Kia Sportage: Automatic transaxle operation / Ignition key interlock system

Kia Sportage QL (2015-2025) Owners Manual / Driving your vehicle / Automatic transaxle / Automatic transaxle operation / Ignition key interlock system

The ignition key cannot be removed unless the shift lever is in the P (Park) position. Even if the ignition switch is in the LOCK position, the key cannot be removed.

If your vehicle is equipped with ENGINE START/STOP button, the button will not change to the OFF position unless the shift lever is in the P (Park) position.

Shift lock system

For your safety, the automatic transaxle has a shift lock system which prevents shifting the transaxle from P (Park) into R (Reverse) unless the brake pedal is depressed. To shift the transaxle f ...

Good driving practices

Never move the gear shift lever from P (Park) to any other position with the accelerator pedal depressed. Never move the gear shift lever into P (Park) when the vehicle is in motion. Slow do ...

Other information:

Kia Sportage QL (2015-2025) Service Manual: Tailgate Trim Repair procedures

Replacement Put on gloves to protect your hands. • Use a plastic panel removal tool to remove inter ...

Kia Sportage QL (2015-2025) Owners Manual: How to reset the power liftgate

If the battery has been discharged or disconnected, or if the related fuse has been replaced or disconnected, for the power liftgate to operate normally, reset the power liftgate as follows: 1. Put the automatic shift lever in P (Park). 2. While pressing the liftgate close button, press the li ...