Kia Soul 2022 Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) User Manual

Introduction

Automotive safety technology has advanced significantly in recent years with the goal of reducing accidents and safeguarding both drivers and pedestrians on the road. The Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) system, a ground-breaking feature introduced into the Kia Soul 2023, is one notable advancement in this discipline. The FCA system raises the bar for collision avoidance with its remarkable capabilities and state-of-the-art technology, demonstrating Kia’s dedication to placing safety first in their vehicles.

The Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist technology, in particular, makes the Kia Soul 2023 stand out as a pioneer in automobile safety. This cutting-edge device dramatically lowers the chance of frontal collisions by utilizing cutting-edge technology, safeguarding both the driver and on-foot travelers. The FCA system demonstrates Kia’s unrelenting dedication to placing a priority on safety and creating new standards in the automotive industry with its extensive detection, warning, and autonomous braking capabilities. Drivers may comfortably navigate the roads as they embrace the Kia Soul 2023 since they have a strong ally in the fight against crashes.

Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA)

Front view camera only:
Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist is designed to detect and monitor a vehicle ahead in the roadway through camera recognition to warn the driver that a collision is imminent, and if necessary, apply emergency braking. Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (Front view camera only) does not operate for pedestrians and cyclists in front.

WARNING
Take the following precautions when using Forward Collision-Avoid-ance Assist:

1. Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist is only a supplemental function and it is not intended to, or does it replace the need for extreme care and attention of the driver. The sensing range and objects detectable by the sensors are limited. Pay attention to the road conditions at all times.
2. NEVER drive too fast in accordance with the road conditions or while cornering.
3. Always drive cautiously to prevent unexpected and sudden situations from occurring. Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist does not stop the vehicle completely and does not avoid all collisions due to function limitations.

Setting and activating Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist
The driver can activate Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist by placing the ignition switch or ENGINE START/STOP button to the ON position and by selecting:

1. Go to the “User Settings in the cluster → Driver Assistance → Forward Safety”
2. If you select “Active Assist”, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist activates. Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist produces warning messages and warning alarms in accordance with the collision risk levels. Also, it controls the brakes in accordance with the collision risk levels.
3. If you select “Warning Only”, For-ward Collision-Avoidance Assist activates and produces only warning alarms in accordance with the collision risk levels. You should control the brake directly because Forward Collision-Avoid-ance Assist does not control the brake.
4. If you select “Off”, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist deactivates.

The warning light illuminates on the LCD display when you cancel Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist. The driver can monitor the Forward Collision-Avoid-ance Assist ON/OFF status on the LCD display. Also, the warning light illuminates when ESC is turned off. If the warning light remains ON with Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist activated, take your vehicle to an authorized Kia dealer and have the function checked.

Setting the initial warning activation time
The driver can select the initial warning activation time on the LCD display.

1. Go to the “User Settings in the cluster → Driver Assistance → Warning timing → Normal/Late”.

The options for the initial Forward Collision Warning include the following:

1. Normal: When this condition is selected, the initial Forward Collision Warning is activated normally.
2. Late: When this condition is selected, the initial Forward Collision Warning is activated later than normal. This setting reduces the amount of distance between the vehicle ahead before the initial warning occurs.
   Select ‘Late’ when traffic is light and when driving speed is slow. When the vehicle ahead brakes suddenly or you increase the speed of your vehicle, the driver can notice the warning alarm is early even though the later option is selected.

Prerequisite for Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist activation
Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist gets ready to be activated, when the Active Assist or Warning Only under the Forward Safety is selected on the LCD display, and when the following prerequisites are satisfied.

1. ESC is activated.
2. The driving speed is over 5 mph (8 km/h). (However, Forward Colli-sion-Avoidance Assist is activated within a certain driving speed.)
3. The function detects a vehicle in front. (However, Forward Colli-sion-Avoidance Assist does not activate according to conditions in front and vehicle systems, but it notices only certain warnings.)
4. Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist may not be activated or may only sound a warning alarm depending on the driving or vehicle conditions.
5. If the ‘Warning Only’ under the Forward Safety is selected, For-ward Collision-Avoidance Assist produces only warning alarms in accordance with the collision risk levels.
6. Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist automatically activates upon placing the ignition switch or ENGINE START/STOP button to the ON position. The driver can deactivate Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist by canceling the function set on the LCD display. To avoid driver distractions, do not attempt to set or cancel Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist while driving the vehicle.
7. Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist automatically deactivates upon canceling the ESC. When the ESC is canceled, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist cannot be acti-vated on the LCD display.
   In this situation, the Forward Colli-sion-Avoidance Assist warning light will illuminate, but it does not indicate a malfunction of the function.
8. Set or cancel Forward CollisionAvoidance Assist with controlling switches on the steering wheel after stopping the vehicle in a safe place for your safety.

Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist warning message and brake control
Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist produces warning messages, warning alarms, and emergency braking based on the level of risk of a frontal collision, such as when a vehicle ahead suddenly brakes.

Collision Warning (1st Warning)The warning message appears on the LCD display with the warning alarms. Additionally, some vehicle system intervention occurs by the engine management system to help decelerate the vehicle.
The Vehicle may slow down slightly.

1. It will operate if the vehicle speed is greater than 5 mph (8 km/h) and less than or equal to 93 mph (150 km/h) on a forward vehicle. (Depending on the condition of the vehicle ahead and the environment surrounding it, the possible maximum operating speed may be reduced.)
2. If you select “Warning Only” for the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist setting, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist activates and produces only warning alarms in accordance with the collision risk levels. You should control the brake directly because Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist does not control the brake.

Emergency Braking (2nd Warning)The warning message appears on the LCD display with the warning alarms. Additionally, some vehicle system intervention occurs by the engine management system to help decelerate the vehicle.
The brake control is maximized just before a collision, reducing impact when it strikes a forward vehicle.

1. It will operate if the vehicle speed is greater than 5 mph (8 km/h) and less than or equal to 37 mph (60 km/h) on a forward vehicle. (Depending on the condition of the vehicle ahead and the environment surrounding it, the possible maximum operating speed may be reduced.)
2. If you select “Warning Only” for the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist setting, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist activates and produces only warning alarms in accordance with the collision risk levels. You should control the brake directly because Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist does not control the brake.

Brake Operation

In an urgent situation, the braking system enters into the ready status for a prompt reaction against the driver’s depressing brake pedal.

1. Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist provides additional braking power for optimum braking performance when the driver depresses the brake pedal during the warning.
2. The braking control is automatically deactivated, when the driver sharply depresses the accelerator pedal, or when the driver abruptly operates the steering wheel.
3. The braking control is automatically canceled when risk factors disappear.

CAUTION
The driver should always use extreme caution when operating the vehicle, even though there is no warning message or warning alarm.

WARNING
Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist cannot avoid all collisions nor com-pletely stop the vehicle before colli-sion. The driver is responsible to safely drive and control the vehicle.
Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist logic operates within certain param-eters, such as the distance from the vehicle ahead, the speed of the vehicle ahead, and the driver’s vehi-cle speed. Certain conditions such as inclement weather and road condi-tions may affect the operation of Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist. Never deliberately drive dangerously to activate the function.

Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist front view camera sensor
In order for Forward Collision-Avoid-ance Assist to operate properly, always make sure the sensor is clean and free of dirt, snow, and debris.

Dirt, snow, or foreign substances on the lens may adversely affect the sensing performance of the sensor.

Warning Message and Warning LightWhen the camera is covered with dirt, snow, or debris, the Forward Colli-sion-Avoidance Assist operation may not be able to detect other vehicles. In this case, the warning message appears to warn the driver.
This is not a malfunction with For-ward Collision-Avoidance Assist. To operate Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist again, remove the foreign substances. Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist may not properly operate in an area (e.g. open terrain), where objects or vehicles are not detected after turning ON the engine.

WARNING
Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist may not activate without any warning messages depending on driving and road conditions.

NOTICE

1. Doing so may adversely affect the sensing performance of the sensor.
2. Always keep the sensor clean and free of dirt and debris.
3. Be careful not to apply unnecessary force on the sensor. If the sensor is forcibly moved out of proper alignment, Forward Colli-sion-Avoidance Assist may not operate correctly. In this case, a warning message may not be displayed. In this case, take your vehicle to an authorized Kia dealer and have the function inspected.
4. Use only genuine parts to repair or replace a damaged one.
5. Do not tint the window or install stickers, or accessories around the inside mirror where the camera is installed.
6. Make sure the frontal camera installation point does not get wet.
7. Do not impact or arbitrarily remove any camera components.
8. Do not place reflective objects (white paper or mirror etc.) on the dashboard.
   The function may activate unnecessarily due to the reflection of the sunlight.
9. Excessive audio volume may disturb the sound of the function warning alarm.
10. For more precautions related to the camera sensor, refer to the “Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) (if equipped)” on pages 5-79.

Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist Malfunction
When Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist is not working properly, the For-ward Collision-Avoidance Assist warning light ( ) will illuminate and the warning message will appear for a few seconds.

Type A

Type B

After the message disappears, the master warning light will illuminate. In this case, take your vehicle to an authorized Kia dealer and have the function inspected.
Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist will also be deactivated for the sake of the driver’s safety when the ESC warning light comes on. Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist warning message will appear at the same time, too. But that doesn’t necessarily mean the malfunction of For-ward Collision-Avoidance Assist. Both Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist warning light and a warning message will disappear once the ESC warning light issue is resolved.

