Kia Telluride: Door locks / With the mechanical key

The mechanical key can be used to manually lock or unlock the driver's door whenever the smart key battery is discharged or the electronic locking system is unavailable.

To operate the door locks with the mechanical key:

1. Pull the outside door handle while pressing the front section of the handle (1). Remove the protective cover (3) located beneath the rear portion of the door handle (2).
2. Insert the mechanical key (4) into the exposed key cylinder and turn it to lock or unlock the driver's door.
3. After the door has been unlocked, remove the mechanical key from the lock cylinder.
4. Release the outside door handle.
5. Press the front section of the door handle once more to extend it manually, then pull the handle to open the door.
6. Reinstall the protective cover securely after completing the procedure.

   NOTE

   • The mechanical key can lock or unlock only the driver's door of your Kia Telluride.

   • To secure every door, use the central door lock switch inside the vehicle. Exit using the interior door handle, close the door, and then lock the driver's door with the mechanical key.

   • Refer to Operating door locks from inside the vehicle for additional information about using the interior locking controls.

   NOTE

   • Take care not to lose, bend, or scratch the protective key cover during removal or installation.

   • If the cover is frozen due to low temperatures, tap it gently or warm it gradually with your hands before attempting to remove it.

   • Avoid applying excessive force to the door handle or door assembly, as this may result in damage.

   NOTE

   • In cold or wet weather, freezing conditions may temporarily affect the operation of the door locks and related mechanisms.

   • If the doors are repeatedly locked and unlocked in rapid succession using either the mechanical key or the power door lock switch, the locking system may pause briefly to protect the electrical circuit and prevent damage to its components.

   WARNING

   • Always make sure the door is completely closed before driving your Kia Telluride. A partially latched door could open while the vehicle is in motion.

   • Keep your hands, fingers, and other body parts clear of the door while it is closing to avoid injury.

   WARNING

   If passengers must remain inside the vehicle during extremely hot or cold weather, do not lock the Kia Telluride from the outside. Doing so may expose occupants to serious injury or life-threatening conditions.

   NOTE

   Avoid repeatedly opening or closing the doors with excessive force. Unnecessary force may damage the door, hinges, or locking mechanism.

   NOTE

   Whenever leaving your Kia Telluride unattended, place the ENGINE START/STOP button in the OFF position, apply the parking brake, close every window, and lock all doors.

   • To lock the vehicle without using the mechanical key, press the central door lock button (1) while the ENGINE START/STOP button is in the OFF position, then close the door.

   • When the central door lock button (1) is used, all vehicle doors lock simultaneously.

   TIP

   Before leaving your Kia Telluride, always apply the parking brake, close every window completely, and verify that all doors are securely locked.