Kia Picanto: Automatic Transmission operation / Transmission ranges. Shift lock system: (if equipped)

Transmission ranges

The shift position indicator in the Kia Picanto instrument cluster shows the selected shift lever position whenever the ignition switch or ENGINE START/STOP button is in the ON position. Check this display to confirm the selected range before moving off.

P (Park)

Bring the vehicle to a complete stop before selecting P (Park). This position locks the transmission, preventing the drive wheels from rotating while the vehicle is parked.

WARNING

• Never shift into P (Park) while the vehicle is moving. Doing so will lock the drive wheels and cause a loss of vehicle control.

• P (Park) must never be used as a substitute for the parking brake. Always confirm that the shift lever is securely latched in P (Park), then apply the parking brake fully to secure the vehicle.

• Never leave a child unattended inside the vehicle, including when the transmission is in P (Park).

CAUTION

Selecting P (Park) before the vehicle has stopped completely may damage the transmission. Wait until all vehicle movement has stopped before moving the lever into this position.

R (Reverse)

Select R (Reverse) when you need to drive the vehicle backwards. This is the transmission position used for reversing manoeuvres.

CAUTION

Always stop the vehicle completely before shifting into or out of R (Reverse). Engaging reverse while the vehicle is still moving may damage the transmission. The only exception is the procedure described under “Rocking the vehicle” in this section; follow those instructions when that procedure is necessary.

N (Neutral)

In N (Neutral), the transmission does not engage the drive wheels. The vehicle can therefore roll freely, even on a slight incline, unless the parking brake or service brakes are applied to hold it stationary.

WARNING

Do not drive with the shift lever in N (Neutral). Engine braking is unavailable in this position, reducing your ability to control the vehicle’s speed and potentially leading to an accident.

D (Drive)

D (Drive) is the normal position for forward driving in the Kia Picanto. In this range, the automatic transmission selects gears through a four-speed sequence to provide an appropriate balance of fuel economy and engine power.

When additional power is needed to overtake another vehicle or climb a gradient, press the accelerator pedal fully, beyond approximately 80% of its travel. The transmission will then automatically downshift to the next lower gear to provide the additional acceleration required.

NOTE

Always bring the vehicle to a complete stop before selecting D (Drive). Confirm that the vehicle is stationary before moving the shift lever into this range.

3 (Third gear)

Select this range when towing a trailer uphill or when you need engine braking while travelling downhill. It limits normal shifting to the lower three gears.

With “3” selected, the transmission automatically shifts between 1st, 2nd and 3rd gears without normally engaging 4th gear. However, if vehicle speed exceeds a certain level, the transmission will shift into 4th gear to prevent the engine from over-revving. Once normal driving conditions return, move the selector manually back to D (Drive).

2 (Second gear)

Select this range for driving on slippery roads, climbing hills or using engine braking on descents. In “2”, the transmission automatically shifts between 1st and 2nd gears to suit these driving conditions.

The transmission does not normally shift into 3rd gear while this range is selected. However, it will engage 3rd gear if vehicle speed exceeds a certain level, helping to prevent excessive engine speed. Move the selector manually back to D (Drive) when you return to normal driving conditions.

1 (First gear)

Select this range for climbing very steep gradients or using engine braking when descending steep hills. When you downshift to “1”, the transmission temporarily remains in 2nd gear until the vehicle has slowed sufficiently for 1st gear to engage. Do not exceed 50 km/h (30 mph) while driving in low gear.

The “1” position normally keeps the transmission in 1st gear. To protect the engine from over-revving, however, the transmission will shift into 2nd gear above a certain vehicle speed. If speed continues to increase, it will then shift into 3rd gear for the same protective purpose.

NOTE

• For smooth, safe engagement, depress the brake pedal whenever shifting from N (Neutral) or P (Park) into a forward gear or R (Reverse). Keep the vehicle controlled with the brake as you select the required range.

• Fully depress the brake pedal before moving the shift lever out of P (Park). This is required when selecting any of the other transmission positions.

• The shift lever can be moved from R, N, D, 3, 2 or 1 into P (Park). Nevertheless, the vehicle must always be completely stationary before P is selected to avoid damaging the transmission.

CAUTION

• Select R (Reverse) or P (Park) only after the vehicle has come to a complete stop. Neither position should be engaged while the vehicle is still moving.

• Do not increase engine speed with the brakes applied while the transmission is in reverse or any forward range. Avoid pressing the accelerator against the braking force.

• Always apply the footbrake when moving the shift lever from P (Park) or N (Neutral) into R, D, 3, 2 or 1. Maintain brake pressure throughout the selection.

• Check the automatic transmission fluid level regularly and add fluid when necessary to maintain the required level.

  Consult the maintenance schedule for the correct fluid recommendation before topping up the transmission in your Kia Picanto.

Shift lock system: (if equipped)

For added safety, the Kia Picanto automatic transmission is equipped with a shift lock system where specified. This system prevents the shift lever from moving from P (Park) into R (Reverse) unless the brake pedal is depressed.

To move the transmission from P (Park) into R (Reverse), follow these steps in order:

1. Fully depress the brake pedal and keep it held down.

2. Move the shift lever from P (Park) to R (Reverse) while maintaining pressure on the brake pedal.

If you repeatedly press and release the brake pedal while the shift lever remains in P (Park), you may hear a chattering sound near the lever. This sound is a normal operating characteristic and does not, by itself, indicate a fault.

WARNING

Always fully depress the brake pedal before shifting out of P (Park), and keep it depressed throughout the movement into another position. This helps prevent unintended vehicle movement that could injure occupants or anyone standing near the vehicle.