Maintenance
Use only the specified automatic
transaxle fluid. (Refer to "Recommended
lubricants or capacities" in section 8.)
WARNING - Transaxle fluid
WARNING - Parking brake
The transaxle fluid level should be
checked when the engine is at nor-
mal operating temperature. This
means that the engine, radiator,
radiator hose and exhaust system
etc., are very hot. Exercise great
care not to burn yourself during
this procedure.
To avoid sudden movement of the
vehicle, apply the parking brake
and depress the brake pedal before
moving the shift lever.
Changing the automatic transaxle
fluid
We recommend that the automatic
transaxle fluid be changed by an author-
ized Kia dealer according to the
Maintenance Schedule at the beginning
of this section.
✽
NOTICE
The “COLD” range is for reference only
and should NOT be used to determine
the transaxle fluid level.
CAUTION
✽
NOTICE
• Low fluid level causes transaxle
shift slippage. Overfilling can
cause foaming, loss of fluid and
transaxle malfunction.
New automatic transaxle fluid should be
red. The red dye is added so the assem-
bly plant can identify it as automatic
transaxle fluid and distinguish it from
engine oil or antifreeze. The red dye,
which is not an indicator of fluid quali-
ty, is not permanent. As the vehicle is
driven, the automatic transaxle fluid
will begin to look darker. The color may
eventually appear light brown.
• The use of a non-specified fluid
could cause transaxle malfunc-
tion and failure.
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