Get Driving Your Vehicle -> Intelligent Variable Transmission Guide for Hyundai Kona SUV Second Generation (2023-2026)

Intelligent Variable Transmission

The Intelligent variable transmission has no actual fixed gears. The varying gear ratios are

selected automatically, depending on the position of the shift lever, vehicle's speed and

position of the accelerator pedal.

WARNING

To reduce the risk of serious injury or death:

• ALWAYS check the surrounding areas near your vehicle for people, especially children,

before shifting a vehicle into D (Drive) or R (Reverse).

• Before leaving the driver's seat, always make sure the vehicle is shifted to the P

(Park) position, then apply the parking brake, then press the Engine Start/Stop button

to the OFF position. Unexpected and sudden vehicle movement can occur if these

precautions are not followed.

• Do not use engine braking (shifting from a high gear to lower gear) rapidly on slippery

roads. The vehicle may slip causing an accident.

Intelligent Variable Transmission (Shift lever type)

1C_ShiftLeverOverview

•

: Depress the brake pedal, press the shift button ahead of the shift lever, and then

move shift lever.

•

: Press the shift button, then move shift lever.

: Move shift lever.

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Intelligent Variable Transmission (Shift lever type) operation

The indicator in the cluster displays the shift lever position when the Engine Start/Stop

button is in the ON position.

P (Park)

Always come to a complete stop before shifting into P (Park).

The shift lever must be in P (Park) before turning the engine off.

WARNING

• Shifting into P (Park) while the vehicle is in motion may cause you to lose control of the

vehicle.

• After the vehicle has stopped, always make sure the shift lever is in P (Park), apply the

parking brake, and turn the engine off.

• Do not use the P (Park) position in place of the parking brake.

Information

The engine RPM may increase or decrease when performing the IVT self-diagnosis.

R (Reverse)

Use this position to drive the vehicle backward.

NOTICE

Always come to a complete stop before shifting into or out of R (Reverse). You may

damage the transmission if you shift into R (Reverse) while the vehicle is in motion.

N (Neutral)

The wheels and transmission are not engaged.

Use N (Neutral) if you need to restart a stalled engine, or if it is necessary to stop with the

engine running. Shift into P (Park) if you need to leave your vehicle for any reason.

Always depress the brake pedal when you are shifting from N (Neutral) to another gear.

WARNING

Do not shift into gear unless your foot is firmly on the brake pedal. Shifting into gear when

the engine is running at high speed can cause the vehicle to move very rapidly. You could

lose control of the vehicle and hit people or objects.

D (Drive)

This is the normal forward driving position. The transmission automatically shifts to the

optimal gear ratio, providing better fuel efficiency and a smoother ride.

For extra power when passing another vehicle or driving uphill, depress the accelerator

further until you feel the transmission downshift to a lower gear.

The DRIVE MODE switch, located on the shift lever console or center fascia, allows the

driver to switch from NORMAL mode to SPORT mode.

For more information, refer to the "Drive mode integrated control system (2WD)" section

later in this chapter.

320 Driving Your Vehicle

Manual shift mode

2C_ShiftLeverManualShiftMode

[A] Push the lever forwards once to shift up one gear.

[B] Pull the lever backwards once to shift down one gear.

Whether the vehicle is stationary or in motion, manual shift mode is selected by pulling

the shift lever from the D (Drive) position into the manual gate. To return to D (Drive)

range operation, push the shift lever back into the main gate.

In Manual shift mode, moving the shift lever backwards and forwards allow you to select

the desired range of gears for the current driving conditions.

Information

• Only the eight forward gears can be selected in Manual shift mode. To reverse or park

the vehicle, move the shift lever to the R (Reverse) or P (Park) position as required.

• Downshifts are made automatically when the vehicle slows down. When the vehicle

stops, 1st gear is automatically selected.

• When the engine RPM approaches the red zone the transmission upshifts automatically.

Shift-lock system

For your safety, the intelligent variable transmission has a shift-lock system which

prevents shifting the transmission from P (Park) into R (Reverse) unless the brake pedal is

depressed.

