Kia Seltos: Automatic transmission / Automatic transmission operation

Contents:

• LCD display for warning message

The automatic transmission in the Kia Seltos provides 8 forward speeds and one reverse speed. The transmission selects each gear automatically according to the shift lever position, vehicle speed, engine load, and driving conditions.

NOTICE

The first several shifts on a new Kia Seltos, or after the battery has been disconnected, may feel slightly abrupt. This is normal. The shifting pattern will become smoother after the transmission has cycled through several shifts and the TCM (Transmission Control Module) or PCM (Powertrain Control Module) completes its adjustment process.

For smooth and safe operation, press the brake pedal when shifting from N (Neutral) into a forward gear or R (Reverse).

WARNING

Automatic transmission

• Always check the area around your vehicle for people, especially children, before shifting the Kia Seltos into D (Drive) or R (Reverse).

• Before leaving the driver's seat, always make sure the shift lever is in P (Park). Then fully apply the parking brake and turn the engine off. Unexpected and sudden vehicle movement may occur if these steps are not followed in the correct order.

• Do not use engine braking by rapidly shifting from a high gear to a lower gear on slippery roads.

  The vehicle may lose traction and slip, which could cause an accident.

CAUTION

• To help prevent transmission damage, do not accelerate the engine while the Kia Seltos is in R (Reverse) or any forward gear with the brakes applied.

• When stopped on an incline, do not hold the vehicle in place using engine power. Use the service brake or parking brake instead.

• Do not shift from N (Neutral) or P (Park) into D (Drive) or R (Reverse) when the engine speed is above idle.

LCD display for warning message

A warning message appears on the LCD display when the automatic transmission system detects a condition that requires driver attention. These messages help protect the Kia Seltos transmission from overheating or damage.

Transmission overheated

• When driving under severe conditions, such as repeated sudden starts, frequent hard acceleration, slow driving in traffic, or heavy load operation, the transmission may overheat. If this occurs, a warning sound and warning message may appear on the instrument cluster as part of the self-protection mode.

• Pull over to a safe location, keep the engine running, apply the brakes, shift the gear to P (Park), and allow the transmission to cool.

• If the warning message continues to appear, have the Kia Seltos inspected by an authorized Kia dealer.

Vehicle power limited

• If the transmission continues operating while overheated and reaches its maximum temperature, this warning message appears. The vehicle then limits transmission power through its self-protection mode.

• Normal driving may be restricted until the transmission temperature decreases. Move the Kia Seltos to a safe place, shift to P (Park) with the engine running, and wait several minutes until the warning message disappears from the screen.

• If the warning message remains displayed, have the system checked by an authorized Kia dealer.

Transmission cooled

• When the message "Trans cooled. Resume driving" appears, you may continue driving the Kia Seltos. Resume gently at first and avoid repeated hard acceleration until normal operation is confirmed.