2021 Kia Niro Transmission Guide
Introduction
The 2021 Kia Niro features a cutting-edge and effective transmission system that is essential to providing a smooth driving experience while maximizing fuel efficiency. The transmission, which was created to work with the Niro’s hybrid powertrain, smoothly utilizes the synergy between the gasoline engine and electric motor to produce exceptional performance and environmentally friendly efficiency. We explore the essential characteristics and advantages of the transmission system for the 2021 Kia Niro in this introduction, emphasizing how it enhances the car’s overall performance, responsiveness, and environmental awareness. The transmission in the 2021 Kia Niro is an excellent example of a harmonious blend of innovation and environmentally efficient engineering, whether navigating city streets or starting a lengthy journey.
DUAL CLUTCH TRANSMISSION (DCT)
- Depress the brake pedal and press the shift button while moving the shift lever.
- Press the shift button while moving the shift lever.
The shift lever can freely operate.
To move the shift lever from/to P (Parking) or between R (Reverse) and D (Drive), you must depress the brake pedal for the vehicle to stand still.
Dual clutch transmission operation
The dual clutch transmission has six forward speeds and one reverse speed.
The individual speeds are selected automatically in the D (Drive) position.
WARNING
To reduce the risk of serious injury or death:
- 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, and place the ignition switch or ENGINE START/STOP button in the OFF position. Unexpected and sudden vehicle movement can occur if these precautions are not followed.
Do not use engine braking (shifting from a high gear to lower gear) rapidly on slippery roads. The vehicle may slip, causing an accident. - The dual Clutch Transmission gives the driving feel of a manual transmission, yet provides the ease of a fully automatic transmission. Unlike a traditional automatic transmission, the gear shifting can be felt (and heard) on the dual clutch transmission
- Think of it as an automatically shifting manual transmission.
- Shift into Drive range and get fully automatic shifting, similar to a conventional automatic transmission.
- Dual clutch transmission adopts dry-type dual clutch, which is different from torque converter of automatic transmission, and shows better acceleration performance during driving. But, initial launch might be little bit slower than Automatic Transmission.
The dry-type clutch transfers torque and provides a direct driving feeling which may feel different from a conventional automatic transmission with a torque converter. This may be more noticeable when starting from a stop or low vehicle speed. - When rapidly accelerating at low vehicle speed, engine could rev at high rpm depending on vehicle drive condition.
For smooth launch uphill, press down the accelerator pedal smoothly depending on the current conditions.
If you release your foot from the accelerator pedal at low vehicle speed, you may feel strong engine brake, which is similar to manual transmission.
When driving downhill, you may use Sports Mode to downshift to a lower gear in order to control your speed without using the brake pedal excessively.
When you turn the engine on and off, you may hear clicking sounds as the system goes through a self test. This is a normal sound for the dual Clutch Transmission.
CAUTION
- To avoid damage to your transaxle, do not try to accelerate in R (Reverse) or any for-ward gear position with the brakes on.
When stopped on slope, do not hold the vehicle with accelerator pedal. Use the service brake or the parking brake.
DCT Warning Messages
This warning message is displayed when the vehicle is driven slowly on a grade and the vehicle detects that the brake pedal is not applied.
Steep Grade
Driving up hills or on steep grades:
To hold the vehicle on an incline, use the foot brake or the parking brake.
When in stop-and-go traffic on an incline, keep some distance ahead before moving the vehicle forward. Then hold the vehicle on the incline with the foot brake.
If the vehicle is held on a hill by applying the accelerator pedal or by creeping with the brake pedal dis-engaged, the clutch and trans-mission may overheat which can result in damage. In this situation, a warning message will appear on the LCD display.
If the LCD warning is active, the foot brake must be applied.
Ignoring the warnings can lead to damage to the transmission.
Transmission High Temperature
- Under certain conditions, such as repeated stop-and-go launches on steep grades, sudden take off or acceleration, or other harsh driving conditions, the transmission clutch temperatures will increase excessively.
When the clutch is overheated, the safe protection mode engages and the gear position indicator on the cluster blinks with a chime. In this situation, “Transmission temp. is high! Stop safely” warning message will appear on the LCD dis-play, and driving may not be smooth. - If this occurs, pull over to a safe location, stop the vehicle with the engine running, apply the brakes, shift the vehicle to P (Park), and allow the transmission to cool.
