KIA Soul (2018 year). Manual — part 32

Maintenance

34

8

EXPLANATION OF SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE ITEMS

Engine oil and filter

The engine oil and filter should be
changed at the intervals specified in
the maintenance schedule. If the
vehicle is being driven in severe con-
ditions, more frequent oil and filter
changes are required.

Drive belts

Inspect all drive belts for evidence of
cuts, cracks, excessive wear or oil
saturation and replace if necessary.
Drive belts should be checked peri-
odically for proper tension and
adjusted as necessary.

Fuel filter (for gasoline)

Kia gasoline vehicle is equipped with
a lifetime fuel filter that is integrated
with the fuel tank. Regular mainte-
nance or replacement is not needed.
This may vary depending on fuel
quality. If you experience any of the
following: fuel flow restriction, surg-
ing, loss of power, or a hard starting
issue, inspection and, if necessary,
replacement may be needed. Have
the fuel filter inspected or replaced
by an authorized Kia dealer.

Fuel lines, fuel hoses and con-
nections

Check the fuel lines, fuel hoses and
connections for leakage and dam-
age. Have an authorized Kia dealer
replace any damaged or leaking
parts immediately.

Vapor hose and fuel filler cap

The vapor hose and fuel filler cap
should be inspected at those inter-
vals specified in the maintenance
schedule. Make sure that a new
vapor hose or fuel filler cap is cor-
rectly replaced.

8 35

Maintenance

Vacuum crankcase ventilation
hoses (if equipped)

Inspect the surface of hoses for evi-
dence of heat and/or mechanical
damage. Hard and brittle rubber,
cracking, tears, cuts, abrasions, and
excessive swelling indicate deterio-
ration. Particular attention should be
paid to examine those hose surfaces
nearest to high heat sources, such
as the exhaust manifold.
Inspect the hose routing to assure
that the hoses do not come in con-
tact with any heat source, sharp
edges or moving components which
might cause heat damage or
mechanical wear. Inspect all hose
connections, such as clamps and
couplings, to make sure they are
secure, and that no leaks are pres-
ent. Hoses should be replaced
immediately if there is any evidence
of deterioration or damage.

Air cleaner filter

A Genuine Kia air cleaner filter is
recommended when the filter is
replaced.

Spark plugs

Make sure to install new spark plugs
of the correct heat range.

Valve clearance (if equipped)

Inspect for excessive valve noise
and/or engine vibration and adjust if
necessary. An authorized Kia dealer
should perform the operation.

Cooling system

Check the cooling system compo-
nents, such as the radiator, coolant
reservoir, hoses and connections for
leakage and damage. Replace any
damaged parts.

Coolant

The coolant should be changed at
the intervals specified in the mainte-
nance schedule.

Maintenance

36

8

Manual transaxle fluid
(if equipped)

Inspect the manual transaxle fluid
according to the maintenance sched-
ule.

Automatic transaxle fluid
(if equipped)

Automatic transaxle fluid should not
be checked under normal usage
conditions.
But in severe conditions, the fluid
should be changed at an authorized
Kia dealer in accordance to the
scheduled maintenance at the begin-
ning of this section.

✽

✽

NOTICE

Automatic transaxle fluid color is
basically red.
As the vehicle is driven, the auto-
matic transaxle fluid will begin to
look darker.
It is the normal condition and you
should not judge the need to replace
the fluid based upon the changed
color.

Dual clutch transmission Fluid

Inspect the dual clutch transmission
fluid according to the maintenance
schedule.

Brake hoses and lines

Visually check for proper installation,
chafing, cracks, deterioration and
any leakage. Replace any deteriorat-
ed or damaged parts immediately.

