KIA Niro Plug-in Hybrid (2018 year). Manual — part 25

Driving your vehicle

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6

• Always keep the sensor and

bumper clean.

• Use only a genuine Kia sensor

cover for your vehicle.

• Do not install accessories around

the sensor and do not replace the
bumper by yourself. It may interfere
with the sensor performance.

• Impact damage to the sensor or

sensor area may cause the sensor
to move slightly off position and
result in the SCC not operating
correctly without any warning or
indicator from the cluster. If this
occurs, have your vehicle checked
by an authorized Kia dealer as
soon as possible.

To adjust the sensitivity of
Smart Cruise Control

The sensitivity of vehicle speed when
following the front vehicle to maintain
the set distance can be adjusted. Go
to the User Settings Mode (Driving
Assist) and select SCC (Smart
Cruise Control). You may select one
of the three stages you prefer.
• Slow:

Vehicle speed following the front
vehicle to maintain the set distance
is slower than normal speed.

• Normal:

Vehicle speed following the front
vehicle to maintain the set distance
is normal

• Fast:

Vehicle speed following the front
vehicle to maintain the set distance
is faster than normal speed.

✽

✽

NOTICE

The system remembers the last
selected mode.

To convert to cruise control
mode:

The driver may choose to only use
the cruise control mode (speed con-
trol function) by doing as follows:
1.Turn the SCC on (the cruise indica-

tor light will be on but the system
will not be activated).

2.Push the distance to distance

switch for more than 2 seconds.

3.Choose between “Smart cruise

control (SCC) mode” and “Cruise
control (CC) mode”.

When using the cruise control mode,
you must manually assess the dis-
tance to other vehicles as the system
will not automatically brake to slow
down for other vehicles.

CAUTION

- Sensor

Damage

To prevent sensor cover dam-
age from occurring, wash the
car with a soft cloth.

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Driving your vehicle

Limitations of the system

The SCC may have limits to its ability
to detect distance to the vehicle ahead
due to road and traffic conditions.

On curves

• On curves, the SCC may not

detect a moving vehicle in your
lane, and then your vehicle could
accelerate to the set speed. Also,
the vehicle speed will rapidly slow
down when the vehicle ahead is
recognized suddenly.

• Select the appropriate set speed

on curves and adjust your vehicle
speed by depressing the accelera-
tor or brake pedal according to the
road condition ahead and driving
condition.

• Your vehicle speed can be reduced

due to a vehicle in the adjacent
lane. Adjust your vehicle speed by
depressing the brake pedal
according to the road condition
ahead and driving condition. Apply
the accelerator pedal and select
the appropriate set speed. Check
to be sure that the road conditions
permit safe operation of the SCC.

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Driving your vehicle

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6

On inclines

• During uphill or downhill driving, the

SCC may not detect a moving vehi-
cle in your lane, and cause your
vehicle to accelerate to the set
speed. Also, the vehicle speed will
rapidly slow down when the vehicle
ahead is recognized suddenly.

• Select the appropriate set speed

on inclines and adjust your vehicle
speed by depressing the accelera-
tor or brake pedal according to the
road condition ahead.

Lane changing

• A vehicle which moves into your

lane from an adjacent lane cannot
be recognized by the sensor until it
is in the sensor's detection range.

• The sensor may not detect imme-

diately when a vehicle cuts in sud-
denly. Always pay attention to the
traffic, road and driving conditions.

• If a vehicle which moves into your

lane is slower than your vehicle, your
speed may decrease to maintain the
distance to the vehicle ahead.

• If a vehicle which moves into your

lane is faster than your vehicle,
your vehicle will accelerate to the
selected speed.

• Your vehicle may accelerate when

a vehicle ahead of you disappears.

• When you are warned that the

vehicle ahead of you is not detect-
ed, drive with caution.

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Driving your vehicle

Vehicle recognition

Some vehicles ahead in your lane
cannot be recognized by the sensor
as follows:
- Narrow vehicles such as motorcy-

cles or bicycles

- Vehicles offset to one side
- Slow-moving vehicles or sudden-

decelerating vehicles

- Stopped vehicles
- Vehicles with small rear profile such

as trailers with no loads

A vehicle ahead cannot be recog-
nized correctly by the sensor if any of
following occurs:
-

When the vehicle is pointing

upwards due to overloading in the
liftgate

- While making turns by steering
- When driving to one side of the lane
- When driving on narrow lanes or on

curves

Adjust your vehicle speed by
depressing the brake pedal accord-
ing to the road condition ahead and
driving condition.

• If the vehicle right in front moves to

another direction, the SCC system
may not sense stopped vehicle in
front and may crash. Always main-
tain safe distance.

