Kia Carnival: Brake system / Electronic Parking Brake (EPB)

1. Firmly depress the brake pedal.

2. Pull up the Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) switch.

Ensure the parking brake warning light illuminates on the instrument cluster, confirming that the system is fully engaged. Note that if the Auto Hold function is active, the Kia Carnival will apply the EPB automatically when you turn off the ignition. You can also manually apply the EPB by pulling up the switch even after the vehicle has been turned off.

WARNING

Never leave children or pets unattended inside your Kia Carnival. An unattended child could inadvertently put the vehicle in motion by releasing the electronic parking brake, shifting the gear lever out of P (Park), or starting the engine. Furthermore, they may inadvertently operate other vehicle controls, creating a dangerous situation.

NOTICE

If you are parked on a very steep incline or are towing a heavy trailer and the vehicle does not feel fully secure, you can increase the EPB clamping force:

1. Apply the EPB normally.
2. Pull up and hold the EPB switch for more than 3 seconds.

Avoid operating the EPB while the Kia Carnival is in motion, except in emergency scenarios.

NOTICE

You may hear a distinct electric motor whine or a "click" sound when the EPB is engaging or releasing. This is perfectly normal and indicates that the system is functioning as designed.

To manually release the electronic parking brake:

1. Ensure the ENGINE START/STOP button is in the ON position.
2. Firmly press the brake pedal.
3. Press the EPB switch downward.
4. Verify that the brake warning light on the dashboard turns off.

The electronic parking brake system in your Kia Carnival is designed to release automatically under the following conditions:

• Gear in P (Park): With the engine running and the brake pedal depressed, shifting into R (Reverse) or D (Drive) will trigger an automatic release.
• Gear in N (Neutral): With the engine running and the brake pedal depressed, shifting from N (Neutral) into R (Reverse) or D (Drive) will trigger an automatic release.

The EPB will also release automatically if you follow these steps:

1. Start the engine.
2. Ensure the driver's seat belt is fastened.
3. Close the driver's door, the engine hood, and the liftgate.
4. Gently press the accelerator pedal while the transmission is in R (Reverse), D (Drive), or manual mode.

Always verify the brake warning light has extinguished before attempting to drive.

NOTICE

• You can engage the EPB while the engine is off, but you cannot release it without the ignition in the ON position.
• For optimal safety when backing up or driving downhill, we recommend pressing the brake pedal and releasing the parking brake manually via the EPB switch. Do not rely on the automatic release function when on steep inclines to prevent the vehicle from rolling unexpectedly.

NOTICE

If the parking brake warning light remains illuminated after you have attempted to release the system, please have the Kia Carnival inspected by an authorized Kia dealer as soon as possible.

CAUTION

Never drive your vehicle while the EPB is engaged. Doing so will lead to excessive wear on the brake pads and rotors, which may significantly reduce braking efficiency and lead to costly repairs.

For added convenience and security, the Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) in your Kia Carnival may be applied automatically under the following conditions:

• When shifting the transmission to P (Park) while the vehicle is on a noticeable slope.
• If the engine is turned OFF while the Auto Hold system is currently enabled.
• If the system detects that the vehicle has shifted or moved slightly while in the P (Park) position.
• When the Auto Hold function is active and any of the following events occur:
  • The driver's door is opened.
  • The engine hood is opened.
  • The liftgate is opened.
  • The vehicle has remained stationary for more than approximately 10 minutes on a steep slope.
• When requested by other integrated vehicle safety systems (e.g., ESC intervention).

NOTICE

In Kia Carnival models equipped with the Auto Hold function, if the ignition is turned OFF while the system is active, the EPB will engage automatically. To avoid this unexpected engagement when not required, we recommend turning off the Auto Hold function before pressing the ENGINE START/STOP button to turn the vehicle off.

Your Kia Carnival is designed to provide clear audible and visual warnings to ensure you are aware of the parking brake status:

• Drive-off Prevention: If you attempt to accelerate while the EPB is still applied and the system fails to release it automatically, an audible chime will sound, accompanied by a warning message on the cluster.
• Safety Interlock: If the driver's seat belt is unfastened and either the hood, driver's door, or liftgate is opened, a warning will sound to alert you.



A: To release EPB, fasten seatbelt and close door, hood, and trunk/liftgate

If the system detects a mechanical or electrical fault, a warning signal will be triggered. In such cases, depress the brake pedal and manually release the EPB using the console switch.

WARNING: Parking Brake Use

• Never permit passengers to interact with the parking brake controls; unintentional release can lead to serious injury.
• Always ensure the parking brake is fully engaged before leaving your Kia Carnival to prevent accidental movement that could endanger pedestrians or occupants.
• It is normal to hear a slight electric motor whine or a "click" sound during operation—this confirms the EPB is functioning correctly.
• When utilizing valet parking, please instruct the attendant on the proper operation of the Kia Carnival EPB system.
• Avoid driving with the parking brake applied, as this leads to premature wear and potential system malfunction.
• When relying on the automatic release feature, press the accelerator pedal slowly and smoothly.

A: Press brake pedal to deactivate AUTO HOLD

NOTICE

If you see the message above, please depress the brake pedal. If this step is ignored, the Auto Hold and EPB systems may fail to activate correctly.

If the EPB engages automatically due to an Electronic Stability Control (ESC) signal while Auto Hold is active, a specific notification will appear:

A: Parking brake automatically engaged

The Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) malfunction indicator light is designed to illuminate briefly as a system check whenever the ENGINE START/STOP button is moved to the ON position. It should automatically turn off after approximately 3 seconds if the system is operating normally.

If this indicator remains illuminated, appears while you are driving, or fails to light up during the initial ignition check, it signifies a potential fault within the Kia Carnival electronic parking brake system. In such cases, you should have the vehicle inspected by an authorized Kia dealer as soon as possible.

Please note that the EPB malfunction indicator may sometimes illuminate in conjunction with the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) warning light. If the ESC system is experiencing an issue, this may trigger both lights, but it does not necessarily indicate a direct mechanical failure of the Kia Carnival parking brake itself.

NOTICE

If the EPB warning light appears due to a minor glitch in the EPB switch, try turning off the engine, waiting for a few minutes, and restarting the vehicle. This "power cycle" often resets the electronic modules, allowing the light to turn off. However, if the warning persists, professional diagnosis at a service center is required.

If the parking brake warning light fails to illuminate or flashes when you pull up the EPB switch, the system is not successfully applying the brake. In this event, attempt to reset the switch by pressing it down fully and pulling it back up. If the error remains, seek assistance from your local Kia Carnival service provider.

In the extreme event of a primary service brake failure while driving, you can perform an emergency stop by pulling up and continuously holding the EPB switch. The Kia Carnival will utilize the electronic parking brake system to slow the vehicle down; braking force will be maintained only for as long as you hold the switch in the upward position.

WARNING

Do not operate the EPB while the vehicle is in motion unless it is a genuine emergency. Engaging the electronic parking brake at normal driving speeds can cause a sudden, aggressive loss of vehicle control, which may lead to a severe accident, serious injury, or even death. If you are forced to use this feature, do so with extreme caution.

NOTICE

During emergency braking, the parking brake warning light will illuminate to signal that the system is actively working. If you ever use the EPB for an emergency stop, the system and its components should be thoroughly inspected by an authorized Kia dealer before the vehicle is returned to regular service.

If the electronic parking brake fails to release and remains locked, do not attempt to force the vehicle to move. To prevent further damage to the drivetrain or braking components, have your Kia Carnival transported to an authorized Kia dealer using a flatbed tow truck for professional repair.