Kia Sportage: Emission control system (if equipped)

The Kia Sportage emission control system is covered by a written limited warranty. Refer to the Warranty and Maintenance booklet supplied with your vehicle for the applicable warranty information.

Your vehicle is equipped with an emission control system designed to meet the applicable emissions regulations. The system consists of three main parts:

1. Crankcase emission control system

2. Evaporative emission control system

3. Exhaust emission control system

To help keep these systems working correctly, have the Kia Sportage inspected and maintained according to the schedule in this manual. Kia recommends visiting an authorised Kia dealer or service partner.

Inspection and maintenance test precautions (vehicles with Electronic Stability Control)

• To prevent the engine from misfiring during dynamometer testing, switch off the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system by pressing the ESC switch.

• When dynamometer testing is complete, press the ESC switch again to turn the system back on.

1. Crankcase emission control system

The positive crankcase ventilation system helps prevent air pollution from crankcase blow-by gases. It routes fresh, filtered air into the crankcase through the air-intake hose. Inside the crankcase, this air mixes with blow-by gases; the mixture then passes through the PCV valve and into the induction system.

2. Evaporative emission control system

The evaporative emission control system is designed to prevent fuel vapours from escaping into the atmosphere.

Canister

Fuel vapours produced in the fuel tank are captured and stored in the onboard canister. While the engine is running, vapours held in the canister are drawn into the surge tank through the purge control solenoid valve.

Purge Control Solenoid Valve (PCSV)

The Engine Control Module (ECM) controls the purge control solenoid valve. When the engine coolant is cold and the engine is idling, the PCSV stays closed to prevent fuel vapours from entering the engine. As the engine warms during normal driving, the valve opens and allows the stored vapours to flow into the engine.

3. Exhaust emission control system

The exhaust emission control system reduces emissions while maintaining the vehicle’s performance.

Engine exhaust precautions (carbon monoxide)

• Carbon monoxide may be present in exhaust fumes. If you smell exhaust inside the Kia Sportage, have the vehicle inspected and repaired immediately. If you suspect exhaust is entering the cabin, drive only with all windows fully open and arrange an immediate inspection and repair.

• Do not run the engine in a confined or enclosed space, such as a garage, except for the time needed to move the vehicle in or out.

• If the vehicle must remain stopped in an open area with the engine running for more than a short time, adjust the ventilation system as needed to bring outside air into the cabin.

• Do not sit for an extended period in a parked or stationary vehicle while the engine is running.

• If the engine stalls or fails to start, repeated restart attempts may damage the emission control system.

Warning

Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide (CO), a dangerous gas that has no colour or smell and can be fatal if inhaled. Follow these precautions to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Catalytic converter operating precautions

Your Kia Sportage is equipped with a catalytic converter as part of its emission control system. Observe the following precautions to help protect the converter and the vehicle:

• Use the fuel specified under Fuel requirements.

• Do not drive the vehicle if you notice signs of an engine malfunction, such as misfiring or a noticeable loss of performance.

• Do not misuse or abuse the engine. For example, do not coast with the ignition off or descend steep grades in gear with the ignition off.

• Do not run the engine at high idle speed for an extended period of five minutes or more.

• Do not modify or tamper with the engine or any part of the emission control system. Have inspections and adjustments carried out by a professional workshop. Kia recommends visiting an authorised Kia dealer or service partner.

• Avoid driving with an extremely low fuel level. Running out of fuel can cause the engine to misfire and damage the catalytic converter.

Ignoring these precautions may damage the catalytic converter and the vehicle, and could affect warranty coverage.

Warning

• A hot exhaust system can ignite flammable material beneath the vehicle. Do not park over or near grass, vegetation, paper, leaves or other combustible items.

• The exhaust system and catalytic converter become very hot while the engine is running and remain hot immediately after it is switched off. Keep clear to avoid burns. Do not remove the heat shield around the exhaust system, seal the vehicle’s underside or apply corrosion-protection coating there, as these actions may create a fire risk in certain conditions.

Petrol particulate filter (if equipped)

The petrol particulate filter (PPF) removes soot from the exhaust. Unlike a disposable air filter, it automatically burns, or oxidises, accumulated soot while the vehicle is being driven.

Repeated short trips or extended driving at low speeds may prevent the PPF from reaching the conditions needed to clear accumulated soot. If soot builds up beyond a certain level, the PPF warning light () illuminates. The light may go out after you repeat the following driving process:

• Raise the engine speed to between 2,500 and 4,000 rpm and drive at a speed above 100 km/h to increase the PPF temperature.

• Release the accelerator and wait at least 10 seconds to allow soot inside the PPF to oxidise.

If your vehicle has an automatic transmission (AT) or dual-clutch transmission (DCT), select SPORT mode and shift gears manually.

At approximately 4,000 rpm, release the accelerator and wait about five seconds. Repeat the process continuously until the PPF warning light goes out.

If the PPF warning light remains on, or the Check exhaust system message appears after driving at the recommended speed and for the recommended time, have the PPF inspected by a professional workshop. Continued driving with the warning light on may damage the filter and reduce fuel economy.

Diesel particulate filter (if equipped)

The diesel particulate filter (DPF) removes soot from the exhaust. Unlike a disposable air filter, it burns, or oxidises, the collected soot automatically, depending on driving conditions. The engine control system raises the exhaust temperature during normal or higher-speed driving to burn off the soot. However, repeated short trips or prolonged low-speed driving can keep exhaust temperatures too low for this process. If soot accumulates beyond a certain level, the malfunction indicator light () illuminates.

If the malfunction indicator light flashes, it may stop flashing after you drive above 60 km/h or in a gear higher than second at an engine speed of 1,250–2,500 rpm for approximately 25 minutes.

If the malfunction indicator light () continues to flash, or the Check exhaust system message appears after following this procedure, have the DPF checked by a professional workshop. Kia recommends visiting an authorised Kia dealer or service partner. Continuing to drive for an extended time with the light flashing may damage the DPF, increase fuel consumption and reduce engine durability through oil dilution.

Caution

For a diesel Kia Sportage equipped with a DPF, use regulated automotive diesel fuel.

Diesel fuel with a high sulphur content, above 50 ppm, or unspecified additives can damage the DPF and may cause white smoke to appear in the exhaust.

• Lean NOx Trap
• Selective Catalytic Reduction

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