Kia Sportage: Checking the coolant level

The high-pressure cooling system has a reservoir filled with year round antifreeze coolant. The reservoir is filled at the factory.

Check the antifreeze protection and coolant level at least once a year, at the beginning of the winter season, and before traveling to a colder climate.

CAUTION

• When the engine overheats from low engine coolant, suddenly adding engine coolant may cause cracks in the engine. To prevent damage, add engine coolant slowly in small quantities.
• Do not drive with no engine coolant. It may cause water pump failure and engine seizure, etc.

Checking the coolant level

Check the condition and connections of all cooling system hoses and heater hoses. Replace any swollen or deteriorated hoses.

The coolant level should be filled between the MAX and the MIN marks on the side of the coolant reservoir when the engine is cool.

If frequent additions are required, have the system inspected by an authorized Kia dealer.

CAUTION

Removing engine coolant reservoir cap

Never attempt to remove the engine coolant reservoir cap while the engine is operating or hot.

Even if the engine is not operating, do not remove the engine coolant reservoir cap or the drain plug while the engine and radiator are hot. Hot coolant and steam may still blow out under pressure, causing serious injury.

WARNING

The electric motor (cooling fan) is controlled by engine coolant temperature, refrigerant pressure and vehicle speed. It may sometimes operate even when the engine is not running. Use extreme caution when working near the blades of the cooling fan so that you are not injured by a rotating fan blades. As the engine coolant temperature decreases, the electric motor will automatically shut off. This is a normal condition.

The electric motor (cooling fan) may operate until you disconnect the negative battery cable.

Check the condition and connections of all cooling system hoses and heater hoses. Replace any swollen or deteriorated hoses.

The coolant level should be filled between MAX and MIN (F and L) marks on the side of the coolant reservoir when the engine is cool.

If the coolant level is low, add enough distilled (deionized) or soft water. Bring the level to MAX (F), but do not overfill.

If frequent additions are required, have the system inspected by an authorized Kia dealer.

NOTICE

Make sure the coolant cap is properly closed after refill of coolant. Otherwise the engine could be overheated while driving.

1. Check if the engine coolant reservoir cap label is straight In front.

2. Make sure that the tiny protrusions inside the coolant cap are securely interlocked.

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