Help! My 2017 Sportage gas door won't open!!

Thanks for the question.  Eventually, this person figured it out.  

To open the 2017 Kia Sportage gas cap door, you press it and it will spring open.  HOWEVER, when the car is locked, so is the gas door.  You must first unlock all the doors on the vehicle (two presses of the remote or use the door unlock switch on the driver's door.  

Remember, all the kia engines run fine on regular unleaded.  If you have a turbo, mid grade is a good idea.  The K900 runs best on 91 octane, and that is recommended. 

Have a GREAT Kia Day!

Eco / Normal /Sport Lets talk Drive Modes

Ok, So here you are in your new Kia. You spot a button that says DRIVE MODE or MODE. When you press it, you see that it takes you to ECO, SPORT and NORMAL (actually there is no 'normal' light, it's just blank).

Here is a quick education on what they do.

ECO MODE adjusts the shift points, fuel mix and the efficiency of the Air Conditioner.  You will notice that the car shifts at a lower RPM, and that the Air does not seem quite as cold.  The thinking behind this is that the lower the RPMs between shifts saves on gas in the long run.  You will really notice the difference between ECO and SPORT when you trying to pass that semi on the freeway. 

SPORT MODE is the 180 degree opposite of ECO mode. The car will climb in RPMs between shifts. Adding power, but reducing fuel efficiency a bit...But you will notice the difference between it and ECO mode.

NORMAL MODE is somewhere in between.  

Just as a side note, I always drive in sport mode. I find the small difference in miles per tankful is not worth the loss of power. But, this is a personal preference. Try all three and see which suites you best.  You might even try the "manual  +/- option.  We will talk about that next time along with how to properly use your paddle shifters if so equipped.

Remember, you can always submit Kia Question to me at  cashatkia@centurylink.net

AND if you are in the Las Vegas Area, stop by Jim Marsh Kia. 8555 West Centennial in Northwest Vegas.  I will happy to answer your questions!

Have a great KIA day!!

SMART KEY TIPS

If you purchased a Kia Ex or SX model, chances are you have a smart key. A smart key is a key that you never have to remove from your pocket or purse to have access to unlocking the doors and starting the car. There are several styles depending on the model.  

The way these work is simple. A sensor in the car reads the key. It must be within 18 inches of the car in order for the car to read it.  You will notice a button on the door handle of the car. With the key in your pocket or purse, and the car locked, press the button one time to unlock the driver's door, twice to unlock all the doors. When leaving the car, press the button once to lock the car. 

Once inside the car, place you foot on the brake pedal and push the start button. Note the key MUST BE IN THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR in order for the car to start. 

You will also notice a button the the key fob that releases a hard key. In the event of a dead battery, you can use this key to unlock the driver's door (check the door handle. You will see a slot at the bottom rear that allows you to remove a cover to access the key hole). 


The smart key will not allow you to lock the car if the keys are left in it. It will also beep at you if you leave the car running and walk away. 

The buttons are pretty simple.  To the right is a Sedona Van key. Top to bottom. Lock, unlock, left and right power sliding doors, power tailgate and the red "I lost my car in the Wal Mart parking lot" button.

These keys cost a lot so don't lose them. They contain a battery that can be replaces if the fob fails to work properly. 

This key is considered a theft deterrent/ engine disability device to many insurance companies. Let them know you have a smart key.

Remember, you can always e mail me with questions at 'cashatkia@centurylink.net', or if you are in the Las Vegas Area, come see me at Jim Marsh Kia, 8555 West Centennial, Las Vegas. Ask for "Cash" and I will be happy to help you. 

Have a GREAT Kia Day

Smart Trunk / Tailgate on your Kia

Your new Kia Forte S, Optima  EX / SX, Sportage SX, Cadenza, Sorento EX / SX, Sedona EX and above and k900 feature the Kia Smart Trunk.  Standard on the Cadenza and K900 and an option on the rest.  

Your dealership may or may not have activated it prior to delivery. The easiest way to check it out is to lock your car, walk away from it for a minute and then go stand about a foot behind it.  If you have smart trunk / tailgate, you will hear three beeps along with tail light flashing, and a 4th beep that will either release the trunk (on the Forte, Optima and Cadenza, or lift the power tailgate on the Sportage, sorento and Sedona that is equipped with the feature). 

menu button

If nothing happens, this does not mean that you don't have the feature, it means it's not activated.  Get in the car and start it up.

Go to the Menu button on the steering wheel and press until you get to the USER SETTINGS Screen

user settings  / Door / OK

Now scroll down until you see DOOR
Press OK 

Scroll down until you see SMART TRUNK (Or GATE)

smart trunk / OK

Check the box by pressing OK then exit the screen by pressing the menu button on the steering wheel again. 

Get out of the car, lock it, walk 20 - 40 feet from vehicle, wait about 30 seconds.  Now go stand behind the vehicle and see if it works. Remember, the car needs a minute to arm the smart trunk, that's why you need to walk away from the vehicle. 

Also, remember not ALL Kias come with this feature. If it's not in the user settings, you don't have it.

Remember, you can always contact me with questions at cashatkia@centurylink.net

OR, if you are in the Las Vegas area, come see me at Jim Marsh Kia. 8555 West Centennial.  

Have a KIA day!

UVO E-SERVICES in your Kia

In your new Kia, you might notice it comes with UVO E-Services. First of all, UVO stands for "Your Voice".  So lets start with that.  Your entertainment system and navigation is voice command friendly.  When you press the voice prompt, it will ask you to Please Say a Command .  WAIT FOR THE BEEP and say something like "Serious channel 56" Or "FM one oh two point 5"  If you are listening to a CD you can tell it what track to listen to.  