✽

✽

NOTICE -

NHTSA Safety
Corrosion Alert

NHTSA has warned all vehicle own-
ers of all brands that they must main-
tain their vehicles in a manner which
will prevent brake hose and brake line
failures due to corrosion when such
vehicles are exposed to winter road
salt and related chemicals. While seri-
ous corrosion conditions typically only
manifest themselves as safety issues
after 7 years of vehicle use, the corro-
sion process starts immediately and
thus underbody cleaning maintenance
must commence from your vehicle's
first exposure to road salts and chem-
icals. NHTSA urges vehicle owners to
take the following steps to prevent
corrosion:

(Continued)

CAUTION

- Transaxle fluids

The use of a non-specified fluid
could result in transaxle mal-
function and failure.
Use only specified automatic
transaxle fluid.

(Refer to

"Recommended lubricants and
capacities" in chapter 9.)

8 37

Maintenance

(Continued)
1. Wash the undercarriage of your

vehicle regularly throughout the
winter and do a thorough washing
in the spring to remove road salt
and other de-icing chemicals.

2. Monitor the brake system for

signs of corrosion by having regu-
lar professional inspections and
watching for signs of problems,
including loss of brake fluid,
unusual leaks and soft or spongy
feel in the brake pedal.

3. Replace the entire brake pipe

assembly if you find severe corro-
sion that causes scaling or flaking
of brake components.

Brake/clutch (if equipped) fluid

Check the brake fluid level in the
brake fluid reservoir. The level should
be between “MIN” and “MAX” marks
on the side of the reservoir. Use only
hydraulic brake fluid conforming to
DOT 3 or DOT 4 specification.

Parking brake

Inspect the parking brake system
including the parking brake lever (or
pedal) and cables.

Brake discs, pads, calipers
and rotors

Check the pads for excessive wear,
discs for run out and wear, and
calipers for fluid leakage.

Exhaust pipe and muffler

Visually inspect the exhaust pipes,
muffler and hangers for cracks, dete-
rioration, or damage. Start the
engine and listen carefully for any
exhaust gas leakage. Tighten con-
nections or replace parts as neces-
sary.

Maintenance

38

8

Suspension mounting bolts

Check the suspension connections
for looseness or damage. Retighten
to the specified torque.

Steering gear box, linkage &
boots/lower arm ball joint

With the vehicle stopped and engine
off, check for excessive free-play in
the steering wheel.
Check the linkage for bends or dam-
age. Check the dust boots and ball
joints for deterioration, cracks, or
damage. Replace any damaged
parts.

Drive shafts and boots

Check the drive shafts, boots and
clamps for cracks, deterioration, or
damage. Replace any damaged
parts and, if necessary, repack the
grease.

Air conditioning refrigerant

Check the air conditioning lines and
connections for leakage and dam-
age.

8 39

Maintenance

CHECKING FLUID LEVELS

When checking engine oil, engine
coolant, brake fluid, and washer fluid,
always be sure to clean the area
around any filler plug, drain plug, or
dipstick before checking or draining
any lubricant or fluid. This is espe-
cially important in dusty or sandy
areas and when the vehicle is used
on unpaved roads. Cleaning the plug
and dipstick areas will prevent dirt
and grit from entering the engine and
other mechanisms that could be
damaged.

Maintenance

40

8

ENGINE OIL

Checking the engine oil level

1. Be sure the vehicle is on level

ground.

2. Start the engine and allow it to

reach normal operating tempera-
ture.

3. Turn the engine off and wait for a

few minutes (about 5 minutes) for
the oil to return to the oil pan.

4. Pull the dipstick out, wipe it clean,

and re-insert it fully.

5. Pull the dipstick out again and

check the level. The level should
be between F and L.

✽

✽

NOTICE

- Replacing engine

oil

• Do not spill engine oil, when

adding or changing engine oil. If
you drop the engine oil on the
engine room, wipe it off immedi-
ately.

WARNING -

Radiator
hose

Be very careful not to touch the
radiator hose when checking or
adding the engine oil as it may
be hot enough to burn you.

■

1.6 T-GDI

■

1.6 GDI

OPS076135L

■

2.0 GDI

OPS073003

OPS076114

CAUTION

- Replacing

engine oil

Do not overfill the engine oil. It
may damage the engine.

8 41

Maintenance

If it is near or at L, add enough oil to
bring the level to F. Do not overfill.
Use a funnel to help prevent oil
from being spilled on engine com-
ponents.

