Kia Optima: Automatic transaxle operation - Automatic transaxle - Driving your vehicle - Kia Optima TF 2011-2024 Owners ManualKia Optima: 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

CAUTION

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.

WARNING

The transaxle may be damaged if you shift into P (Park) while the vehicle is CAUTION

The transaxle may be damaged if you shift into P (Park) while the vehicle is in motion.

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 CAUTION

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.

✽ NOTICE

Always come to a complete stop before shifting into D.

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 make gearshifts 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.

✽ NOTICE

Paddle shifter

Paddle shifter

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

With the shift lever in the D position

The paddle shifter can operate when the vehicle speed is more than 10km/h.

Pull the [+] or [-] paddle shifter once to shift up or down one gear and the system changes from automatic mode to manual mode.

If the vehicle speed is lower than 10km/h, if you depress the accelerator pedal for more than 7 seconds or if you shift the shift lever from D to sport mode and shift it from sport mode to D again, the system will change from manual mode to automatic mode.

With the shift lever in the sport 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

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.

Always fully depress the brake pedal before and while shifting out of the P (Park) WARNING

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 which could injure persons in or around the vehicle.

Shift-lock override

Shift-lock override

If the shift lever cannot be moved from the P (Park) into 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.
2. Insert a key (or screwdriver) into the access hole and press down on the key (or screwdriver).
3. Move the shift lever.
4. Have your vehicle inspected by an authorized Kia dealer immediately.

Ignition key interlock system

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

Automatic transaxle
Depress the brake pedal and the lock release button when shifting. Press the button when shifting. The shift lever can be shifted freely. ...

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 ...

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