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Driving your vehicle

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• Always look out for pedestrians

when your vehicle is maintaining a
distance with the vehicle ahead.

• Always be cautious for vehicles

that are taller with higher clear-
ance, or vehicles carrying loads
that stick out of the back of the
vehicle.

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WARNING

- Safe Use of

SCC

The SCC can provide you with an
additional level of safety and
fatigue reduction. However you
must maintain careful observa-
tion of the roadway in front and
around you and maintain control
of your vehicle and spacing
around other vehicles as you
normally would. For example,
this will require you to apply the
brakes as needed when coming
upon a slower moving vehicle, or
when a vehicle from another lane
drives quickly in front of you.

WARNING

- Inclines &

Towing

Do not use SCC on steep
inclines or when towing another
vehicle or trailer since such
extreme loading can interfere
with your vehicle's ability to
maintain the selected speed.

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Driving your vehicle

- After an engine start, please stop

for several seconds. If system ini-
tialization is not completed, the
SCC does not normally operate.

- After an engine start, if any objects

are not detected or the sensor
cover is obscured with foreign sub-
stances, there is a possibility that
the SCC system may not work.

- The following conditions may

cause a malfunction: over-loading
the liftgate, suspension modifica-
tion, tire replacement with unau-
thorized tires or tires with different
tread wear and pressure levels.

This device complies with Part 15
of the FCC rules.

Operation is subject to the following
three conditions:
1. This device may not cause harm-

ful interference, and

2. This device must accept any inter-

ference received, including inter-
ference that may cause undesired
operation.

3. Changes or modifications not

expressly approved by the party
responsible for compliance could
void the user’s authority to operate
the device.

Radio frequency radiation expo-
sure information:

This equipment complies with FCC
radiation exposure limits set forth for
an uncontrolled environment.
This equipment should be installed
and operated with minimum distance
of 20 cm between the radiator
(antenna) and your body.
This transmitter must not be co-
located or operating in conjunction
with any other antenna or transmit-
ter.

Driving your vehicle

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6

The Blind Spot Detection System
(BSD) uses a radar sensor to alert
the driver.
It senses toward the rear sides of the
vehicle and provides and early warn-
ing to the driver.

(1) BSD (Blind Spot Detection)

The warning range depends on

your vehicle speed. However, if
your vehicle is about 6 mph (10
km/h) faster than the other vehi-
cle, the system will not warn you.

(2) LCA (Lane Change Assist)

When a vehicle approaches you at

high speed, the system will warn
you. The driver may notice differ-
ent warning distances depending
on other vehicle’s speed.

(3) RCTA (Rear Cross Traffic Alert)

When your vehicle moves rear-

ward, and the sensor detects an
approaching vehicle in the left or
right side, the system will warn
you. The driver may notice differ-
ent warning distances depending
on other vehicle’s speed.

BLIND SPOT DETECTION SYSTEM (BSD) (IF EQUIPPED)

WARNING

- BSD

Limitations

• The Blind Spot Detection

System (BSD) is a supplemen-
tal system. Do not solely rely
on the system and always pay
attention to drive safely.

• The Blind Spot Detection

System may not detect every
object alongside the vehicle
and is not a substitute for
proper and safe lane chang-
ing procedures. Always drive
safely and use caution when
changing lanes.

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Driving your vehicle

BSD (Blind Spot Detection) /
LCA (Lane Change Assist)

Operating conditions

The indicator on the switch will illumi-
nate when the Blind Spot Detection
System (BSD) switch is pressed with
the Engine Start/Stop Button ON.
If vehicle speed exceeds 18.6 mph
(30 km/h), the system will activate.
If you press the switch again, the
switch indicator and system will be
turned off.
If the vehicle is turned off, the system
will remember the last settings upon
restart.

When the system is not used turn the
system off by turning off the switch.
When the system is turned on the
warning light will illuminate for 3 sec-
onds on the outside rearview mirror.

Warning type

The system will activate when:
1. The system is on.
2. Vehicle speed is above 18.6 mph

(30 km/h).

3. Other vehicles are detected in the

rear side.

WARNING

The Blind Spot Detection
System with Lane Change
Assist and Rear Cross Traffic
Alert is not a substitute for
proper and safe lane changing
procedures. Always drive safely
and use caution when changing
lanes. The Blind Spot Detection
System may not detect every
object alongside the vehicle.

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Driving your vehicle

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6

If a vehicle is detected within the
boundary of the system, a warning
light will illuminate on the outside
rearview mirror.
If the detected vehicle is not in
detecting range, the warning will turn
off.

The second stage alarm will activate
when:
1.The first stage alert is on
2.The turn signal is on to change a

lane

When the second stage alert is acti-
vated, a warning light will blink on the
outside rearview mirror and an alarm
will sound.
If you move the turn signal switch to
the original position, the second
stage alert will be deactivated.

