Kia Rio: Electric power steering

Power steering uses a motor to assist you in steering the vehicle. If the engine is off or if the power steering system becomes inoperative, the vehicle may still be steered, but it will require increased steering effort. The motor driven power steering is controlled by the power steering control unit which senses the steering wheel torque and vehicle speed to command the motor.

The steering wheel becomes heavier as the vehicle’s speed increases and becomes lighter as the vehicle’s speed decreases for better control of the steering wheel.

Should you notice any change in the effort required to steer during normal vehicle operation, have the power steering checked by an authorized Kia dealer.

✽ NOTICE

The following symptoms may occur during normal vehicle operation:

• The steering effort is high immediately after turning the ignition switch on. This happens as the system performs the EPS system diagnostics. When the diagnostics is completed, the steering wheel will return to its normal condition.
• A click noise may be heard from the EPS relay after the ignition switch is turned to the ON or LOCK position.
• Motor noise may be heard when the vehicle is at a stop or at a low driving speed.
• The steering effort increases if the steering wheel is rotated continuously when the vehicle is not in motion. However, after a few minutes, it will return to its normal conditions.
• When you operate the steering wheel in low temperature, abnormal noise could occur. If temperature rises, the noise will disappear. This is a normal condition.

If the Electric Power Steering System does not operate normally, the warning light will illuminate on the instrument cluster. The steering wheel may become difficult to control or operate abnormally. Take your vehicle to an authorized Kia dealer and have the vehicle checked as soon as possible.

Tilt and telescoping (if equipped) steering

Tilt steering allows you to adjust the steering wheel before you drive. You can also raise it to give your legs more room when you exit and enter the vehicle.

The steering wheel should be positioned so that it is comfortable for you to drive, while permitting you to see the instrument panel warning lights and gauges.

WARNING - Steering wheel adjustment

Never adjust the angle and height of the steering wheel while driving. You may lose steering control

To change the steering wheel angle, pull down the lock release lever (1), adjust the steering wheel to the desired angle (2) and height (if equipped) (3), then pull up the lockrelease lever to lock the steering wheel in place. Be sure to adjust the steering wheel to the desired position before driving.

Heated steering wheel (if equipped)

When the ignition switch is in the ON position, pressing the heated steering wheel button warms the steering wheel. The indicator on the button will illuminate.

To turn the steering wheel off, press the button once again. The indicator on the button will turn off.

It will turn off automatically approximately 30 minutes after the heated steering wheel is turned on.

If the ignition is turned off and then on again within a half hour (while the heated steering wheel button is pressed), the steering wheel heating system will remain on.

CAUTION

• Do not install any grip to operate the steering wheel. This causes damage to the heated steering wheel system.
• When cleaning the heated steering wheel, do not use an organic solvent such as paint thinner, benzene, alcohol and gasoline. Doing so may damage the surface of the steering wheel.
• If the surface of steering wheel is damaged by sharp object, damage to the heated steering wheel components could occur.

Horn

To sound the horn, press the horn symbol on your steering wheel. Check the horn regularly to be sure it operates properly.

To sound the horn, press the area indicated by the horn symbol on your steering wheel (see illustration). The horn will operate only when this area is pressed.