Kia Soul 2023 Fuel Filler Door and Sunroof Owner’s Manual
Introduction
For drivers who value style, utility, and a fun driving experience, the Kia Soul has established itself as a popular option. With the release of the 2023 model, Kia will continue to enhance this storied vehicle by including state-of-the-art features and technologies. This Kia Soul 2023 owner’s manual will pay particular attention to the sunroof and the fuel filler door.
The Fuel Filler Door is a feature of the Kia Soul’s design that makes accessing the fuel tank convenient and easy. For effective refueling and to maintain the vehicle’s overall performance, every owner needs to know how to use the fuel filler door properly. This manual provides step-by-step instructions for opening and closing the Fuel Filler Door, highlighting any additional safety precautions that must be followed. We will also address common concerns or issues with the Fuel Filler Door and provide troubleshooting guidance to ensure a smooth and issue-free experience.
We hope that this comprehensive owner’s manual will be a valuable resource for you, giving you the information you need to use, maintain, and repair the Fuel Filler Door and Sunroof competently. If you have any queries or worries about these features, don’t forget to refer to this manual. Take full advantage of your Kia Soul 2023’s incredible fuel filler door and sunroof features!
Fuel Filler Door
Opening the fuel filler door
The fuel filler door must be opened from inside the vehicle by pulling up the fuel filler door opener.
If the fuel filler door does not open because ice has formed around it, tap lightly or push on the door to break the ice and release the door. Do not pry on the door. If necessary, spray around the door with an approved deicer fluid (do not use radiator anti-freeze) or move the vehicle to a warm place and allow the ice to melt.
- Stop the engine.
- To open the fuel filler door, pull the fuel filler door opener up.
- Pull open the fuel filler door (1) out to fully open.
- To remove the cap turn the fuel filler cap (2) counterclockwise.
- Refuel as needed.
WARNING
Before refueling, be sure to check what type of fuel is used for your vehicle. If you put diesel fuel into a gasoline-powered vehicle or gasoline into a diesel-powered vehicle, it may affect the fuel system and cause serious damage to the vehicle.
Closing the fuel filler door
- To install the cap, turn it clockwise until it “clicks” one time. This indicates that the cap is securely tightened.
- Close the fuel filler door and push it lightly and make sure that it is securely closed.
WARNING
Refueling
Always remove the fuel cap carefully and slowly. If the cap is venting fuel or if you hear a hissing sound, wait until the condition stops before completely removing the cap.
If pressurized fuel sprays out, it can cover your clothes or skin and subject you to the risk of fire and burns.
NOTICE
When refueling on unlevel ground, the fuel gauge may not point to the F position. It is not a malfunction. If you move your vehicle to a level ground, the fuel gauge will move to the full position.
NOTICE
Tighten the cap until it clicks one time, otherwise the fuel cap open warning indicator light will appear.
Always check that the fuel cap is installed securely to prevent fuel spillage in the event of an accident.
WARNING
Fire/explosion risk
Read and follow all warnings posted at the gas station facility. Failure to follow all warnings will result in severe personal injury, severe burns or death due to fire or explosion.
WARNING
Static electricity
- Before touching the fuel nozzle, you should eliminate potentially dangerous static electricity discharge by touching another metal part of the vehicle, a safe distance away from the fuel filler neck, nozzle, or other gas source.
- Do not get back into a vehicle once you have begun refueling since you can generate static electricity by touching, rubbing or sliding against any item or fabric (polyester, satin, nylon, etc.) capable of producing static electricity. Static electricity dis-charge can ignite fuel vapors resulting in rapid burning. If you must reenter the vehicle, you should once again eliminate potentially dangerous static electricity discharge by touching a metal part of the vehicle, away from the fuel filler neck, nozzle or other gasoline source.
WARNING
Portable fuel container
When using an approved portable fuel container, be sure to place the container on the ground prior to refueling. Static electricity discharge from the container can ignite fuel vapors causing a fire. Once refueling has begun, contact with the vehicle should be maintained until the filling is complete. Use only approved portable plastic fuel containers designed to carry and store gasoline.
WARNING
Cell phone fires
Do not use cellular phones while refueling. Electric current and/or electronic interference from cellular phones can potentially ignite fuel vapors causing a fire.
WARNING
Refueling & Vehicle fires
When refueling, always shut the engine off. Sparks produced by electrical components related to the engine can ignite fuel vapors causing a fire. Once refueling is complete, check to make sure the filler cap and filler door are securely closed, before starting the engine.
WARNING
Smoking
DO NOT use matches or a lighter and DO NOT SMOKE or leave a lit cigarette in your vehicle while at a gas station especially during refueling. Automotive fuel is highly flammable and can result in fire when ignited.
Make sure to refuel your vehicle according to “Fuel requirements” on page 1-2.
