What is the REAR button in Kia cars and where to look for it
Inside Kia It’s easy to get lost among the many buttons and switches, especially if you have recently become the owner of a Korean car. One of the most mysterious for beginners is the button with the inscription REAR (sometimes with a heating or camera icon). Its location depends on the model: in Kia Rio, Ceed or Sportage it can be on the center console next to the climate control, on the panel under the gearshift lever or even on the steering wheel (in versions with multimedia buttons).
Word REAR translated from English as “back”, and this is the key to understanding its functions. Depending on the vehicle's equipment, the button may activate heated rear window, turn on the rear view camera or control other systems connected to the rear of the machine. But how to determine exactly what is responsible for REAR in your Kia? Let's take it in order.
It is important to consider that in older models (before 2015) the button was often responsible only for heating, but in new ones (for example, Kia K5 2020+ or Seltos) its functions have expanded. If there is an icon with wavy lines on the button, this means 100% heating. If there is an eye or a triangle next to it (as on the camera buttons), we are talking about a rear view system.
Main functions of the REAR button: heated rear window
The most common role of a button REAR - switching on heated rear window. This feature is critical in winter or during rainy weather when the glass becomes fogged up or becomes covered in ice. The principle of operation is simple: thin filaments of heating elements are applied to the glass, which, when voltage is applied, heat the surface, removing condensation.
How does it work in Kia:
- 🔥 Click the button REAR once - the indicator (usually orange) will light up, signaling that the heating is turned on.
- ⏱️ The system works automatically within
10–15 minutes, after which it turns off (in some models the time can be adjusted). - ❄️ If the glass is not clean, press again - the heating cycle will start again.
- ⚠️ Do not keep the heating on longer
20 minutesin a row - this can lead to overheating of the elements.
In models Kia Sorento or Telluride heated rear window is often combined with heated side mirrors. In this case the button REAR activates both functions simultaneously. Check this by looking at the icon: if the button shows two mirrors with wavy lines, that’s it.
⚠️ Attention: If the heating does not work, check the fuse F18 (for most models Kia). It is responsible for the circuit of heating elements and can burn out if there is a short circuit.
REAR as a rear view camera activator: when and how to use it
In modern Kia (starting from 2018) button REAR often duplicates the switching function rear view cameras. This is true for trim levels with a multimedia system and parking sensors. The camera is automatically activated when reverse gear is engaged, but sometimes forced activation is required - for example, to check the space behind the car in a parking lot.
How it works:
- Make sure the ignition is on (the engine may be off).
- Click the button REAR — the image from the rear camera will appear on the multimedia screen.
- In some models (for example, Kia Stinger) To exit the mode, you need to press the button again or turn on the gear.
If the camera does not turn on, check:
- 🔌 Connecting the camera connector to the control unit (a common problem after bumper repair).
- 📱 Multimedia system settings: path
Settings → Camera → Rear view mode. - 🔋 Fuse
F22(responsible for powering the camera in most models).
What to do if the camera shows a black screen?
This may be caused by oxidation of the camera connector contacts or damage to the wire. Try cleaning the contacts with alcohol or replacing the cable. If the problem remains, the camera module itself or the multimedia control unit is faulty.
Other Possible Functions of the Kia REAR Button
Less common button REAR Performs alternative tasks depending on the configuration:
| Function | Kia models | Signs |
|---|---|---|
| Heated rear seats | Kia Carnival, Mohave | Button with seat pictogram and wavy lines |
| Rear wiper activation | Kia Soul (until 2016) | Janitor icon with water drop |
| "Parking Mode" (security system) | Kia EV6, Niro Hybrid | Button with the image of a car and a shield |
| Rear climate control flap control | Kia Optima (2017–2020) | Fan icon with back arrow |
To determine the exact function, check with user manual your model. If the manual is not at hand, inspect the button for icons or try pressing it in different modes (for example, with the ignition on but the engine off).
⚠️ Attention: In hybrid models Kia (for example, Niro PHEV) button REAR can activate charging mode from an external source. Do not confuse it with the heating button!
