Automatic transmission operation
The automatic transmission has 8 forward speeds and one reverse speed. The individual speeds are selected automatically, depending on the position of the shift lever.
The first few shifts on a new vehicle, if the battery has been disconnected, may be somewhat abrupt. This is a normal condition, and the shifting sequence will adjust after shifts are cycled a few times by the TCM (Transmission Control Module) or PCM (Powertrain Control Module).
For smooth operation, press the brake pedal when shifting from N (Neutral) to a forward or reverse gear.
Automatic transmission
-
Always check the surrounding areas near your vehicle for people, especially children, before shifting a vehicle into D (Drive) or R (Reverse).
-
Before leaving the driver’s seat, always make sure the shift lever is in the P (Park) position; then set the parking brake fully and shut the engine off. Unexpected and sudden vehicle movement can occur if these precautions are not followed in the order identified.
-
Do not use the engine brake (shifting from a high gear to lower gear) rapidly on slippery roads.
The vehicle may slip causing an accident.
-
To avoid damage to your transmission, do not accelerate the engine in R (Reverse) or any forward gear position with the brakes on.
-
When stopped on an upgrade, do not hold the vehicle stationary with engine power. Use the service brake or the parking brake.
-
Do not shift from N (Neutral) or P (Park) into D (Drive), or R (Reverse) when the engine is above idle speed.
Transmission ranges
The indicator lights in the instrument cluster displays the shift lever position when the ENGINE START/STOP button is in the ON position.
Always come to a complete stop before shifting into P (Park). This position locks the transmission and prevents the front wheels from rotating.
-
Shifting into P (Park) while the vehicle is in motion will cause the drive wheels to lock which will cause you to lose control of the vehicle and possibly damage the transmission.
-
Do not use the P (Park) position in place of the parking brake. Always make sure the shift lever is latched in the P (Park) position and set the parking brake fully.
-
Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle.
Use this position to drive the vehicle backward.
Always come to a complete stop before shifting into or out of R (Reverse); you may damage the transmission if you shift into R (Reverse) while the vehicle is in motion, except as explained in “Rocking the vehicle”, in this manual.
The wheels and transmission are not engaged. The vehicle will roll freely even on the slightest incline unless the parking brake or service brakes are applied.
Do not drive with the shift lever in N (Neutral).
The engine brake will not work and lead to an accident.
-
Parking in N (Neutral) gear
Follow below steps when parking and you want the vehicle to move when pushed.
-
After parking your vehicle, press the brake pedal and move the shift lever to [P] with the ENGINE START/STOP button in [ON] or while the engine is running.
-
If the parking brake is applied unlock the parking brake.
-
For EPB (Electronic Parking Brake) equipped vehicles, push the brake pedal with the ENGINE START/STOP button in [ON] or while the engine is running to disengage the parking brake. If [AUTO HOLD] function is used while driving (If [AUTO HOLD] indicator is on in the cluster), press [AUTO HOLD] switch and [AUTO HOLD] function should be turn off.
-
-
While pressing the brake pedal, turn the ENGINE START/STOP button [OFF].
-
For smart key equipped vehicles, the ENGINE START/STOP button can be moved to [OFF] only when the shift lever is in [P].
-
-
Change the gear shift lever to [N] (Neutral) while pressing the brake pedal and pressing down a tool (e.g. flathead screw-driver) into the [SHIFT LOCK RELEASE] access hole at the same time. Then, the vehicle will move when external force is applied.
-
With the exception of parking in neutral gear, always park the vehicle in [P] (Park) for safety and engage the parking brake.
-
Before parking in [N] (Neutral) gear, first make sure the parking ground is level and flat. Do not park in [N] gear on any slopes or gradients.
If parked and left in [N], the vehicle may move and cause serious damage and injury.
-
After the ENGINE START/STOP button has been turned off, the electronic parking brake cannot be disengaged.
-
For EPB (Electronic Parking Brake) equipped vehicles with [AUTO HOLD] function used while driving, if the ENGINE START/STOP button has been turned [OFF], the electronic parking brake will be engaged automatically.Therefore, [AUTO HOLD] function should be turned off before the ENGINE START/STOP button is turned off.
This is the normal forward driving position. The transmission will automatically shift through a 8-gear sequence, providing the best fuel economy and power.
Always come to a complete stop before shifting into D (Drive).
Whether the vehicle is stationary or in motion, manual mode is selected by pushing the shift lever from the D (Drive) position into the manual gate. To return to D (Drive) range operation, push the shift lever back into the main gate.
In manual mode, moving the shift lever backwards and forwards will allow you to make gearshifts rapidly.
-
Up (+) : Push the lever forward once to shift up one gear.
-
Down (-) : Pull the lever backwards once to shift down one gear.
-
In manual mode, the driver must execute upshifts in accordance with road conditions, taking care to keep the engine speed below the red zone.
-
In manual mode, only the 8 forward gears can be selected. To reverse or park the vehicle, move the shift lever to the R (Reverse) or P (Park) position as required.
-
In manual mode, downshifts are made automatically when the vehicle slows down. When the vehicle stops, 1st gear is automatically selected.
-
In manual mode, when the engine rpm approaches the red zone shift points are varied to upshift automatically.
-
To maintain the required levels of vehicle performance and safety, the system may not execute certain gearshifts when the shift lever is operated.
-
When driving on a slippery road, push the shift lever forward into the +(up) position. This causes the transmission to shift into the 2nd gear which is better for smooth driving on a slippery road. Push the shift lever to the -(down) side to shift back to the 1st gear.
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 engaged.
To shift the transmission from P (Park) into R (Reverse):
-
Press and hold the brake pedal.
-
Start the engine or place the ENGINE START/STOP button in the ON position.
-
Move the shift lever.
If the brake pedal is repeatedly engaged 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.
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.
If the shift lever cannot be moved from the P (Park) position into R (Reverse) position with the brake pedal engaged, continue engaging the brake, then do the following:
-
Carefully remove the cap (1) covering the shift-lock override access hole.
-
Insert a screwdriver into the access hole and press down on the screwdriver.
-
Move the shift lever.
If the shift lever does not move even after performing this procedure, have the system checked by a professional workshop. Kia recommends to visit an authorized Kia dealer/service partner.