If the fuel filler cap requires replacement, use only a genuine Kia cap or the equivalent specified for your vehicle. An incorrect fuel filler cap can result in a serious malfunction of the fuel system or emission control system.
CAUTION
Exterior paint
Do not spill fuel on the exterior surfaces of the vehicle. Any type of fuel spilled on painted surfaces may damage the paint.
The fuel filler door will unlock when Driver’s door is unlocked.
To unlock fuel filler door:
- Press the unlock button on your smart key
Press the Central Door unlock button on armrest trim of driver’s door
Pull the driver’s inside door handle outward
The fuel filler door will lock when all doors are locked.
To lock fuel filler door:
Press the lock button on your Smart Key
Press the Central Door lock button on armrest trim of driver’s door
All doors will automatically lock after the vehicle speed exceeds 9.3 mph (15 km/h). Fuel door is also locked when vehicle speed exceeds 9.3 mph (15 km/h).
Sunroof (if equipped)
If your vehicle is equipped with a sun-roof, you can slide or tilt your sunroof with the sunroof switch located on the overhead console.
The sunroof can only be operated when the ignition switch or ENGINE START/STOP button is in the ON or START position.
The sunroof can be operated for approximately 10 minutes after the ignition switch or ENGINE START/STOP but-ton is in the ACC or LOCK/OFF position.
However, if the front door is open, the sunroof cannot be operated even within the 10 minutes period.
WARNING
- Adjust the sunroof or sunshade when your vehicle stops. This could result in loss of control and an accident that may cause injury, or property damage.
- Do not leave the engine running and the key in your vehicle with unsupervised children. Unattended children could operate the sunroof, which could result in serious injury.
- Do not sit on the top of the vehicle. It may cause injury or vehicle damage.
NOTICE
Do not operate sunroof when roof bars are installed on the vehicle or when there is luggage on the roof.
Sunshade
Use the sunshade to block direct sun-light coming through the sunroof glass.
Open or close the sunshade by hand.
NOTICE
The sunshade opens automatically when the sunroof glass is opened, but the sun-shade does not close automatically when the sunroof glass is closed. Also, only the sunshade cannot be closed when the sunroof glass is opened.
NOTICE
Do not pull the sunshade up or down, or apply excessive force as such action may damage the sunshade or cause it to malfunction.
Tilt open/close
- Tilt open
- Tilt close
- Push the sunroof switch upward, the sunroof glass tilts open.
- Push the sunroof switch forward
when the sunroof glass is tilt opened, the sunroof glass closes.
The sunroof glass tilts open or closes while the switch is pushed
NOTICE
The sunroof glass cannot slide open and tilt open at the same time. You cannot tilt the sunroof glass open while the sun-roof glass is slide open. Also, you cannot slide open while the sunroof is tilt open. Slide open or tilt open the sunroof glass when the sunroof glass is completely closed.
Slide open/close
- Push the sunroof switch rearward, the sunshade and sunroof glass slide open.
Push the sunroof switch forward, only the sunroof glass closes. - Push the sunroof switch forward or rearward to the first detent position, the sunroof glass moves until the switch is released.
- Push the sunroof switch forward or rearward to the second detent position, the sunroof glass operates automatically (auto slide feature). To stop the sunroof movement at any point, push the sunroof switch in any direction.
- The sunroof glass stops halfway (first detent position) before it is fully opened. To fully open the sunroof glass, push the sunroof switch rear-ward once more. At this time, the sun-roof glass opens only while the switch is pushed.
To stop the sunroof movement at any point, push the sunroof switch in any direction.
NOTICE
To reduce wind noise while driving, we recommend you to drive at the recommended position before the maximum slide open position.
Automatic reversal
If the sunroof senses any obstacle while it is closing automatically, it will reverse direction then stop at a certain position.
The auto reverse function may not work if an object thin or soft is caught, between the sliding sunroof glass and sunroof sash.
WARNING
Make sure heads, hands, arms or any other body parts or objects are out of the way before operating the sunroof. Body parts or objects may get caught causing injuries or vehicle damage.
- Never deliberately use your body parts to test the automatic reversal function. The sunroof automatic reversal function may not work properly if soft body parts are caught between the sliding sunroof glass and sunroof sash and reverse direction, but there is a risk of injury.
NOTICE
- Do not continue to push the sunroof switch after the sunroof is fully opened, closed, or tilted. Damage to the sunroof motor could occur.
Continuous operations such as slide open/close, tilt open/close, etc. may cause the motor or sunroof system to malfunction. - Regularly remove any accumulated
dust on the sunroof rail.
Dust accumulated between the sunroof and roof panel can make noise. Open the sunroof and remove dust regularly using a clean cloth. - Do not try to open the sunroof when the temperature is below freezing or when the sunroof is covered with snow or ice. The sunroof may not work properly and may break if opened by force.
