Kia Optima: Limp home (override) procedure

When you turn the ignition switch to the ON position, if the immobilizer indicator () goes off after blinking 5 times, your transponder equipped in the ignition key is out of order. You cannot start the engine without the limp home procedure. To start the engine, you have to input your password by using the ignition switch. Your password is only available from an authorized Kia dealership. Contact an authorized dealer for more information.

The following procedure is how to input your password of “2345” as an example.

1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position. The immobilizer indicator () will blink 5 times and go off indicating the beginning of the limp home procedure.

2. Turn the ignition switch to the ACC position.

3. To enter the first digit (in this example “2”), turn the ignition switch to the ON and ACC position twice. Perform the same procedure for the next digits between 3 seconds and 10 seconds (for example, for “3”, turn the ignition ON and ACC 3 times).

4. If all of the digits have been input successfully, you have to start the engine within 30 seconds. If you attempt to start the engine after 30 seconds, the engine will not start and you will have to input your password again.

After performing the limp home procedure, you have to see an authorized Kia dealer immediately to inspect and repair your ignition key or immobilizer system.