Kia Optima Diesel DCT 2018… Why does it limit revs in cold weather?

For those who drive in freezing temperatures with their Kia, have you noticed that after a cold start, the revs won’t go past 2000 rpm and the transmission won’t shift properly when accelerating?

I think it could be a sensor issue, maybe the temperature sensor, but I’m not sure.

I recorded a video showing the issue. In sixth gear, I tried accelerating quickly. The screen showed the car shifting to fourth, but there was no torque. The same thing happened when it shifted from fourth to fifth. But when it shifted back to sixth, there was a visible bump on the rev counter, and the torque finally reached the wheels.

Anyone else experienced this? Any ideas on what’s causing it?

That’s normal. If you push the engine before it warms up, you could damage it.

OptimaEnthusiast said:
That’s normal. If you push the engine before it warms up, you could damage it.

Thanks for replying. If this is intentional, is there anything about it in the manual?

I’ve had other double-clutch cars, but I’ve never heard of this kind of protection before.

@valentinholes
It’s not about the transmission. It’s because it’s a diesel engine. If it’s turbocharged and you don’t let it warm up, you’ll destroy the turbo.

@valentinholes
People kept wrecking their engines by driving off immediately in cold weather, so manufacturers added protections. This keeps them from dealing with warranty claims caused by careless owners.

You don’t need this in the manual. It’s basic knowledge—don’t push a cold engine, especially in winter. You seem unsure about cars, so maybe stop doubting the advice people are giving you.

@robertkennedy
I’m not trying to argue. I just find it hard to believe that a car needs to warm up for more than a couple of minutes before driving.

I live in a place where it’s freezing for most of the year, and no one here has ever said that.

@valentinholes
Your car wasn’t warmed up properly, that much is obvious. So why ask for advice if you’re just going to question all of it?

This isn’t an opinion. I live in Canada, and everyone knows this here. Sorry, but you seem misinformed.

@robertkennedy
Maybe I am. Never had this issue last winter, though… Maybe my car is just as clueless as I am.

valentinholes said:
@robertkennedy
Maybe I am. Never had this issue last winter, though… Maybe my car is just as clueless as I am.

Yeah… Remember when I said you’re messing up your car? Look what’s happening now. But sure, keep doing what you’re doing. It’s clearly working great for you.

@robertkennedy
Now I’m actually curious. What do you do to warm up your engine? Our winters are pretty similar.

I looked up a video from a Canadian guy (How long should you warm up your car in cold weather?), and he says you don’t need to warm up for more than 15 seconds to a minute—just drive gently.

If I’m completely wrong and my car’s issue is because I didn’t warm it up enough, I’ll admit it.

@valentinholes
You’re saying you doubt that warming up the car longer makes a difference?

Not trying to sound rude, but how old are you? This has been common knowledge for decades. I’m just wondering if younger drivers aren’t being taught this anymore.