Kia Soul 2023 Warning and Indicator Lights User Manual

Introduction

In the world of automotive technology, warning, and indicator lights are crucial tools for driver-vehicle communication. They guarantee safety and peak performance by offering useful information on the status and condition of numerous vehicle systems. The Kia Soul 2023, a well-liked compact crossover known for its svelte form and cutting-edge technologies, is one vehicle that serves as an example of this cutting-edge technology. The warning and indicator lights featured in the Kia Soul 2023 will be discussed in this introduction, along with their significance and purposes. The Kia Soul 2023 is equipped with a wide variety of warning and indication lights that are thoughtfully positioned on the dashboard and instrument panel to draw the driver’s attention when necessary. As visual indicators, these lights inform the driver of a variety of situations and potential problems. Drivers may preserve the safety and functionality of their vehicles by responding quickly and efficiently by recognizing the significance of each light.

The lane departure warning system (LDWS), one of many cutting-edge features offered by the Kia Soul 2023, is an example of how proudly the company takes its advanced technology. When the system notices that the car is leaving its lane without using its turn signals, the LDWS light turns on. This reminds the driver to remain alert and make the required modifications to preserve lane discipline.

2023 Kia Soul Specs, Price, Features, Mileage (Brochure)

Warning and Indicator Lights

The warning light and indicator light indicate a situation where the driver should be careful and whether the various functions are activated.

Warning Lights
The warning light indicates situations that require the driver to pay attention.

NOTICE
Warning Lights
Make sure that all warning lights are OFF after starting the vehicle. If any light is still ON, this indicates a situation that needs attention.

Airbag Warning Light
This Warning Light Illuminates:

1. Once you set the ignition switch or ENGINE START/STOP button to the ON position.
   1. It illuminates for approximately 6 seconds and then goes off.
2. When there is a malfunction with the SRS.
   In this case, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized Kia dealer.

Seat Belt Warning Light 

This warning light informs the driver that the seat belt is not fastened.

1. For more details, refer to “Seat belts” on pages 3-19.

Parking Brake & Brake Fluid Warning Light
This Warning Light Illuminates:

1. Once you set the ignition switch or ENGINE START/STOP button to the ON position.
   1. It illuminates for approximately 3 seconds
   2. It remains on if the parking brake is applied.
2. When the parking brake is applied.
3. When the brake fluid level in the reservoir is low.
   1. If the warning light illuminates with the parking brake released, it indicates the brake fluid level in the reservoir is low.

If the brake fluid level in the reservoir is low:

1. Drive carefully to the nearest safe location and stop your vehicle.
2. With the vehicle stopped, check the brake fluid level immediately and add fluid as required. Then check all brake components for fluid leaks. If any leak on the brake system is still found, the warning light remains on, or the brakes do not operate properly, do not drive the vehicle.

In this case, have your vehicle towed to an authorized Kia dealer and inspected.

Dual-Diagonal Braking System
Your vehicle is equipped with dual-agonal braking systems. This means you still have braking on two wheels even if one of the dual systems should fail.
With only one of the dual systems working, greater pedal pressure is required to stop the vehicle.
Also, the vehicle will require increased stopping distance with only a portion of the brake system working.

WARNING
Parking Brake & Brake Fluid Warning Light
Driving the vehicle with a warning light ON is dangerous. If the Parking Brake & Brake Fluid Warning Light illuminates with the parking brake released, it indicates that the brake fluid level is low.
In this case, have your vehicle inspected by an authorized Kia dealer.

Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light
This warning light illuminates:

1. Once you set the ignition switch or ENGINE START/STOP button to the ON position.
   1. It illuminates for approximately 3 seconds and then goes off.
2. When there is a malfunction with the ABS (The normal braking system will still be operational without the assistance of the anti-lock brake system).
   In this case, have your vehicle inspected by an authorized Kia dealer.

Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) System Warning Light

These two warning lights illuminate at the same time while driving:

1. When the ABS and regular brake system may not work normally. In this case, have your vehicle inspected by an authorized Kia dealer.

WARNING
Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) System Warning Light When both ABS and Parking Brake & Brake Fluid Warning Lights are on, the brake system will not work nor-mally and you may experience an unexpected and dangerous situation during sudden braking. In this case, avoid high-speed driving and abrupt braking. Have your vehicle inspected by an authorized Kia dealer as soon as possible.