- The second stage alarm may be

deactivated.

• To activate the alarm:

Go to the User Settings Mode

→

Sound and select “BSD” on the
LCD display.

• To deactivate the alarm:

Go to the User Settings Mode

→

Sound and deselect “BSD” on the
LCD display.

✽

✽

NOTICE

The alarm function helps alert the
driver. Deactivate this function only
when it is necessary.

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2nd stage

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1st stage

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Driving your vehicle

Detecting sensor

The sensors are located inside of the
rear bumper.
Always keep the rear bumper clean
for the system to work properly.

Warning message

“Blind Spot Detection disabled tem-
porarily”
The message will appear to notify
the driver with one of followings. The
light on the switch and the system
will turn off automatically.
- There are foreign substances on the

surface or inside the rear bumper or
it is hot near the rear bumper.

- When a trailer or carrier is installed.
- When driving wide area like desert

around few vehicles.

- When driving in the bad weather

such as heavy rain or snow When
you install a trailer or carrier, turn off
BSD system. When you use the BSD
system, remove a trailer or carrier.

Remove the foreign substance on
the rear bumper.
After the foreign substance is
removed, if you drive for approxi-
mately 10 minutes, the system will
work normally.

If the system does not work normally
even though the foreign substance is
removed, take your vehicle to an
authorized Kia dealer and have the
system checked.
If the system does not work properly,
a warning message (“Check BSD
System”) will appear and the light on
the switch will turn off. The system
will turn off automatically.

Have your vehicle inspected by an
authorized Kia dealer.

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6

RCTA (Rear Cross Traffic Alert)

When your vehicle moves backwards
from a parking position, the sensor
detects approaching vehicles to the
left or right side direction and gives
information to the driver.

Operating conditions

• Go to the User Settings Mode

➝

Driving Assist

➝ Rear Collision

Warning and select “Rear Cross
Traffic Alert” on the LCD display.
The system will turn on and stand
by to be activated.

• Select RCTA again, to turn the sys-

tem off.

• If the vehicle is turned off, the

RCTA system will remember the
last settings upon restart. Always
turn the RCTA system off when not
in use.

• The system operates when the

vehicle speed is below 6.2 mph (10
km/h) with the shift lever in R
(Reverse).

• The RCTA (Rear Cross Traffic

Alert) detecting range is 1.6 feet
(0.5 m) ~ 65 feet (20 m) based on
the side direction. If the approach-
ing vehicle speed is
2.5 mph (4 km/h) ~ 22 mph (36
km/h) within sensing range, it is
detected. However, the system
sensing range can vary based on
conditions. Always pay attention to
your surroundings.

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Driving your vehicle

Warning type

• If the vehicle detected by sensors

approaches your vehicle, the warn-
ing chime will sound and the warn-
ing light will blink on the outside
rearview mirror.

• If the detected object is not in your

way, move the vehicle away from
the detected object slowly; and the
warning will cancel once the object
has been safely cleared.

• The system may not operate prop-

erly due to other factors or circum-
stances. Always pay attention to
your surroundings.

❈ If your vehicle's left or right side

bumper is blinded by a barrier or
vehicles, the system sensing abili-
ty may be deteriorated.

✽

✽

NOTICE

• The system may not work proper-

ly if the bumper has been replaced
or if repair work has been done
near the sensor.

• The detection area differs accord-

ing to the road's width. If the road
is narrow the system may detect
other vehicles in the next lane.

• If the road is very wide the system

may not detect other vehicles.

• The system may turn off due to

strong electromagnetic interfer-
ence.

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WARNING

The Blind Spot Detection
System with Lane Change
Assist and Rear Cross Traffic
Alert is not a substitute for
proper and safe lane changing
procedures. Always drive safely
and use caution when changing
lanes. The Blind Spot Detection
System may not detect every
object alongside the vehicle.

Driving your vehicle

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6

Limitations condition

Driver's Attention

The driver must be cautious in the
below situations for the system may
not assist the driver and may not
work properly.

- Curved roads, tollgates, etc.
- The surrounding of the sensor cover

is dirty with rain, snow, mud, etc.

- The rear bumper near the sensor is

covered or obstructed with foreign
matter such as a sticker, bumper
guard, bicycle racks, etc.

- The rear bumper is damaged or the

sensor is out of place.

- The height of the vehicle has signif-

icantly changed such as when the
liftgate is loaded with heavy
objects, abnormal tire pressure etc.

- Due to bad weather such as heavy

rain or snow.

- A fixed object is near such as a

guardrail, etc.

- A substantial amount of metallic

objects such as a construction
area.

- A large vehicle is nearby such as a

bus or truck.