WARNING

1. Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist is only a supplemental function for the driver’s convenience. It is the driver’s responsibility to control the vehicle’s operation. Do not solely depend on Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist. Rather, maintain a safe braking distance, and, if necessary, depress the brake pedal to reduce the driving speed or to stop the vehicle.
2. In certain instances and under certain driving conditions, For-ward Collision-Avoidance Assist may activate unintentionally. This initial warning message appears on the LCD display with a warning chime.
   Also, due to sensing limitations, in certain situations, the camera recognition function may not detect the vehicle ahead. Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist may not activate and the warning message may not be displayed.
3. Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist may not activate if the driver applies the brake pedal before warning to avoid the risk of a collision.
4. Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist does not operate when the vehicle is in reverse.
5. Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist is not designed to detect other objects on the road such as animals.
6. Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist does not detect vehicles in the oncoming lane.
7. Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist does not detect cross-traf-fic vehicles that are approaching.
8. Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist cannot detect the side view of a parked vehicle (for example on a dead-end street).
   In these cases, you must maintain a safe braking distance, and if necessary, depress the brake pedal to reduce the driving speed in order to maintain a safe distance or to stop the vehicle.

Limitations of Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist
Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist is designed to monitor the vehicle ahead in the roadway through cam-era recognition to warn the driver that a collision is imminent, and if necessary, apply emergency brak-ing. In certain situations, the camera may not be able to detect the vehicles ahead. In these cases, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist may not operate normally. The driver must pay careful attention in the follow-ing situations where Forward Colli-sion-Avoidance Assist operation may be limited.

Limitations of the sensors
The sensor may be limited when:

1. The sensor is covered with foreign substances.
2. It heavily rains or snows.
3. The vehicle in front has a narrow body. (i.e. motorcycle and bicycle)
4. The sensor view is unclear due to the backlight, the reflected light, or darkness.
5. The sensor cannot contain the full image of the vehicle in front.
6. The vehicle in front is a special vehicle, such as a heavily-loaded truck or a trailer.
7. The outside brightness changes suddenly, such as entering/exiting the tunnel.
8. The vehicle driving is unstable.
9. The camera sensor recognition is limited.
10. The sensor’s field of view is not well illuminated (either too dark or too much reflection or too much backlight that obscures the field of view)
11. The vehicle in front is driving erratically
12. The vehicle is driven near areas containing metal substances such as a construction zone, railroad, etc.
13. Backlight is reflected in the direction of the vehicle (including front light from the vehicle ahead)
14. Moisture on the windshield is not completely removed or frozen.
15. The weather is misty.
16. The vehicle in front does not turn ON the rear lights, does not have rear lights, has asymmetric rear lights, or has rear lights out of angle.
17. The vehicle is on unpaved or uneven rough surfaces, or roads with sudden gradient changes.
18. The vehicle is moving under ground level or inside a building.
19. A sudden change in the sensor recognition takes place while passing through the speed bump,
20. The vehicle is severely shaken due to adverse road conditions.
21. Driving around circular intersection with a vehicle in front,
22. The front of the camera lens is contaminated by front glass tint-ing, film, water repellent coating, damage on glass, foreign matter (sticker, insect, etc.)
23. The camera or camera lens is damaged.
24. The headlights of the vehicle are not used at night or in the tunnel section, or the light is too weak.
25. The street light or the light of the vehicle coming from the opposite is reflected or when sunlight is reflected by the water on the road surface.
26. The back light is projected in the direction of the vehicle’s motion (including the headlights of vehicles)
27. Road sign, shadow on the road, tunnel entrance, toll gate, partial pavement
28. The windshield has moisture on its surface or if the windshield freezes,
29. Driving in the fog.
30. Objects are out of the sensing range of the camera.

Driving on a curveThe performance of Forward Colli-sion-Avoidance Assist may be limited when driving on a curved road. The front view camera recognition function may not detect the vehicle traveling in front on a curved road. This may result in no alarm and braking when necessary. Always pay attention to road and driving conditions, and if necessary, depress the brake pedal to reduce your driving speed in order to main-tain a safe distance.

Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist may recognize a vehicle in the next lane or outside the lane when driving on a curved road. If this occurs, the function may unnecessarily alarm the driver and apply the brake. Always pay attention to road and driving conditions, while driving.

Driving on a SlopeThe performance of Forward Colli-sion-Avoidance Assist may be decreased while driving upward or downward on a slope.
The front-view camera recognition may not detect the vehicle in front. This may result in unnecessary alarm and braking or no alarm and braking when necessary.
When the function suddenly recognizes the vehicle in front while passing over a slope, you may experience sharp deceleration.
Always keep your eyes forward while driving upward or downward on a slope, and, if necessary, depress the brake pedal to reduce your driving speed in order to maintain distance.

