Tailgate; Driving Your Vehicle - Kia SOUL Owner's Manual

Features of your vehicle

TAILGATE

Opening the tailgate
• The tailgate is locked or unlocked
when all doors are locked or unlocked
with the key, transmitter, smart key or
central door lock/unlock switch.
• Only the tailgate is unlocked if the tail-
gate unlock button on the transmitter or
smart key is pressed for approximately
1 second.
• If unlocked, the tailgate can be opened
by pressing the handle and pulling it
up.
• Once the tailgate is opened and then
closed, the tailgate locks automatically.
(All doors must be locked.)
4 18
✽ ✽ NOTICE
In cold and wet climates, door lock and
door mechanisms may not work proper-
ly due to freezing conditions.
WARNING
The tailgate swings upward. Make
sure no objects or people are near
the rear of the vehicle when open-
ing the tailgate.
OAM049009
CAUTION
Make certain that you close the tail-
gate before driving your vehicle.
Possible damage may occur to the
tailgate lift cylinders and attaching
hardware if the tailgate is not
closed prior to driving.
Closing the tailgate
Lower and push down the tailgate firmly.
Make sure that the tailgate is securely
latched.
-
WARNING
Exhaust
fumes
If you drive with the tailgate open,
you will draw dangerous exhaust
fumes into your vehicle which can
cause serious injury or death to
vehicle occupants.
If you must drive with the tailgate
open, keep the air vents and all win-
dows open so that additional out-
side air comes into the vehicle.
-
WARNING
Rear cargo
area
Occupants should never ride in the
rear cargo area where no restraints
are available. To avoid injury in the
event of an accident or sudden
stops, occupants should always be
properly restrained.