
The method to use the one-button start in Kia K2 is: 1. Press the start button once, and the ACC light will turn on; 2. Press the start button again, and the one-button start button will turn green, indicating the vehicle is performing a self-check; 3. After the vehicle completes the self-check, press the brake pedal and press the one-button start button once more to start the engine. Taking the 2019 Kia K2 as an example, it is a compact car with the following dimensions: length 4400mm, width 1740mm, height 1460mm, wheelbase 2600mm, minimum ground clearance 160mm, fuel tank capacity 43L, and curb weight 1072kg.

When I first drove the Kia K2, I also spent some time figuring out the one-button start. You must press the brake pedal; otherwise, pressing the start button will only power up the car without ignition. Then, simply press the button with the engine icon on the center console and release it once the dashboard lights up. Normally, you don’t need to manually turn off the car when exiting—just shift to P (Park) and opening the door will automatically cut the power. Keep the key in your pocket or bag, and you can unlock the car by pulling the door handle directly when approaching. Once, when the key battery died, I wasn’t worried—just placing the key against the one-button start button allowed the car to sense and start. This feature is really convenient, especially on rainy days when you’re carrying things and don’t want to fumble for the key. But be careful not to leave the key in the trunk, as it will lock the car.

After driving the Kia K2 for three years, the one-button start has been a lifesaver for my forgetful self. The first thing when getting in the car is to step on the brake, otherwise pressing the start button only turns on the radio. After starting, remember to warm up the car for 30 seconds before driving off, especially in winter when you should wait for the tachometer to stabilize. If you need to get out temporarily to buy something, don't turn off the engine; just shift to N and engage the electronic handbrake. Don't panic if the key fob runs out of battery—just press the remote key against the one-button start for five seconds to ignite. The anti-theft feature is quite smart, automatically locking the doors when the key is more than two meters away. In summer, I'm used to remotely starting the air conditioning by holding the start button on the key fob for three seconds, which pre-starts the engine to cool down the car.

The Kia K2's one-button start is super simple. Just three steps: Approach the car with the key to automatically unlock the doors; sit in the driver's seat and press the brake; then press the start button with your middle finger to ignite. Note that the start button lights up green to indicate readiness. At red lights, pressing the brake deeply activates auto start-stop, and lightly pressing the accelerator when the light turns green instantly restarts the engine. Utilize this feature frequently for better fuel efficiency. After parking and shifting to P, press the start button to turn off the engine—the steering wheel will automatically lock. Important reminder: Never use remote start for extended periods in enclosed garages, as exhaust fumes can be hazardous.

My K2's one-button start hides some little secrets. Before starting, you must ensure the gear is in P, otherwise the button won't respond. There's a ring light around the start button: blue means key detection, green means brake readiness. Press once without braking to power on, press twice for full vehicle power-on self-check. Holding it for three seconds can force the engine to shut off, which saved me once when the engine stalled in rainy water. When the key battery is low, a red light flashes—just replace the 2032 coin battery in time. Modification suggestion: Adding an OBD box enables remote start via smartphone, which is very practical for warming up the car in winter.