Frequent malfunctions and ways to solve them
If the button REAR does not respond to pressure, the reasons can be either mechanical or electrical. Let's look at typical problems and solutions:
- 🔌 The rear window heating does not work:
- Check the fuse (see section above).
- Inspect the heating filaments on the glass - if they are damaged (tears, scratches), the glass will need to be repaired or replaced.
- Measure the voltage at the glass contacts with a multimeter (should be
12–14 V).
- 📷 The rear view camera does not turn on:
- Make sure that the camera connector is connected to the control unit (located behind the glove compartment or under the rear parcel shelf).
- Update the firmware of the multimedia system (relevant for Kia 2020+).
- Check your camera settings in the media menu.
- ⚡ The button cannot be pressed or is stuck:
- Remove the button panel and clean the contacts from oxidation (use WD-40 or isopropyl alcohol).
- If the button is mechanically damaged, replace it (part number for Kia Rio 4 —
92410-D2000).
☑️ Diagnosis of REAR button malfunction
If self-repair does not help, contact service. B Kia with a guarantee, electrical diagnostics are usually free, but repairs cost 1,500–4,000 rubles depending on the problem.
How to use the REAR button in different situations
Button functionality REAR useful in specific scenarios. Let's look at when and how to use it:
- ❄️ In winter or rain:
Turn on the heated rear window in advancewithout waiting for fogging. Optimal time -
5–7 minutesbefore starting movement. If your car has climate control, direct a stream of warm air onto the glass to speed up the process. - 🅿️ When parking:
If the rear view camera does not turn on automatically, use the REAR for forced activation. This will help to assess the situation behind the car in tight parking lots or in the dark.
- 👨👩👧👦 When transporting children or cargo:
On models with heated rear seats (eg Kia Carnival) button REAR useful for passenger comfort. Turn the heating on
10–15 minutesbefore driving to allow the seats to warm up.
B Kia with "Smart Rear View Mirror" function button REAR Can switch mode between regular mirror and camera screen. This is useful if the rear window is dirty or dark.
Kia models with unique REAR button functionality
Some models Kia equipped with non-standard solutions for the button REAR. For example:
- 🚗 Kia Stinger (2018–2022):
The button activates the mode "Rear Cross-Traffic Alert" (rear traffic alert when reversing). Useful in parking lots with limited visibility.
- 🔌 Kia EV6 (2021–present):
In an electric car REAR can turn on heating of the rear bumper (where the charging panel is located) to prevent the connector from icing up in cold weather.
- 🎵 Kia Picanto (2017+):
In the basic configuration, the button controls rear speaker audio system (turns it on/off to save energy).
If you are the owner of one of these models, carefully read the instructions - the functionality of the button may differ even within the same line (for example, in Kia Sportage 2020 and 2023).
In hybrid and electric Kia button REAR often associated with security or charging systems. Don't ignore it if you notice a non-standard icon!
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the REAR button in Kia
Is it possible to keep the rear window heating on all the time?
No, this leads to overheating of the heating elements and increased energy consumption. Optimal operating time - 10–15 minutes. In modern Kia heating automatically turns off after a specified interval.
Why did the rear view camera stop working after washing it?
Most likely, water got into the camera connector or onto the contacts of the control unit. Dry the connectors with a hairdryer (cold air!) or contact a service center to clean the contacts.
How to reset the REAR button if it malfunctions?
Disconnect the battery at 5–10 minutes (removing the negative terminal). This will reset temporary errors in the control unit. If the problem remains, diagnostics with a scanner is required (for example, Kia KDS).
Is it possible to install a heated rear window if it is not included in the basic configuration?
Technically yes, but this will require replacing the glass with a model with heating filaments, laying the wiring and connecting to the control unit. Cost of work - from 15,000 rubles.
Where can I find the fuse diagram for the REAR button on my Kia?
The diagram is indicated in the user manual (section "Electrical equipment") or on the fuse box cover. Fuses are relevant for most models F18 (heating) and F22 (camera).