Changing Lanes

When a vehicle changes lanes in front of you, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist may not immediately detect the vehicle, especially if the vehicle changes lanes abruptly. In this case, you must maintain a safe braking distance, and if necessary, depress the brake pedal to reduce your driving speed in order to maintain a safe distance.

When driving in stop-and-go traffic, and a stopped vehicle in front of you merges out of the lane, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist may not immediately detect the new vehicle that is now in front of you. In this case, you must maintain a safe braking distance, and if necessary, depress the brake pedal to reduce your driving speed in order to maintain a safe distance.

Recognizing the VehicleWhen the vehicle in front has heavy loading extended rearward, or when the vehicle in front has higher ground clearance, it may induce a hazardous situation. Always pay attention to road and driving conditions, while driving and, if necessary, depress the brake pedal to reduce your driving speed in order to maintain distance.

WARNING

1. Do not use the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist when towing a vehicle. Application of Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist while towing may adversely affect the safety of your vehicle or the towing vehicle.
2. Use extreme caution when the vehicle in front of you has cargo that extends rearward from the cab, or when the vehicle in front of you has higher ground clearance.
3. Never try to test the operation of Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist. Doing so may cause severe injury or death.
4. Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist is designed to detect and monitor the vehicle ahead in the roadway through camera recognition. It is not designed to detect pedestrians, bicycles, motorcycles, or smaller wheeled objects such as luggage bags, shopping carts, or strollers.
5. If the front glass or camera has been replaced or repaired, have your vehicle inspected by an authorized Kia dealer.

NOTICE
In some instances, Forward Colli-sion-Avoidance Assist may be canceled when subjected to electromagnetic interference.

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules.
Operation is subject to the following three 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.
3. Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the device.

Radiofrequency radiation exposure information:
This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment.
This equipment should be installed and operated with a minimum distance of 8 in (20 cm) between the radiator (antenna) and your body.
This transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.

FAQs

1. What is Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) in the Kia Soul 2023?
   Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist is a safety device that aids in avoiding collisions or reducing their severity by spotting possible hazards and applying the brakes as needed.
2. How does Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist work?
   The system keeps an eye on the road in front of it using sensors like radar or cameras. It can automatically use the brakes to either lessen the force of the accident or prevent it completely if it detects a probable collision.
3. What types of collisions can Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist detect?
   Vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists can all be detected by Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist.
4. Can Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist completely eliminate the risk of collisions?
   While Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist can significantly lower the probability of crashes, accidents are still a possibility. It is crucial for drivers to always pay attention and be prepared to act if necessary.
5. Does Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist work at all speeds?
   Yes, both low and high speeds are compatible with Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist.
6. Can Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist detect objects in the vehicle’s blind spots?
   No, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist does not identify items in blind areas as it primarily concentrates on objects in front of the car. Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist can be supplemented by extra blind-spot monitoring systems that come with some Kia models.
7. Will Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist activate the brakes automatically without any driver input?
   Yes, the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist feature can automatically use the brakes to help mitigate or avoid an impending collision if the driver doesn’t take the necessary steps.
8. Can Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist help in reducing the severity of a collision if it cannot completely avoid it?
   Definitely. Even if a collision cannot be avoided, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist can lessen the impact’s speed and force, potentially reducing injuries and vehicle damage.
9. Can I disable Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist if I prefer not to use it?
   Drivers can disable or change the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist settings on the majority of Kia vehicles to suit their preferences.
10. Can Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist be affected by adverse weather conditions?
    The effectiveness of Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist may be impacted by severe weather conditions including torrential rain, blizzards, or fog. Driving carefully and being ready for unforeseen eventualities are imperative under such conditions.
11. Does Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist work only during the daytime?
    No, owing to its sensors and video technologies, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist is made to function both during the day and at night.
12. Can Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist detects stationary objects?
    Yes, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist may identify stationary objects like stopped cars or other barriers on the road and issue warnings or, if necessary, apply the brakes.
13. Is Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist a standard feature in all Kia Soul 2023 models?
    The Kia Soul 2023’s exact trim level or extra packages may have an impact on the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist’s availability. For correct information, it’s always advised to contact the dealership or consult the vehicle’s specifications.
14. Does Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist in replace the need for attentive driving?
    No, careful driving should not be replaced with forward collision-avoidance assistance. Although it is intended to help the driver and add an extra measure of safety, drivers should constantly keep their attention on the road and be ready to respond to any scenario.
15. Can Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist be retrofitted to older Kia Soul models?
    It might not be practical or viable to retrofit Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist to older Kia Soul cars. If you want to know whether such retrofitting alternatives are offered for your particular car, it is preferable to speak with a Kia dealership or authorized service facility.

Useful Links

View Full User Guide: Kia Soul 2022 Owner’s Manual | Auto User Guide
Download Manuals: Owner’s Manuals and Documents | Kia