KIA Niro Plug-in Hybrid (2018 year). Manual — part 3

H36

System setting

The driver can activate the Aux.
Battery Saver+ function by placing
the engine start/stop button to the
ON position and by selecting:
"User Settings

➞ Other Features ➞

Aux. Battery Saver+"

LCD message

This message is displayed when the
Aux. Battery Saver+ function has
been completed when the vehicle is
turned ON.
However, if the LCD message pops
up frequently, have your vehicle`s
auxiliary battery or electric/electronic
components serviced by an author-
ized Kia dealer.

ODEP047473N

WARNING

The Aux. Battery Saver+ relies
on the high voltage battery to
charge the 12V battery.

The

charging indicator lamp will blink
rapidly when this is occurring.
To reduce the risk of electrical
shock, do not touch any high
voltage components (orange) or
other electrical devices while
charging is occurring.

ODEPQ017051

PLUG-IN HYBRID ENERGY FLOW (CONT.)

H37

Starting the Hybrid System

1.Carry the smart key into the vehicle.
2.Make sure the parking brake is

firmly applied.

3.Place the shift lever in the P(Park)

position.
In N (neutral) position, you can not
start the vehicle.

4.Depress the brake pedal.
5.Press the engine start/stop button.
6.The engine should be started with-

out pressing the accelerator. In
extremely cold weather or after the
vehicle has not been operated for
several days, let the engine warm up
without depressing the accelerator.
• Even if the smart key is in the

vehicle, if it is far away from you,
the engine may not start.

• When the engine start/stop but-

ton is in the ACC or ON position,
if any door is open, the system
checks for the smart key. If the
smart key is not in the vehicle, the
warning, "Key is not in vehicle"
will come on, and if all doors are
closed, the chime will also sound
for about 5 seconds. The indica-
tor will turn off while the vehicle is
moving. Keep the smart key in the
vehicle when using the ACC posi-
tion or if the vehicle engine is on.

If the starting procedure is fol-
lowed, the "

" symbol on the

instrument cluster will turn on. For
more details, Please check chap-
ter 4.

STARTING THE HYBRID/PLUG-IN HYBRID VEHICLE (SMART KEY)

H38

ECONOMICAL and SAFE
OPERATION of Hybrid system

• Drive smoothly. Accelerate at a

moderate rate and maintain a
steady cruising speed. Don't make
"jack-rabbit" starts. Don't race
between stoplights.
Avoid heavy traffic whenever pos-
sible. Always maintain a safe dis-
tance from other vehicles so you
can avoid unnecessary braking.
This also reduces brake wear.

• The regenerative brake generates

energy when the vehicle deceler-
ates.

• When the hybrid battery power is

low, the hybrid system automatical-
ly recharges the hybrid battery.

• When the engine runs in "N" posi-

tion, the hybrid system cannot gen-
erate electricity. The hybrid battery
cannot recharge in "N" position.
Please refer to chapter 6.

✽

✽

NOTICE

When the hybrid system is in ready
mode, the engine will automatically
start and stop as needed.
The "

" symbol will illuminate in

the cluster when the system is oper-
ational.

CAUTION

- Extended

cranking

Do not crank the engine for a
prolonged period of time with-
out the engine starting.

This

could result in damage to the
HEV battery and becoming
totally discharged.

STARTING THE HYBRID/PLUG-IN HYBRID VEHICLE (SMART KEY) (CONT.)

H39

COMPONENTS OF THE HYBRID/PLUG-IN HYBRID VEHICLE

1. Engine : 1.6 L
2. Motor : 32 kw (hybrid)/44.5 kw (plug-in hybrid)
3. Transmission : 6 DCT
4. Hybrid starter generator (HSG)

5. HPCU (Hybrid Power Control Unit)
6. High voltage battery system
7. Generative brake system
8. Virtual Engine Sound System (VESS)

ODEP017006N

❈ The actual shape may differ from the illustration.

H40

The Hybrid battery uses high voltage
to operate the electric motor and
other components and other compo-
nents. High voltage is dangerous if
touched.
Your vehicle is equipped with orange
colored insulation and covers over
the high voltage components to pro-
tect people from electric shock. High
voltage warning labels are attached
to some system components as addi-
tional warnings. Have your vehicle
serviced by an authorized Kia dealer.

WARNING -

High voltage
components

Never touch orange or high
voltage labeled components
including wires, cables, and
connections. If the insulators or
covers are damaged or
removed, severe injury or death
from electrocution may occur.

WARNING -

Touching
HPCU

When replacing the fuses in the
engine compartment,

never

touch the HPCU. The HPCU car-
ries high voltage. Touching the
HPCU could result in electrocu-
tion, serious injury, or death.

ODEQ016002

ODEQ016003

HPCU

HEV Battery

COMPONENTS OF THE HYBRID/PLUG-IN HYBRID VEHICLE (CONT.)

