Kia Optima: Automatic transmission operation / Transmission ranges

The indicator 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 transmission and prevents the drive 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 transmission if you shift into R (Reverse) while the vehicle is in motion, except when “Rocking the vehicle” explained in this chapter.

N (Neutral)

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

Parking in N (Neutral) gear

Follow the steps below when parking and you want the vehicle to move when pushed.

1. After stopping your vehicle, depress the brake pedal and move the transmission shift lever to [P] with the ignition button in [ON] or while the engine is running.

2. If the parking brake is applied, release the parking brake.

3. While depressing the brake pedal, turn the ignition button [OFF].
- For smart key equipped vehicles, the ignition switch can be moved to [OFF] only when the shift lever is in [P].

4. Change the gear shift lever to [N] (Neutral) while depressing the brake pedal and inserting a tool (e.g. flathead screw-driver) into the [SHIFT LOCK RELEASE] access hole at the same time. Then, the vehicle will move when external force is applied.

WARNING

• With the exception of parking in neutral gear so that you can push the vehicle, always park the vehicle in [P] (Park) for safety and apply the parking brake.
• Before parking in [N] (Neutral) gear, first make sure the parking ground is level and flat. Do not park in [N] gear on any slopes or gradients. If parked and left in [N], the vehicle may move and cause serious damage or injury.

CAUTION - Starter

If the engine stalls while the vehicle is in motion, do not attempt to move the shift lever to the P (Park) position. If the traffic and road conditions permit, you may put the shift lever in the N (Neutral) position while the vehicle is still moving and press the engine start/stop button in an attempt to restart the engine.

D (Drive)

This is the normal forward driving position. The transmission 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 transmission will automatically downshift to the next lower gear.

Manual mode

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

To return to D (Drive) range operation, push the shift lever right back into the main gate. In manual mode, moving the shift lever backwards and forwards will allow you to make gearshifts rapidly. In contrast to a manual transmission, the manual 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.

• In manual mode, the driver must execute upshifts in accordance with road conditions, taking care to keep the engine speed below the red zone.
• In manual mode, only the 6 forward gears can be selected. To reverse or park the vehicle, move the shift lever to the main gate and then select R (Reverse) or P (Park) position as required.
• In manual mode, downshifts are made automatically when the vehicle slows down. When the vehicle stops, 1st gear is automatically selected.
• In manual mode, when the engine rpm approaches the red zone, shift points are varied to upshift automatically.
• To maintain the required levels of vehicle performance and safety, the system may not execute certain gearshifts when the shift lever is operated.
• When driving on a slippery road, push the shift lever forward into the +(up) position. This causes the transmission to shift into the 2nd gear which is better for smooth driving on a slippery road. Push the shift lever to the -(down) side to shift back to the 1st gear.