2022 Kia Stinger Smart Key And Theft-Alarm System Overview

With its Smart Key and Theft-Alarm System, the 2022 Kia Stinger is a great example of how ease and safety can be combined in a smart way. The Smart Key system brings a new level of ease to driving, making it easier to get in and out of the car without touching anything. With the Smart Key key in your hand, the Stinger’s doors open easily when you touch them. Pressing the start button lets you get in and out quickly. Behind this improved access is the Theft-Alarm System, which keeps an eye out for illegal access and possible security holes. This thorough security feature keeps an eye on the doors and ignition and is ready to sound an alarm and call for help if a breach occurs. Together, these systems show how committed Kia is to both driver comfort and vehicle safety. They create a setting for driving that combines cutting-edge technology with peace of mind.

2023 Kia Stinger Specs, Price, Features and Mileage (Brochure)

Smart Key

Record your key number

The key code number is stamped on the key code tag attached to the key set. If you lose your keys, this number will enable an authorized Kia dealer to duplicate the keys easily.
Remove the key code tag and store it in a safe place. Also, record the key code number and keep it in a safe and handy place, but not in the vehicle.

WARNING

Smart key
Never leave the keys in your vehicle with unsupervised children. Leaving children unattended in a vehicle with a smart key is dangerous. Children copy adults and they could press the start button. The key would enable children to operate power windows or other controls, or even make the vehicle move, which could result in serious bodily injury or death.

Smart key functions

Type A

Type B

1. Door lock
2. Door unlock
3. Liftgate open (if equipped) 4.Panic alarm
4. Remote start

With smart key, you can lock or unlock doors (and liftgate (if equipped)) and start the engine without inserting the key. Refer to the following, for more details.

Locking

Pressing the button of the front outside door handles with all doors closed and any door unlocked, locks all the doors. The hazard warning lights will blink and the chime will sound once to indicate that all doors are locked. The button will only operate when the smart key is within 28~40 in. (0.7~1 m) from the outside door handle. If you want to make sure that a door has locked or not, you should check the door lock button inside the vehicle or pull the outside door handle.
In some instances, when the outside door button is selected, the doors will not lock and an audible chime will sound for 3 seconds if any of the following occurs:

• The smart key is in the vehicle.
• The ENGINE START/STOP button is in the ACC or ON position.
• Any door is opened.

Unlocking
Pressing the button of the driver’s (or front passenger’s) outside door handle with all doors closed and locked, unlocks the driver’s door.
The hazard warning lights will blink twice and the chime will sound twice to indicate that the driver’s door is unlocked. Also, the outside rearview mirrors will automatically unfold if the outside rearview mirror folding switch is in the AUTO position.
The button will only operate when the smart key is within 28~40 in.
(0.7~1 m) from the outside door handle.
When Two Press Unlock function is activated,

• If you press the driver’s outside door handle button, the driver’s door will unlock.
• If you press the driver’s outside door handle button within four seconds again, then all the doors will unlock.

NOTICE
You can activate or deactivate the Two Press Unlock function by selecting ‘User Settings (LCD dis-play) or Setup → Vehicle (Infotainment System screen) → Door → Two Press Unlock’.

Liftgate unlocking (if equipped)
If you are within 28 ~ 40 in (0.7 ~ 1 m) from the outside liftgate handle, with your smart key in possession, the lift gate will unlock and open when you press the liftgate handle switch.
The hazard warning lights will blink twice to indicate that the liftgate is unlocked.
Also, once the liftgate is opened and then closed, the liftgate will lock automatically.

Smart key precautions

• If you lose your smart key, you will not be able to start the engine. Tow the vehicle, if necessary, and contact an authorized Kia dealer.
• A maximum of 2 smart keys can be registered to a single vehicle. If you lose a smart key, you should immediately take the vehicle and key to your authorized Kia dealer to protect it from potential theft.
• The smart key will not work if any of following occurs:
  • The smart key is close to a radio transmitter such as a radio station or an airport which can interfere with normal operation of the smart key.
  • The smart key is near a mobile two way radio system or a cellular phone.
  • Another vehicle’s smart key is being operated close to your vehicle.

If the smart key does not work correctly, you may lock and unlock the door with the mechanical key.
If you have a problem with the smart key, contact an authorized Kia dealer.

• If the smart key is in close proximity to your cell phone or smart phone, the signal from the smart key could be blocked by normal operation of your cell phone or smart phone.
  This is especially important when the phone is active such as making calls, receiving calls, text messaging, and/or sending/receiving emails. Avoid placing the smart key and your cell phone or smart phone in the same pants or jacket pocket and maintain adequate distance between the two devices.
• Do not leave the smart key near metallic objects such as golf bags, metal cases and so on.
• Door Lock/Unlock failure or poor starting can occur when the smart key is placed near metallic objects.
• Always carry your smart key when you leave the car. An unattended smart key close to the vehicle can cause the vehicle battery to be discharged.
• Internal circuit damage may occur when the key comes into contact with moisture (beverage, water etc.) or heat. In this case, warranty repair is not available. Damage to the smart key due to exposure to liquids or heat is not covered by the manufacturer’s vehicle warranty.
• When the smart key is left with a bunch of keys, the Lock/Unlock button for doors and liftgate can be accidently pressed. Pay careful attention to key use.

