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The automatic transmission has 8 forward speeds and one reverse speed. The individual speeds are selected automatically, depending on the position of the shift lever.
✽ NOTICE
The first few shifts on a new vehicle, if the battery has been disconnected, may be somewhat abrupt. This is a normal condition, and the shifting sequence will adjust after shifts are cycled a few times by the TCM (Transmission Control Module) or PCM (Powertrain Control Module).
For smooth operation, depress the brake pedal and the lock release button when shifting from N (Neutral) to a forward or reverse gear.
WARNING - Leaving Vehicle
Before leaving the driver’s seat, always make sure the shift lever is in the P (Park) position; then set the parking brake fully and shut the engine off. Do not use the P position in place of the parking brake. Always make sure the shift lever is locked in the P position and set the parking brake fully. Unexpected and sudden vehicle movement can occur if these precautions are not followed.
CAUTION - Transmission
To avoid damage to your transmission, do not accelerate the engine in R (Reverse) or any forward gear position with the brakes on. The transmission may be damaged if you shift into P (Park) while the vehicle is in motion.
When stopped on an incline, do not hold the vehicle with the engine power. Use the service brake or the parking brake.

The paddle shifter is available when the shift lever is in the D position or the manual mode.
With the shift lever in the D position
Pull the [+] or [-] paddle shifter once to shift up or down one gear and the system changes from automatic mode to manual mode.
When the vehicle speed is lower than 7 km/h (4.3 mph), if you don't press the accelerator pedal for more than 6 seconds. (Except drive mode (SPORT, CUSTOM)). For more information, refer to Drive mode integrated control system in chapter 5 or if you shift the shift lever from D (Drive) to manual mode and shift it from manual mode to D (Drive) again or if you pull the [+] paddle shifter more than 1 second, the system changes from manual mode to automatic mode.
With the shift lever in the manual mode
Pull the [+] or [-] paddle shifter once to shift up or down one gear.
✽ NOTICE
If you pull the [+] and [-] paddle shifters at the same time, you cannot shift the gear.
For your safety, the automatic transmission has a shift lock system which prevents shifting the transmission from P (Park) into R (Reverse) unless the brake pedal is depressed.
To shift the transmission from P (Park) into R (Reverse):
1.Depress and hold the brake pedal.
2.Start the engine or turn the ignition switch to the ON position.
3.Move the shift lever.
If the brake pedal is repeatedly depressed and released with the shift lever in the P (Park) position, a chattering noise & vibration near the shift lever may be heard. It is a normal condition.
WARNING - Shifting from park
Always fully depress the brake pedal before and while shifting out of the P (Park) position into another position to avoid inadvertent motion of the vehicle which could injure persons in or around the vehicle.

Shift-lock override
If the shift lever cannot be moved from the P (Park) position into R (Reverse) position with the brake pedal depressed, continue depressing the brake, then do the following:
1. Place the ignition switch in the LOCK/OFF position.
2. Apply the parking brake.
3. Carefully remove the cap (1) covering the shift-lock release access hole.
4. Insert a tool (e.g. flathead screwdriver) into the access hole and press down on the tool.
5. Move the shift lever.
6. Remove the tool from the shiftlock override access hole then install the cap.
7.We recommend that the system be inspected by an authorized Kia dealer.
The ignition key cannot be removed unless the shift lever is in the P (Park) position. Even if the ignition switch is in the LOCK position, the key cannot be removed.
If your vehicle is equipped with engine start/stop button, the button will not change to the OFF position unless the shift lever is in the P (Park) position.
Kia Stinger (CK) 2018-2025 Owner's Manual: Inner panel fuse replacement
1. Turn the ignition switch and all other switches off. 2. Open the fuse panel cover. If the switch is located in the “OFF” position, a caution indicator will be displayed in the cluster. 3. Pull the suspected fuse straight out. Use the removal tool provided on the engine compartment fuse panel cover. 4. Check the removed fuse; replace it if it is blown.*1 The system judges a person of adult size as an adult. When a smaller adult sits in the front passenger seat, the system may recognize him/her as a child depending on his/her physique and posture. *2 Do not allow children to ride in the front passenger seat. When a larger child who has outgrown a child restraint system sits in the front passenger seat, the system may recognize him/her as an adult depending upon his/her physique or sitting position.