Use only the specified engine oil.
(Refer to “Recommended lubricants
and capacities” in chapter 9.)

Changing the engine oil and
filter

Have engine oil and filter changed by
an authorized Kia dealer according
to the Maintenance Schedule at the
beginning of this chapter.

■

1.6 T-GDI

■

1.6 GDI

OPS076136L

■

2.0 GDI

OPS073004

OPS076115

CALIFORNIA PROPO-

SITION 65 WARNING

Engine oil contains chemicals
known to the State of California
to cause cancer, birth defects
and reproductive harm. Used
engine oil may cause irritation or
cancer of the skin if left in con-
tact with the skin for prolonged
periods of time. Always protect
your skin by washing your hands
thoroughly with soap and warm
water as soon as possible after
handling used oil.

Maintenance

42

8

ENGINE COOLANT

The high-pressure cooling system
has a reservoir filled with year round
antifreeze coolant. The reservoir is
filled at the factory.
Check the antifreeze protection and
coolant level at least once a year, at
the beginning of the winter season,
and before traveling to a colder cli-
mate.

Checking the coolant level

Turn the engine off and wait until it
cools down. Use extreme care when
removing the radiator cap. Wrap a
thick towel around it, and turn it
counterclockwise slowly to the first
stop. Step back while the pressure is
released from the cooling system.
When you are sure all the pressure
has been released, press down on
the cap, using a thick towel, and con-
tinue turning counterclockwise to
remove it.

CAUTION

- Radiator Cap

Never attempt to remove the
radiator cap while the engine is
operating or hot. Doing so
might lead to cooling system
and engine damage.

WARNING

- Cooling fan

Use caution when
working near the
blade of the cooling
fan.

The electric

motor (cooling fan) is

controlled by engine coolant
temperature, refrigerant pres-
sure and vehicle speed. it may
sometimes operate even when
the engine is not running.

8 43

Maintenance

Check the condition and connections
of all cooling system hoses and
heater hoses. Replace any swollen
or deteriorated hoses.
The coolant level should be filled
between F and L marks on the side
of the coolant reservoir when the
engine is cool.

If the coolant level is low, add enough
specified coolant to provide protec-
tion against freezing and corrosion.
Bring the level to F, but do not over-
fill. If frequent additions are required,
see an authorized Kia dealer for a
cooling system inspection.

Recommended engine coolant

• When adding coolant, use only

deionized water or soft water for
your vehicle and never mix hard
water in the coolant filled at the fac-
tory. An improper coolant mixture
can result in serious malfunction or
engine damage.

• The engine in your vehicle has alu-

minum engine parts and must be
protected by an ethylene-glycol
with phosphate based coolant to
prevent corrosion and freezing.

• DO NOT USE alcohol or methanol

coolant or mix them with the spec-
ified coolant.

• Do not use a solution that contains

more than 60% antifreeze or less
than 35% antifreeze, which would
reduce the effectiveness of the
solution.

OPS076116

OAM079005

■

1.6 T-GDI

■

1.6 GDI/2.0 GDI

Maintenance

44

8

For mixture percentage, refer to the
following table.

Changing the coolant

Have the coolant changed by an
authorized Kia dealer according to
the Maintenance Schedule at the
beginning of this chapter.
Put a thick cloth around the radiator
cap before refilling the coolant in
order to prevent the coolant from
overflowing into engine parts such as
the alternator.

Ambient

Temperature

Mixture Percentage

(volume)

Antifreeze

Water

5°F (-15°C)

35

65

-13°F (-25°C)

40

60

-31°F (-35°C)

50

50

-49°F (-45°C)

60

40

OPS076117

WARNING

Radiator cap

Do not remove the radiator cap
when the engine and radiator
are hot. Scalding hot coolant
and steam may blow out under
pressure which may result in
serious injury.

8 45

Maintenance

BRAKE/CLUTCH FLUID

Checking the brake/clutch*
fluid level

Check the fluid level in the reservoir
periodically. The fluid level should be
between MAX and MIN marks on the
side of the reservoir.
Before removing the reservoir cap
and adding brake/clutch* fluid, clean
the area around the reservoir cap
thoroughly to prevent brake/clutch*
fluid contamination.