CAUTION

Transmitter
Keep the smart key away from water or any liquid as it can become damaged and not function properly.

Remote keyless entry system operations

Type A

Type B

Lock (1)
All doors are locked if the lock but-ton is pressed. If all doors (and lift-gate) are closed, the hazard warning lights will blink once to indicate that all doors (and liftgate) are locked.
However, if any door remains open, the hazard warning lights will not operate. But if all doors are closed after the lock button is pressed, the hazard warning lights will blink once.

Unlock (2)
All doors (and liftgate) can be unlocked if the unlock button is pressed. The hazard warning lights will blink twice again to indicate that all doors (and liftgate) are unlocked. After pressing this button, the doors will lock automatically unless you open any door within 30 seconds.
When Two Press Unlock function is activated,

• If you press the Door Unlock button (2) on the smart key, the driver’s door will unlock.
• If you press Door Unlock button(2) on the smart key within four seconds again, then all the doors will unlock.

NOTICE
You can activate or deactivate the Two Press Unlock function by selecting ‘User Settings (LCD dis-play) or Setup → Vehicle (Infotainment System screen) → Door → Two Press Unlock’.

NOTICE
If the keyless entry system is inoperative due to exposure to water or liquids, it will not be covered by your manufacturer’s vehicle warranty.

Liftgate unlock (3) (if equipped)
The liftgate is unlocked if the button is pressed for more than 1 second.
The hazard warning lights will blink twice to indicate that the liftgate is unlocked.
However, after pressing this button, the liftgate will lock automatically unless you open the liftgate within 30 seconds.

Also, once the liftgate is opened and hen closed, the liftgate will lock automatically.

Panic alarm (4)
The horn sounds and the hazard warning lights blink for about 30 seconds if this button is pressed for more than 0.5 seconds. To stop the horn and lights, press any button on the transmitter.

Remote start (5)
You can start the vehicle using the remote start button (5) on the smart key.
To start and stop the vehicle remotely:

1. Press the door lock button (1), and then the hazard warning lights blink once to alert you.
2. Press the remote start button (5) for more than 2 seconds to start engine within 4 seconds after pressing the door lock button (1).
3. If you want to stop the engine, press the remote start button (5) again.

If someone without a designated smart key rides your vehicle while remote starting, the engine is automatically stopped for security.

NOTICE
After remotely starting the engine, the engine will turn off automatically after 10 minutes if you do not ride your vehicle.

CAUTON

• The remote start will not work if you exceed the operating distance limit (about ‘2.8 feet (10 m)).
• Avoid idling the engine for prolonged periods to obey the emission regulations in your country.
• Laws in your country may restrict the use of remote start.
  You should check country regulations before using this remote starting system.
• The vehicle must be in P (Park) for the remote start function to start.
• If the hood or the liftgate is opened, you can’t start the engine remotely

2023 Kia Stinger Specs, Price, Features and Mileage (Brochure)

Transmitter precautions

The smart key will not work if any of following occurs:

• You exceed the operating distance limit (about ‘2.8 feet [10 m]).
• The battery in the smart key is weak.
• Other vehicles or objects may be blocking the signal.
• The weather is extremely cold.
• The smart key is close to a radio transmitter such as a radio station or an airport which can interfere with normal operation of the transmitter.

If the smart key does not work correctly, you may lock and unlock the door with the mechanical key. If you have a problem with the smart key, contact an authorized Kia dealer.

• If the transmitter is in close proximity to your cell phone or smart phone, the signal from the transmitter could be blocked by normal operation of your cell phone or smart phone. This is especially important when the phone is active such as making calls, receiving calls, text messaging, and/or sending/receiving emails. Avoid placing the transmitter and your cell phone or smart phone in the same pants or jacket pocket and maintain adequate distance between the two devices.

CAUTION

Transmitter damage
Do not drop, wet or expose the key-less entry system transmitter to heat or sunlight.

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

1. This device may not cause harmful interference, and
2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

NOTICE
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment. If the keyless entry system is inoperative due to changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance, it will not be covered by your manufacturer’s vehicle warranty.

Battery replacement

A battery should last for several years, but if the smart key is not working properly, try replacing the battery with a new one. If you are unsure how to use or replace the battery, contact an authorized Kia dealer.

1. Pry open the smart key center cover using screw (-) driver.
2. Replace the battery with a new battery (CR2032). When replacing the battery, make sure the battery position is correct.
3. Install the battery in the reverse order of removal.