H41

WARNING

- Battery elec-

trolyte

As with all batteries, avoid fluid
contact with the Hybrid battery.
If the battery is damaged and if
electrolyte comes in contact
with your body, clothes or eyes,
immediately flush with a large
quantity of fresh water.

WARNING

- After market

battery charger

Do not use an after-market bat-
tery charger to charge the
Hybrid battery. Doing so may
result in death or serious injury.

WARNING

- High Waters

• Avoid high waters as this may

result in your vehicle becom-
ing saturated with water and
could compromise the high
voltage components.

• Do not touch the any of the

high voltage components
within your vehicle if your
vehicle has been submerged
in water equal to half of the
vehicle height. Touching high
voltage components once
submerged in water could
result in severe burns or elec-
tric shock that could result in
death or serious injury.

ODEQ016004

Motor

CAUTION

- High Voltage

Battery Damage

When loading your vehicle, be
careful of transporting items in
a manner that could damage the
high voltage battery. Do not
store items on top of the high
voltage battery or overload the
trunk area. Such actions may
ultimately damage the high volt-
age battery unit.

CAUTION

- Carrying

Liquids in Trunk

Do not load large amounts of
liquid in open containers in the
vehicle. If spilled onto the HEV
battery, the liquid may cause a
short or further damage to the
battery.

H42

✽

✽

NOTICE -

Prolonged parking

Prolonged parking might cause bat-
tery discharge and operation failure
due to natural discharge. Driving
the vehicle approximately once
every 2 months, more than 9 miles
(15 km) is recommended. The bat-
tery will be charged automatically
when driving the vehicle.

WARNING -

Exposure to
High Voltage

• High voltage in the hybrid bat-

tery system is very dangerous
and can cause severe burns
and electric shock. This may
result in serious injury or death.

• For your safety, never touch,

replace, dismantle or remove
any portion of the hybrid bat-
tery system including compo-
nents, cables and connectors.

WARNING -

Use of Water
or Liquids

If water or liquids come into
contact with the hybrid system
components, and you are also
in contact with the water, severe
injury or death due to electrocu-
tion may occur.

WARNING -

Hot
Components

When the hybrid battery system
operates, the HEV battery system
can be hot. Heat burns may result
from touching even insulated
components of the HEV system.

CAUTION -

Cleaning
Engine

When you clean the engine com-
partment, do not wash using
water. Water may cause electric
arcing to occur and damage elec-
tronic parts and components.

COMPONENTS OF THE HYBRID/PLUG-IN HYBRID VEHICLE (CONT.)

H43

Safety plug

Some Special Features of the
Hybrid Vehicle.

Hybrid vehicles sound different than
gasoline engine vehicles. When the
hybrid system operates, you may
hear a sound from the hybrid battery
system behind the rear seat. If you
apply the accelerator pedal rapidly,
you may hear a sound. When you
apply the brake pedal, you may hear
a sound from the regenerative brake
system. When the hybrid system is
turned off or on, you may hear a
sound in the engine compartment. If
you depress the brake pedal repeat-
edly when the hybrid system is
turned on, you may hear a sound in
the engine compartment. None of
these sounds indicate a problem.
They are characteristics of hybrid
vehicles.

When the hybrid system is turned on,
the engine may run. This does not
indicate a malfunction. If the "

"

symbol is on, the hybrid system is
operating. Even if the gasoline engine
is off, you can operate the vehicle.

WARNING -

Safety Plug

Never touch the safety plug.
Safety plug is attached to high
voltage hybrid battery system.
Touching safety plug will result
in death or serious injury.
Service personnel should follow
procedure in service manual.

ODEQ016006

■

Hybrid

ODEPQ017038

■

Plug-in Hybrid

H44

The HEV system may emit electro-
magnetic waves which can affect the
performance of electronic devices
appliances, such as laptop comput-
ers, which are not part of the vehicle
design.

If you park the vehicle for a long time,
the hybrid system will discharge. You
need to drive the vehicle approximate-
ly once every 2 months, more than 9
miles (15 km) is recommended.

When you start the hybrid system in
the "P" transmission position, the
"

" symbol is illuminated in the

cluster. The driver can drive the vehi-
cle even if the engine is stopped.

Virtual Engine Sound System
(VESS)

The Virtual Engine Sound System
generates engine sound for pedestri-
ans to hear vehicle sound because
there is limited sound while electric
motor power is used.
• If the vehicle is moving at low

speed, the VESS will operate.

• When the gear is shifted to R

(Reverse), an additional warning
sound will be heard.

WARNING -

Turning off
HEV system

When you leave the vehicle, you
should turn off the hybrid sys-
tem. If you depress the acceler-
ator pedal by mistake and the
vehicle is not in the "P" posi-
tion, the vehicle will accelerate.
This may result in serious injury
or death.

