Emission control system

The emission control system of your vehicle is covered by a written limited warranty. See the warranty information contained in the Warranty and Consumer Information manual in your vehicle.

Your vehicle is equipped with an emission control system to meet all applicable emission regulations. There are 3 emission control systems:

  1. Crankcase emission control system

  2. Evaporative emission control system

  3. Exhaust emission control system

To ensure proper function of the emission control systems, have your vehicle inspected and maintained by an authorized Kia dealer according to the maintenance schedule in this manual.

Caution for the Inspection and Maintenance Test (with Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system)

  • To prevent the vehicle from misfiring during dynamometer testing, turn OFF the ESC system by pressing the ESC switch.

  • After dynamometer testing is completed, turn the ESC back on by pressing the ESC switch again.

1. Crankcase emission control system

The Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) system prevents air pollution caused by the crankcase emitting blow-by gases. This system supplies fresh filtered air to the crankcase through the air intake hose. Inside the crankcase, the fresh air mixes with blow-by gases, which then pass through the PCV valve into the induction system.

2. Evaporative emission control (including Onboard Refueling Vapor Recovery (ORVR)) system

The ORVR system prevents fuel vapors from escaping into the atmosphere. The ORVR system loads the vapors from the fuel tank into a canister while you refuel the vehicle at a gas station, preventing the escape of fuel vapors into the atmosphere.

Canister

The onboard canister absorbs and stores fuel vapors generated inside the fuel tank. When the engine is running, the fuel vapors absorbed in the canister are drawn into the surge tank through the Purge Control Solenoid Valve (PCSV).

PCSV

The Engine Control Module (ECM) controls the PCSV. When the engine coolant temperature is low while you are idling, the PCSV closes so that evaporated fuel is not drawn into the engine. After the engine warms up while you drive, the PCSV opens to introduce evaporated fuel to the engine.

3. Exhaust emission control system

The exhaust emission control system is a highly effective system that controls exhaust emissions while maintaining good vehicle performance.

Vehicle modifications

This vehicle should not be modified. Modification of your vehicle could affect its performance, safety, or durability, and may even violate governmental safety and emissions regulations. Damage or performance problems resulting from modifications may not be covered under your warranty.

If you use unauthorized electronic devices, they may cause abnormal vehicle operation, wire damage, battery discharge, and fire. For your safety, do not use unauthorized electronic devices.

Engine exhaust gas precautions (carbon monoxide)

  • Carbon monoxide (CO) can be present with other exhaust fumes. If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have it inspected and have the issue repaired immediately. If you suspect exhaust fumes are entering your vehicle, only drive it with all of the windows fully open. Have your vehicle inspected and repaired immediately by an authorized Kia dealer.

    WARNING

    Exhaust

    Engine exhaust gases contain CO. Though colorless and odorless, CO is dangerous and could be lethal if inhaled. Follow the instructions in this section to avoid CO poisoning.

  • Do not operate the engine in a confined or enclosed area (such as a garage) more than necessary to move your vehicle in or out of the area.

  • When you stop your vehicle in an open area for more than a short period of time with the engine running, adjust the ventilation system as needed to draw in outside air.

  • Never sit in a parked or stopped vehicle for any extended period of time with the engine running.

  • If the engine stalls or fails to start, excessive attempts to restart it may damage the emission control system.

Operating precautions for catalytic converters
WARNING

Catalytic converter

Keep away from the catalytic converter and exhaust system while the vehicle is running or immediately thereafter. The exhaust and catalytic systems are very hot and may burn you.

WARNING

Fire

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

  • Do not remove the heat sink around the exhaust system, do not seal the bottom of the vehicle, and do not coat the vehicle for corrosion control. Doing so may present a fire risk under certain conditions.

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

Take the following precautions:

  • Use only UNLEADED FUEL for gasoline engines.

  • Do not operate your 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 speeds for extended periods of time (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 an authorized Kia dealer.

  • 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. This could void your warranty.

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 50 mph (80 km/h) and faster. Ensure the following conditions are met: safe road conditions, 3rd gear or above, and engine speed of 1,500-4,000 rpm. Driving at 50 mph (80 km/h) 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 Check exhaust system message appears in spite of the procedure, visit an authorized Kia dealer. Constant driving with the GPF warning light on can damage the GPF system and undermine fuel economy.