KIA Niro Plug-in Hybrid (2018 year). Manual — part 36

8 101

Maintenance

License plate lamp bulb
replacement

1. Using a flat-blade screwdriver,

gently pry the lens cover from
lamp housing.

2. Remove the socket from the

assembly by turning the socket
counterclockwise until the tabs on
the socket align with the slots on
the assembly.

3. Remove the bulb from bulb-socket

by pulling it out.

4. Insert a new bulb by inserting it

into the bulb-socket.

5. Install the socket in the assembly

by aligning the tabs on the socket
with the slots in the assembly.
Push the socket into the assembly
and turn the socket clockwise.

6. Align the lens cover tabs with the

lamp housing notches and snap
the lens into place.

Side repeater lamp (LED type)
bulb replacement

If the side repeater lamp (LED) does
not operate, have the vehicle
checked by an authorized Kia dealer.
The LED lamps cannot be replaced
as a single unit because it is an inte-
grated unit. The LED lamps has to be
replaced with the unit.
A skilled technician should check or
repair the side repeater lamp (LED),
for it may damage related parts of
the vehicle.

ODE076045

ODE076046

ODE076034

Maintenance

102

8

Map lamp (Bulb type) bulb
replacement

1. Using a flat-blade screwdriver,

gently pry the lens cover from
lamp housing.

2. Remove the bulb by pulling it

straight out.

3. Install a new bulb in the socket.
4. Align the lens cover tabs with the

lamp housing notches and snap
the lens into place.

✽

✽

NOTICE

Be careful not to dirty or damage the
lens, lens tab, and plastic housings.

Map lamp (LED type) bulb
replacement

If the map lamp (LED) does not oper-
ate, have the vehicle checked by an
authorized Kia dealer.
The LED lamps cannot be replaced
as a single unit because it is an inte-
grated unit. The LED lamps has to be
replaced with the unit.
A skilled technician should check or
repair the map lamp (LED) , for it
may damage related parts of the
vehicle.

Vanity mirror lamp bulb
replacement

OQM076063

WARNING

- Interior lamps

Prior to working on the Interior
lamps, ensure that the “OFF”
button is depressed to avoid
burning your fingers or receiv-
ing an electric shock.

ODE076048

ODE076047

8 103

Maintenance

1. Using a flat-blade screwdriver,

gently pry the lamp assembly from
interior.

2. Remove the bulb by pulling it

straight out.

3. Install a new bulb in the socket.
4. Install the lamp assembly to interior.

✽

✽

NOTICE

Be careful not to dirty or damage the
lens, lens tab, and plastic housings.

Room lamp (Bulb type) bulb
replacement

1. Using a flat-blade screwdriver,

gently pry the lens cover from
lamp housing.

2. Remove the bulb by pulling it

straight out.

3. Install a new bulb in the socket.
4. Align the lens cover tabs with the

lamp housing notches and snap
the lens into place.

✽

✽

NOTICE

Be careful not to dirty or damage the
lens, lens tab, and plastic housings.

ODE076049

WARNING

- Interior lamps

Prior to working on the Interior
lamps, ensure that the “OFF”
button is depressed to avoid
burning your fingers or receiv-
ing an electric shock.

Maintenance

104

8

Room lamp (LED type) bulb
replacement

If the Room lamp (LED) does not
operate, have the vehicle checked by
an authorized Kia dealer.
The LED lamps cannot be replaced
as a single unit because it is an inte-
grated unit. The LED lamps has to be
replaced with the unit.
A skilled technician should check or
repair the Room lamp (LED), for it
may damage related parts of the
vehicle.

Liftgate room lamp bulb
replacement

1. Using a flat-blade screwdriver,

gently pry the lens cover from
lamp housing.

2. Remove the bulb by pulling it

straight out.

3. Install a new bulb in the socket.
4. Align the lens cover tabs with the

lamp housing notches and snap
the lens into place.

