Kia Sorento: Paddle shifter: (if equipped). Shift lock system. Shift-lock override

Paddle shifter: (if equipped)

The steering-wheel-mounted paddle shift function is fully accessible whenever your Kia Sorento gear selector is positioned in either the standard D (Drive) mode or manual gate.

With the gear shift lever in D (Drive)

The paddle shifting capability becomes active once your Kia Sorento exceeds a forward speed of 6 mph (10 km/h).

Pull either the right (+) or left (-) paddle once to instantly execute an upward or downward gear change. This action seamlessly transitions the transmission control logic from standard automatic operation into temporary manual mode.

To return your Kia Sorento from manual shift control back to fully automatic operation, you can utilize any of the following convenient methods:

• Hold the right (+) paddle shifter continuously pulled toward you for more than 1 second.

• Momentarily shift the main gear selector from D (Drive) into the manual gate lane, then immediately push it back into the standard D position.

The transmission will also automatically revert from manual mode back to standard automatic operation under specific driving conditions:

• When you apply light, steady pressure to the accelerator pedal for more than 6 continuous seconds while cruising.

• Whenever you bring your Kia Sorento to a complete stop.

With the gear shift lever in manual mode

Pulling either the (+) or (-) paddle once while operating directly in the manual gate will command an immediate 1-step gear change.

TIP

Pulling both the left and right paddle shifters simultaneously is an invalid command and will be ignored by the transmission control module to prevent accidental mis-shifts.

Shift lock system. Shift-lock override

For enhanced safety and security, the automatic transmission in your Kia Sorento features an integrated shift lock mechanism that physically blocks you from moving the gear selector out of P (Park) into R (Reverse) unless the foot brake pedal is firmly depressed.

To safely shift your Kia Sorento out of P (Park):

1. Depress and hold the service brake pedal firmly.
2. Start the engine or ensure the ENGINE START/STOP button is switched to the ON position.
3. Move the gear shift lever to your desired driving range.

   If you repeatedly depress and release the brake pedal while the gear selector remains locked in P (Park), you may notice a faint mechanical chattering noise and mild vibration near the console. This is completely normal operation of the solenoid valve.

   WARNING

   Always hold the brake pedal down completely before and during any movement of the gear selector out of P (Park) to prevent unexpected vehicle motion that could endanger passengers or pedestrians near your Kia Sorento.

Shift-lock override

If a discharged 12V battery or electrical system fault prevents you from moving the gear selector out of P (Park) despite holding the brake pedal down, maintain pressure on the brakes and execute the emergency override procedure:

1. Press the ENGINE START/STOP button to switch the ignition to the LOCK/OFF position.
2. Firmly engage the mechanical or electronic parking brake.
3. Carefully pry open the small access cap (1) covering the shift-lock release slot on the console.
4. Insert a suitable slender tool, such as a flathead screwdriver or the mechanical emergency key blade, straight down into the access hole and press inward against the release lever.
5. Move the gear selector out of Park while keeping the tool depressed.
6. Remove the tool from the override cavity and snap the access cover securely back into place.

If the gear lever refuses to move even after completing this manual override procedure, have your Kia Sorento towed or inspected immediately by an authorized Kia dealer.

Transmission ranges

The digital indicator on the instrument cluster clearly shows the active gear shift lever position whenever the ENGINE START/STOP button is switched to the ON position. P (Park) Always bring yo...

Good driving practices. Moving up a steep grade from a standing start

Never move the gear shift lever out of P (Park) or N (Neutral) into any drive gear while simultaneously applying pressure to the accelerator pedal. Never...