Why Does My KIA Say "System Off"? Fixing the Problem

KIA is no longer a brand synonymous with basic cars. KIA, a South Korean car maker, has been around since 1944. However, it wasn't on the world stage until recently when it introduced some cool but basic car models. Some of the KIA features are similar to Hyundai, its parent company.

System off message highlights

• Common reasons:some assist isn't working
• How to fix:identify the pictogram, look in the driver's manual
• Possible consequences:certain systems will not work
• Priority level:Medium
• Can you drive?Yes, in most cases
• DIY repair:Possible
• Repair price range:$0-$150

Understanding modern KIA cars

KIA has a car for you regardless of your budget, lifestyle, and driving habits. There are tens of models you can choose from the long list of KIA lineup of models. The company has employed modern technology such as UVO eServices, Stop and Go technologies, and super advanced airbags. This advancement in employing the latest and best technology has seen KIA grow to become a leader in car manufacturing.

KIA has worked hard to make cars that are far from bland. By employing the UVO eServices, your car is connected to the outside world. It becomes easy to navigate, find parking spots, get vehicle diagnosis assistance and upgrade your car's System. Integration of the car's System with your smartphone has been made easier and fun.

The South Korean carmaker has embraced disruptive technology like lane keeping assist technology. There is the Surround View Monitor, and Blind Spot View Monitor help you be aware of your surroundings even when your eyes can't see everything. All these new features are connected to your car's responsive infotainment screen or dashboard. Some of the features in your car can malfunction or break down, and because KIA intends to let you know of such a hiccup, a 'System Off' message will appear.

Interestingly, Kia vehicles may throw different error messages that are hard to understand. Like "Engine Control System error that we've described in this article.

The "System off" problem in KIA cars

The System Off light seems to be a minor but nagging problem for many KIA owners. On one KIA Niro forum, a KIA Optima forum, a KIA Sportage forum, and other forums, the question 'why does my car say system off?' is all too familiar but not frequent. Let us look at the possible causes of this problem;

1. Lane Departure Alarm System off

Modern KIA cars have been installed with a lane departure warning system, which can also be denoted as the Lane Keep Assist (LKA). This safety technology detects whether you are driving within the lane or not by using cameras mounted on the front windshield. Depending on the KIA model you are driving, the LKA system will use audio or visual cues or both to alert you on the need to correct your steering.

The Lane Keep Assist has to be ON for the driver to use the system features. For example, in the 2022 KIA Sportage, the LKA icon is designed to remain white when the System doesn't detect any road lane lines. The LKA icon will turn green when the System detects lanes on the road. The icon will be yellow and not blink when the System cannot detect any road lanes. There are options to customize the System to make the LKA less imposing and more preferable to your driving style.

KIA has designed its cars such that the LKA will only work when the car is at 60km/h or 40m/h or above. The lane assist system has been set to go ON by default. However, there are instances and cars where this feature will be off, and you will be prompted to switch it ON to use it. When the LKA system turns itself off or is off by default, a white icon will appear on the instruments, and a 'system off' description will appear above it.

Fixing the 'System off' problem caused by LKA

Different KIA models have varying ways through which you can turn ON, or OFF the lane keep assist system. Let us use the 2022 KIA Sportage to demonstrate how you can correct the 'System off' problem.

• Press the button on the steering wheel, which has a picture of a sheet of paper. Go sideways using this button until you find the lane keep assist screen on the instruments panel. The LKA will read 'system off.'
• The Lane Keep Assist button is to the left of the steering wheel. The button has a picture of a car and two lines by its side. The lines can be continuous, or they can be dotted. Click on the button to turn the LKA system on.
• Once you have pressed the LKA button, a small car icon on the instrument panel above the LKA icon will appear. The screen will now read 'lane keep assist.' This means the LKA system is now activated.
• When you start driving, nothing will change until you hit the 60km/h mark and the road is marked.

The small car icon on the LKA screen will turn green when driving on a marked road at the 'right' speed. The main car image on the LKA screen will remain white, but the lines on its side will change color.

Because you can only cross one lane line at any one moment, the line you will be warned of the crossing will blink on the screen. When the car starts crossing over the lane line, there will be an audible warning, and the line on the LKA will continue blinking.

If you don't want to use the LKA system, simply push the button on the left side of the steering, and the LKA will read 'system off' on the instrument screen.

2. Malfunction of the car's software

Modern cars heavily rely on software. As such, if the software develops errors for any reason, there are numerous ways the car's instruments might behave. One of the results of malfunctioning software would be for the car to read 'system off.'

The car's software can go berserk for a number of reasons, among them a fault with the battery. The battery to the car can deliver low voltage, have an overcharge, or get disconnected. In case the instrument panel and other functions of the car are acting up, check the battery. By following the following steps, you will be resetting the car's software which will help remove system errors from the car's System. Here are simple steps to follow;

• Push or turn the ignition to OFF depending on your car's ignition type. Remove the keys from the car.
• Disconnect the battery cables. Start with the negative cable, then disconnect the positive cable.
• Connect the positive and negative cables together.
• Push or turn the ignition to ON and leave it this way for 10 minutes.
• Turn or push the ignition to OFF and remove the keys from the car.
• Connect the battery cables to the battery. Start with the positive cable, followed by the negative cable.

Conclusion

It might be confusing seeing a 'System Off' light on your car, especially if your car has only covered a few miles. Considering KIA is not a market leader in the car-making industry, several issues touching on the quality, software, and general reliability of the cars can be expected but not anticipated by the user. KIA has been forced to make several recalls to correct varying KIA car issues. Luckily for everyone involved, the 'System Off' is not a problem that requires a recall, nor does it mean the car is malfunctioning per se.

As shown above, the 'System off' message on your car can be resolved by simply pressing a few buttons on your car's dashboard. KIA appreciates that some drivers don't want to use the LKA always or at certain times. That is why the use of LKA has been made optional.

In your car's manual, there are instructions on how to turn ON or OFF the LKA system and many of the features in your vehicle. Even if you don't have the physical user manual of your car, you can download one online. Visit the official KIA website and download one.

KIA has invested heavily in new technology, which has helped place the brand in many car parking lots worldwide. The KIA online community isn't very vibrant, which is why the 'System Off' problem seems to nag many people.

If the problem persists even after following the instructions given in the car manual, then it might be time you considered visiting a KIA dealer. The service you get at the KIA dealer for correcting the 'system off' issue should be free. Not unless the car's software has been corrupted and requires more work than just pressing a few buttons to correct it.