KIA Niro: Emission control system (if equipped)

Kia NIRO Hybrid

The emission control system of your vehicle is covered by a written limited warranty. Please see the warranty information contained in the Warranty & Maintenance book in your vehicle.

Your vehicle is equipped with an emission control system to meet all applicable emission regulations.

There are three emission control systems, as follows.

1. Crankcase emission control system
2. Evaporative emission control system
3. Exhaust emission control system

In order to assure the proper function of the emission control systems, have your vehicle inspected and maintained by a professional workshop in accordance with the maintenance schedule in this manual. Kia recommends to visit an authorized Kia dealer/service partner.

Caution for the Inspection and Maintenance Test (With Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system)

• To prevent the vehicle from misfiring during dynamometer testing, turn the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system off by pressing the ESC switch.
• After dynamometer testing is completed, turn the ESC system back on by pressing the ESC switch again.

1. Crankcase emission control system

The positive crankcase ventilation system is employed to prevent air pollution caused by blow-by gases being emitted from the crankcase. This system supplies fresh filtered air to the crankcase through the air intake hose. Inside the crankcase, the fresh air mixes with blowby gases, which then pass through the PCV valve into the induction system.

2. Evaporative emission control system

The Evaporative Emission Control System is designed to prevent fuel vapors from escaping into the atmosphere.

Canister

Fuel vapors generated inside the fuel tank are absorbed and stored in the onboard canister. When the engine is running, the fuel vapors absorbed in the canister are drawn into the surge tank through the purge control solenoid valve.

Purge Control Solenoid Valve (PCSV)

The purge control solenoid valve is controlled by the Engine Control Module (ECM); when the engine coolant temperature is low during idling, the PCSV closes so that evaporated fuel is not taken into the engine. After the engine warms up during ordinary driving, the PCSV opens to introduce evaporated fuel to the engine.

3. Exhaust emission control system

The Exhaust Emission Control System is a highly effective system which controls exhaust emissions while maintaining good vehicle performance.

Engine exhaust gas precautions (carbon monoxide)

• Carbon monoxide can be present with other exhaust fumes. Therefore, if you smell exhaust fumes of any kind inside your vehicle, have it inspected and repaired immediately. If you ever suspect exhaust fumes are coming into your vehicle, drive it only with all the windows fully open. Have your vehicle checked and repaired immediately.
• Do not operate the engine in confined or closed areas (such as garages) any more than what is necessary to move the vehicle in or out of the area.
• When the vehicle is stopped in an open area for more than a short time with the engine running, adjust the ventilation system (as needed) to draw outside air into the vehicle.
• Never sit in a parked or stopped vehicle for any extended time with the engine running.
• When the engine stalls or fails to start, excessive attempts to restart the engine may cause damage to the emission control system.

WARNING

Engine exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide (CO). Though colorless and odorless, it is dangerous and could be lethal if inhaled. Follow the instructions on this page to avoid CO poisoning.

Operating precautions for catalytic converters

Your vehicle is equipped with a catalytic converter emission control device.

Therefore, the following precautions must be observed:

• Make sure to refuel your vehicle according to the "Fuel requirements"
• Do not operate the vehicle when there are signs of engine malfunction, such as misfire or a noticeable loss of performance.
• Do not misuse or abuse the engine.

  Examples of misuse are coasting with the ignition off and descending steep grades in gear with the ignition off.

• Do not operate the engine at high idle speed for extended periods (5 minutes or more).
• Do not modify or tamper with any part of the engine or emission control system. All inspections and adjustments must be made by a professional workshop. Kia recommends to visit an authorized Kia dealer/service center.
• Avoid driving with an extremely low fuel level. Running out of fuel could cause the engine to misfire, damaging the catalytic converter.

Failure to observe these precautions could result in damage to the catalytic converter and to your vehicle. Additionally, such actions could void your warranties.

WARNING

• A hot exhaust system can ignite flammable items under your vehicle. Do not park the vehicle over or near flammable objects, such as grass, vegetation, paper, leaves, etc.
• The exhaust system and catalytic system are very hot while the engine is running or immediately after the engine is turned off. Keep away from the exhaust system and catalytic, you may get burned.

  Also, do not remove the heat sink around the exhaust system, do not seal the bottom of the vehicle or do not coat the vehicle for corrosion control.

  It may present a fire risk under certain conditions.

Gasoline particulate filter (if equipped)

The Gasoline Particulate Filter (GPF) is the system that removes the soot from the exhaust gas. Unlike a disposable air filter, the GPF system automatically burns (oxidizes) and removes the accumulated soot while driving.

However, repeated short-distance driving or long-distance driving at a low speed can stop the accumulated soot from automatically being removed by the GPF system. If the accumulated soot reaches a certain amount, the GPF warning light ( ) will illuminate. To re-operate the GPF system, the vehicle should be driven for more than 30 minutes at a speed of 80 km/h and faster.

Ensure the following conditions are met: safe road conditions, transmission 3 or above, and engine speed of 1,500- 4,000 rpm. Driving at 80 km/h or faster for recommended hours will get the GPF system back to work and stop the GPF warning light.

If the GPF warning light stays on or the warning message "check exhaust system" pops up even after driving at recommended speed and for recommended hours, visit a professional workshop and have them check the GPF system. Constant driving with the GPF warning light on can damage the GPF system and undermine fuel economy.

Procedure for entering forced engine activation mode

If the engine needs to be kept running while the vehicle is stopped to inspect emission gas or perform vehicle maintenance, follow below procedure to enter forced engine activation mode.

1. Place the shift dial in P (Park) position with the vehicle stopped. Engage the parking brake. Then, follow the steps (1) to (5).

   Below steps from (1) to (5) must be completed within 60 seconds. If not, the process is reset and you must start again from step (1).

1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position. Vehicles equipped with the smart key, press the ENGINE START/STOP button twice without depressing the brake pedal.
2.  Place the shift dial in P (Park) position and depress the accelerator pedal twice.
3. Place the shift dial in N (Neutral) position and depress the accelerator pedal twice.
4. Place the shift dial in P (Park) position and depress the accelerator pedal twice.
5. With the brake pedal depressed, start the engine, and maintain idling state. The engine remains in idle state and the forced engine activation mode is maintained even when the gear is shifted to a different position.

2. (READY) indicator on the instrument cluster blinks when the vehicle is in forced engine activation mode. Check the (READY) indicator blinking to ensure that the forced engine activation mode is correctly entered.

The (READY) indicator continues blinking until the forced engine activation mode is canceled. When the mode is canceled the (READY) indicator will stop blinking.

3. To cancel the forced engine activation mode, turn the vehicle off.

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