Mechanical key operations

• Used to lock and unlock the glove box.
• Lock and unlock the doors when the vehicle or smart key battery is discharged.

Smart Key
To remove the mechanical key (2), press and hold the release button (1) and remove the mechanical key.
To reinstall the mechanical key, put the key into the hole and push it until a click sound is heard.

Immobilizer system

Your vehicle is equipped with an electronic engine immobilizer system to reduce the risk of unauthorized vehicle use.

Whenever the ENGINE START/STOP button is changed to the ON position, the immobilizer system checks and verifies if the key is valid or not.

If the key is valid, the engine will start.

If the key is invalid, the engine will not start.

NOTE
In order to prevent theft of your vehicle, do not leave spare keys anywhere in your vehicle. Your Immobilizer password is a customer unique password and should be kept confidential. Do not leave this number anywhere in your vehicle.

To deactivate the immobilizer system
Change the ENGINE START/STOP button to the ON position.

To activate the immobilizer system
Change the ENGINE START/STOP button to the OFF position. The immobilizer system activates automatically. Without a valid smart key for your vehicle, the engine will not start.

In order to prevent theft of your vehicle, do not leave spare keys anywhere in your vehicle.

NOTICE
Keep each key separate in order to avoid a starting malfunction.

Do not put metal accessories near the smart key.

Metal accessories may interrupt the transponder signal and may prevent the engine from being started.

If you need additional keys or lose your keys, consult an authorized Kia dealer.

CAUTION
Immobilizer damage
Do not expose your immobilizer system to moisture, static electric-ity or rough handling. This may damage your immobilizer.

CAUTION
Immobilizer alterations
Do not change, alter or adjust the immobilizer system because it could cause the immobilizer system to malfunction.

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

1. This device may not cause harmful interference, and
2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

NOTICE
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

Theft-alarm system

This system is designed to provide protection from unauthorized entry into the vehicle. This system is operated in three stages: the first is the 􀀁Armed􀀂 stage, the second is the 􀀁Theft-alarm􀀂 stage, and the third is the Disarmed stage. If triggered, the system provides an audible alarm with blinking of the hazard warning lights.

Armed stage

Park the vehicle and stop the engine.
Arm the system as described below.

1. Turn off the engine.
2. Make sure that all doors (and lift-gate) and engine hood are closed and latched.
3. Lock the doors by depressing the door lock button on the smart key.

After completion of the steps above, the hazard warning lights will blink  (for smart key, the chime also sounds) once to indicate that the system is armed.
If any door (or liftgate) or engine hood remains open, the hazard warning lights and the chime will not operate and the theft-alarm will not arm. If all doors and liftgate and engine hood are closed after the lock button is pressed, the hazard warning lights blink once.
The system can also be armed by locking the doors with the key from the front doors; however, the hazard warning lights will not blink using this method.

NOTICE
The theft-alarm system can be deactivated by an authorized Kia dealer. If you want this feature, consult an authorized Kia dealer.

Do not arm the system until all passengers have left the vehicle. If the system is armed while a passenger(s) remains in the vehicle, the alarm may be activated when the remaining passenger(s) leave the vehicle. If any door (or liftgate) or engine hood is opened within 30 seconds after the system enters the armed stage, the system is dis-armed to prevent an unnecessary alarm.

Theft-alarm stage

The alarm will be activated if any of the following occurs while the sys-tem is armed.

• A front or rear door is opened without using the smart key.
•  The liftgate is opened without using the smart key (if equipped).
• The engine hood is opened.
  The horn will sound and the hazard warning lights will blink continuously for approximately 30 seconds, and repeat the horn 2 times unless the system is disarmed. To turn off the system, unlock the doors with the smart key.

2023 Kia Stinger Specs, Price, Features and Mileage (Brochure)

Disarmed stage

The system will be disarmed when

• The doors (and liftgate (if equipped)) are unlocked with the smart key.

After depressing the unlock button, the hazard warning lights will blink and the chime will sound twice (in smart key) to indicate that the system is disarmed.
After depressing the unlock button, if any door (or liftgate) is not opened within 30 seconds, the system will be rearmed.

• Avoid trying to start the engine while the alarm is activated. The vehicle starting motor is disabled during the theft-alarm stage.

If the system is not disarmed with the smart key, open the doors by using the mechanical key and start the engine by directly pressing the ENGINE START/STOP but-ton with the smart key.

• If you lose your keys, consult your authorized Kia dealer.

CAUTION
Adjusting alarm system
Do not change, alter or adjust the theft-alarm system because it could cause the theft-alarm system to malfunction.

NOTICE
Malfunctions caused by improper alterations, adjustments or modifications to the theft-alarm system are not covered by your vehicle manufacturer warranty.

FAQ