- A motorcycle or bicycle is near.
- A flat trailer is near.
- If two vehicles near each other

accelerate together.

- When another vehicle passes by at

a high rate of speed.

- When changing lanes.
- When going down or up a steep,

uneven road.

- When another vehicle drives very

close the back bumper/liftgate.

- When a trailer or carrier is installed.

- When the temperature of the rear

bumper is very high or low.

- When bike racks, etc. cover the

sensor.

- When reversing from a parking

space with pillars or metal struc-
tures.

- When you are reversing and if the

detected vehicle is simultaneously
reversing.

- If there are small objects like shop-

ping carts and baby carriages.

- If there is a vehicle with decreased

ride height (lowered).

- When the vehicle is close to anoth-

er vehicle.

- When driving through a narrow

road with many plants.

- When driving on wet surface.
- When driving in a wide area with

not many constructions and cars
(desert, suburb, field)

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Driving your vehicle

Outside rearview mirror may not
alert the driver when:

- The outside rearview mirror hous-

ing is very dirty.

- The window is very dirty.
- The windows are tinted very dark.

This device complies with Part 15
of the FCC rules.

Operation is subject to the following
two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harm-

ful interference, and

2. This device must accept any inter-

ference received, including inter-
ference that may cause undesired
operation.

Driving your vehicle

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6

The Lane Keeping Assist System
detects the lane markers on the road
with a front view camera at the front
windshield, and assists the driver’s
steering to help keep the vehicle in
the lanes.
When the system detects the vehicle
straying from its lane, it alerts the
driver with a visual and audible warn-
ing, while applying a slight counter-
steering torque, trying to prevent the
vehicle from moving out of its lane.

✽

✽

NOTICE

• Driver is responsible for being

aware of surroundings and steer-
ing the vehicle for safe driving
practices.

• LKAS helps prevent the driver

from moving out of the lane unin-
tentionally by assisting the dri-
ver’s steering. However, the sys-
tem is just a convenience function
and the steering wheel is not
always controlled. While driving,
the driver should pay attention to
the steering wheel.

• The operation of the LKAS can be

cancelled or not work properly
according to road condition and
surroundings. Always be cautious
when driving.

LANE KEEPING ASSIST SYSTEM (LKAS) (IF EQUIPPED)

WARNING

Do not turn the steering wheel
suddenly when the vehicle is
being directed by the LKA sys-
tem. This can result in a sudden
loss of control and crash of the
vehicle.

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WARNING -

LKAS
Limitations

The LKAS is a supplemental
system and should not be sole-
ly relied upon by the driver. Do
not attempt sudden steering
maneuvers while the LKAS is
activated. If the vehicle is driven
at high speeds, the LKAS may
not adjust the steering wheel. It
is the driver's responsibility to
always pay attention to the road
and maintain control over the
steering wheel while driving.

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Driving your vehicle

• Do not disassemble a front view

camera temporarily for tinted win-
dow or attaching any types of coat-
ings and accessories. If you disas-
semble the camera and assemble
it again, take your vehicle to an
authorized Kia dealer and have the
system checked to need a calibra-
tion.

• When you replace the windshield

glass, front view camera or related
parts of the steering, take your
vehicle to an authorized Kia dealer
and have the system checked to
need a calibration.

• The system detects lane markers

and controls the steering wheel by
a front view camera, therefore, if
the lane markers are hard to
detect, the system may not work
properly. Always be cautious when
using the system.

• When the lane markers are hard to

detect, please refer to “Driver’s
Attention”.

• Do not remove or damage the

related parts of LKAS.

• Do not place objects on the crash

pad that reflects light such as mir-
rors, white paper, etc. it may cause
malfunction of LKAS if the sunlight
is reflected.

• You may not hear warning sound of

LKAS because of the excessive
audio sound.

• If you continue to drive with your

hands off the steering wheel, the
LKAS will stop controlling the
steering wheel after the hands off
alarm. After then, if you drive with
your hands on the steering wheel,
the control will be activated again.

• If the vehicle speed is high, steer-

ing torque for assistance will not be
enough to keep your vehicle within
the lane. If so, the vehicle may
move out of its lane. Obey speed
limit when using LKAS.

• If you attach objects to the steering

wheel, the system may not assist
steering.

• If you attach objects to the steering

wheel, hands off alarm may not
work properly.

LKAS operation

To activate/deactivate the LKAS:
With the ignition switch in the ON
position, press the LKAS button
located on the instrument panel on
the lower left hand side of the driver.
The indicator in the cluster display
will initially illuminate white.
When the indicator (white) activated
in the previous ignition cycle, the
system turns on without any control.
If you press the LKAS button again,
the indicator on the cluster display
will go off.

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