If the Liftgate room lamp (LED) does
not operate, have the vehicle
checked by an authorized Kia dealer.
The LED lamps cannot be replaced
as a single unit because it is an inte-
grated unit. The LED lamps has to be
replaced with the unit.
A skilled technician should check or
repair the Liftgate room lamp (LED),
for it may damage related parts of
the vehicle.

✽

✽

NOTICE

Be careful not to dirty or damage the
lens, lens tab, and plastic housings.

ODE076050

ODEP077070

8 105

Maintenance

APPEARANCE CARE

Exterior care

Exterior general caution

It is very important to follow the label
directions when using any chemical
cleaner or polish. Read all warning
and caution statements that appear
on the label.

Finish maintenance

Washing
To help protect your vehicle’s finish
from rust and deterioration, wash it
thoroughly and frequently at least
once a month with lukewarm or cold
water.
If you use your vehicle for off-road
driving, you should wash it after each
off-road trip. Pay special attention to
the removal of any accumulation of
salt, dirt, mud, and other foreign mate-
rials. Make sure the drain holes in the
lower edges of the doors and rocker
panels are kept clear and clean.
Insects, tar, tree sap, bird droppings,
industrial pollution and similar
deposits can damage your vehicle’s
finish if not removed immediately.
Even prompt washing with plain water
may not completely remove all these
deposits. A mild soap, safe for use on
painted surfaces, may be used.
After washing, rinse the vehicle thor-
oughly with lukewarm or cold water.
Do not allow soap to dry on the finish.

After washing the vehicle, test the
brakes while driving slowly to see if
they have been affected by water. If
braking performance is impaired, dry
the brakes by applying them lightly
while maintaining a slow forward
speed.

Maintenance

106

8

High-pressure washing
• When using high-pressure wash-

ers, make sure to maintain suffi-
cient distance from the vehicle.
Insufficient clearance or excessive
pressure can lead to component
damage or water penetration.

• Do not spray the camera, sensors

or its surrounding area directly with
a high pressure washer. Shock
applied from high pressure water
may cause the device to not oper-
ate normally.

• Do not bring the nozzle tip close to

boots (rubber or plastic covers) or
connectors as they may be dam-
aged if they come into contact with
high pressure water.

Waxing
Wax the vehicle when water will no
longer bead on the paint.
Always wash and dry the vehicle
before waxing. Use a good quality
liquid or paste wax, and follow the
manufacturer’s instructions. Wax all
metal trim to protect it and to main-
tain its luster.
Removing oil, tar, and similar materi-
als with a spot remover will usually
strip the wax from the finish. Be sure
to re-wax these areas even if the rest
of the vehicle does not yet need wax-
ing.
Do not apply wax on embossed
unpainted unit, as it may tarnish the
unit.

ODEP077071L

CAUTION -

Wet engine

• Water washing in the engine

compartment including high
pressure water washing may
cause the failure of electrical
circuits located in the engine
compartment.

• Never allow water or other liq-

uids to come in contact with
electrical/electronic compo-
nents inside the vehicle as
this may damage them.

8 107

Maintenance

Finish damage repair

Deep scratches or stone chips in the
painted surface must be repaired
promptly. Exposed metal will quickly
rust and may develop into a major
repair expense.
If your vehicle is damaged and
requires any metal repair or replace-
ment, be sure the body shop applies
anti-corrosion materials to the parts
repaired or replaced.

Bright-metal maintenance

• To remove road tar and insects,

use a tar remover, not a scraper or
other sharp object.

• To protect the surfaces of bright-

metal parts from corrosion, apply a
coating of wax or chrome preser-
vative and rub to a high luster.

• During winter weather or in coastal

areas, cover the bright metal parts
with a heavier coating of wax or
preservative. If necessary, coat the
parts with non-corrosive petroleum
jelly or other protective compound.

Underbody maintenance

Road salt and other corrosive chemi-
cals are used in cold weather states to
melt snow and prevent ice accumula-
tion. If these chemicals are not regu-
larly removed, they will corrode the
vehicle underbody and over time dam-
age fuel lines, the fuel tank retention
system, the vehicle suspension, the
exhaust system, and even the body
frame. The National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration has warned all
vehicle owners of all brands of the
need to take the following steps:

• Wash the undercarriage of your

vehicle regularly during the winter
and whenever your vehicle has
been exposed to such salts or
chemicals.