COMPONENTS OF THE HYBRID/PLUG-IN HYBRID VEHICLE (CONT.)

H45

High Voltage Battery Air Intake

The hybrid battery air intake is locat-
ed on bottom and side of the rear
seats. The air intake cools down the
hybrid battery. When the hybrid bat-
tery air intake is blocked, the hybrid
battery may be overheated. Do not
obstruct the air intake with any other
objects.

If An Accident Occurs

• Avoid the engine compartment.
• Avoid any orange or high voltage

wires, cables, or components.

• Assume that a high voltage compo-

nent is exposed and move away from
the vehicle as promptly as possible.

• Refer to Chapter 7 for towing infor-

mation.

WARNING -

Air Intake

• Blocking the air intake behind

the rear seats may damage
the HEV battery.

• Do not allow any water into

the air intake even when
cleaning. If any water enters
the air intake, the Hybrid bat-
tery may cause an electric
shock which can cause seri-
ous injury or death due to
electrocution.

ODEQ016007

WARNING

-

Interference with electron-
ic medical devices

Electromagnetic waves that are
generated from the charger can
impact medical electric devices
such as an implantable cardiac
pacemaker. When using such
medical electric devices, ask
your medical professional and
the device manufacturer
whether charging your electric
vehicle will impact the operation
of the medical electric devices.

H46

• After parking the vehicle, shift the

transmission into "P" position. Turn
off the hybrid system by pushing
the Engine Start/Stop button.

• For your safety, do not touch high

voltage cables, connectors and
package modules. High Voltage
components are orange in color.

• Exposed cables or wires may be

visible inside or outside of the vehi-
cle. Never touch the wires or
cables, because an electrical
shock may occur causing injury or
death.

✽

✽

NOTICE

• If a small scale fire occurs, use a

fire extinguisher (ABC, BC) that is
meant for electrical fires.
If it is impossible to extinguish the
fire in the early stage, remain a
safe distance from the vehicle and
immediately call your local fire
emergency responders. Also,
advise them that a hybrid vehicle
is involved.
If the fire spreads to the high volt-
age battery, large amount of water
is needed to put out the fire.
Using small amount of water or
fire extinguishers not meant for
electrical fires could cause serious
injury or death from electrical
shocks.

• If you need towing, refer to chap-

ter 7.

If a vehicle accident occurs:
1.Stop the vehicle and shift the trans-

mission into "P" position and then
depress the parking brake.

2.Turn off the Hybrid system by

pushing the Engine Start/Stop
Button.

3.Evacuate to the safety place.
4.Call emergency services for help

and let them know the vehicle is a
Hybrid vehicle.
Do not touch high voltage cables,
connectors and package modules.
High voltage components are
orange in color.

Exposed cables or wires may be vis-
ible inside or outside of the vehicle.
Never touch the wires or cables,
because an electrical shock may
occur causing injury or death.

COMPONENTS OF THE HYBRID/PLUG-IN HYBRID VEHICLE (CONT.)

H47

When the hybrid vehicle shuts
off

When the high voltage battery or 12-
volt battery discharges, or fuel tank is
empty, the hybrid system may not
operate.
If the Hybrid system stops operating
while the vehicle is moving, reduce
the vehicle and pull your vehicle off
the road in a safe area, and shift the
transmission in to Park (P) position
and;
1. Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
2. Set the start button at OFF, and try

to start the Hybrid system by
applying the brake pedal and
pushing the start button.

3. If the Hybrid system will not oper-

ate, refer to "EMERGENCY
STARTING" in chapter 7.

Before you try to jump start the vehi-
cle, confirm the fuel level. If the fuel
level is low add more fuel before
attempting as emergency start.

WARNING

If a submersion in water occurs:
If your vehicle was flooded and
has soaked carpeting or water
on the flooring, you should not
try to start the Hybrid system.
Never touch the high voltage
cables, connectors and pack-
age modules, because an elec-
trical shock may occur causing
injury or death. High Voltage
cables are orange in color.
In this case, have the vehicle
towed to and inspected by an
authorized Kia dealer.

WARNING -

Vehicle
Accident

Never touch electric wires or
cable. If exposed electric wires
or cables are visible inside or
outside of your vehicle, an elec-
tric shock may occur.

WARNING -

Putting out
fire

Never use a small quantity of
water to put out a fire in your
vehicle. If a fire occurs, evacu-
ate the car immediately and
contact the fire department.

Introduction

Fuel requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2

• Gasoline containing alcohol and methanol . . . . . . . . . 1-2
• Do not use methanol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
• Fuel additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
• Operation in foreign countries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4

Vehicle break-in process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
HEV/PHEV powertrain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
Vehicle data collection and event data recorders. . 1-6

1

Introduction

2

1

Your new vehicle is designed to use
only unleaded fuel having a pump
octane number ((R+M)/2) of 87
(Research Octane Number 91) or
higher. (Do not use methanol blend-
ed fuels.)

