Automatic transmission operation

The automatic transmission has 8 forward speeds and one reverse speed. The individual speeds are selected automatically, depending on the balance between fuel economy and power.

NOTE

If the battery has been disconnected, the first few shifts on a new vehicle 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, depress the brake pedal when shifting from N (Neutral) to a forward or reverse gear.

WARNING

Automatic transmission

  • Always check the surrounding areas near your vehicle for objects and 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; 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.

CAUTION

  • 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 incline, 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.

LCD display for warning message

A warning message is displayed on the LCD.

Transmission overheated
OMQ4033146L

A: Transmission Hot! Park with engine on

  • When driving under severe conditions such as repeated sudden starts and sudden acceleration, the transmission may overheat, and a warning sound and a warning message may appear on the instrument cluster due to the self-protection mode.

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

  • If the warning message remains on, have the system checked by an authorized Kia dealer.

Vehicle power limited
OBL7M053023

A: Vehicle Power limited due to high transmission temperature

  • If the transmission continues to overheat and reaches its maximum temperature, the above warning message appears. The vehicle limits transmission power by its self-protection mode.

  • Normal driving is restricted until the transmission temperature decreases. After moving the vehicle to a safe place, shift the gear to P (Park) with the engine running and wait several minutes until the warning on the screen disappears.

  • If the warning message remains on, have the system checked by an authorized Kia dealer to prevent unexpected accidents.

Transmission cooled
OMQ4033148L

A: Trans cooled. Resume driving.

  • When the message "Trans cooled. Resume driving" appears you can resume driving your vehicle.