Kia Optima: Warnings and indicators

All warning lights are checked by turning the ignition switch ON (do not start the engine). Any light that does not illuminate should be checked by an authorized Kia dealer.

After starting the engine, check to make sure that all warning lights are off. If any warning lights are still on, this indicates a situation that needs attention. When releasing the parking brake, the brake system warning light should go off. The fuel warning light will stay on if the fuel level is low.

Air bag warning light

This warning light will illuminate for approximately 6 seconds each time you turn the ignition switch to the ON position.

This light also comes on when the Supplement Restraint System (SRS) is not working properly. If the air bag warning light does not come on, or continuously remains on after operating for about 6 seconds when you turned the ignition switch to the ON position or started the engine, or if it comes on while driving, have the SRS inspected by an authorized Kia dealer.

Anti-lock brake system (ABS) warning light (if equipped)

This warning light illuminates if the ignition switch is turned ON and goes off in approximately 3 seconds if the system is operating normally.

If the ABS warning light remains on, comes on while driving, or does not come on when the ignition switch is turned to the ON position, this indicates that the ABS may have malfunctioned. If this occurs, have your vehicle checked by an authorized Kia dealer as soon as possible. The normal braking system will still be operational, but without the assistance of the anti-lock brake system.

Electronic brake force distribution (EBD) system warning light

If these two warning lights illuminate at the same time while driving, your vehicle’s ABS and EBD system may have malfunctioned.

In this case, your ABS and regular brake system may not work normally. Have the vehicle checked by an authorized Kia dealer as soon as possible.

WARNING

If both ABS and Brake warning lights are on and stay on, your vehicle’s brake system will not work normally during sudden braking. In this case, avoid high speed driving and abrupt braking. Have your vehicle checked by an authorized Kia dealer as soon as possible.

✽ NOTICE

If the ABS warning light or EBD warning light is on and stays on, the speedometer or odometer/tripmeter may not work. In this case, have your vehicle checked by an authorized Kia dealer as soon as possible.

Seat belt warning

As a reminder to the driver, the seat belt warning light will blink for approximately 6 seconds each time you turn the ignition switch ON, regardless of belt fastening. If the driver's seat belt is not fastened when the ignition switch is turned on, the seat belt warning light and the seat belt warning chime will operate for approximately 6 seconds. But if it is refastened within the 6 seconds, the warning light will blink till the 6 seconds and the warning chime will turn off immediately.

If the driver's seat belt is disconnected after the ignition switch is turned to the ON position, the seat belt warning light will blink for approximately 6 seconds. But if it is fastened within the 6 seconds the warning light will turn off immediately. If the driver's seat belt is not fastened when the vehicle speed exceeds 10 km/h (6 mph), the seat belt warning light and chime will operate approximately 11 times with a pattern of 6 seconds on and 24 seconds off until the belt is fastened or the vehicle speed decreases below 5 km/h (3 mph).

Turn signal indicator

The blinking green arrows on the instrument panel show the direction indicated by the turn signals. If the arrow comes on but does not blink, blinks more rapidly than normal, or does not illuminate at all, it indicates a malfunction in the turn signal system.You should consult your dealer for repairs.

This indicator also blinks when the hazard warning switch is turned on.

High beam indicator

This indicator illuminates when the headlights are on and in the high beam position or when the turn signal lever is pulled into the Flash-to-Pass position.

Engine oil pressure warning light

This warning light indicates the engine oil pressure is low.

If the warning light illuminates while driving:

1. Drive safely to the side of the road and stop.

2. With the engine off, check the engine oil level. If the level is low, add oil as required.

If the warning light remains on after adding oil or if oil is not available, call an authorized Kia dealer.

CAUTION

If the engine is not stopped immediately after the engine oil pressure warning light is illuminated, severe damage could result.

CAUTION

If the oil pressure warning light stays on while the engine is running, serious engine damage may result. The oil pressure warning light comes on whenever there is insufficient oil pressure. In normal operation, it should come on when the ignition switch is turned on, then go out when the engine is started. If the oil pressure warning light stays on while the engine is running, there is a serious malfunction.

If this happens, stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so, turn off the engine and check the oil level. If the oil level is low, fill the engine oil to the proper level and start the engine again. If the light stays on with the engine running, turn the engine off immediately. In any instance where the oil light stays on when the engine is running, the engine should be checked by an authorized Kia dealer before the car is driven again.

Parking brake & brake fluid warning light

Parking brake warning

This warning light illuminates for 3 seconds after the ignition switch is turned to the ON position and then it will go out. Also, this light illuminates when the parking brake is applied with the ignition switch in the START or ON position. The warning light should go out when the parking brake is released

Low brake fluid level warning

If the warning light remains on, it may indicate that the brake fluid level in the reservoir is low.

If the warning light remains on:

1. Drive carefully to the nearest safe location and stop your vehicle.
2. With the engine stopped, check the brake fluid level immediately and add fluid as required. Then check all brake components for fluid leaks.
3. Do not drive the vehicle if leaks are found, the warning light remains on or the brakes do not operate properly. Have the vehicle towed to any authorized Kia dealer for a brake system inspection and necessary repairs.

