the engine is running or immediately after the engine is turned off. Keep away from the exhaust system and catalytic, you may get burned.

    Also, do not remove the heat sink around the exhaust system, do not seal the bottom of the vehicle or do not coat the vehicle for corrosion control. It may present a fire risk under certain conditions.

Your vehicle is equipped with a catalytic converter emission control device.

Therefore, the following precautions must be observed:

  • Make sure to refuel your vehicle according to the More Details.

  • Do not operate the vehicle when there are signs of engine malfunction, such as misfire or a noticeable loss of performance.

  • Do not misuse or abuse the engine. Examples of misuse are coasting with the ignition off and descending steep grades in gear with the ignition off.

  • Do not operate the engine at high idle speed for extended periods (5 minutes or more).

  • Do not modify or tamper with any part of the engine or emission control system. All inspections and adjustments must be made by a professional workshop. Kia recommends to visit an authorized Kia dealer/service center.

  • Avoid driving with an extremely low fuel level. Running out of fuel could cause the engine to misfire, damaging the catalytic converter.

Failure to observe these precautions could result in damage to the catalytic converter and to your vehicle.

Additionally, such actions could void your warranties.

Gasoline Particulate Filter (GPF) (if equipped)

The Gasoline Particulate Filter (GPF) is the system that removes the soot from the exhaust gas. Unlike a disposable air filter, the GPF system automatically burns (oxidizes) and removes the accumulated soot while driving.

However, repeated short-distance driving or long-distance driving at a low speed can stop the accumulated soot from automatically being removed by the GPF system. If the accumulated soot reaches a certain amount, the GPF warning light () will appear. To re-operate the GPF system, the vehicle should be driven for more than 30 minutes at a speed of 80 km/h (50 mph) and faster. Ensure the following conditions are met: safe road conditions, transmission 3 or above, and engine speed of 1,500-4,000 rpm. Driving at 80 km/h (50 mph) or faster for recommended hours will get the GPF system back to work and stop the GPF warning light.

If the GPF warning light stays on or the warning message “Check exhaust system” pops up even after driving at recommended speed and for recommended hours, visit a professional workshop and check the GPF system. Kia recommends to visit an authorized Kia dealer/service partner. Constant driving with the GPF warning light on can damage the GPF system and undermine fuel economy.