Your new vehicle is designed to
obtain maximum performance with
UNLEADED FUEL, as well as mini-
mize exhaust emissions and spark
plug fouling.
Never add any fuel system cleaning
agents to the fuel tank other than
what has been specified. (Consult an
authorized Kia dealer for details.)
• Tighten the cap until it clicks one

time, otherwise the Check Engine

light will illuminate.

Gasoline containing alcohol and
methanol

Gasohol, a mixture of gasoline and
ethanol (also known as grain alco-
hol), and gasoline or gasohol con-
taining methanol (also known as
wood alcohol) are being marketed
along with or instead of leaded or
unleaded gasoline.

Pursuant to EPA regulations, ethanol
may be used in your vehicle.
Do not use gasohol containing more
than 15% ethanol, and do not use
gasoline or gasohol containing any
methanol. Ethanol provides less
energy than gasoline and it attracts
water, and it is thus likely to reduce
your fuel efficiency and could lower
your MPG results.
Methanol may cause drivability prob-
lems and damage to the fuel system,
engine control system and emission
control system.
Discontinue using gasohol of any
kind if drivability problems occur.
Vehicle damage or drivability prob-
lems may not be covered by the
manufacturer’s warranty if they result
from the use of:
1. Gasoline or gasohol containing

methanol.

2. Leaded fuel or leaded gasohol.
3. Gasohol containing more than

15% ethanol.

WARNING

- Refueling

• Do not “top off” after the noz-

zle automatically shuts off.
Attempts to force more fuel
into the tank can cause fuel
overflow onto you and the
ground causing a risk of fire.

• Always check that the fuel cap

is installed securely to pre-
vent fuel spillage, especially
in the event of an accident.

FUEL REQUIREMENTS

1 3

Introduction

"E85" fuel is an alternative fuel com-
prised of 85 percent ethanol and 15
percent gasoline, and is manufac-
tured exclusively for use in Flexible
Fuel Vehicles. “E85” is not compati-
ble with your vehicle. Use of “E85”
may result in poor engine perform-
ance and damage to your vehicle's
engine and fuel system. Kia recom-
mends that customers do not use
fuel with an ethanol content exceed-
ing 15 percent.

✽

✽

NOTICE

Your New Vehicle Limited Warranty
does not cover damage to the fuel sys-
tem or any performance problems
caused by the use of “E85” fuel.

✽

✽

NOTICE

Never

use any fuel containing

methanol. Discontinue use of any
methanol containing product which
may inhibit proper drivability.

Other fuels

Using fuels that contain Silicone (Si),
MMT (Manganese, Mn), Ferrocene
(Fe), and Other metalic additives,
may cause vehicle and engine dam-
age or cause misfiring, poor acceler-
ation, engine stalling, catalyst melt-
ing, clogging, abnormal corrosion,
life cycle reduction, etc.
Also, the Malfunction Indicator Lamp
(MIL) may illuminate.

✽

✽

NOTICE

Damage to the fuel system or per-
formance problem caused by the use
of these fuels may not be covered by
your

New Vehicle Limited

Warranty.

Gasoline containing MMT

Some gasoline contains harmful man-
ganese-based fuel additives Such as
M M T ( M e t h y l c y c l o p e n t a d i e n y l
Manganese Tricarbonyl). Kia does not
recommend the use of gasoline con-
taining MMT. This type of fuel can
reduce vehicle performance and affect
your emission control system. The
Malfunction Indicator Lamp on the
cluster may come on.

Do not use methanol

Fuels containing methanol (wood
alcohol) should not be used in your
vehicle. This type of fuel can reduce
vehicle performance and damage
components of the fuel system,
engine control system and emission
control system.

Introduction

4

1

Fuel Additives

Kia recommends that you use good
quality gasolines treated with deter-
gent additives such as TOP TIER
Detergent Gasoline, which help pre-
vent deposit formation in the engine.
These gasolines will help the engine
run cleaner and enhance perform-
ance of the Emission Control System.
For more information on TOP TIER
Detergent Gasoline, please go to the
website (www.toptiergas.com)
For customers who do not use TOP
TIER Detergent Gasoline regularly,
and have problems starting or the
engine does not run smoothly, addi-
tives that can be purchased sepa-
rately may be added to the gasoline.
If TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline is
not available, one bottle of additive
should be added to the fuel tank at
every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or
every engine oil change is recom-
mended. Additives are available from
your authorized Kia dealer along with
information on how to use them. Do
not mix other additives.

Operation in foreign countries

If you are going to drive your vehicle
in another country, be sure to:
• Observe all regulations regarding

registration and insurance.

• Determine that acceptable fuel is

available.