Auto User Guide

2023 Kia Sportage PHEV Exhaust System And Before Driving Guidelines

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Kia Sportage PHEV 2023 Exhaust System, Before Driving, Key Positions and ENGINE 

The 2023 Kia Sportage PHEV is the epitome of cutting-edge technology and great driving pleasure. It is also a testament to careful engineering and unshakable safety. Its exhaust system, an important part of the hybrid engine, controls emissions in a quiet but effective way, showing Kia’s dedication to being environmentally friendly. However, it is important to do a full set of pre-driving checks before starting any trip, no matter how long or short. These important steps include a close check of the tires’ pressure, fluid levels, brakes, and outside lights to make sure the Sportage PHEV is ready for a safe and trouble-free trip. The 2023 Kia Sportage PHEV changes the way eco-friendly transportation works by combining advanced hybrid technology with careful pre-driving safety measures. It also offers the utmost safety and readiness for every road ahead.

2023 KIA SPORTAGE Specs, Price, Features and Mileage (Brochure)

Be sure the exhaust system does not leak

The exhaust system should be checked whenever the vehicle is raised to change the oil or for any other purpose.
If you hear a change in the sound of the exhaust or if you drive over something that strikes the underneath side of the vehicle, have the exhaust system checked as soon as possible by an authorized Kia dealer?

WARNING
Engine exhaust
Do not inhale exhaust fumes or leave your engine running in an enclosed area for a prolonged time. Exhaust fumes contain carbon monoxide, a colourless and odorless gas that can cause unconsciousness and death by asphyxiation.

WARNING
Open liftgate
Do not drive with the liftgate open. Poisonous exhaust gases can enter the passenger compartment. If you must drive with the liftgate open proceed as follows:

  1. Close all windows.
  2. Open side vents.
  3. Set the air intake control at “Fresh”, the airflow control at “Floor” or “Face”, and the fan at the highest speed.

Before driving

Before getting into the vehicle, you should examine the vehicle and its surroundings. After getting into the vehicle, you should check a number of things before driving.
Before entering vehicle

  • Be sure that all windows, outside mirror(s), and outside lights are clean.
  • Check the condition of the tires.
  • Check under the vehicle for any sign of leaks.
  • Be sure there are no obstacles behind you if you intend to back up.

Necessary inspections
Fluid levels, such as engine oil, engine coolant, brake fluid, and washer fluid should be checked on a regular basis, at the exact interval depending on the fluid. 

WARNING
Distracted driving
Focus on the road while driving. The driver’s primary responsibility is in the safe and legal operation of the vehicle. Use of any hand-held devices, other equipment or vehicle systems that distract the driver should not be used during vehicle operation.

Before starting

  • Close and lock all doors.
  • Position the seat so that all controls are easily reached.
  • Buckle your seat belt.
  • Adjust the inside and outside rear view mirrors.
  • Be sure that all lights work.
  • Check all gauges.
  • Check the operation of warning lights when the ENGINE START/STOP button is turned to the ON position.
  • Release the parking brake and make sure the brake warning light is not on.
    For safe operation, be sure you are familiar with your vehicle and its equipment.

WARNING
When you intend to park or stop the vehicle with the engine on, be careful not to depress the accelerator pedal for a long period of time. It may overheat the engine or exhaust system and cause fire.

WARNING
Check surroundings
Always check the surrounding areas near your vehicle for people, especially children, before putting a vehicle into D (Drive) or R (Reverse).

WARNING
Loose objects
Securely store items in your vehicle. When you make a sudden stop or turn the steering wheel rapidly, loose objects may drop on the floor and it could interfere with the operation of the foot pedals, possibly causing an accident.

WARNING
Driving under the influence
Do not drive while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or other impairing substances. Drinking and driving is dangerous. Even a small amount of alcohol will affect your reflexes, perceptions and judgment.
Driving while under the influence of drugs or other impairing substances is as dangerous as or more dangerous than driving drunk.

WARNING
Proper footwear
Always wear appropriate shoes when operating your vehicle. Unsuitable shoes (high heels, ski boots, sandals, etc.) may interfere with your ability to use the brake and accelerator pedals.

WARNING
California Proposition 65
Engine exhaust and a wide variety of automobile components and parts, including components found in the interior furnishings in a vehicle, contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects and reproductive harm. In addition, certain fluids contained in vehicles and certain products of component wear contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

Key positions (if equipped)

Your vehicle is equipped with four different ignition positions.

Illuminated ignition switch

Whenever a front door is opened, the ignition switch will illuminate for your convenience, provided the ignition switch is not in the ON position.

be the sure1

The light will go off immediately when the ignition switch is turned on. It will also go off after about 30 seconds when the door is closed.

Ignition switch position

Your vehicle is equipped with four different ignition positions.

be the sure2

LOCK (1)
The ignition key can be removed only in the LOCK position.
ACC (Accessory) (2)
The electrical accessories are operative. If difficulty is experienced in turning the ignition switch to the ACC position, turn the key while turning the steering wheel right and left to release the tension.

