Kia Sportage PHEV 2023 Coolant and Hybrid Starter & Generator (HSG) Belt

The engine coolant and hybrid starter generator belt are two important parts of the 2023 Kia Sportage PHEV’s cutting-edge hybrid motor that make sure it runs smoothly. Kia has worked hard to make this electric SUV the best example of automotive innovation. They are dedicated to speed, efficiency, and sustainability. The Sportage PHEV’s hybrid-specific engine coolant is what keeps the hybrid system running, but it needs to be carefully watched to make sure it stays at the right amounts and keeps working at its best. In the meantime, the hybrid starter generator belt is an important part of the hybrid drivetrain. It drives the vehicle’s electric motor generator, which affects how well the engine starts and how much electricity is made. This detailed guide covers all the important parts of the 2023 Kia Sportage PHEV’s engine coolant and hybrid starter generator belt. It answers important questions and gives you useful information to make sure your car runs smoothly and efficiently as it makes its environmentally friendly way into the future of mobility.

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

Coolant

The high-pressure cooling system has a reservoir filled with year-round anti-freeze coolant. The reservoir is filled at the factory. Check the antifreeze protection and coolant level at least once a year, at the beginning of the winter season, and before travelling to a colder climate.

Checking the engine coolant level

When adding coolant, use only deionized water, distilled water or soft water for your vehicle and never mix hard water in the coolant filled at the factory.

• An incorrect coolant mixture can result in severe malfunction or engine/hybrid system damage.
•  The engine in your vehicle has aluminium engine parts and must be protected by a phosphate-based ethylene glycol coolant to prevent corrosion and freezing.
• Do not use alcohol or methanol coolant or mix them with the specified coolant.
•  Do not use a solution that contains more than 60% antifreeze or less than 35% antifreeze, which would reduce the effectiveness of the solution.

WARNING
Make sure the engine coolant reservoir cap is properly closed after refill or coolant. Otherwise, the engine could be over-heated while driving.

1. Check if the engine coolant reservoir cap label is straight In front.
   
2. Make sure that the tiny protrusions inside the engine coolant reservoir cap are securely interlocked.
   

WARNING
Removing engine coolant reservoir cap
Never attempt to remove the engine coolant reservoir cap while the engine is operating or hot. Doing so might lead to cooling system damage and could result in serious personal injury from escaping hot coolant or steam.

WARNING
Turn the vehicle off and wait until the engine cools down. Use extreme care when removing the engine coolant cap. Wrap a thick towel around it, and turn it slowly to the first stop. Step back while the pressure is released from the cooling system. When you are sure all the pressure has been released, press down on the cap, using a thick towel, and continue turning to remove it.

NOTICE
The engine coolant level is influenced by the hybrid system temperature. Before checking or refilling the engine coolant, turn the hybrid vehicle off.

NOTICE
For mixture percentage, refer to the following table.

Ambient Temperature	Mixture Percentage (volume)
	Antifreeze	Water
5°F (-15 °C)	35	65
-13°F (-25 °C)	40	60
-31°F (-35 °C)	50	50
-49°F (-45 °C)	60	40

NOTICE
To prevent damage to engine parts, put a thick towel around the engine coolant cap and/or inverter coolant cap before refilling the coolant to prevent the cool-ant from overflowing into engine parts, such as the alternator.

Changing the coolant
We recommend that the coolant be replaced by an authorized Kia dealer according to the Maintenance Schedule at the beginning of this chapter.

WARNING
Cooling fan
Use caution when working near the blade of the cooling fan. The electric motor (cooling fan) is controlled by coolant temperature, refrigerant pressure and vehicle speed. It may sometimes operate even when the vehicle is not running.

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

Checking the inverter coolant level (HEV)

If frequent additions are required, we recommend that the system be inspected by an authorized Kia dealer. The inverter coolant level should be in between MAX and MIN when the engine is cooled down.

WARNING
Adding other cooling substances or water might lead to inverter cooling system degradation or even failure.

•  Turn the vehicle off and wait until it cools down.
•  Use extreme care when removing the inverter coolant reservoir cap. Wrap a thick towel around it, and turn it slowly to the first stop.
•  Step back while the pressure is released from the cooling system.
•  When you are sure all the pressure has been released, press down on the cap, using a thick towel, and continue turning to remove it.
•  Check the condition and connections of all cooling system hoses and heater hoses.
•  Replace any swollen or deteriorated hoses.
• Check the coolant level. The coolant level should be filled between MAX and MIN marks on the side of the coolant reservoir when the engine room is cool.
•  If the coolant level is low, add enough specified coolant to provide protection against freezing and corrosion. Bring the level to MAX, but do not overfill.

WARNING
Make sure the inverter coolant reservoir cap is properly closed after refill or coolant. Otherwise, the inverter could be overheated while driving.

1. Check if the inverter coolant reservoir
   
2.  Make sure that the tiny protrusions inside the inverter coolant reservoir cap are securely interlocked.

WARNING
Removing the inverter coolant reservoir cap
Never remove the inverter coolant reservoir cap while the engine and radiator are hot. Hot coolant and steam may blow out under pressure, causing serious injury.

Changing the coolant
We recommend that the coolant be replaced by an authorized Kia dealer according to the Maintenance Schedule at the beginning of this chapter.

WARNING
Cooling fan
Use caution when working near the blade of the cooling fan. The electric motor (cooling fan) is controlled by coolant temperature, refrigerant pressure and vehicle speed. It may sometimes operate even when the vehicle is not running.

Checking the inverter coolant level (PHEV)

If frequent additions are required, we recommend that the system be inspected by an authorized Kia dealer. The inverter coolant level should be in between MAX and MIN when the engine is cooled down.

WARNING
Adding other cooling substances or water might lead to inverter cooling system degradation or even failure.

WARNING
Removing the inverter coolant reservoir cap
Never remove the inverter coolant reservoir cap while the engine and radiator are hot. Hot coolant and steam may blow out under pressure, causing serious injury.

Changing the coolant
We recommend that the coolant be replaced by an authorized Kia dealer according to the Maintenance Schedule at the beginning of this chapter.

WARNING
Cooling fan
Use caution when working near the blade of the cooling fan. The electric motor (cooling fan) is controlled by coolant temperature, refrigerant pressure and vehicle speed. It may sometimes operate even when the vehicle is not running.

Hybrid starter & generator (HSG) belt

Checking the Hybrid Starter & Generator (HSG) belt

We recommend that you have the Hybrid Starter & Generator (HSG) belt inspected or replaced according to the Maintenance Schedule in this chapter by an authorized Kia dealer.

CAUTION
When the HSG belt is worn out or damaged, replace the belt. Otherwise, it may cause engine overheating or battery discharge.

WARNING

• Turn the vehicle off while you inspect the engine or Hybrid Starter and generator (HSG) belt. Otherwise, it may result in serious injury.
• Keep hands, clothing etc. away from the Hybrid Starter & Generator (HSG) belt

FAQ