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2013 KIA Forte Customer Tips (PS232)

Publication date: 2012-12-01
Reference number: PS232

2013 KIA FORTE CUSTOMER TIPS

2013 KIA FORTE CUSTOMER TIPS

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN

Reference Number(s): PS232, Date of Issue:  December, 2012
KIA: 2013 Forte (TD)
GROUP: General

SERVICE INFORMATION

In an effort to better educate and familiarize customers about some of the features in their recently purchased 2013 Kia vehicle, Kia Motors America would like all dealership service personnel to be familiar with the model tips outlined here to help maximize owner satisfaction with certain features.

Feature highlights:

BLUETOOTH® 1 WIRELESS TECHNOLOGY

Using Voice Recognition

  • Your Voice Recognition (VR) system may have difficulty understanding some accents or uncommon names.
  • When using VR to place a call, speak in a natural, moderate tone, with clear pronunciation.
  • Wait for system to beep  before speaking any commands.
  • Open windows, moon roof or an A/C fan operating at higher speeds can interfere with VR.
  • Do not store single-name entries (e.g., "Bob", "Mom", etc.) Instead, always use full names (including first and last names) for these contacts.
  • Do not use special characters (e.g., '@', '-', '*', '&', etc.)
  • Do not use abbreviations (i.e., use "Lieutenant" instead of "Lt.") or acronyms (i.e., use "County Finance Department" instead of "C.F.D."; Be sure to say the name exactly as it is entered in the contacts list.
  • The Contacts Sync (Phonebook Download) feature allows you to choose whether your phone contact list will transfer to your vehicle contacts each time your phone is connected or only at the initial phone pairing.
  • If Contacts Sync is set to ON  , contacts stored in your phone will download each time your phone is connected. There may be a delay before the system is available to place a call.
  • If Contacts Sync is set to OFF  , your phone contacts will download only at the initial pairing. This allows you to make calls without waiting for your phone contact list to download.

Bluetooth® Wireless Technology and Phone Reception

  • Bluetooth®  Wireless Technology is an extension of your Bluetooth®  -enabled phone's functionality. This means that reception while using Bluetooth®  Wireless Technology may be affected the same way your phone may be affected by reception issues (e.g., if your phone has no reception in certain areas).

Pairing or Connecting Your Phone

  • During the pairing process, please make sure you accept the connection request on the phone and check the box that says "Don't ask again." 
  • If your phone doesn't automatically connect when you enter your vehicle try either waiting for 1 minute, then retry connecting - turn phone's Bluetooth®  off and then on or delete phone from radio and re-pair. If these methods do not work, the phone or software version of the phone may not be compatible with the radio.
  • Phone specifications change frequently and some phones may have varying compatibility levels with the Bluetooth®  system. You can check available phone compatibility information online at www.kia.com  in the Bluetooth®  Wireless Technology section of the Owners page as follows: Select "General Info" under the Owners' Tab, click on Bluetooth®  icon and then select "Setup", and enter your phone and carrier information.

Steering Wheel Controls

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IPOD® 3/USB CONNECTIVITY

For most Kia vehicles, the Kia Power Cable is needed in order to operate an iPod® with the audio buttons on your vehicle's (non-UVO) Audio System. The PC Cable provided by Apple may cause a malfunction and should not be used. If your vehicle is equipped with the UVO system, you must use the PC Cable provided by Apple to connect your iPod®.

All external devices should be disconnected before ignition is turned off and should not be connected until AFTER  a vehicle has been turned on.

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SATELLITE RADIO RECEPTION (IF EQUIPPED)

Satellite radio reception requires direct line of sight with the satellite transmitting the radio signal. Tunnels, bridges, covered parking, mountainous terrain, tall buildings, heavy foliage and other obstacles may momentarily interrupt the signal. This is normal operation, and reception will be restored after a few seconds.

The signal can become weak in some areas that are not covered by the Sirius repeater network.

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POWER FOLDING MIRRORS (IF EQUIPPED)

To fold or unfold the outside rearview mirrors, press the folding mirror button to actuate them. Please do not attempt to fold the mirrors manually, as this will cause the mirror to be not synchronized with the electric motor.

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Should power folding mirrors be folded in or out manually, they should be re-synched with the motors or they may not remain in the desired position or may appear loose. To sync a power folding mirror with the motor, use the button on the driver's door panel to cycle the power mirror. The mirror should then operate properly when using the power folding option. Cycle the mirror up to three times to ensure proper operation.

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ACCESSORY MODE WITH SMART KEY

With standard key vehicles you can turn the key to the accessory mode and utilize the electronic accessories without starting the vehicle. This is still possible with smart key equipped vehicles. To do this, enter the vehicle with the smart key and push the start button one time without depressing the brake pedal. This will put the vehicle in Accessory mode and the start button indicator will illuminate in orange.

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REAR TRUNK/HATCH OPERATION

For vehicles equipped with a Smart Key, the rear hatch will unlock as you approach your vehicle with the Smart Key in your possession. You do not have to unlock it-simply walk up to your vehicle and use the handle at the rear to lift open the rear hatch. Once you are finished, simply close the rear hatch and it will lock automatically once you walk away.

If you unlocked your vehicle or opened the rear hatch by pressing the unlock button on your Smart Key (even though it is not necessary to do so), be sure to press the lock button on the Smart Key  before walking away, to ensure your vehicle is locked again.

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WIND BUFFETING

In many vehicles, when a rear window is down and the front windows are up, air flowing past the open window induces pressure oscillations or pulsations which may be uncomfortable. Lowering the front windows slightly can alleviate this wind buffeting.

HEADREST ADJUSTMENT

The headrest may be adjusted forward by pulling the headrest forward at an upward angle. To adjust the headrest back, pull the headrest completely forward at an upward angle and then release.

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STEERING WHEEL LOCK ANTI-THEFT FEATURE

A standard feature on your Forte is a steering column lock anti-theft device. There are many situations in which this anti-theft device may be activated. This may be due to turning the wheel after the ignition is turned off, parking on an incline, or against a curb/parking stop. When this occurs you may not be able to turn the key in the ignition. To unlock the steering wheel simply tug the wheel right and left while gently turning the key until the key turns and the wheel unlocks.

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CHECK ENGINE LIGHT FROM FUEL CAP

Tighten the cap until it clicks one time, otherwise the Check Engine Light may illuminate.

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TILT/TELESCOPING STEERING WHEEL

To adjust the steering wheel, push down the lock-release lever (B)  and adjust to desired angle (C)  and distance (D)  . When finished, pull up the lock-release lever (B) to lock steering wheel in place.

Note that when adjusting the steering wheel distance (D)  in and out, the effort is reduced if the wheel is lifted upward when pulling out/pushing in.

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WINDSHIELD DEFOGGING

Windshield fogging is caused by moisture in the air condensing on the cold glass. The following practices can help reduce window fogging:

CONDENSATION INSIDE EXTERIOR VEHICLE LIGHTS

Your vehicle's exterior lights with clear lenses are vented to the atmosphere to release pressure as the air inside heats and cools. When humid/moist air enters the headlight/taillight, the moisture may condense on the lens surface and appear as fogging or water droplets. This is a normal condition and the moisture will evaporate when the lights are turned on or when the temperature increases.

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1  The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Kia is under license. A Bluetooth® enabled cell phone is required to use Bluetooth® Wireless Technology. 

2  UVO (Powered by Microsoft®) Microsoft® is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. 4zune® is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries. 

3  iPod® mobile digital device is not included. iPod® is a registered trademark of Apple Inc. Kia is not affiliated with Apple Inc.