GROUP
General

NUMBER
060

MODEL
Optima (TFH)
DATE
November 2012

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN
SUBJECT:

HYBRID FUEL EFFICIENCY TIPS AND
TROUBLESHOOTING PROCEDURE

The Optima Hybrid (TF HEV) offers customers the potential of excellent fuel economy. However,
because some customers may not be achieving the published EPA-rated city/highway numbers,
they may bring a vehicle to a dealership's service deparbnent The following information is
provided so that the service deparbnent will be well informed to answer the customer's concern
and, if necessary, to troubleshoot the vehicle.
Remember, EPA (window label) fuel economy estimates are not guarantees by manufacturers. Rather,
they are intended to be used for comparison between different vehicles. Here is what the EPA says about
these numbers:
The fuel economy ratings are an estimate.
The purpose of the fuel economy ratings is to provide consumers with estimates to use in
comparing the gas mileage of different vehicles. It is not meant as a guarantee of the gas
mileage each driver will achieve. Since no test can simulate all the possible conditions that affect
fuel economy, such as climate, driver behavior, road condition, and car care habits, your actual
mileage will always vary some from the estimates.
(Source: US EPA, http://publicaccess.supportportal. comllink/portal/230021230121Article/16056/
Whv-is-mv-gas-mi/eage-lower-than-the-EPA-rating-What-are-the-factors-thataffect-fuel-economvAnd-how-do-you-determine-vour-vehicle-s-fuel-econom0J
The EPA emphasizes that real world vehicle mileage will depend on numerous factors, and some critical
ones can be controlled by the customer. Here is what the EPA says about these factors:
Factors that affect Fuel Economy.
It is essential that EPA 's fuel economy estimates continue to be derived from controlled, repeatable
laboratory tests to enable a standardized or ''level playing field," comparison between all vehicle
models. Although EPA s fuel economy tests are designed to reflect typical driving conditions and
driver behavior, several factors can significantly affect how many miles per gallon (mpg) your
car gets: how and where you drive; vehicle condition and maintenance; fuel variations; vehicle
variations; and engine break-in (this is described on Many Factors Affect MPG page): httpilwww.
fueleconomy.gov/feg/factors.shtml. Because some vehicles are more sensitive to these factors
than others, the impact of the changes will vary from vehicle to vehicle. The nature of current hybrid
technology - the addition of a battery as a second source of on-board power, sophisticated control
systems, and sometimes a smaller engine - makes a hybrid's fuel economy more sensitive to
certain factors, such as colder weather and air conditioning use.
(Source: US EPA, http://publicaccess.supportportal. comllinklportal/230021230121Article/160561
Why-is-my-gas-mileage-lower-than-the-EPA-rating-What-are-the-factors-thataffect-fuel-economyAnd-how-do-you-determine-your-vehicle-s-fuel-econom0J

File Under:

Circulate To:

00

General Manager

[X] Service Advisor(s) [X] Technician(s)

00 Service Manager
[XJ Body Shop Manager

00 Parts Manager
00 Fleet Repair

Page 2 of 6

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HYBRID FUEL EFFICIENCY TIPS AND
TROUBLESHOOTING PROCEDURE

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FUEL EFFICIENCY TIPS
Drive efficiently.

When it is safe to do so, follow these tips for more efficient driving:
•

Monitor the ecoGuide indicator. This gauge offers the
best feedback to drivers about their efficiency, especially
during acceleration. Keep the indicator in the green zone
as much as possible

•

Obey the speed limit. The hybrid system can achieve
highest efficiency when highway speed limits are complied
with.

•

Apply the accelerator pedal smoothly. Smooth, steady
applications of the accelerator pedal deliver higher
efficiency than when the pedal is pressed and released
sharply or repeatedly during acceleration, hill-climbing,
and cruising.

•

Use cruise control on the highway. When used, cruise
control helps you keep a constant speed and therefore
will save gas in most cases . However, customers should
always be reminded that cruise control should only be
used when it is safe to do so.

TSB: GEN 060

Optima Hybrid

November 2012

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Page 3 of 6

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HYBRID FUEL EFFICIENCY TIPS AND
TROUBLESHOOTING PROCEDURE

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•

Brake early and smoothly. When approaching a stop or
slow down area, start braking early and smoothly progress
to stop or slow down your vehicle safely. This allows for the
best possible brake energy regeneration.

•

Obtaining the best fuel economy is a learning process. Make sure the customer
understands that getting maximum fuel economy requires a learning process using the
feedback information in the vehicle and also by listening to others in your vehicle and their
observations on the smoothness of your driving. The customer's objective should be to
learn over time how to use the accelerator and brake pedals most efficiently.

Use the climate control wisely.