Electronic Power Steering (EPS) Warning Light
This warning light illuminates:

1. Once you set the ignition switch or ENGINE START/STOP button to the ON position.
2. – It remains on until the vehicle is started.
   – When there is a malfunction with the EPS.
3. 􀀁 When there is a malfunction with the EPS.
   In this case, have your vehicle inspected by an authorized Kia dealer.

Charging System Warning Light
This warning light illuminates:

1. Once you set the ignition switch or ENGINE START/STOP button to the ON position.
2. When there is a malfunction with either the alternator or electrical charging system.

If there is a malfunction with either the alternator or electrical charging system:

1. Drive carefully to the nearest safe location and stop your vehicle.
2. Turn the engine off and check the alternator drive belt for looseness or breakage.
   In this case, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized Kia dealer.

Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL)
This warning light illuminates:

1. Once you set the ignition switch or ENGINE START/STOP button to the ON position.
   1. It remains on until the engine is started.
2. When there is a malfunction with the emission control system. In this case, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized Kia dealer.

CAUTION
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Driving with the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) on may cause damage to the emission control systems which could affect drivability and/or fuel economy.

Engine Oil Pressure Warning Light
This warning light illuminates:

1. Once you set the ignition switch or ENGINE START/STOP button to the ON position.
   1. It remains on until the engine is started.
2. When the engine oil pressure is low.
   1. Drive carefully to the nearest safe location and stop your vehicle.
   2. Turn the engine off and check the engine oil level (For more details, refer to “Checking the engine oil level” on page 7-21). If the level is low, add oil as required.
   3. If the warning light remains on after adding oil or if oil is not available, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized KIA dealer/service partner. Contin-ued driving with the warning light on may cause engine failure.

NOTICE
When engine oil pressure decreases due to insufficient engine oil, etc., the Engine Oil Pressure warning light will illuminate.

CAUTION

Engine Overheating
Do not continue driving with the engine overheated. Otherwise, the engine may be damaged.

Engine damage
If the engine is not stopped immediately after the engine oil pressure warning light is illuminated and stays on while the engine is running, serious engine damage may result.

Low Fuel Level Warning Light
This warning light illuminates:

When the fuel tank is nearly empty.
If the fuel tank is nearly empty:
Add fuel as soon as possible.

CAUTION
Low Fuel Level
Driving with the Low Fuel Level warning light on or with the fuel level below “E” can cause the engine to misfire and damage the catalytic converter. (if equipped)

Low Tire Pressure Warning Light
This warning light illuminates:

1. Once you set the ignition switch or ENGINE START/STOP button to the ON position.
   1. It illuminates for approximately 3 seconds and then goes off.
2. When one or more of your tires are significantly under-inflated. (The location of the underinflated tires is displayed on the LCD display).
3. For more details, refer to “Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)” on pages 6-9.

This warning light remains on after blinking for approximately 60 seconds or repeats blinking on and off at intervals of approximately 3 seconds:

1. When there is a malfunction with the TPMS.
   In this case, have your vehicle inspected by an authorized Kia dealer.
2. For more details, refer to “Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)” on pages 6-9.

WARNING

Low tire pressure

1. Significantly low tire pressure makes the vehicle unstable and can contribute to loss of vehicle control and increased braking distances.
2. Continued driving or low-pressure tires will cause the tires to overheat and fail.

Safe Stopping

1. The TPMS cannot alert you to severe and sudden tire damage caused by external factors.
2. If you notice any vehicle instability, immediately take your foot off the accelerator pedal, apply the brakes gradually with light force, and slowly move to a safe position off the road.

Master Warning Light
This warning light informs the driver the following situations

1. Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist malfunction (if equipped)
2. Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist sensor blocked (if equipped)
3. Blind-Spot Collision Warning malfunction (if equipped)
4. Blind-Spot Collision Warning radar blocked (if equipped)
5. LED headlamp malfunction (if equipped)
6. Lamp malfunction
7. High Beam Assist malfunction (if equipped)
8. Smart Cruise Control malfunction (if equipped)
9. Smart Cruise Control radar blocked (if equipped)

To identify the details of the warning, look at the LCD display.

LED Headlamp Warning Light (if equipped)
This warning light illuminates:

1. Once you set the ignition switch or ENGINE START/STOP button to the ON position.
   1. It illuminates for approximately 3 seconds and then goes off.
2. When there is a malfunction with the LED headlamp.
   In this case, have your vehicle inspected by an authorized Kia dealer.

This warning light blinks:

1. When there is a malfunction with a LED headlamp-related part.
   In this case, have your vehicle inspected by an authorized Kia dealer.

