Kia Sorento: ENGINE START/STOP button position

Your Kia Sorento is engineered with four distinct ignition power modes to manage electrical accessories, ignition circuits, and engine operation smoothly.

OFF

To shut down the engine of your Kia Sorento, press the ENGINE START/STOP button and transition it from the START/RUN position to the OFF position while ensuring the transmission gear selector is firmly in P (Park). To power down all electrical systems entirely, press the button to move from the ON position to the OFF position while in P (Park). If you attempt to press the ENGINE START/STOP button without the transmission engaged in P (Park), the power mode will drop only to ACC rather than turning completely OFF.

To protect your Kia Sorento against unauthorized use, the steering column automatically locks when the ignition is switched to the OFF position.

The steering wheel mechanism will also lock securely whenever you open the driver's door after shutting down.

If the steering lock fails to engage correctly upon opening the door, an audible warning chime will sound. Try locking the steering wheel again. If the issue persists, have the steering column locking mechanism inspected by an authorized Kia dealer.

Additionally, if you press the ENGINE START/STOP button to the OFF position after already opening the driver's door, the steering wheel may remain unlocked and trigger the warning chime. Simply close the door properly to allow the steering column lock to engage and silence the chime.

NOTE

If the steering wheel fails to unlock smoothly when entering your Kia Sorento, the ignition button may temporarily refuse to function. Gently press the ENGINE START/STOP button while simultaneously rocking the steering wheel left and right to release internal mechanical tension.

TIP

You can only transition the engine state between running and turned off by pressing the ENGINE START/STOP button when your Kia Sorento is completely stationary.

TIP

If you encounter an emergency while your Kia Sorento is moving, you can shut off the engine by pressing and holding the ENGINE START/STOP button for more than 2 seconds, or by rapidly pressing it 3 separate times within a 3-second window.

While the vehicle is still coasting or rolling forward, you can attempt to restart the engine by pressing the button provided the vehicle speed is at or above 3 mph (5 km/h).

ACC (Accessory)

When your Kia Sorento is placed in the ACC position, the steering wheel unlocks and auxiliary electrical accessories become fully functional. Please keep in mind that running cabin electronics with the engine turned off will gradually drain the 12V battery.

To enter ACC mode from the OFF position, press the ENGINE START/STOP button once without depressing the brake pedal.

If the ignition is left in the ACC position continuously for more than 1 hour, your Kia Sorento will automatically cut power to prevent total battery discharge.

ON

When your Kia Sorento is set to the ON position, all electrical systems are fully powered and operational. To enter the ON mode from ACC without starting the engine, press the ENGINE START/STOP button without touching the brake pedal.

Instrument cluster warning lights will illuminate briefly during this phase so you can verify bulb functionality. Avoid leaving the ignition in the ON position with the engine stopped for an extended period, as this will deplete the battery.

START/RUN

To fire up the engine of your Kia Sorento, firmly depress the brake pedal and press the ENGINE START/STOP button while the gear selector is in either P (Park) or N (Neutral). However, for maximum safety, always establish the habit of starting the vehicle while in P (Park).

TIP

If you press the ENGINE START/STOP button without applying pressure to the brake pedal, the engine will remain off and the ignition power mode will cycle as follows:

• From OFF straight to ACC

• From ON to OFF or ACC

WARNING

• Never press the ENGINE START/STOP button while your Kia Sorento is actively in motion on the road. Doing so will cut engine power, resulting in a sudden loss of steering assistance, directional control, and braking vacuum, which can cause a severe accident.

• Before exiting the driver's seat, always confirm that the gear selector is locked in P (Park), the parking brake is fully engaged, and the ignition is turned to the OFF position. Your Kia Sorento could roll or move unexpectedly if these safety steps are skipped.

• Never reach through the steering wheel rim to press the ignition button or operate other dashboard controls while the vehicle is moving. Obstructing the steering wheel space can cause a dangerous loss of vehicle control, an accident, and severe injury.

• Do not store loose bottles, containers, or movable objects in the driver's footwell. Unsecured items can slide around while driving, wedge beneath the pedals, and cause an accident.