Properly adjusting the climate control can save electricity, which is used to drive the wheels
whenever possible, thereby reducing gasoline use.
•

Use AUTO mode and set the desired temperature. The
fully automatic climate control system achieves the target
temperature as quickly and efficiently as possible, similar
to many home thermostats. Press the AUTO button, and
use the temperature knob to set the driver and passenger
desired temperatures. Avoid setting the temperature to LO
(or "Max A/C" mode) when not needed.

•

Operate in ECON mode. Press the ECON button until the
indicator light illuminates. This saves electrical power while
keeping the occupant compartment comfortable.

TSB: GEN 060

Optima Hybrid

November 2012

Page 4 of 6

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HYBRID FUEL EFFICIENCY TIPS AND
TROUBLESHOOTING PROCEDURE

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•

Turn the A/C off when not needed. It is common for many
people to leave the air conditioner on at all times. With a
hybrid, the unnecessary use of the air conditioning uses up
electricity, thus increasing the time the engine needs to be
using gasoline to operate. To deactivate the air conditioning,
press the A/C button two or three times, until the A/C indicator
light turns off. Whenever the AUTO button is pressed, the
A/C may be activated again, although the A/C indicator light
may remain off (read about Defogging Logic in the owner's
manual, as the A/C light behavior can be changed if desired).

Monitor the vehicle's fuel economy.

The best indicator of average fuel economy is the Average
MPG readout in the trip computer (located in the gauge cluster).
Immediately after refueling, the Average MPG readout may climb
and fall significantly. This is normal. Judge fuel economy several
miles after refueling. If the customers are not satisfied with their
MPG, they will need to adjust their driving habits in a consistent
manner to find the actions which do the best job of increasing this
number.
Some other indicators related to fuel economy may require
further explanation to the customer, and they provide less critical
efficiency feedback than the Average MPG readout:

•

The blue INST Fuel Economy ring around the Average MPG
readout indicates the instant fuel economy, and this ring
changes frequently, even while driving at a steady speed. This
is normal.

•

The EV Mode indicator light will come on when electricity from
the hybrid battery is the sole source of propulsion . The light
cycles on and off. This is normal.

TSB: GEN 060

Optima Hybrid

November 2012

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HYBRID FUEL EFFICIENCY TIPS AND
TROUBLESHOOTING PROCEDURE

The historical fuel economy "leaf' chart in the navigation
system display (if equipped) displays a snapshot of instant
fuel economy every 2.5 minutes during a drive cycle. This
display is not an indication of average fuel economy.

For more fuel efficiency tips, please refer to the following resources:
•

The Kia vehicle owner's manual

•

The Kia Fuel Economy brochure, "Getting More out of Every Gallon"
(pictured to the right) PIN UN120-KU-002, available for order in packs
of 50 through Archway at (866) 542-6268

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The website of the EPA, where you can learn details of the many factors affecting fuel
economy: http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/drive .shtml

TROUBLESHOOTING PROCEDURE
If a customer's concern is not resolved by providing these tips on changing their driving habits, the
following actions may be taken by a service department team member:
1. Compare the customer's vehicle to a like vehicle. Select a route to drive with
consistent traffic (5 to 10 miles is sufficient). The Average MPG in each vehicle should
be reset at the beginning, both vehicles should start at the same operating temperature,
and both vehicles should have the same climate control and accessory settings. A
dealership team member should drive both vehicles and do so consistently. If the
difference between the two vehicles' Average MPG is greater than 15%, inspect the
vehicle for a powertrain, maintenance, or non-Kia accessory issue.
2. Observe the customer's driving style. Reset the Average MPG at the beginning of
the drive, ride in the passenger's seat while the customer drives on a typical drive route,
and quietly take notes. After 5 to 10 miles, stop the vehicle and provide the customer
with respectful, constructive feedback where inefficiencies have been observed. Then,
reset the Average MPG and ask the customer to drive the same route while minding the
advice. If the advice is followed, fuel economy should improve noticeably. Make sure
to keep in mind while talking to the customer that the EPA rating city/highway numbers
are NOT intended to represent real world mileage numbers, but are intended to allow
customers to compare different vehicle models as to their relative efficiency.
TSB: GEN 060

Optima Hybrid

November 2012

Page 6 of6

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HYBRID FUEL EFFICIENCY TIPS AND
TROUBLESHOOTING PROCEDURE

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Improved driving techniques are an essential part of increased fuel economy. The key to ensuring
customer satisfaction in response to fuel economy concerns is to personally learn how a driver
who desires the best fuel mileage can achieve that goal. To this end, dealership personnel
should familiarize themselves with the Kia Optima Hybrid and practice achieving higher mileage
themselves.

TSB: GEN 060

Optima Hybrid

November 2012