Your vehicle is equipped with dual-diagonal 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, more than normal pedal travel and greater pedal pressure are required to stop the vehicle. Also, the vehicle will not stop in as short a distance with only a portion of the brake system working. If the brakes fail while you are driving, shift to a lower gear for additional engine braking and stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.

To check bulb operation, check whether the parking brake and brake fluid warning light illuminates when the ignition switch is in the ON position.

WARNING

Driving the vehicle with a warning light on is dangerous. If the brake warning light remains on, have the brakes checked and repaired immediately by an authorized Kia dealer.

Front fog light indicator

This indicator comes on when the front fog lights are ON.

Shift pattern indicator

The indicator displays which automatic transaxle shift position is selected.

Charging system warning light

This warning light indicates a malfunction of either the generator or electrical charging system.

If the warning light illuminates while the vehicle is in motion:

1. Drive to the nearest safe location.
2. With the engine off, check the generator drive belt for looseness or breakage.
3. If the belt is adjusted properly, a problem exists somewhere in the electrical charging system. Have an authorized Kia dealer correct the problem as soon as possible.

Trunk lid open warning light

This warning light illuminates when the trunk lid is not closed securely with the ignition switch in any position.

Door ajar warning light

This warning light illuminates when a door is not closed securely with the ignition switch in any position.

Tail light indicator*

This indicator illuminates when the tail lights are on.

Immobilizer indicator

Without smart key system

This light illuminates when the immobilizer key is inserted and turned to the ON position to start the engine.

At this time, you can start the engine.The light goes out after the engine is running. If this light blinks when the ignition switch is in the ON position before starting the engine, have the system checked by an authorized Kia dealer.

With smart key system

If any of the following occurs in a vehicle equipped with the smart key, the immobilizer indicator illuminates, blinks or the light goes off.

• When the smart key is in the vehicle, if the engine start/stop button is turned to the ON position, the indicator will illuminate until the engine is started. However, when the smart key is not in the vehicle, if the engine start/stop button is depressed, the indicator will blink for a few minutes to indicate that you will not be able to start the engine.
• When the ignition switch is turned to the ON position and the indicator turns off after 2 seconds, the system may need repair. Have the vehicle checked by an authorized Kia dealer.
• When the battery is weak, if the engine start/stop button is depressed, the indicator will blink and you will not be able to start the engine. However, you may still be able to start the engine by inserting the smart key in the smart key holder. If smart key system related parts need repair, the indicator blinks.

Low fuel level warning light

This warning light indicates the fuel tank is nearly empty. When it comes on, you should add fuel as soon as possible. Driving with the 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).

Malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) (check engine light)

This indicator is part of the Engine Control System which monitors various emission control system components. If this indicator illuminates while driving, it indicates that a potential malfunction has been detected somewhere in the emission control system.

This indicator will also illuminates when the ignition switch is turned to the ON position, and will go off in a few seconds after the engine is started. If it illuminates while driving, or does not illuminate when the ignition switch is turned to the ON position, take your vehicle to the nearest authorized Kia dealer and have the system checked.

Generally, your vehicle will continue to be drivable, but have the system checked by an authorized Kia dealer promptly.

CAUTION

• Prolonged driving with the Emission Control System Malfunction Indicator Light illuminated may cause damage to the emission control systems which could effect drivability and/or fuel economy.
• If the Emission Control System Malfunction Indicator Light illuminates, potential catalytic converter damage. This could result in loss of engine power. Have the Engine Control System inspected as soon as possible by an authorized Kia dealer.

ESC indicator (Electronic Stability Control)

The ESC indicator will illuminate when the ignition switch is turned ON, but should go off after approximately 3 seconds. When the ESC is on, it monitors the driving conditions. Under normal driving conditions, the ESC indicator will remain off. When a slippery or low traction condition is encountered, the ESC will operate, and the ESC indicator will blink to indicate the ESC is operating.

ESC OFF indicator

The ESC OFF indicator will illuminate when the ignition switch is turned ON, but should go off after approximately 3 seconds. To switch to ESC OFF mode, press the ESC OFF button. The ESC OFF indicator will illuminate indicating the ESC is deactivated. If this indicator stays on when ESC OFF is not selected, the ESC may have malfunctioned. Take your vehicle to an authorized Kia dealer and have the system checked.

Cruise indicator

CRUISE indicator

The indicator illuminates when the cruise control system is enabled.

The cruise indicator in the instrument cluster is illuminated when the cruise control ON/OFF button on the steering wheel is pushed.

The indicator goes off when the cruise control ON/OFF button is pushed again. For more Information, refer to “Cruise control system” in section 5.

Cruise SET indicator

The indicator illuminates when the cruise function switch (SET- or RES+) is ON. The cruise SET indicator in the instrument cluster illuminates when the cruise control switch (SET- or RES+) is pushed. The cruise SET indicator does not illuminate when the cruise control switch (CANCEL) is pushed or the system is disengaged.