To shift the transmission from P (Park) into R (Reverse):

1

Depress and hold the brake pedal.

2 Start the engine or press the Engine Start/Stop button to the ON position.

3 Move the shift lever.

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Intelligent Variable Transmission (Rotary gear shift dial type)

2C_ShiftButtonOverview

[A] Rotary gear shift dial

[B] P button

Intelligent Variable Transmission (Rotary gear shift dial type) operation

The indicator in the cluster displays the rotary gear shift dial position when the Engine

Start/Stop button is in the ON position.

P (Park)

2C_PressPButton

Always come to a complete stop before shifting into P (Park).

To shift the gear to P (Park), press the P button while depressing the brake pedal.

If you turn the engine off in R (Reverse), N (Neutral) or D (Drive), the gear automatically

shifts to P (Park).

WARNING

• Shifting into P (Park) while the vehicle is in motion may cause you to lose control of the

vehicle.

• After the vehicle has stopped, always make sure the vehicle is in P (Park), apply the

parking brake, and turn the engine off.

• When parking on an incline, shift the gear to P (Park) and apply the parking brake to

prevent the vehicle from rolling downhill.

322 Driving Your Vehicle

Information

The engine RPM may increase or decrease when performing the IVT self-diagnosis.

Automatic gear shift to P (Park)

The gear is shifted to P (Park) automatically for safety reasons under the following

conditions:

• When the engine is turned off with the gear in R (Reverse), D (Drive) or N (Neutral).

• When the driver's door is open with the engine running, the gear in R (Reverse), D

(Drive) or N (Neutral) and the vehicle at a standstill.

• When the driver's door is open with the gear in N (Neutral) and the vehicle is off.

In situations the gear must be in P (Park), always check if the gear is shifted to P (Park) by

checking the cluster.

R (Reverse)

2C_ShiftButtonRPosition

Use this position to drive the vehicle backward.

To shift the gear R (Reverse), rotate the rotary gear shift dial to R (Reverse) while

depressing the brake pedal.

When the vehicle is stopped in the R (Reverse) position, if you open the driver's door, the

gear automatically shifts to P (Park).

However, if the vehicle is in motion, the gear may not automatically shift to P (Park) to

prevent intelligent variable transmission damage.

NOTICE

Always come to a complete stop before shifting into or out of R (Reverse). You may

damage the transmission if you shift into R (Reverse) while the vehicle is in motion.

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N (Neutral)

2C_ShiftButtonNPosition

The wheels and transmission are not engaged.

To shift the gear to N (Neutral), rotate the rotary gear shift dial to N (Neutral) from R

(Reverse) or D (Drive) while depressing the brake pedal.

Always depress the brake pedal when you are shifting from N (Neutral) to another gear.

If you turn the engine off in N (Neutral), the gear automatically shifts to P (Park).

However, if you need to stay in N (Neutral) with the engine off, refer to the “To stay in N

(Neutral) when vehicle is OFF” section in this chapter.

WARNING

The engine can be started with the gear in N (Neutral), but for you safety, be sure to start

the engine with the gear in P (Park).

To stay in N (Neutral) when vehicle is OFF

2C_ToStayNPositionInfo

324 Driving Your Vehicle

2C_SteeringWheelOkButton

If you want to stay in N (Neutral) after the engine is OFF (in the ACC state), do the

following.

1

Turn off Auto Hold and apply the parking brake when the engine is running.

2 Rotate the shift dial to N (Neutral) while depressing the brake pedal.

3 When you take your foot off the brake pedal, the message “Press and hold the OK

button on the steering wheel to stay in Neutral” appears on the cluster display.

4 Press and hold the OK button [A] on the steering wheel for more than 1 second.

5 When the message “Vehicle will stay in (N). Change gear to cancel.” appears on the

cluster display, turn the vehicle off while depressing the brake pedal.

If you want to turn off the engine, press the P button while the Engine Start/Stop

button is in the ON position.

NOTICE

With the gear in N (Neutral), the Engine Start/Stop button is in the ACC position. In the

ACC position, the doors cannot be locked. The battery may discharge if left in the ACC

position for a long time.