ON (3)
The warning lights can be checked before the engine is started. This is the normal running position after the engine is started.
Do not leave the ignition switch ON if the engine is not running to prevent battery discharge.
START (4)
Turn the ignition switch to the START position to start the engine. The engine will crank until you release the key; then it returns to the ON position. The brake warning light can be checked in this position.

WARNING
Ignition switch
Never turn the ignition switch to LOCK or ACC while the vehicle is moving. This would result in loss of directional control and braking function, which could cause an accident.

NOTICE
If you leave the ignition switch to the ACC or ON position for a long time, the battery may discharge.

WARNING
Key holder
Do not attach small purses, multiple keys, or any other heavy accessories to the driver’s key chain used to start the vehicle. This may cause the driver to accidentally make the key inserted in the vehicle to change the ignition position to the ACC position while the vehicle is moving thereby increasing the risk of an accident and causing the deactivation of several safety features.

WARNING
Leaving the vehicle
To avoid unexpected or sudden vehicle movement, never leave your vehicle if the gear is not locked in the P (Park) position and the parking brake is fully engaged. Before leaving the driver’s seat, always make sure the gear is shifted to P (Park) position, set the parking brake fully and shut the engine off.

Starting the engine

  1. Make sure the parking brake is applied.
  2. Make sure the gear is shifted to P (Park) position. Depress the brake pedal fully.
  3. Turn the ignition switch to START and hold it there until the engine starts (a maximum of 10 seconds), then release the key.
    It should be started without depressing the accelerator pedal.
  4. Do not wait for the engine to warm up while the vehicle remains stationary. Start driving at moderate engine speeds. (Steep accelerating and decelerating should be avoided.)

WARNING
Steering wheel
Never reach for any controls through the steering wheel while the vehicle is in motion. The presence of your hand or arm in this area could cause a loss of vehicle control.

If the engine stalls while you are in motion, do not attempt to move the shifter dial to the P (Park) position. If traffic and road conditions permit, you may put the shifter dial in the N (Neutral) position while the vehicle is still moving and turn the ignition switch to the START position in an attempt to restart the engine.

CAUTION
Starter
Do not engage the starter for more than 10 seconds. If the engine stalls or fails to start, wait 5 to 10 seconds before reengaging the starter. Improper use of the starter may damage it.

ENGINE START/STOP button (if equipped)

Illuminated ENGINE START/STOP button

be the sure3

The light will go off after about 30 seconds when the door is closed. It will also go off immediately when the theft-alarm system is armed.
ENGINE START/STOP button position
Your vehicle is equipped with four different ignition positions.
OFF
To turn off the engine (START/RUN position) or vehicle power (ON position), press the ENGINE START/STOP button with the gear in the P (Park) position. When you press the ENGINE START/STOP button without the gear in the P (Park) position, the ENGINE START/STOP button will not change to the OFF position but to the ACC position.

ACC (Accessory)

be the sure4

Press the ENGINE START/STOP button while it is in the OFF position without depressing the brake pedal.
The electrical accessories are operational.
If the ENGINE START/STOP button is in the ACC position for more than 1 hour, the button is turned off automatically to prevent battery discharge.
ON
Press the ENGINE START/STOP button while it is in the ACC position without depressing the brake pedal.
The warning lights can be checked before the engine is started. Do not leave the ENGINE START/STOP button in the ON position for a long time. The battery may discharge, because the engine is not running.

NOTICE
If you leave the ENGINE START/STOP button in the ACC or ON position for a long time, the battery will discharge.

START/RUN
To start the engine, depress the brake pedal and press the ENGINE START/STOP button with the gear in the P
(Park) or the N (Neutral) position. For your safety, start the engine with the gear in the P (Park) position.

NOTICE
If you press the ENGINE START/STOP button without pressing the brake pedal, the engine will not start and the ENGINE START/STOP button changes as follow:
OFF → ACC → ON → OFF or ACC

WARNING

  • Never press the ENGINE START/STOP  button while the vehicle is in motion. This would result in loss of directional control and braking function, which could cause an accident.
  • Before leaving the driver’s seat, always make sure the gear is shifted to P (Park) position, set the parking brake fully and shut the engine off. Unexpected and sudden vehicle movement may occur if these precautions are not taken.
    Never reach for controls through the steering wheel while the vehicle is in motion. The presence of your hand or arm in the area could cause loss of vehicle control, an accident and serious bodily injury or death.
  • Do not place any movable objects around the driver’s seat as they may move while driving, interfere with the driver and lead to an accident.

Starting the engine

WARNING

  • Do not start the vehicle with the accelerator pedal engaged. The vehicle can move and lead to an accident.
  • Wait until the engine rpm is normal.
    The vehicle may suddenly move if the brake pedal is released when the rpm is high.

Starting the engine with the smart key
At the time that the vehicle doors are opened or when the ENGINE START/STOP button is pressed the vehicle will check for the smart key.
If the smart key is not in the vehicle, the ” ” indicator and the message “Key is not in the vehicle” will appear on the instrument cluster and LCD window. And if all doors are closed, the chime will sound for 5 seconds. The indicator or warning will turn off while the vehicle is moving. Always have the smart key with you.