You can use it for your phone by telling it who to call. Keep in mind that you must use names in your phone directory as they are entered. So if your nick name for your spouse in your phone is "muffy" you have to tell it to "Call Muffy" then follow the prompts.  You can also say "Dial 555-555-1212" and it will dial the number.  You can ask it for call history and it will show you your last calls. 

In Navigation mode, you can say "Find address in (whatever state you are in) ..." When prompted, you can just say the number, street and city, and it will do the rest. ALWAYS WAIT FOR THE BEEP WHENEVER DOING ANY VOICE COMMAND. And NO, you can not change the prompt girl's voice, You CAN shut her off in the settings screen though. Remember, talk to her like a 4 year old.  She is not SIRI. 


Now we come to UVO e-Services.  This is a free service that Kia provides.  You need a smart phone with the UVO app. (go to apple store or Play store and download my uvo. It's the RED one.



Then go online to MYUVO.COM and register. Pretty Simple.  You will have to know which screen you have, so take a picture of your screen in the car to match up. Simple.  Again, this is a free service that features one touch to roadside assistance, one touch call to KIA for questions, self diagnostics so if you get a check engine light, it will tell you what it is, send an e mail to your chosen Kia dealership so they know what is wrong with the car before you bring it in, Parking Minder, which sends a location signal to your phone and gives you directions back to your car. Useful for BIG BIG parking areas.  My Car zone allows you to keep track of where the kids went. A Little big brotherish, but hey, who is making the payments here??

Remember, you can program up to 5 phones into your bluetooth system.  We also are featuring Android Auto and Apple Car Play in our vehicles. We will cover this in another blog.

Remember, If you are in the Las VEgas area, Stop in to Jim Marsh Kia, 8555 West Centennial. Ask for me, Ron "CASH" Twist and let me help you.  You can e mail comments or questions to cashatkia@centurylink.net. 

Have a GREAT DAY                                                                                                

Let's talk about your spare tire (or lack thereof)....

Ok Kia Owner!  Here's one that MIGHT just surprise you.   If you own a Soul, Optima, Forte, Rio and even some Sorentos and Sportages newer than about 2010, chances are you do NOT have a spare tire.  Now, before you panic, let's talk about this. 

Granted, your sales person should have shown you this at the time of the demonstration of the car, or during final delivery.  To be fair, it's a very easy thing to overlook. So, before you go back yelling and screaming, let's be clear.  About 80% of cars sold today (especially imports) do not have a spare tire.  They have a 'Mobility Kit' that allows you seal and reinflate the tire to drive and get it repaired.  There are a few reasons for this. 

Reason 1: Federal Regulations require a minimum gas milage target. One way that car makers increase milage is to reduce weight.  A mobility kit weights about 2 pounds compared to a spare, jack and lug wrench which can weigh somewhere around 25 to 30 pounds. Sometime more. That does not sound like a lot, but it does make a difference especially when combined with other weight saving measures. 

Reason2: The way tires are made now, 9 out of 10 flats are caused by a puncture. (Nail, screw, Bic pen..etc).  It is easier to seal and re inflate the tire and take it to be fixed.  (Especially at 2am on the side of the freeway. 

NO SPARE (Optima EX)

SPARE (Cadenza)

Reason 3: It's safer.  When you buy a Kia, you get Road Side Assistance for 5 years, 60,000 miles. That means, you make a call, a tow truck comes and either tows you to the nearest Kia dealership, or they change your tire (if you have a spare) or they help with your mobility kit. All without you getting your hands dirty.  And seriously, when was the last time you changed a tire by yourself??

Now, all this being said, if you are losing your mind over not having a spare tire in your life, it is a simple thing to go to your Kia dealership parts department and get a spare tire kit. This includes the donut spare, lug wrench and jack.  On average it's about $200.00.  (Plus you get to keep the mobility kit that came with the car, so you are double covered. 

Remember the number to Kia Roadside assistance is programmed your UVO eservices . 1800-333-4KIA

Thanks, and remember, Jim Marsh Kia in Las Vegas is THE place to buy your next KIA! Come ask for me, (CASH) and I will be glad to help.

Have a GREAT day!

Allow me to introduce myself....I am a Kia Product Specialist

Hello Fellow Kia Owners.  Allow me to introduce myself to you.  My name is Ron Twist. They call me Cash. (Having something to do with the fact that I am also a singer who tributes Johnny Cash, but that's another day) 

I am the Certified Product Specialist at Jim Marsh Kia in Las Vegas, Nevada. 

I am offering this blog to Kia owners who have questions about anything and everything Kia.  I will post tips on how to.....whatever.  From programming your Bluetooth to activating your UVO system.  I will be posting short videos as well explaining different systems. 

The Kia Lineup is amazing. Technology is advancing quickly so I will try to keep you up on it.  We will discuss the new Niro, Sedona Van, Sorento SUV, Optima, Optima Turbo, Forte, Soul, Rio, Sportage, and of course the amazing K900.  And we also are very excited about the new Kia STINGER GT coming this fall. 

I open this up to you to submit questions about anything involving our kia.  I have a vast network of resources.  I sell the product, and have for 5 years.  My whole family drives Kias, and trust me....they aren't what they used to be. They are a JD powers #1 pick and having Peter Schryer from Audi as a head designer does not hurt. 

So feel free to submit questions to be answered on this blog. Many people have the same questions you do.  You can submit here in the comments, or you can email questions to
                           cashatkia@centurylink.net

Remember, if you are in the Vegas Area, Jim Marsh Kia is #1 in Nevada. 

Have a great day!