- If you ignore this warning, the driving condition may become worse. You may experience abrupt shifts, frequent shifts, or jerkiness. To return to the normal driving condition, stop the vehicle and apply the foot brake or shift into P (Park). Then allow the transmission to cool for a few minutes with the engine on before driving off.
When possible, drive the vehicle smoothly.
Transmission Overheated
If the vehicle continues to be driven and the clutch temperatures reach the maximum temperature limit, the ” Transmission Hot! Park with engine on” warning will be dis-played. When this occurs, the clutch is disabled until the clutch cools to normal temperatures.
The warning will display a time to wait for the transmission to cool.
If this occurs, pull over to a safe location, stop the vehicle with the engine running, apply the brakes, shift the vehicle to P (Park), and allow the transmission to cool.
When the message “Trans cooled. Resume driving.“ appears, you can continue to drive your vehicle.
When possible, drive the vehicle smoothly.
If any of the warning messages in the LCD display continue to blink, for your safety, we recommend having the system checked by an authorized Kia dealer.
Transmission Ranges
The indicator in the instrument cluster displays the shift lever position when the ignition switch or ENGINE START/STOP button is in the ON position.
P (Park)
Always come to a complete stop before shifting into P (Park).
To shift from P (Park), you must depress firmly on the brake pedal and make sure your foot is off the accelerator pedal.
The shift lever must be in P (Park) before turning the engine off.
WARNING
- Shifting into P (Park) while the vehicle is in motion may cause you to lose control of the vehicle.
After the vehicle has stopped, always make sure the shift lever is in P (Park), apply the parking brake, and turn the engine off.
Do not use the P (Park) position in place of the parking brake.
R (Reverse)
Use this position to drive the vehicle backward.
CAUTION
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.
N (Neutral)
The wheels and transmission are not engaged.
WARNING
Do not shift into gear unless your foot is firmly on the brake pedal. Shifting into gear when the engine is running at high speed can cause the vehicle to move very rapidly. You could lose control of the vehicle and hit people or objects.
WARNING
Do not drive with the shift lever in N (Neutral).
The engine brake may not work and lead to an accident.
FAQs
A 6-speed Dual Clutch gearbox (DCT) is available for the 2021 Kia Niro.
The DCT makes quick and smooth gear changes for increased performance and fuel economy by pre-selecting and engaging the next gear with two distinct clutches.
The DCT transmission enables both automatic and manual shifting modes, giving drivers the choice to manually shift gears if they so choose.
Compared to conventional automatic gearboxes, the DCT offers quicker gear shifts, increased fuel efficiency, and greater driving dynamics.
Yes, the DCT works well with the hybrid drivetrain in the Niro, synchronizing the output of the electric motor and gasoline engine with ease.
To guarantee that the powertrain performs at its most effective range and help maximize fuel economy, the DCT optimizes gear shifts.
The Niro’s DCT features a manual shifting option, letting you to manually select ratios for a more engaging driving experience.
Yes, the Niro’s snappy acceleration and general performance are aided by the DCT’s swift and accurate gear changes.
The electronic control unit of the DCT keeps track of a number of factors, including speed, throttle input, and road conditions, and modifies gear shifts as necessary.
It’s advised to do routine maintenance, such as fluid changes, to keep the DCT running smoothly and effectively. For more information, consult the owner’s handbook.
Extreme weather, such as extremely cold temperatures, has the potential to impair the transmission’s effectiveness, despite the DCT’s ability to withstand a variety of situations. It’s advisable to warm up sufficiently.
It’s possible that the Niro’s DCT has a towing-specific mode that modifies performance and gear shifts. Consult the owner’s manual for instructions.
The DCT offers seamless gear changes and improved responsiveness, making for a smoother and more dynamic driving experience.
DCT is capable of adjusting to various speed ranges and traffic circumstances, making it suitable for both highway and city driving.
Yes, the Niro’s overall environmentally friendly design is aided by the DCT’s effectiveness in reducing emissions and conserving fuel.
Useful Links
View Full PDF : 2021 Kia Niro| Auto User Guide