How to drive a automatic transmission on Kia Picanto

Before you start driving an automatic transmission on Kia Picanto, you must first understand a few basics to guarantee your safety.

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Automatic transaxle operation

The automatic transaxle has 4 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.

Transaxle 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 transaxle and prevents the drive wheels from rotating.

R (Reverse)

Use this position to drive the vehicle backward. 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) whilst the vehicle is in motion, except as explained in “Rocking the vehicle” 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 automati- cally shift through a 4-gear sequence, providing the best fuel economy and power.

For extra power when passing another vehicle or climbing grades, depress the accelerator pedal fully (more than 80%) until the kick down mechanism (if equipped) works with a clicking noise, at which time the transaxle will automatically downshift to the next lower gear.

1-2-3

Use for towing a trailer during hill climbing, driving on a slippery road, driving up a very steep grade or for engine braking when descending steep hills.

Shift lock system (if equipped)

For your safety, the automatic transaxle has a shift lock system which prevents shifting the transaxle from P (Park) or N (Neutral) into R (Reverse) unless the brake pedal is depressed.

Good driving practices

• Never move the shift lever from P (Park) or N (Neutral) to any other position with the accelerator pedal depressed.
• Never move the shift lever into P (Park) when the vehicle is in motion.
• Be sure the car is completely stopped before you attempt to shift into R (Reverse) or D (Drive).
• Never take the car out of gear and coast down a hill. This may be extremely hazardous. Always leave the car in gear when moving.
• Do not “ride” the brakes. This can cause them to overheat and malfunction. Instead, when you are driving down a long hill, slow down and shift to a lower gear. When you do this, engine braking will help slow the car.
• Slow down before shifting to a lower gear. Otherwise, the lower gear may not be engaged.
• Always use the parking brake. Do not depend on placing the transaxle in P (Park) to keep the car from moving.
• Exercise extreme caution when driving on a slippery surface. Be especially careful when braking, accelerating or shifting gears. On a slippery surface, an abrupt change in vehicle speed can cause the drive wheels to lose traction and the vehicle to go out of control.
• Optimum vehicle performance and economy is obtained by smoothly depressing and releasing the accelerator pedal.

Moving up a steep grade from a standing start

To move 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 whilst releasing the service brakes.