Instruments Cluster: 2018 Kia Soul Dashboard Guide
The 2018 Kia Soul’s instrument cluster functions as the main hub for important information and data, giving drivers a thorough picture of the condition and functionality of their car. This creative cluster, which is mounted on the dashboard, blends analog and digital components to provide an interface that is both aesthetically pleasing and easy to use.
A bright, programmable digital display that provides real-time data on the vehicle’s speed, fuel level, engine temperature, and other details sits at the center of the instrument cluster. In order to provide safe and informed driving, the cluster also incorporates warning lights and indicators to notify drivers of any potential problems or system activations.
2023 Kia Soul Specs, Price, Features, Mileage (Brochure)
Instrument cluster
* The actual cluster in the vehicle may differ from the illustration.
- Tachometer
- Speedometer
- Engine coolant temperature gauge
- Fuel gauge
- LCD display
- Warning and indicator lights
- Turn signal indicator lights
The actual cluster in the vehicle may differ from the illustration.
For more details, refer to the “Gauges” in this chapter.
Instrument Cluster Control
Adjusting Instrument Cluster Illumination
The brightness of the instrument panel illumination is changed by pressing the illumination control button (“+” or “-”) when the ignition switch or Engine Start/Stop button is ON, or the tale lights are turned on.
- If you hold the illumination control button (“+” or “-”), the brightness will be changed continuously.
- If the brightness reaches to the maximum or minimum level, an alarm will sound.
LCD Display Control
[For type A cluster]
- TRIP: TRIP button for changing trip modes
- RESET: RESET button for resetting items
[For type B cluster]
MODE button for changing modes or SELECT button for setting the selected item
- MOVE button for changing items or RESET button for resetting the selected item.
For the LCD modes, refer to “LCD Display” in this chapter.
Gauges
Speedometer
The speedometer indicates the speed of the vehicle and is calibrated in kilometers per hour (km/h) and miles per hour (mph).
Tachometer
The tachometer indicates the approximate number of engine revolutions per minute (rpm). Use the tachometer to select the correct shift points and to prevent lugging and/or over-revving the engine.
CAUTION
Do not operate the engine within the tachometer’s RED ZONE. This may cause severe engine damage.
Engine coolant temperature gauge
This gauge indicates the temperature of the engine coolant when the ignition switch or ENGINE START/STOP button is ON. If the gauge pointer moves beyond the normal range area toward the “H” position, it indicates overheating that may damage the engine.
Do not continue driving with an overheated engine. If your vehicle overheats, refer to “If the Engine Overheats” in chapter 6.
WARNING
Never remove the radiator cap when the engine is hot. The engine coolant is under pressure and could severely burn. Wait until the engine is cool before adding coolant to the reservoir.
Fuel gauge
This gauge indicates the approximate amount of fuel remaining in the fuel tank..
NOTICE
- The fuel tank capacity is given in chapter 8.
- The fuel gauge is supplemented by a low fuel warning light which will illuminate when the fuel tank is nearly empty.
- On inclines or curves, the fuel gauge pointer may fluctuate or the low fuel warning light may come on earlier than usual due to the movement of fuel in the tank.
NOTICE
Fuel gauge
Running out of fuel can expose vehicle occupants to danger.
You must stop and obtain additional fuel as soon as possible after the warning light comes on or when the gauge indicator comes close to the ” E”(Empty) level.
CAUTION
Low fuel
Avoid driving with an extremely low fuel level. Running out of fuel could cause the engine to misfire, which could damage the catalytic converter.
NOTICE
Fuel display may not be accurate if you are filling in sloping places.
Odometer
The odometer Indicates the total distance that the vehicle has been driven and should be used to determine when periodic maintenance should be performed.
- Odometer range: 0 ~999,999 miles. or kilometers.
Outside temperature gauge
This gauge indicates the current outside air temperatures by1°F (1°C).
- Temperature range : -40°F ~ 140°F (-40°C ~ 60°C)
The outside temperature on the dis-play may not change immediately like a general thermometer to pre-vent the driver from being distracted.
To change the temperature unit (from°C to °F or from °F to °C)
The temperature unit can be changed by using the “User Settings” mode of the LCD Window.
For more details, refer to “LCD Window” in this chapter.
Transaxle Shift Indicator
Automatic Transaxle Shift Indicator
This indicator displays which automatic transmission gear is selected.
- Park: P
- Reverse: R
- Neutral: N
- Drive: D
- Shifting mode: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Manual Transaxle Shift Indicator
This indicator informs which gear is desired while driving to save fuel.
- Shifting up: ▲2, ▲3, ▲4, ▲5, ▲6
- Shifting down:▼1, ▼2, ▼3, ▼4, ▼5
For example
- Indicates that shifting up to the 3rd gear is desired (currently the shift lever is in the 2nd or 1st gear).
- Indicates that shifting down to the 3rd gear is desired (currently the shift lever is in the 4th, 5th, or 6th gear).
When the system is not working properly, the indicator is not displayed.
FAQs
The digital screen displays essential information such as vehicle speed, fuel level, engine temperature, odometer, and trip information.
Yes, you can customize the instrument cluster to your liking by selecting which information to display prominently and personalizing certain settings.
A thorough explanation of possible problems and suggested courses of action are provided in the owner’s manual.
Certain models may come with multiple driving modes that adjust the information shown on the instrument cluster to suit different driving situations.
You may receive maintenance reminders from the instrument cluster, informing you when to schedule routine maintenance procedures like tire rotations and oil changes.
Since the fuel consumption information is derived from real-time data from the vehicle’s fuel system, it is usually accurate.
Depending on the model, you may be able to access some audio and multimedia controls directly from the instrument cluster for greater convenience.
When a warning light comes on, follow the instructions in the owner’s manual to resolve the problem and take the necessary action, which might involve consulting a professional.
Many instrument clusters have an automated nighttime mode that lowers brightness to reduce glare and improve visibility when driving at night.
Generally, you can do so by navigating to the settings menu on the car, which is frequently found on the dashboard or through the steering wheel controls.
The TPMS helps you maintain ideal tire conditions for safety and fuel efficiency by warning you if there is a significant change in tire pressure.
On certain models, you have the option to set up an instrument cluster speed limit warning that will notify you when you surpass a preset speed.
Often check the information on the instrument cluster while driving to stay aware of the condition of your car, particularly on lengthy journeys or in hazardous driving conditions.
The instrument cluster may show real-time navigation prompts to assist you with your route, depending on the model and optional features.
Useful Links
View Full PDF: 2018 Kia Soul Owner’s Manual| Auto User Guide