* if equipped

If the level is low, add fluid to the
MAX level. The level will fall with
accumulated mileage. This is a nor-
mal condition associated with the
wear of the brake linings and/or
clutch disc (if equipped). If the fluid
level is excessively low, have the
brake/clutch* system checked by an
authorized Kia dealer.

Use only the specified brake/clutch*
fluid. (Refer to “Recommended lubri-
cants and capacities” in chapter 9.)

Never mix different types of fluid.

In the event the brake/clutch* system
requires frequent additions of fluid,
the vehicle should be inspected by
an authorized Kia dealer.

When changing and adding
brake/clutch* fluid, handle it carefully.
Do not let it come in contact with
your eyes. If brake/ clutch* fluid
should come in contact with your
eyes, immediately flush them with a
large quantity of fresh tap water.
Have your eyes examined by a doc-
tor as soon as possible.

OPS076118

CAUTION

-

Proper fluid

Only use brake fluid in brake
system.

Small amounts of

improper fluids (such as engine
oil) can cause damage to the
brake system.

Maintenance

46

8

Brake/clutch* fluid, which has been
exposed to open air for an extended
time should never be used as its
quality cannot be guaranteed. It
should be disposed of properly.

CAUTION

-

Brake/clutch*
fluid

Do not allow brake/clutch* fluid
to contact the vehicle's body
paint, as paint damage will
result.

8 47

Maintenance

WASHER FLUID

Checking the washer fluid
level

The reservoir is translucent so that
you can check the level with a quick
visual inspection.

Check the fluid level in the washer
fluid reservoir and add fluid if neces-
sary. Plain water may be used if
washer fluid is not available.
However, use washer solvent with
antifreeze characteristics in cold cli-
mates to prevent freezing.

OPS073006

OPS073007

■

Type A

■

Type B

WARNING

- Flammable

Fluid

Do not allow the washer fluid to
come in contact with open
flames or sparks.The windshield
washer fluid reservoir is flamma-
ble under certain circumstances.
This can result in a fire.

WARNING

- Coolant

• Do not use radiator coolant or

antifreeze in the washer fluid
reservoir.

• Radiator coolant can severely

obscure visibility when sprayed
on the windshield and may
cause loss of vehicle control.

WARNING

- Windshield

fluid

Do not drink the windshield
washer fluid. The windshield
washer fluid is poisonous to
humans and animals.

Maintenance

48

8

PARKING BRAKE

Checking the parking brake

Check the stroke of the parking
brake by counting the number of
“clicks’’ heard while fully applying it
from the released position. Also, the
parking brake alone should securely
hold the vehicle on a fairly steep
grade. If the stroke is more or less
than specified, have the parking
brake adjusted by an authorized Kia
dealer.

Stroke : 6~8 “clicks’’ at a force of

44 lbs (20 kg, 196 N).

Filter replacement

It must be replaced when necessary,
and should not be washed.
You can clean the filter when inspect-
ing the air cleaner element.
Clean the filter by using compressed
air.

1. Loosen the air cleaner cover

attaching clips and open the cover.

AIR CLEANER

OPS076119

OPS076120

OPS053011

8 49

Maintenance

2. Wipe the inside of the air cleaner.
3. Replace the air cleaner filter.
4. Lock the cover with the cover

attaching clips.

Replace the filter according to the
Maintenance Schedule.
If the vehicle is operated in extreme-
ly dusty or sandy areas, replace the
element more often than the usual
recommended intervals. (Refer to
“Maintenance under severe usage
conditions” in this chapter.)

CAUTION

- Air filter main-

tenance

• Do not drive with the air clean-

er removed; this will result in
excessive engine wear.

• When removing the air cleaner

filter, be careful that dust or
dirt does not enter the air
intake, or damage may result.

• Use a Kia genuine part. Use of

non-genuine parts could dam-
age the air flow sensor.

OPS076121