Kia Sportage: Manual transaxle
Manual transaxle operation The manual transaxle has five forward gears. Press the clutch pedal down fully while shifting, then release it slowly. A special safety feature prevents inadvertent shifting from 5 (Fifth) to R (Reverse). The gearshift lever must be returned to the neutral position before shifting into R (Reverse). Make sure the vehicle is completely stopped before shifting into R (Reverse). Never operate the engine with the tachometer (rpm) in the red zone.
NOTICE To avoid premature clutch wear and damage, do not drive with your foot resting on the clutch pedal. Also, don’t use the clutch to hold the vehicle stopped on an upgrade, while waiting for a traffic light, etc.
WARNING - Manual transaxle Before leaving the driver’s seat, always set the parking brake fully and shut the engine off. Then make sure the transaxle is shifted into 1st gear when the vehicle is parked on a level or uphill grade, and shifted into R (Reverse) on a downhill grade. Unexpected and sudden vehicle movement can occur if these precautions are not followed in the order identified.
Downshifting When you must slow down in heavy traffic or while driving up steep hills, downshift before the engine starts to labor. Downshifting reduces the chance of stalling and gives better acceleration when you again need to increase your speed. When the vehicle is traveling down steep hills, downshifting helps maintain safe speed and prolongs brake life.
Starting the engine
CAUTION Always wear appropriate shoes when operating your vehicle. Unsuitable
shoes (high heels, ski boots,etc.) may interfere with your ability to use the brake
and accelerator pedal, and the clu ...
Automatic transaxle
Automatic transaxle operation All normal forward driving is done with the shift
lever in the D (Drive) position. To move the shift lever from the P (Park) position,
the brake pedal must be dep ...
See also:
Maintenance Safety
All service items not detailed in this
section should be performed by a
certified technician or other qualified
mechanic. ...
If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P
If the shift lever cannot be shifted with your foot on the brake, there
may be a problem with the shift lock system (a system to prevent
accidental operation of the shift lever). Have the vehicle in ...
Guarding against exhaust fumes
WARNING: If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have
your dealer inspect your vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you
smell exhaust fumes.
Carbon monoxide is present in exhaust fumes. Ta ...