Kia Optima 2004 Owner's Manual page 162

Turn signals when towing a
trailer
When you tow a trailer, your vehicle has
to have a different turn signal flasher and
extra wiring. The green arrows on your
instrument panel will flash whenever you
signal a turn or lane change. Properly
connected, the trailer lights will also
flash to alert other drivers you're about
to turn, change lanes, or stop.
When towing a trailer, the green arrows
on your instrument panel will flash for
turns even if the bulbs on the trailer are
burned out. Thus, you may think drivers
behind you are seeing your signals when,
in fact, they are not. It's important to
check occasionally to be sure the trailer
bulbs are still working. You must also
check the lights every time you
disconnect and then reconnect the wires.
Do not connect a trailer lighting system
directly to your vehicle's lighting
system. Use only an approved trailer
wiring harness.
Your Authorized Kia Dealer can assist
you in installing the wiring harness.
CAUTION
Failure to use an approved trailer
wiring harness could result in damage
to the vehicle electrical system and/or
personal injury.
Driving on grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear
before you start down a long or steep
downgrade. If you don't shift down, you
might have to use your brakes so much
that they would get hot and no longer
operate efficiently.
On a long uphill grade, shift down and
reduce your speed to around 45 mph (70
km/h) to reduce the possibility of engine
and transaxle overheating.
If your trailer weighs more than 1653
Ibs. (750 kg) and you have an automatic
transaxle, you should drive in D (Drive)
when towing a trailer.
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