D (Drive)

2C_ShiftButtonDPosition

This is the normal forward driving position. The transmission automatically shifts to the

optimal gear ratio, providing better fuel efficiency and a smoother ride.

For extra power when passing another vehicle or driving uphill, depress the accelerator

further until you feel the transmission downshift to a lower gear.

Driving Your Vehicle 325

To shift the gear D (Drive), rotate the rotary gear shift dial to D (Drive) while depressing

the brake pedal.

When the vehicle is stopped in the D (Drive) position, if you open the driver's door with

the seat belt unfastened, the gear automatically shifts to P (Park).

CAUTION

When you start after stopping on a steep incline, even if the gear is in D (Drive), if you

do not depress the accelerator or brake pedal, the vehicle may roll backwards, which can

cause an accident.

Shift-lock system

For your safety, the intelligent variable transmission has a shift-lock system which

prevents shifting the transmission from P (Park) into R (Reverse) or D (Drive) unless the

brake pedal is depressed.

To shift the transmission from P (Park) into R (Reverse) or D (Drive):

1

Depress and hold the brake pedal.

2 Start the engine or press the Engine Start/Stop button to the ON position.

3 Shift the gear while depressing the brake pedal.

When the battery is discharged

You cannot shift gears, when the battery is discharged.

In emergencies, do the following to shift the gear to N (Neutral) on a level ground.

1

Connect the battery cables from another vehicle or from another battery to the jump-

starting terminals inside the engine compartment.

For more information, refer to the “Jump starting” section in chapter 8.

2 Apply the parking brake with the Engine Start/Stop button in the ON position.

3 Shift the gear to the N (Neutral) position. Refer to the “To stay in N (Neutral) when

vehicle is OFF” in this chapter.

Information

In situations when the gear needs to be shifted from P (Park) to N (Neutral) when the

vehicle off, refer to the “To stay in N (Neutral) when vehicle is OFF” in this chapter.

326 Driving Your Vehicle

Cluster display message

Press brake pedal to change gear

2C_PressureBreakPadalToChangeGearInfo

This message appears when the brake pedal is not depressed while shifting the gear.

Depress the brake pedal and then shift the gear.

Shift to P after stopping

2C_ShiftToPAfterStoppingInfo

This message appears when the gear is shifted to P (Park) while the vehicle is moving.

Stop the vehicle before shifting to P (Park).

Check P button

2C_CheckShiftPButtonInfo

This message appears when there is a problem with the P button.

Have your vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer.

Driving Your Vehicle 327

Shifter system malfunction

2C_ShiftSystemMalfuncitonoInfo

This message appears when the transmission or the shift dial does not properly operate in

the P (Park) position.

Have your vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer.

Check shifter dial

2C_CheckShiftButtonInfo

This message appears when there is a malfunction with the rotary gear shift dial.

Have your vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer.

PARK malfunction. Engage parking brake when parking vehicle.

2C_UnableToChangePInfo

This message appears when there is a problem with the P button.

Have your vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer.

328 Driving Your Vehicle

Transmission Hot! Park with engine on

2C_ShiftOverheatStopVehicleInfo

Repeated sudden acceleration and quick start may overheat the transmission. If the

transmission is overheated, the self-protection mode alarms the driver with an audible

sound warning message.

Move the vehicle to a safe location and shift the gear to P (Park), and stop the vehicle with

the engine on. Wait until the transmission is sufficiently cooled down.

Vehicle Power limited due to high transmission temperature

2C_ShiftOverheatPowerLimittedInfo

If you continue to drive with overheated transmission, the above warning message

appears and self-protection mode restricts the power output of the vehicle.

• Move the vehicle to a safe location and shift the gear to P (Park), and stop the vehicle

with the engine on. Wait until the transmission is sufficiently cooled down.

• If the above message is continuously displayed, contact an authorized HYUNDAI dealer.

Driving Your Vehicle 329

Avoid shifting for a few seconds

2C_ShiftOverheatWaitShiftInfo

Repeated sudden acceleration and quick start may temporarily overheat the transmission.

