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Kia Seltos: Driving your vehicle / Idle Stop and Go (ISG) system

Contents:

The Idle Stop and Go (ISG) system in the Kia Seltos helps reduce fuel consumption by automatically turning off the engine when the vehicle is stopped, such as at a red light, stop sign, or in heavy traffic.

The engine restarts automatically as soon as the required starting conditions are met, allowing the driver to continue smoothly without using the ignition switch or ENGINE START/STOP button manually.

The ISG system is ON whenever the engine is running. This feature is designed to improve efficiency during city driving and frequent stop-and-go situations.

Kia Seltos Idle Stop and Go ISG system notice and operation

NOTICE

When the engine is restarted automatically by the ISG system, some warning lights, such as ABS, ESC, ESC OFF, EPS, or the parking brake warning light, may illuminate for a few seconds.

This may occur because of low battery voltage during automatic restart. It does not necessarily mean that the Kia Seltos ISG system or another vehicle system has malfunctioned.

Auto stop

When the ISG system is ON and the driver presses the brake pedal until the Kia Seltos comes to a complete stop, the engine may stop automatically to help reduce fuel use and unnecessary idling.

Bring the vehicle to a complete stop by fully pressing the brake pedal when the shift lever is in D (Drive) or N (Neutral).

Kia Seltos Auto Stop operation with ISG system

The engine will stop, and the green AUTO STOP (Kia Seltos green AUTO STOP indicator light) indicator will appear on the instrument cluster.

Kia Seltos Auto Stop notice when hood is opened

NOTICE

If you open the engine hood while the vehicle is in Auto Stop mode, the following will occur:

  • The ISG system will deactivate, and the light on the ISG OFF button will appear.

  • A message will appear on the LCD display.

    Kia Seltos LCD message when hood is opened during Auto Stop mode

  • If you move the transmission lever from N (Neutral) to D (Drive), Manual mode, or R (Reverse) without pressing the brake pedal after the engine has stopped automatically, the engine will not restart automatically and a warning chime will sound. Press the brake pedal to activate Auto Start.

Auto start ➤

Operating conditions

The ISG system in the Kia Seltos operates only when the required conditions are satisfied. These conditions help ensure that the engine stops and restarts safely and smoothly.

  • The driver's seat belt is fastened.

  • The driver's door and hood are closed.

  • The brake vacuum pressure is adequate.

  • The battery sensor is activated and the battery is sufficiently charged.

  • The outside temperature is not too low or too high.

  • The vehicle has been driven above a constant speed and then comes to a stop.

  • The climate control system satisfies the required conditions.

  • The Kia Seltos engine and related systems are sufficiently warmed up.

  • The road incline is gradual.

  • The steering wheel is turned less than 180 degrees before the vehicle stops.

Kia Seltos ISG operating conditions notice on LCD display

NOTICE

  • If the ISG system does not meet the required operating conditions, the system will be deactivated. The light on the ISG OFF button will appear, and the message "Auto Stop conditions not met" will be shown on the LCD display.

  • If the light or warning message remains on continuously, check the operating conditions and have the Kia Seltos inspected if needed.

ISG malfunction

The ISG system may not operate when a related sensor or system condition is not normal.

Kia Seltos ISG malfunction warning display

The ISG system may not operate if an ISG-related sensor or system error occurs. When this happens, the vehicle may keep the engine running instead of entering Auto Stop mode.

The following will happen:

  • The yellow AUTO STOP (Kia Seltos yellow AUTO STOP malfunction indicator) indicator on the instrument cluster will remain on after blinking for 5 seconds.

  • The light on the ISG OFF button will appear.

When the engine is in Idle Stop mode, it may restart automatically without any driver action. Before leaving the vehicle or performing any work in the engine compartment, turn the engine off by pressing the ENGINE START/STOP button to the OFF position.

Kia Seltos ISG notice after AGM battery reconnection or replacement

NOTICE

If the Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) battery is reconnected or replaced, the ISG system will not operate immediately. To use the ISG system again, the battery sensor must be calibrated for approximately 4 hours with the ignition off. After calibration, start and stop the engine 2 or 3 times.

Other information:

Kia Seltos SP2 (2021-2026) Owner's Manual: Occupant Detection System (ODS)

The Kia Seltos is equipped with an Occupant Detection System (ODS) in the front passenger seat. The ODS is designed to detect whether a properly seated front passenger is present and to determine whether the front passenger air bag should be activated and ready to inflate if needed. Only the front passenger front air bag is controlled by the ODS.

Kia Seltos SP2 (2021-2026) Owner's Manual: Cruise Control (CC)

Cruise indicator Set speed Cruise Control allows the Kia Seltos to maintain a selected speed above 20 mph (30 km/h) without the driver continuously pressing the accelerator pedal. It is most useful on open roads or highways with steady traffic flow.