Kia Carnival Reference Library

Kia Carnival: Automatic transmission (Shift Lever) / Shift lock system

Kia Carnival (KA4) 2022-2026 Owner's Manual / Driving your vehicle / Automatic transmission (Shift Lever) / Shift lock system
Contents

For your protection, the Kia Carnival automatic transmission features a shift lock system. This safety mechanism prevents the transmission from shifting out of P (Park) into R (Reverse) unless the brake pedal is firmly depressed.

To shift out of P (Park):

  1. Depress and hold the brake pedal.
  2. Start the engine or ensure the ignition is in the ON position.
  3. Move the shift lever to your desired gear.

You may occasionally hear a light chattering noise near the shift lever when the brake is repeatedly pressed and released while in P (Park); this is a normal mechanical sound of the locking solenoid.

Warning icon: Kia Carnival shift lock safety procedure WARNING

Always depress the brake pedal fully before and during the process of shifting out of P (Park). Failure to do so may result in the Kia Carnival moving unexpectedly, which could cause injury to passengers or people in the vicinity.

Shift-lock override

Shift-lock override access point in the Kia Carnival console

If the shift lever remains locked in P (Park) even while the brake pedal is depressed, please follow this manual override procedure:

  1. Turn the ignition to the LOCK/OFF position.
  2. Firmly engage the parking brake.
  3. Carefully remove the protective cover from the shift-lock release access hole (1).
  4. Insert a suitable tool, such as a flathead screwdriver, into the hole and press down firmly.
  5. Move the shift lever to the desired position while continuing to press the tool.
  6. Remove the tool and reinstall the access cover.

If the Kia Carnival shift lever remains unresponsive after attempting this override, please contact an authorized Kia dealer for diagnostic service.

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