CAUTION
LED Headlamp Warning Light Continuous driving with the LED Headlamp Warning Light on or blink-ing can reduce LED headlamp (low beam) life.

Forward Safety Warning Light (if equipped)
This indicator light illuminates:

1. Once you set the ignition switch or ENGINE START/STOP button to the ON position.
   1. It illuminates for approximately 3 seconds and then goes off.
2. When FCA system is turned off.
3. When the radar sensor or cover is blocked with dirt or snow. Check the sensor and cover and clean them by using a soft cloth.
4. When there is a malfunction with FCA. If this occurs, have your vehicle inspected by an authorized Kia dealer.
5. For more details, refer to “Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA)(Sensor fusion) (if equipped)” on pages 5-63.

Door Ajar Warning Light
This warning light illuminates:

When a door is not closed securely.

Liftgate Open Warning Light

This warning light illuminates:
When the liftgate is not closed securely.

Indicator lights
The indicator light indicates whether the various functions are activated.

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Indicator Light
This indicator light illuminates:

1. Once you set the ignition switch or ENGINE START/STOP button to the ON position.
   1. It illuminates for approximately 3 seconds and then goes off.
2. When there is a malfunction with the ESC system.
   In this case, have your vehicle inspected by an authorized Kia dealer.

This indicator light blinks:
While the ESC is operating.
For more details, refer to “Electronic stability control (ESC)” on pages 5-39.

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) OFF Indicator Light
This indicator light illuminates:

1. Once you set the ignition switch or ENGINE START/STOP button to the ON position.
   1. It illuminates for approximately 3 seconds and then goes off.
2. When you deactivate the ESC system by pressing the ESC OFF button.
3. For more details, refer to “Electronic stability control (ESC)” on pages 5-39.

Immobilizer Indicator Light (Without Smart Key)
This indicator light illuminates:

1. When the vehicle detects the immobilizer in your key properly while the ignition switch is ON.
   1. At this time, you can start the engine.
   2. The indicator light goes off after starting the engine.

This indicator light blinks:
When there is a malfunction with the immobilizer system.
In this case, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized Kia dealer.

Immobilizer Indicator Light (With Smart Key)
This indicator light illuminates for up to 30 seconds:

1. When the vehicle detects the smart key in the vehicle properly while the ENGINE START/STOP button is ACC or ON.
   1. At this time, you can start the engine.
      The indicator light goes off after starting the engine.

This indicator light blinks for a few seconds:

1. When the smart key is not in the vehicle.
   1. At this time, you cannot start the engine.

This indicator light illuminates for 2 seconds and goes off:

1. When the vehicle cannot detect the smart key which is in the vehicle while the ENGINE START/STOP button is ON.
   In this case, have your vehicle inspected by an authorized Kia dealer.

This indicator light blinks:

1. When the battery of the smart key is weak.
2. When there is a malfunction with the immobilizer system.
   In this case, have your vehicle inspected by an authorized Kia dealer.

Auto stop indicator
This indicator will illuminate when the engine enters the Idle Stop mode of the ISG (Idle Stop and Go) system.
When the automatic starting occurs, the auto stop indicator on the cluster will blink for 5 seconds.

NOTICE
When the engine automatically starts by the ISG system, warning lights (ABS, ESC, ESC OFF, EPS or Parking brake warning light) may turn on for a few seconds.
This happens because of the low battery voltage. It does not mean the system is malfunctioning.

Turn Signal indicator Light
This indicator light blinks:

1. When you turn the turn signal light on.
   If any of the following occurs, there may a malfunction with the turn signal system.
   In this case, have your vehicle inspected by an authorized Kia dealer.
2. The indicator light does not blink but illuminates.
3. The indicator light blinks more rapidly.
4. The indicator light does not illuminate at all.

Low Beam Indicator Light (If  Equipped) 
This indicator light illuminates:

1. When the headlights are on.

High Beam Indicator Light
This indicator light illuminates:

1. When the headlights are on and in the high beam position.
2. When the turn signal lever is pulled into the Flash-to-Pass position.

High Beam Assist Indicator

This warning light illuminates:

1. When the High-Beam is on with the light switch in the AUTO light position.
2. If your vehicle detects oncoming or preceding vehicles, High Beam Assist will switch the high beam to low beam automatically.
3. For more details, refer to “High Beam Assist (HBA) (if equipped)” on page 4-96.