Key reminder warning chime

Without smart key

If the driver’s door is opened while the ignition key is left in the ignition switch (ACC or LOCK position), the key reminder warning chime will sound. This helps prevent you from locking your keys in the vehicle. The chime sounds until the key is removed from the ignition switch or the driver’s door is closed.

With smart key

If the driver’s door is opened while the smart key is in the vehicle with the engine start/stop button in ACC or the smart key is in the smart key holder with the engine start/stop button in OFF, the key reminder warning chime will sound. The chime sounds until the smart key is removed from the smart key holder or the driver’s door is closed.

Electric power steering (EPS) system warning light (if equipped)

This warning light illuminates after the ignition key is turned to the ON position and then it will go off when the engine starts.

This light also comes on when the EPS has malfunctioned. If it comes on while driving, have your vehicle inspected by an authorized Kia dealer.

Active ECO system

When the active ECO is operating, the ECO indicator is green.

For more detailed information, refer to “Active ECO” in chapter 5.

LCD display warning (if equipped)

Key is not in vehicle

If the smart key is not in the vehicle and if any door is opened or closed with the ENGINE START/STOP button in the ACC, ON, or START position, the warning illuminates on the LCD display. Also, the chime sounds for 5 seconds when the smart key is not in the vehicle and the door is closed.

Always have the smart key with you.

Key is not detected

If the smart key is not in the vehicle or is not detected and you press the ENGINE START/STOP button, the warning illuminates on the LCD display for 10 seconds. Also, the immobilizer indicator and the key holder light blinks for 10 seconds.

Low key battery

If the ENGINE START/STOP button is pressed to the OFF position when the smart key in the vehicle discharges, the warning illuminates on the LCD display for about 10 seconds.

Replace the battery with a new one.

Press brake pedal to start engine

If the ENGINE START/STOP button is pressed to the ACC position twice by pressing the button repeatedly without depressing the brake pedal, the warning illuminates on the LCD display for about 10 seconds to indicate that you should depress the brake pedal to start the engine.

Shift to "P" position

If you try to turn off the engine without the shift lever in the P (Park) position, the ENGINE START/STOP button will change to the ACC position. If the button is pressed once more it will change to the ON position. The warning illuminates on the LCD display for about 10 seconds to indicate that you should press the ENGINE START/ STOP button with the shift lever in the P (Park) position to turn off the engine.

Remove key

When you turn off the engine with the smart key in the smart key holder, the warning illuminates on the LCD display for about 10 seconds. Also, the smart key holder light blinks for about 10 seconds. To remove the smart key push the smart key once and pull it out from the smart key holder.

Insert key

If you press the ENGINE START/STOP button while "Key is not detected" illuminates on the LCD display, the warning “Insert key” illuminates for about 10 seconds. Also, the immobilizer indicator and the key holder light blinks for about 10 seconds.

Press start button again

If you can not operate the ENGINE START/STOP button when there is a problem with the ENGINE START/STOP button system, the warning illuminates for 10 seconds and the chime sounds continuously to indicate that you could start the engine by pressing the ENGINE START/STOP button once more.

The chime will stop if the ENGINE START/STOP button system works normally.

If the warning illuminates each time you press the ENGINE START/STOP button, take your vehicle to an authorized Kia dealer and have the system checked.

Shift to "P" or "N" to start engine

If you try to start the engine with the shift lever not in the P(Park) or N(Neutral) position, the warning illuminates for about 10 seconds on the LCD display. You can also start the engine with the shift lever in the N(Neutral) position, but for your safety start the engine with the shift lever in the P(Park) position.

Press clutch pedal to start engine

If the ENGINE START/STOP button is pressed without Depressing the clutch pedal the warning illuminates on the LCD display for about 10 seconds to indicate that you should depress The clutch pedal to start the engine.

Check stop lamp fuse

When the stop lamp fuse is disconnected, the warning illuminates for 10 seconds on the LCD display.

Replace the fuse with a new one.

If that is not possible you can start the engine by pressing the ENGINE START/STOP button for 10 seconds with the ENGINE START/STOP button in ACC.

Align steering wheel

If you start the engine when the steering wheel is turned 90 degrees to the left after a couple of seconds, “Align steering wheel” illuminates on the LCD display for 5 seconds.

Turn the steering wheel to the right and make it turned to the left less than 30 degrees.

Align steering wheel

If you start the engine when the steering wheel is turned 90 degrees to the right after a couple of seconds, “Align steering wheel” illuminates on the LCD display for 5 seconds.

Turn the steering wheel to the left and make it turned to the right less than 30 degrees.

Align steering wheel

If the steering wheel is aligned within 5 seconds after “Align steering wheel” is displayed, the indicator will appear like the above picture.

Door open

This indicator displays which door is opened.

Trunk open

This indicator displays when the trunk is not closed securely.

Illumination

The illumination intensity of the instrument panel is shown when adjusting it with the illumination control switch.

Parking assist warning

Displays the area an obstacle is detected while moving rearward.

Low washer liquid

This warning light illuminates for 12 seconds when the washer fluid reservoir is nearly empty. To turn off the warning light immediately, press the RESET button for more than 1 second. Refill the washer fluid as soon as possible.