Kia Optima: Brake system / Vehicle stability management (VSM)
This system provides further enhancements to vehicle stability and steering responses
when a vehicle is driving on a slippery road or a vehicle detects changes in coefficient
of friction between right wheels and left wheels when braking.
WARNING - Tire/ Wheel size
When replacing tires and wheels, make sure they are the same size as the original
tires and wheels installed. Driving with varying tire or wheel sizes may diminish
any supplemental safety benefits of the VSM system.
VSM operation
When the VSM is in operation, ESC indicator light ()
blinks.
When the vehicle stability management is operating properly, you can feel a slight
pulsation in the vehicle and/or abnormal steering responses (EPS- Electric Power
Steering). This is only the effect of brake and EPS control and indicates nothing
unusual.
The VSM does not operate when:
- Driving on a sloping road such as a gradient or incline
- Driving in reverse
- ESC OFF indicator light () remains
on the instrument cluster
- EPS indicator light remains on the instrument cluster
VSM operation off
If you press the ESC OFF button to turn off the ESC, the VSM will also cancel
and the ESC OFF indicator light () illuminates.
To turn on the VSM, press the button again. The ESC OFF indicator light goes
out.
WARNING - Vehicle stability management
Drive carefully even though your vehicle has Vehicle stability management.
It can only assist you in maintaining control under certain circumstances.
Malfunction indicator
The VSM can be deactivated even if you don’t cancel the VSM operation by pressing
the ESC OFF button. It indicates that a malfunction has been detected somewhere
in the Electric Power Steering system or VSM system. If the ESC indicator light
() or EPS warning light remains on,
take your vehicle to an authorized Kia dealer and have the system checked.
✽ NOTICE
- The VSM is designed to function above approximately 22 km/h (13 mph)
on curves.
- The VSM is designed to function above approximately 10 km/h (6 mph) when
a vehicle is braking on a split-mu surface. A split-mu surface is made of two
surfaces which have different friction forces.
- The Vehicle Stability Management system is not a substitute for safe
driving practices but a supplementary function only. It is the responsibility
of the driver to always check the speed and the distance to the vehicle ahead.
Always hold the steering wheel firmly while driving.
- Your vehicle is designed to activate according to the driver’s intention,
even with installed VSM. Always follow all the normal precautions for driving
at safe speeds for the conditions – including driving in inclement weather and
on a slippery road.
WARNING
For maximum protection, always wear your seat belt. No system, no matter how
advanced, can compensate for all driver error and/or driving conditions. Always
drive responsibly.
When driving
ESC should be turned on for daily driving whenever possible.
To turn ESC off while driving, press the ESC OFF button while driving on
a flat road surface.
WARNING - Operating ...
A vehicle has the tendency to roll back on a steep hill when it starts to go
after stopping. The Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) prevents the vehicle from rolling
back by applying the brakes autom ...
Other information:
Repair procedures
Replacement
Put on gloves to protect your hands.
•
Use a plastic panel removal tool to remov ...
This warning light illuminates:
Once you set the ignition switch or Engine Start/Stop Button to the ON position.
- It remains on until the engine is started.
When the engine oil pressure is low.
If the engine oil pressure is low:
1. Drive carefully to the nearest safe location and stop ...