Light ON Indicator Light
This indicator light illuminates:

1. When the tail lights or headlights are on.

Front Fog Indicator Light (if equipped)
This indicator light illuminates:

1. When the front fog lights are on.

Lane Keeping Assist Indicator (if equipped)
The LKA indicator will illuminate when you turn Lane Keeping Assist on by pressing the Lane Safety button.
If there is a problem with the system, the yellow LKA indicator will illuminate.

Cruise Indicator Light (if equipped)
This indicator light illuminates:

1. When the cruise control system is enabled.
2. For more details, refer to “Smart Cruise Control (SCC) (if equipped)” on pages 5-106.

SPORT Mode Indicator Light
This indicator light illuminates:

1. When you select “SPORT” mode as drive mode.
2. For more details, refer to “Drive mode integrated control system” on pages 5-49.

ECO Mode Indicator Light
This indicator light illuminates:

1. When you select “ECO” mode as drive mode.
2. For more details, refer to “Drive mode integrated control system” on pages 5-49.

FAQs

1. What does the red battery warning light in my Kia Soul 2023 indicate?
   A problem with the charging system is indicated by the red battery warning light. It could be caused by a bad alternator, battery, or other electrical parts. It is advised to have it examined by a Kia service facility.
2. Why is the check engine light on in my Kia Soul 2023?
   When there may be a problem with the engine or emissions system, the check engine light turns on. To pinpoint the precise issue, it is advised to have the vehicle’s onboard diagnostic system checked.
3. What does the yellow exclamation mark inside a circle mean on my Kia Soul 2023?
   The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning light is represented by a yellow exclamation point enclosed in a circle. It suggests that there may be low air pressure in one or more tires. Check the tire pressure and fill it to the specifications.
4. My Kia Soul 2023 has a red oil can icon illuminated. What does it mean?
   Low engine oil pressure is indicated by the red oil can indicator. Stopping the car right away, checking the oil level, and adding more if necessary is essential. Consult a specialist if the light doesn’t go away for more advice.
5. Why is the ABS warning light on in my Kia Soul 2023?
   The anti-lock braking system has a problem, as shown by the ABS warning light. It can be the result of a bad sensor, ABS pump, or other associated parts. It is advised to have a Kia service center examine it.
6. What does the yellow triangle with an exclamation mark in the center mean on my Kia Soul 2023?
   he electronic stability control (ESC) warning light is a yellow triangle with an exclamation point. It indicates a problem with the ESC system, which aids in maintaining the stability of the vehicle. Have a Kia technician examine the system.
7. Why is the red seatbelt warning light flashing in my Kia Soul 2023?
   If the red seatbelt warning light is flashing, it means that one or more of the car’s occupants are not buckled up. To ensure everyone’s safety, make sure they are all buckled in.
8. What does the green headlight symbol on my Kia Soul 2023 mean?
   If you see a green headlight symbol, that means the headlights of the car are on right now. As a battery-saving measure, it acts as a reminder to turn off the headlights when not in use.
9. Why is the airbag warning light illuminated in my Kia Soul 2023?
   A potential problem with the airbag system is indicated by the airbag warning light. The system needs to be inspected as quickly as possible since if the light is on, it might not deploy in the case of an accident.
10. What does the yellow key symbol with an exclamation mark mean in my Kia Soul 2023?
    The immobilizer system warning light is represented by a yellow key symbol with an exclamation point. It suggests that there is an issue with the car’s anti-theft system. For help, speak with a Kia service centre.
11. Why is the red temperature warning light on in my Kia Soul 2023?
    The engine coolant temperature is too high if the red temperature warning light is on. Stopping the car, letting the engine cool, and checking the coolant level are all crucial. Ask for expert assistance if necessary.
12. What does the green “Auto Hold” symbol mean on my Kia Soul 2023?
    The Auto Hold feature is active when the green “Auto Hold” icon is present. When the car comes to a halt, this feature keeps it in place automatically without having to repeatedly depress the brake pedal.
13. Why is the yellow “Low Fuel” warning light on in my Kia Soul 2023?
    When the fuel level in the tank is dangerously low, the yellow “Low Fuel” warning light turns on. It serves as a prompt to refuel your car as soon as you can to prevent running out of fuel.
14. What does the green “Eco” light in my Kia Soul 2023 represent?
    The vehicle is in eco mode when the “Eco” light is green. The car is fuel-efficiently optimized in this mode, encouraging frugal driving practices.
15. Why is the yellow “Maintenance Required” light on in my Kia Soul 2023?
    The yellow “Maintenance Required” light is a reminder for regular maintenance procedures such an oil change or scheduled maintenance. For details on required maintenance, refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual.

Useful Links

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