- Do not open or drive with the sunroof glass open immediately after rain or washing the vehicle. Water may wet the interior of the vehicle.
- Do not extend any luggage outside the sunroof while driving. Vehicle damage may occur if the vehicle suddenly stops.
WARNING
Do not extend your head, arms, body parts or objects outside the sunroof while driving. Injuries may occur if the vehicle suddenly stops.
Resetting the sunroof
In some circumstances resetting the sunroof operation may need to be per-formed. Some instances where resetting the sunroof may be required include:
- When the 12 volt battery is either disconnected or discharged
When the sunroof fuse is replaced
If the sunroof one-touch AUTO OPEN/ CLOSE operation is not functioning properly
Sunroof resetting procedure:
- It is recommended to perform the reset procedure with the vehicle engine running. Start the vehicle in P (Park).
- Make sure the sunroof glass is in the fully closed position. If the sunroof glass is open, push the switch forward until the sunroof glass is fully closed.
- Release the switch when the sunroof glass is fully closed.
- Push the switch forward until the sun-roof glass moves slightly. Then release the switch.
- Once again, push and hold the sun-roof switch forward until the sunroof glass slides open and close. Do not release the switch until the operation is completed. If you release the switch during operation, start the procedure again from step 2.
NOTICE
If the sunroof does not reset when the vehicle battery is disconnected or dis-charged, or the sunroof fuse is blown, the sunroof may not operate normally.
If the driver turns off the engine when the sunroof is not fully closed, the warning chime will sound for several seconds and the sunroof open warning will appear on the cluster LCD display.
Close the sunroof securely when leaving your vehicle.
CAUTION
Make sure the sunroof is closed fully when leaving your vehicle. If the sunroof is left open, rain or snow may wet the interior of the vehicle. Also, leaving the sunroof open when the vehicle is unattended may invite theft.
FAQs
- How do I open the Fuel Filler Door?
Find the fuel filler cap on the backside of your Kia Soul 2023 and use it to open the fuel filler door. In most cases on the floor or the lower left side of the dashboard, the door release lever is found close to the driver’s seat. Press it. You can access the fuel tank by the Fuel Filler Door suddenly opening. - How do I close the Fuel Filler Door?
Make sure the fuel cap is tightly tightened after refueling. The Fuel Filler Door must be gently pushed until it locks into place and clicks. Make sure the seal is tight to avoid any fuel leaks. - Can I refuel the Kia Soul 2023 with the engine running?
No, in order to lower the risk of accidents and ensure your safety, it is advised to turn off the engine before refueling. - What should I do if the Fuel Filler Door does not open?
If the fuel filler door is difficult to open, see if the doors are unlocked. On some models, the doors must be unlocked in order for the fuel filler door to release. Make sure you are firmly pressing the release lever as well. Consult your local Kia dealership for more assistance if the problem continues. - How do I operate the Sunroof in the Kia Soul 2023?
Find the sunroof controls on the overhead console or dashboard to use them. The sunroof can typically be opened, closed, tilted, or slid. For detailed information on how to operate the sunroof on your Kia Soul 2023, refer to your owner’s manual. - Can I open the Sunroof partially?
Yes, the majority of sunroof systems allow you to tilt or only partially open the sunroof to let in fresh air. For detailed instructions on how to operate the sunroof in various positions, consult your owner’s manual. - What should I do if the Sunroof does not close properly?
Make sure there are no objects blocking the sunroof tracks or keeping it from closing completely if you experience any problems with the sunroof properly closing. Look around for any debris or objects that might be preventing the sunroof from functioning properly. Consult your local Kia dealership for assistance if the issue continues. - Can I install accessories on the Sunroof?
It is generally not advised to attach any extra weight or accessories to the sunroof as this could harm it and prevent it from functioning properly. For instructions on how to use accessories with the sunroof, consult your owner’s manual. - How do I clean the Sunroof?
Use a soft, non-abrasive cloth or sponge and a mild detergent or glass cleaner to clean the sunroof. Wipe the surface of the sunroof gently, making sure to get rid of any dirt or debris. Abrasive or harsh chemicals should not be used as they could scratch or harm the sunroof. - How often should I lubricate the Fuel Filler Door and Sunroof mechanisms?
For lubrication needs, it is advised to stick to the maintenance schedule outlined in your owner’s manual. The fuel filler door and sunroof mechanisms can both benefit from routine maintenance, including inspection and lubrication. - Can I manually close the Sunroof in case of a power failure?
Yes, the majority of sunroof systems have a manual override function that enables you to manually close the sunroof in the event of a power outage. To learn how to use this feature, consult your owner’s manual. - Is it safe to drive with the Fuel Filler Door open?
Driving while the fuel filler door is open is not safe. Fuel could possibly leak from an open fuel filler door.
Useful Links
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