• Do a thorough washing of the

undercarriage at the end of the
winter.

• Use professional service techni-

cians or governmental inspection
stations to annually inspect for cor-
rosion.

• Immediately seek an inspection of

your vehicle if you become visually
aware of corrosion flaking or scal-
ing or if you become aware of a
change in vehicle performance,
such as soft or spongey brakes,
fluids leaking, impairment of direc-
tional control, suspension noises
or rattling metal straps.

CAUTION -

Drying vehicle

• Wiping dust or dirt off the

body with a dry cloth will
scratch the finish.

• Do not use steel wool, abra-

sive cleaners, acid detergents
or strong detergents contain-
ing high alkaline or caustic
agents on chrome-plated or
anodized aluminum parts.
This may result in damage to
the protective coating and
cause discoloration or paint
deterioration.

Maintenance

108

8

Aluminum wheel maintenance

The aluminum wheels are coated with
a clear protective finish.
• Do not use any abrasive cleaner,

polishing compound, solvent, or wire
brushes on aluminum wheels. They
may scratch the finish.

• Clean the wheel when it has cooled.
• Use only a mild soap or neutral

detergent, and rinse thoroughly with
water. Also, be sure to clean the
wheels after driving on salted roads.
This helps prevent corrosion.

• Avoid washing the wheels with high-

speed vehicle wash brushes.

• Do not use any alkaline or acid

detergents It may damage and cor-
rode the aluminum wheels coated
with a clear protective finish.

Corrosion protection

Protecting your vehicle from corrosion
By using the most advanced design
and construction practices to combat
corrosion, we produce vehicles of
the highest quality. However, this is
only part of the job. To achieve the
long-term corrosion resistance your
vehicle can deliver, the owner's
cooperation and assistance is also
required.

Common causes of corrosion
The most common causes of corro-
sion on your vehicle are:
• Road salt, dirt and moisture that is

allowed to accumulate underneath
the vehicle.

• Removal of paint or protective

coatings by stones, gravel, abra-
sion or minor scrapes and dents
which leave unprotected metal
exposed to corrosion.

High-corrosion areas
If you live in an area where your vehi-
cle is regularly exposed to corrosive
materials, corrosion protection is
particularly important. Some of the
common causes of accelerated cor-
rosion are road salts, dust control
chemicals, ocean air and industrial
pollution.

Moisture breeds corrosion
Moisture creates the conditions in
which corrosion is most likely to
occur. For example, corrosion is
accelerated by high humidity, partic-
ularly when temperatures are just
above freezing. In such conditions,
the corrosive material is kept in con-
tact with the vehicle’s surface by
moisture that evaporates slowly.
Mud is particularly corrosive
because it dries slowly and holds
moisture in contact with the vehicle.
Although the mud appears to be dry,
it can still retain the moisture and
promote corrosion.

WARNING

After washing the vehicle, test
the brakes while driving slowly
to see if they have been affected
by water. If braking performance
is impaired, dry the brakes by
applying them lightly while main-
taining a slow forward speed.

8 109

Maintenance

High temperatures can also acceler-
ate corrosion of parts that are not
properly ventilated so the moisture
can be dispersed. For all these rea-
sons, it is particularly important to
keep your vehicle clean and free of
mud or accumulations of other mate-
rials. This applies not only to the vis-
ible surfaces but particularly to the
underside of the vehicle.

To help prevent corrosion
You can help prevent corrosion from
beginning by observing the following:

Keep your vehicle clean

The best way to prevent corrosion is
to keep your vehicle clean and free
of corrosive materials. Attention to
the underside of the vehicle is partic-
ularly important.

• If you live in a high-corrosion area

— where road salts are used, near
the ocean, areas with industrial
pollution, acid rain, etc.—, you
should take extra care to prevent
corrosion. In winter, hose off the
underside of your vehicle at least
once a month and be sure to clean
the underside thoroughly when
winter is over.

