TO:   Dealer Sales & Service Team
SUBJECT:  IQS Quick Tip #20 – Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT)
Date:  February 11, 2020

A customer’s ability to understand the operation and functionality of the Dual Clutch Transmission can help avoid shifting, noise, and/or overheat concerns. The DCT is applied to:

• 2020 MY Soul, Optima, Forte (1.6 L Turbo)
• 2020 MY Niro Hybrid/Plug-in Hybrid

To maximize the DCT operations and understanding:

• The DCT is a manual transmission, with two (2) clutches (for odd & even gears) that is electronically shifted/controlled.
• The DCT combines the efficiency and driving feel of a manual transmission with the convenience of an automatic transmission.

Driving a DCT is as simple as putting the car into gear, and going! Alternatively, you can manually select the gears by sliding the shifter to the left, into the ‘Manual/Sport Mode’ and shift + or – to change gears manually.

KEY REMINDERS: Unlike a traditional automatic transmission, the DCT Operation is as follows:

• When you first turn the vehicle ON and/or OFF, you may hear clicking sounds as the DCT system goes through self-testing.
• The DCT gear shifting can sometimes be felt and/or heard, as the actuators engage/disengage the clutches or gears.
• The DCT adopts a dry-type dual clutch, and as a result, gear shifts are sometimes more noticeable and a light vibration when accelerating may be felt as the DCT speed is matched to the engine speed. This is especially true while traveling at low stop and go speeds.
• When rapidly accelerating at a low vehicle speed, the engine RPM may increase depending on the vehicle’s driving condition.
• To hold a DCT equipped vehicle stationary on a hill or slope, you must use the foot brake, parking brake, or the ‘Auto Hold’ function (if equipped). If the vehicle is held by applying the accelerator pedal on a hill or slope, the clutches may overheat, resulting in damage to the clutches/DCT.
• Aggressive acceleration from a stop and/or on a steep grade may also result in overheating the clutches/DCT.
• If this occurs, a warning message will appear in the instrument cluster. You may also experience harsh clutch engagements. To prevent clutch damage, pull over to a safe location, shift into PARK (P), and apply the parking brake for a few minutes with the engine idling.

All of the above conditions are normal for the DCT transmission operation. For additional information on the DCT operation, please refer to the vehicle Owner’s Manual.

Regards,

Julie Kurcz
Executive Director,
Product Quality

Kia Motors America, Inc.