Kia Rio: Automatic transaxle  - Driving your vehicle - Kia Rio UB 2012-2024 Owners ManualKia Rio: Automatic transaxle


Automatic transaxle operation

The automatic transaxle has 6 forward speeds and one reverse speed. The individual speeds are selected automatically, depending on the position of the shift lever.

✽ NOTICE

The first few shifts on a new vehicle, if the battery has been disconnected, may be somewhat abrupt. This is a normal condition, and the shifting sequence will adjust after shifts are cycled a few times by the TCM (Transaxle Control Module) or PCM (Powertrain Control Module).

For smooth operation, depress the brake pedal when shifting from N (Neutral) to a forward or reverse gear.

WARNING - Automatic transaxle

Before leaving the driver’s seat, always make sure the shift lever is in the P (Park) position; then set the parking brake fully and shut the engine off. Do not use the P position in place of the parking brake. Always make sure the shift lever is latched in the P position and set the parking brake fully. Unexpected and sudden vehicle movement can occur if these precautions are not followed.

CAUTION - Transaxle

To avoid damage to your transaxle, do not accelerate the engine in R (Reverse) or any forward gear position with the brakes on. The transaxle may be damaged if you shift into P (Park) while the vehicle is in motion.

When stopped on an upgrade, do not hold the vehicle with engine power. Use the service brake or the parking brake.

Transaxle ranges

The indicator light in the instrument cluster displays the shift lever position when the ignition switch is in the ON position.

P (Park)

Always come to a complete stop before shifting into P (Park). This position locks the transaxle and prevents the front wheels from rotating.

Shifting into P (Park) while the vehicle is in motion will cause the drive wheels to lock which will cause you to lose control of the vehicle.

R (Reverse)

Use this position to drive the vehicle backward.

CAUTION - Shifting

Always come to a complete stop before shifting into or out of R (Reverse); you may damage the transaxle if you shift into R (Reverse) while the vehicle is in motion, except when “Rocking the Vehicle” explained in this section.

N (Neutral)

The wheels and transaxle are not engaged. The vehicle will roll freely even on the slightest incline unless the parking brake or service brakes are applied.

D (Drive)

This is the normal forward driving position. The transaxle will automatically shift through a 6-gear sequence, providing the best fuel economy and power.

For extra power when passing another vehicle or climbing grades, depress the accelerator fully, at which time the transaxle will automatically downshift to the next lower gear.

Sports mode


Sports mode

Whether the vehicle is stopped or in motion, sports mode is selected by pushing the shift lever from the D (Drive) position into the manual gate.

To return to D (Drive) range operation, push the shift lever back into the main gate.

In Sports mode, moving the shift lever backwards and forwards will allow you to shift gears rapidly. In contrast to a manual transaxle, the Sports mode allows gearshifts with the accelerator pedal depressed.

Up (+) :

Push the lever forward once to shift up one gear.

Down (-) :

Pull the lever backwards once to shift down one gear.

Paddle shifter (if equipped)


Paddle shifter (if equipped)

The paddle shifter is available when the shift lever is in the sport mode.

With the shift lever in the sports mode

Pull the [+] or [-] paddle shifter once to shift up or down one gear.

✽ NOTICE

If you pull the [+] and [-] paddle shifters at the same time, you can’t shift the gear.

Shift lock system (if equipped)

Shift-lock override (without smart key system)

For your safety, the automatic transaxle has a shift lock system which prevents shifting the transaxle out of P (Park) unless the brake pedal is depressed.

To shift the transaxle from P (Park) into R (Reverse):

1. Depress and hold the brake pedal.

2. Start the engine or turn the ignition switch to the ON position.

3. Move the shift lever.

If the brake pedal is repeatedly depressed and released with the shift lever in the P (Park) position, a chattering noise near the shift lever may be heard. This is a normal condition.

WARNING - Shifting from park

Always fully depress the brake pedal before and while shifting out of the P (Park) position into another position to avoid inadvertent motion of the vehicle.

Shift-lock override (with smart key system)

If the shift lever cannot be moved from the P (Park) or N (Neutral) position into the R (Reverse) position with the brake pedal depressed, continue depressing the brake, then do the following:

1.Carefully remove the cap covering the shift-lock access hole (1).


1.Carefully remove the cap covering the shift-lock access hole (1).

2.Insert a screwdriver into the access hole and press down on the screwdriver.

3.Move the shift lever.

4.Have your vehicle inspected by an authorized Kia dealer immediately.

Ignition key interlock system (if equipped)

The ignition key cannot be removed unless the shift lever is in the P (Park) position.

Good driving practices

Driving up a steep grade from a standing start

To drive up a steep grade from a standing start, depress the brake pedal, shift the shift lever to D (Drive). Select the appropriate gear depending on load weight and steepness of the grade, and release the parking brake. Depress the accelerator gradually while releasing the service brakes.

Manual transaxle
Manual transaxle operation The manual transaxle has 6 forward gears. This shift pattern is imprinted on the shift knob. The transaxle is fully synchronized in all forward gears so shifting to ei ...

Brake system
...

See also:

Circuit Diagram
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Seat belt restraint system
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Normal maintenance schedule
The following maintenance services must be performed to ensure good emission control and performance. Keep receipts for all vehicle emission services to protect your warranty. Where both mileage ...

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