• When cleaning underneath the

vehicle, give particular attention to
the components under the fenders
and other areas that are hidden
from view. Do a thorough job; just
dampening the accumulated mud
rather than washing it away will
accelerate corrosion rather than
prevent it. Water under high pres-
sure and steam are particularly
effective in removing accumulated
mud and corrosive materials.

• When cleaning lower door panels,

rocker panels and frame members,
be sure that drain holes are kept
open so that moisture can escape
and not be trapped inside to accel-
erate corrosion.

Keep your garage dry

Don't park your vehicle in a damp,
poorly ventilated garage. This cre-
ates a favorable environment for cor-
rosion. This is particularly true if you
wash your vehicle in the garage or
drive it into the garage when it is still
wet or covered with snow, ice or
mud. Even a heated garage can con-
tribute to corrosion unless it is well
ventilated so moisture is dispersed.

Maintenance

110

8

Keep paint and trim in good con-
dition

Scratches or chips in the finish
should be covered with "touch-up"
paint as soon as possible to reduce
the possibility of corrosion. If bare
metal is showing through, the atten-
tion of a qualified body and paint
shop is recommended.

Bird droppings : Bird droppings are
highly corrosive and may damage
painted surfaces in just a few hours.
Always remove bird droppings as
soon as possible.

Don't neglect the interior

Moisture can collect under the floor
mats and carpeting and cause corro-
sion. Check under the mats periodi-
cally to be sure the carpeting is dry.
Use particular care if you carry fertil-
izers, cleaning materials or chemi-
cals in the vehicle.
These should be carried only in prop-
er containers and any spills or leaks
should be cleaned up, flushed with
clean water and thoroughly dried.

Interior care

Interior general precautions

Prevent chemicals such as perfume,
cosmetic oil, sun cream, hand clean-
er, and air freshener from contacting
the interior parts because they may
cause damage or discoloration. If
they do contact the interior parts,
wipe them off immediately. If neces-
sary, use a vinyl cleaner, see product
instructions for correct usage.

CAUTION -

Electrical
components

Never allow water or other liq-
uids to come in contact with
electrical/electronic compo-
nents inside the vehicle as this
may damage them.

CAUTION -

Leather

When cleaning leather products
(steering wheel, seats etc.), use
neutral detergents or low alco-
hol content solutions. If you use
high alcohol content solutions
or acid/alkaline detergents, the
color of the leather may fade or
the surface may get stripped off.

8 111

Maintenance

Taking care of leather seats

• Vacuum the seat periodically to

remove dust and sand on the seat.
It will prevent abrasion or damage of
the leather and maintain its quality.

• Wipe the natural leather seat cover

often with dry or soft cloth.

• Sufficient use of a leather protec-

tive may prevent abrasion of the
cover and helps maintain the color.
Be sure to read the instructions
and consult a specialist when
using leather coating or protective
agents.

• Leather with bright colors(beige,

cream beige) is easily contaminat-
ed and clear in appearance. Clean
the seats frequently.

• Avoid wiping with wet cloth. It may

cause the surface to crack.

Cleaning the leather seats

• Remove all contaminations instant-

ly. Refer to instructions below for
removal of each contaminant.

• Cosmetic products(sunscreen,

foundation, etc.)
- Apply cleansing cream on a cloth

and wipe the contaminated point.
Wipe off the cream with a wet
cloth and remove water with a dry
cloth.

• Beverages(coffee, soft drink, etc.)

- Apply a small amount of neutral

detergent and wipe until contami-
nations do not smear.

• Oil

-

Remove oil instantly with
absorbable cloth and wipe with
stain remover for natural leather
only.

• Chewing gum

- Harden the gum with ice and

remove gradually.

