Kia Optima: Features of your vehicle / Audio system

✽ NOTICE

If you install an after market HID head lamp, your vehicle’s audio and electronic device may malfunction.

Antenna

Glass antenna

When the radio power switch is turned on while the ignition switch is in either the "ON" or "ACC" position, your car will receive both AM and FM broadcast signals through the antenna in the rear window glass.

Shark fin antenna

The shark fin antenna will receive the transmit data.

CAUTION

• Do not clean the inside of the rear window glass with a cleaner or use a scraper to remove foreign deposits as this may cause damage to the antenna elements.
• Avoid adding metallic coatings such as Ni, Cd, and so on. These can disturb receiving AM and FM broadcast signals.
• To prevent damage to the rear glass antenna, never use sharp instruments or window cleaners containing abrasives to clean the window. Clean the inside surface of the rear glass window with a piece of soft cloth.
• When putting a sticker on the inside surface of the rear window, be careful not to damage to the rear glass antenna.
• Do not put sharp instruments nearby the rear glass antenna.

✽ NOTICE

Tinted rear window may affect the proper functioning of the antenna.

How vehicle radio works

FM reception

AM and FM radio signals are broadcast from transmitter towers located around your city. They are intercepted by the radio antenna on your vehicle. This signal is then processed by the radio and sent to your vehicle speakers.

However, in some cases the signal coming to your vehicle may not be strong and clear.

This can be due to factors, such as the distance from the radio station, closeness of other strong radio stations or the presence of buildings, bridges or other large obstructions in the area.

AM reception

AM broadcasts can be received at greater distances than FM broadcasts. This is because AM radio waves are transmitted at low frequencies. These long distance,low frequency radio waves can follow the curvature of the earth rather than travelling straight. In addition, they curve around obstructions resulting in better signal coverage.

FM radio station

FM broadcasts are transmitted at high frequencies and do not bend to follow the earth's surface. Because of this, FM broadcasts generally begin to fade within short distances from the station. Also, FM signals are easily affected by buildings, mountains, and obstructions. This can lead to undesirable or unpleasant listening conditions which might lead you to believe a problem exists with your radio. The following conditions are normal and do not indicate radio trouble:

• Fading - As your vehicle moves away from the radio station, the signal will weaken and sound will begin to fade. When this occurs, we suggest that you select another station with a stronger signal.
• Flutter/Static - Weak FM signals or large obstructions between the transmitter and your radio can disturb the signal causing static or fluttering noises to occur. Reducing the treble level may lessen this effect until the disturbance clears.

• Station Swapping - As an FM signal weakens, another more powerful signal near the same frequency may begin to play. This is because your radio is designed to lock onto the clearest signal. If this occurs, select another station with a stronger signal.
• Multi-Path Cancellation - Radio signals being received from several directions can cause distortion or fluttering. This can be caused by a direct and reflected signal from the same station, or by signals from two stations with close frequencies. If this occurs, select another station until the condition has passed.

Using a cellular phone or a twoway radio

When a cellular phone is used inside the vehicle, noise may be produced from the audio system. This does not mean that something is wrong with the audio equipment. In such a case, try to operate mobile devices as far from the audio equipment as possible.

When using a communication system such as a cellular phone or a radio set inside the vehicle, a separate external antenna must be fitted. When a cellular phone or a radio set is used with an internal antenna alone, it may interfere with the vehicle's electrical system and adversely affect safe operation of the vehicle.

WARNING - Cell phone use

Do not use a cellular phone while driving. Stop at a safe location to use a cellular phone.

WARNING - Distracted driving

Driving while distracted can result in a loss of vehicle control that may lead to an accident, severe bodily injury, or death. The driver's primary responsibility is the safe and legal operation of the vehicle, and the use of any handheld devices, other equipment, or vehicle systems which take the driver's eyes, attention, and focus away from the safe operation of the vehicle, or which are not permissible by law, should never be used during the operation of the vehicle.