Kia Sportage: Power Tailgate Operating Conditions

When the engine is running, the power tailgate operates only when the automatic transmission is in P (Park) or the manual transmission is in N (Neutral). When the engine is off, it can operate regardless of gear position. The tailgate can be opened only when vehicle speed is below 3 km/h (1.8 mph).

For safety, before opening or closing the tailgate, park the Kia Sportage in P (Park) for an automatic transmission or N (Neutral) for a manual transmission, and apply the parking brake.

WARNING

• Never leave children or animals unattended in the vehicle. A child could operate the power tailgate and injure themselves or someone nearby, or damage the vehicle.

• Approximately 51 cm Approximately 31 cm

  Before operating the power tailgate or Smart Tailgate, check that people and objects are clear of its path. Contact with the tailgate may cause serious injury or damage to the vehicle or nearby property, including walls, ceilings and other vehicles.

• Heavy snow or an object on the tailgate may prevent it from opening or cause it to close unexpectedly, potentially injuring anyone nearby. For example, a bicycle carrier or ladder can affect its operation.

  • Remove snow or heavy objects from the tailgate before opening it.

NOTE

• Do not open or close the power tailgate manually during normal operation; this may damage the system. If the battery is discharged or disconnected and manual operation is necessary, use only gentle force.

• When the engine is off, do not operate the power tailgate more than 10 times continuously. If you need to use it repeatedly, keep the engine running to help prevent the battery from discharging.

• Do not leave the power tailgate open for an extended period, as this may discharge the battery.

• Do not use excessive force while the power tailgate is moving; this could damage the vehicle.

• Do not grab or hold the tailgate support struts. This may damage or deform them and could cause vehicle damage or personal injury.

• Do not modify or repair any part of the power tailgate yourself. If it does not operate correctly after following the applicable instructions, have it inspected by a professional workshop. Kia recommends an authorised Kia dealer or service partner.

• The power tailgate may not operate correctly in these situations:

  • One side of the vehicle is raised for inspection or to change a tyre.

  • The vehicle is parked on an uneven surface, such as a slope.

• Before entering an automatic car wash, close the tailgate fully and lock all doors and the tailgate using the central door lock button.

• Do not direct high-pressure water at the exterior power tailgate open/close button. The tailgate may open unexpectedly.

TIP

• If the tailgate is not fully closed and the vehicle reaches 3 km/h (1.8 mph) or more, a warning sounds 10 times. Stop in a safe place, close the tailgate and check that the tailgate-open warning has disappeared from the instrument cluster.

• In cold or wet weather, the exterior power tailgate button may freeze and fail to operate. Remove any ice before using the button, or use the power tailgate button on the smart key or instrument panel instead.

• Operating the power tailgate more than five times continuously may damage its motor. If the motor begins to overheat, the system stops operating to protect it. Pressing a power tailgate button during this period causes the chime to sound three times, but the tailgate remains closed. Allow the system to cool for about one minute before using it again.

Power Tailgate (If Equipped)

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Operating the Power Tailgate. Power Tailgate Open/Close Button (Smart Key and Instrument Panel) (1). Operation

Operating the Power Tailgate Power Tailgate Open/Close Button (Smart Key and Instrument Panel) (1). Operation Operation Press and hold the power tailg...