Fabric seat cover using precau-
tions (If equipped)

Please clean the fabric seats regu-
larly with a vacuum cleaner in con-
sideration of fabric material charac-
teristics. If they are heavily soiled
with beverage stains, etc., use a suit-
able interior cleaner. To prevent dam-
age to seat covers, wipe off the seat
covers down to the seams with a
large wiping motion and moderate
pressure using a soft sponge or
microfiber cloth.
Velcro closures on clothing or sharp
objects may cause snagging or
scratches on the surface of the
seats. Make sure not to rub such
objects against the surface.

Maintenance

112

8

Cleaning the upholstery and inte-
rior trim

Vinyl
Remove dust and loose dirt from
vinyl with a whisk broom or vacuum
cleaner. Clean vinyl surfaces with a
vinyl cleaner.

Fabric
Remove dust and loose dirt from fab-
ric with a whisk broom or vacuum
cleaner. Clean with a mild soap solu-
tion recommended for upholstery or
carpets. Remove fresh spots imme-
diately with a fabric spot cleaner. If
fresh spots do not receive immediate
attention, the fabric can be stained
and its color can be affected. Also, its
fire-resistant properties can be
reduced if the material is not proper-
ly maintained.
Using anything but recommended
cleaners and procedures may affect
the fabric’s appearance and fire-
resistant properties.

Cleaning the lap/shoulder belt
webbing

Clean the belt webbing with any mild
soap solution recommended for
cleaning upholstery or carpet. Follow
the instructions provided with the
soap. Do not bleach or re-dye the
webbing because this may weaken it.

Cleaning the interior window
glass

If the interior glass surfaces of the
vehicle become fogged (that is, cov-
ered with an oily, greasy or waxy
film), they should be cleaned with a
glass cleaner. Follow the directions
on the glass cleaner container.

Window tinting precaution

Window tint(especially metallic film)
might cause communication disorder
or poor radio reception, and malfunc-
tion of the automatic lighting system
due to excessive change of illumina-
tion inside the vehicle. The solution
used might also flow into electric,
electronic devices causing disorder
and failure.

CAUTION

- Rear window

Do not scrape or scratch the
inside of the rear window. This
may result in damage of the rear
window defroster grid.

8 113

Maintenance

EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM

The emission control system of your
vehicle is covered by a written limited
warranty. Please see the warranty
information contained in the
Warranty & Consumer Information
manual in your vehicle.
Your vehicle is equipped with an
emission control system to meet all
applicable emission regulations.
There are three emission control
systems, as follows.

(1) Crankcase emission control sys-

tem

(2) Evaporative emission control sys-

tem

(3) Exhaust emission control system

In order to assure the proper function
of the emission control systems, it is
recommended that you have your
vehicle inspected and maintained by
an authorized Kia dealer in accor-
dance with the maintenance sched-
ule in this manual.

Caution for the Inspection and
Maintenance Test (With Electronic
Stability Control (ESC) system)
• To prevent the vehicle from mis-

firing during dynamometer test-
ing, turn the Electronic Stability
Control (ESC) system off by
pressing the ESC switch.

• After dynamometer testing is

completed, turn the ESC system
back on by pressing the ESC
switch again.

1. Crankcase emission control

system

The positive crankcase ventilation
system is employed to prevent air
pollution caused by blow-by gases
being emitted from the crankcase.
This system supplies fresh filtered air
to the crankcase through the air
intake hose. Inside the crankcase,
the fresh air mixes with blow-by
gases, which then pass through the
PCV valve into the induction system.

2. Evaporative emission con-

trol (including ORVR:
Onboard Refueling Vapor
Recovery)
system

The Evaporative Emission Control
System is designed to prevent fuel
vapors from escaping into the atmos-
phere.
(The ORVR system is designed to
allow the vapors from the fuel tank to
be loaded into a canister while refu-
eling at the gas station, preventing
the escape of fuel vapors into the
atmosphere.)

Maintenance

114

8

Canister

Fuel vapors generated inside the fuel
tank are absorbed and stored in the
onboard canister. When the engine is
running, the fuel vapors absorbed in
the canister are drawn into the surge
tank through the purge control sole-
noid valve.

