Today, we’re shedding light on a crucial but often overlooked feature in your Kia Sportage – the emergency liftgate safety release. This simple yet invaluable mechanism can be a lifesaver in situations where the electronic liftgate fails, preventing you from opening it from the outside.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to open the liftgate from the inside using the emergency release lever.
Locating the Emergency Release Lever:
The first step in this process is to find the emergency liftgate safety release lever. This inconspicuous yet vital lever is situated on the bottom of the liftgate, hidden behind a small plastic cover.
To access it, look for the cover at the lower part of the liftgate and remove it by gently popping it off with your fingers or using a flat tool.
Identifying the Release Lever:
Once the cover is removed, the emergency release lever becomes visible. It is a small handle that is easily identifiable. This lever is the key to unlocking the liftgate manually.
Unlocking the Liftgate:
To unlock the liftgate, push the emergency release lever to the right.
This action disengages the locking mechanism, allowing you to open the liftgate from the inside.
Opening the Liftgate:
With the release lever pushed to the right, the final step is to push up the liftgate.
While you might need to apply a bit of force, it should open relatively easily. The combination of pushing the lever and lifting the gate will release it from the locked position.
Conclusion:
Knowing how to use the emergency liftgate safety release in your Kia Sportage can be crucial in emergency situations or when faced with a malfunctioning electronic liftgate.
By following these simple steps — locating the release lever, pushing it to the right, and then lifting the gate — you can quickly regain access to the cargo area from the inside. Stay informed and be prepared, as this knowledge might prove invaluable when you least expect it.
