Kia Seltos: Maintenance / Battery

The battery supplies electrical power for starting the engine and supports many electrical devices installed in the Kia Seltos. Keeping the battery in good condition helps ensure reliable starting and stable electrical system operation.

For best battery service

• Keep the battery securely mounted.

• Keep the top of the battery clean and dry.

• Keep the terminals and cable connections clean, tight, and coated with petroleum jelly or terminal grease.

• Immediately rinse any spilled electrolyte from the battery using a solution of water and baking soda.

• If the Kia Seltos will not be used for an extended period, disconnect the battery cables to help prevent discharge.

WARNING

Risk of explosion

Keep lit cigarettes, open flames, and all sparks away from the battery.

The battery contains hydrogen, a highly combustible gas that may explode if it contacts a flame or spark.

Keep batteries out of the reach of children. Batteries contain highly corrosive sulfuric acid and electrolytes. Do not allow battery acid to contact your skin, eyes, clothing, or painted surfaces.

Wear eye protection when charging or working near a battery. Always provide proper ventilation when working in an enclosed area.

Always read all battery handling instructions carefully before working with or near the battery.

If electrolyte gets into your eyes, flush them with clean water for at least 15 minutes and get medical attention immediately. If electrolyte contacts your skin, wash the affected area thoroughly. If you feel pain or a burning sensation, seek medical attention immediately.

An improperly disposed battery can harm the environment and human health. Dispose of the battery according to local laws and regulations.

The battery contains lead. Do not discard it after use. Return the battery to an authorized Kia dealer or approved recycling facility for proper recycling.

Never attempt to recharge the battery while the battery cables are connected.

WARNING

Risk of electrocution

Never touch the electrical ignition system while the Kia Seltos is running. This system uses high voltage and can cause electric shock.

NOTICE

If unauthorized electronic devices are connected to the battery, the battery may discharge. Never use unauthorized devices with the Kia Seltos electrical system.

WARNING

Recharging battery

Never attempt to recharge the battery while the battery cables are connected.

WARNING

California Proposition 65

Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds, chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, and reproductive harm. Batteries also contain other chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer. Wash your hands after handling.

WARNING

Battery lead compound

Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds. Wash your hands after handling.

Battery recharging

If the battery in your Kia Seltos becomes discharged, run the engine for at least 60 minutes while driving or idling to help recharge it. Alternatively, you may connect a fully automatic regulated battery charger to the front jumper posts in the engine compartment or directly to the battery in the engine room, following the correct safety procedure.

When recharging the battery, observe the following precautions:

• The battery must be removed from the vehicle and placed in a well-ventilated area before charging.

• Keep cigarettes, sparks, open flames, and any ignition sources away from the battery.

• Monitor the battery during charging and stop charging or reduce the charging rate in the following cases:

  1. The battery cells begin gassing or boiling violently.

  2. The electrolyte temperature of any cell exceeds 120 °F (49 °C).

• Wear proper eye protection when checking the battery during charging.

• Disconnect the battery charger in the following order:

  1. Turn off the battery charger's main switch.

  2. Remove the negative clamp from the negative battery terminal.

  3. Remove the positive clamp from the positive battery terminal.

• Before performing maintenance or recharging the battery, turn off all electrical accessories and stop the Kia Seltos.

• When disconnecting the battery, remove the negative battery cable first. When reconnecting the battery, install the negative cable last.

CAUTION

Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) battery

• AGM batteries are maintenance-free. Have the AGM battery in your Kia Seltos serviced by an authorized Kia dealer.

  When charging an AGM battery, use only a fully automatic battery charger specifically designed for AGM battery technology.

• When replacing the AGM battery, use only the proper replacement parts supplied or approved by an authorized Kia dealer.

• Do not open or remove the cap on top of the battery. This may cause internal electrolyte leakage, which can result in severe injury.

Reset items

The following items may need to be reset after the battery has been discharged or disconnected in the Kia Seltos:

• Auto up/down window function. Refer to the related section for reset details.

• Trip computer. Refer to the related section for reset details.

• Climate control system. Refer to the related section for reset details.

• Sunroof. Refer to the related section for reset details.