WARNING
The engine will start, only when the smart key is in the vehicle. Never allow children or any person who is unfamiliar with the vehicle touch the ENGINE START/STOP button or related parts. Pushing the ENGINE START/STOP button while the smart key is in the vehicle may result in unintended engine activation and/or unintended vehicle movement.

CAUTION
If the engine stalls while the vehicle is in motion, do not attempt to move the gear to the P (Park) position. If the traffic and road conditions permit, you may put the gear in the N (Neutral) position while the vehicle is still moving and press the ENGINE START/STOP button in an attempt to restart the engine.

NOTICE

  • If the battery is weak or the smart key does not work correctly, you can start the engine by pressing the ENGINE START/STOP button with the smart key.
    When you press the ENGINE START/STOP button directly with the smart key, the smart key should contact the button at a right angle.
  • When the stop lamp fuse is blown, you cannot start the engine normally.
    Replace the fuse with a new one. If it is not possible, you can start the engine by pressing the ENGINE START/STOP button for 10 seconds while it is in the ACC position. The engine can start without pressing the brake pedal. But for your safety always press the brake pedal before starting the engine.

CAUTION

be the sure5

  • Do not press the ENGINE START/STOP button for more than 10 seconds except when the stop lamp fuse is blown.

Starting the engine

  1. Carry the smart key or leave it inside the vehicle.
  2.  Make sure the parking brake is firmly applied.
  3. Make sure the gear is shifted to P (Park) position. Depress the brake pedal fully.
  4. Press the ENGINE START/STOP button.
    It should be started without depressing the accelerator pedal.
  5. Do not wait for the engine to warm up while the vehicle remains stationary. Start driving at moderate engine speeds. (Steep accelerating and decelerating should be avoided.)

Starting the gasoline engine Operation

  1. Make sure the parking brake is applied.
  2. Make sure the gear is in P (Park).
  3. Fully depress the brake pedal.
  4. Turn the key to the START position or press the ENGINE START/STOP button.

FAQ

Q: What is the exhaust system in a car?

A: The exhaust system is a series of components that manage the flow of exhaust gases from the engine to the outside environment while reducing harmful emissions.

Q: Is the 2023 Kia Sportage PHEV equipped with an exhaust system?

A: Yes, the 2023 Sportage PHEV is equipped with an exhaust system, though it may differ from traditional gasoline-powered vehicles due to its hybrid nature.

Q: Does the exhaust system in a hybrid vehicle like the Sportage PHEV work differently than in a traditional car?

A: Yes, the exhaust system in a hybrid vehicle may work differently because hybrid cars can run on electric power alone, which affects the exhaust emissions.

Q: Is there a catalytic converter in the exhaust system of the 2023 Sportage PHEV?

A: Most modern vehicles, including hybrids like the Sportage PHEV, have catalytic converters to reduce emissions by converting harmful gases into less harmful ones.

Q: How often does the exhaust system in the Sportage PHEV require maintenance?

A: The exhaust system typically requires minimal maintenance, but it should be inspected as part of routine vehicle maintenance to ensure it’s functioning correctly.

Q: What should I check before driving the 2023 Kia Sportage PHEV?

A: Before driving, it’s important to check various aspects of the vehicle, including tire pressure, fluid levels, and lights.

Q: How do I check the tire pressure in the Sportage PHEV?

A: You can check tire pressure using a tire pressure gauge, and the recommended pressure levels are usually listed in the owner’s manual or on a sticker inside the driver’s door frame.

Q: Should I inspect the brakes before driving?

A: Yes, it’s essential to ensure that the brakes are in good condition before driving. Check for any unusual noises, brake fluid levels, and the condition of brake pads or shoes.

Q: What fluid levels should I check before driving?

A: Before driving, check engine oil, transmission fluid, coolant, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid levels to ensure they are within the recommended range.

Q: Are there any lights or indicators I should check before driving?

A: Yes, check all exterior lights, including headlights, taillights, turn signals, and brake lights, to ensure they are functioning correctly. Also, check the dashboard for any warning lights.

Q: How can I make sure my mirrors and windows are clean and adjusted properly before driving?

A: Clean the mirrors and windows to ensure clear visibility and adjust them to your desired position to eliminate blind spots.

Q: Should I check the horn before driving?

A: Yes, it’s a good practice to check the horn to make sure it’s functioning correctly, as it is a safety feature to alert other drivers in certain situations.

Q: Are there any safety features I should verify before driving?

A: Verify that safety features such as seat belts, airbags, and child safety restraints are functioning correctly and properly secured.

Q: Is there anything specific I should check if I haven’t driven the Sportage PHEV for an extended period?

A: If the vehicle has been sitting for an extended period, check the battery charge level, tire condition, and fluid levels before driving.

Q: Where can I find a pre-driving checklist for the 2023 Kia Sportage PHEV?

A: The pre-driving checklist is typically provided in the owner’s manual of the vehicle, and it’s a useful reference to ensure your car is ready for the road.

Useful Link

View Full User Guide: Kia Sportage PHEV 2023 User Guide
Download Manuals: https://owners.kia.com/content/owners/en/manuals.html
2023 KIA SPORTAGE Specs, Price, Features and Mileage (Brochure)

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