Wait until the system to cool before operating the rotary gear shift dial.

Trans cooled. Resume driving

2C_ShiftOverheatCanDriveInfo

This message appears when the vehicle is safe to drive.

Paddle shifter (manual shift mode)

2C_PaddleShift

The paddle shifter is available when the gear is in the D (Drive) position.

Pull the + or - paddle shifter once to shift up or down one gear and the system changes

from automatic shift mode to manual shift mode.

To change back to automatic shift mode from manual shift mode, do one of the

followings:

330 Driving Your Vehicle

• Pull and hold the + paddle shifter.

• Shift the gear to D (Drive).

The manual shift mode also changes back to automatic shift mode in one of following

situations:

• When the accelerator pedal is gently depressed for more than 6 seconds while driving.

• When the vehicle speed decreases below 4 mph (7 km/h).

For more information on SPORT mode paddle shifter operation, refer to the "SPORT

mode" section in this chapter.

Information

If the + and - paddle shifters are pulled at the same time, gear shift may not occur.

Parking

Always come to a complete stop and continue to depress the brake pedal. Shift the gear

into the P (Park) position, apply the parking brake, and press the Engine Start/Stop button

to the OFF position. Take the key with you when exiting the vehicle.

WARNING

When you stay in the vehicle with the engine running, be careful not to depress the

accelerator pedal for a long period of time. The engine or exhaust system may overheat

and start a fire.

The exhaust gas and the exhaust system are very hot. Keep away from the exhaust system

components.

Do not stop or park over flammable materials, such as dry grass, paper or leaves. They

may ignite and cause a fire.

Good driving practices

• Never shift the gear from P (Park) or N (Neutral) to any other position with the

accelerator pedal depressed.

• Never shift the gear into P (Park) when the vehicle is in motion.

Make sure the vehicle is completely stopped before you attempt to shift into R

(Reverse) or D (Drive).

• Do not shift the gear to N (Neutral) when driving. Doing so may result in an accident

because of a loss of engine braking and the transmission could be damaged.

• Driving uphill or downhill, always shift to D (Drive) when driving forward or to R

(Reverse) when driving backwards, and check the gear position indicated on the

cluster before driving. If you drive in the opposite direction of the selected gear, the

engine turns off and a serious accident might be occurred due to the degraded brake

performance.

• Do not drive with your foot resting on the brake pedal. Even light, but consistent pedal

pressure can result in the brakes overheating, brake wear and possibly even brake

failure.

• Depressing both accelerator and brake pedals at the same time can trigger logic for

engine power reduction to assure vehicle deceleration. Vehicle acceleration resumes

after the brake pedal is released.

Driving Your Vehicle 331

• When driving in Manual shift mode, slow down before shifting to a lower gear.

Otherwise, the lower gear may not be engaged if the engine RPMs are outside of

the allowable range.

• Always apply the parking brake when leaving the vehicle. Do not depend on placing the

transmission in P (Park) to keep the vehicle from moving.

• Exercise extreme caution when driving on a slippery surface. Be especially careful

when braking, accelerating or shifting gears. On a slippery surface, an abrupt change in

vehicle speed can cause the drive wheels to lose traction and may cause loss of vehicle

control resulting in an accident.

• Optimum vehicle performance and economy is obtained by smoothly depressing and

releasing the accelerator.

WARNING

To reduce the risk of serious injury or death:

• ALWAYS wear your seatbelt. In a collision, an unbelted occupant is significantly more

likely to be seriously injured or killed than a properly belted occupant.

• Avoid high speeds when cornering or turning.

• Do not make quick steering wheel movements, such as sharp lane changes or fast,

sharp turns.

• The risk of rollover is greatly increased if you lose control of your vehicle at highway

speeds.

• Loss of control often occurs if two or more wheels drop off the roadway and the driver

over steers to reenter the roadway.

• In the event your vehicle leaves the roadway, do not steer sharply. Instead, slow down

before pulling back into the travel lanes.

332 Driving Your Vehicle

Driving Your Vehicle -> Intelligent Variable Transmission for Your Hyundai Kona SUV Second Generation (2023-2026)

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