Purge Control Solenoid Valve
(PCSV)

The purge control solenoid valve is
controlled by the Engine Control
Module (ECM); when the engine
coolant temperature is low during
idling, the PCSV closes so that evap-
orated fuel is not taken into the
engine. After the engine warms up
during ordinary driving, the PCSV
opens to introduce evaporated fuel to
the engine.

3. Exhaust emission control

system

The Exhaust Emission Control
System is a highly effective system
which controls exhaust emissions
while maintaining good vehicle per-
formance.

Vehicle modifications

This vehicle should not be modified.
Modification of your vehicle could
affect its performance, safety or
durability and may even violate gov-
ernmental safety and emissions reg-
ulations.
In addition, damage or performance
problems resulting from any modifi-
cation may not be covered under
warranty.
• If you use unauthorized electronic

devices, it may cause the vehicle to
operate abnormally, wire damage,
battery discharge and fire. For your
safety, do not use unauthorized
electronic devices.

Engine exhaust gas precautions
(carbon monoxide)

• Carbon monoxide can be present

with other exhaust fumes.
Therefore, if you smell exhaust
fumes of any kind inside your vehi-
cle, have it inspected and repaired
immediately. If you ever suspect
exhaust fumes are coming into
your vehicle, drive it only with all
the windows fully open. Have your
vehicle checked and repaired
immediately.

WARNING -

Exhaust

Engine exhaust gases contain
carbon monoxide (CO). Though
colorless and odorless, it is
dangerous and could be lethal if
inhaled. Follow the instructions
on this page to avoid CO poi-
soning.

8 115

Maintenance

• Do not operate the engine in con-

fined or closed areas (such as
garages) any more than what is
necessary to move the vehicle in or
out of the area.

• When the vehicle is stopped in an

open area for more than a short
time with the engine running,
adjust the ventilation system (as
needed) to draw outside air into the
vehicle.

• Never sit in a parked or stopped

vehicle for any extended time with
the engine running.

• When the engine stalls or fails to

start, excessive attempts to restart
the engine may cause damage to
the emission control system.

Operating precautions for catalyt-
ic converters (if equipped)

WARNING

- Catalytic

converter

Keep away from the catalytic
converter and exhaust system
while the vehicle is running or
immediately thereafter.

The

exhaust and catalytic systems
are very hot and may burn you.

WARNING

- Fire

• Do not park, idle or drive the

vehicle over or near flamma-
ble objects, such as grass,
vegetation, paper, leaves, etc.
A hot exhaust system can
ignite flammable items under
your vehicle.

• Also, do not remove the heat

sink around the exhaust sys-
tem, do not seal the bottom of
the vehicle or do not coat the
vehicle for corrosion control.
It may present a fire risk under
certain conditions.

Your vehicle is equipped with a cat-
alytic converter emission control
device.
Therefore, the following precautions
must be observed:
• Use only UNLEADED FUEL for

gasoline engines.

• Do not operate the vehicle when

there are signs of engine malfunc-
tion, such as misfire or a noticeable
loss of performance.

• Do not misuse or abuse the

engine. Examples of misuse are
coasting with the ignition off and
descending steep grades in gear
with the ignition off.

• Do not operate the engine at high

idle speed for extended periods (5
minutes or more).

• Do not modify or tamper with any

part of the engine or emission con-
trol system. All inspections and
adjustments must be made by an
authorized Kia dealer.

• Avoid driving with an extremely low

fuel level. Running out of fuel could
cause the engine to misfire, dam-
aging the catalytic converter.

Failure to observe these precautions
could result in damage to the catalyt-
ic converter and to your vehicle.
Additionally, such actions could void
your warranties.

Perchlorate Material-special handling
may apply, See www.dtsc.ca.gov/haz-
ardouswaste/ perchlorate.

Notice to California Vehicle Dismantlers:
Perchlorate containing materials,
such as air bag inflators, seatbelt
pretensioners and keyless remote
entry batteries, must be disposed of
according to Title 22 California Code
of Regulations Chapter 67384.10
(a).

CALIFORNIA
PERCHLORATE NOTICE

8 116

Maintenance