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You will need to find the trouble code for malfunctioning wheel speed sensor. The Powertrain control module thinks that there is a wheel spinning or slipping, which in turns retards ignition timing to limit the slip. It could be a bad sensor or a broken wire harness. Some parts houses can give you the code, but you will either have to take it in to a Certified Technician, or diagnose it yourself if you are qualified.
That light means that the computer control module has detected a fault in the Electronic stability control system and it turned on the light to alert you. Right now the system is turned off for your safety. You now need the system scanned for the fault code that is set in the control modules memory.
I'm sorry to say that Michael Richardson is incorrect. ESC actually stands for Electronic Stability Control. It monitors the wheels for slippage, and will reduce power (or even apply braking, according to Kia) to a particular wheel if it detects that it has lost traction. For example, say you're driving in the rain and your front passenger wheel hits a puddle and starts to hydroplane. ESC will cut the power to that wheel so that it rolls freely until you get out of the puddle. As it's doing that your ESC light flashes. If you are driving on ice and no wheels have good traction it may stay lit and not allow you to accelerate rapidly because it can control the throttle as well. You can turn off ESC with a button on your dashboard which will result in a yellow ESC Off indicator.
If your ESC Off light is on all the time regardless of the dashboard button or weather conditions, you probably have a problem with your ESC system, which could be as simple as a faulty brake light switch. Kia should be able to diagnose it quickly.
I had this problem with my 2007 HHR. I drove away with the service engine and the service traction light on. The car was stuttering through the gears. I took it back and they checked it. They disconnect some wires while they change the oil and one was loose. The service engine turned off but the service traction stayed on. We disconnected the battery for 3 minutes and it fixed the problem. Some of those other guys spent up to 300 dollars to fix the problem. Hope it works out for you.
Take it in to see which wheel is throwing the code. Some auto part stores let you use theirs for free. then check for corroded connectors or broken wires at the wheel bearings and speed sensors. Clean corroded connections with a cleaner such as contax or acid wheel cleaner, then rinse and dry thoroughly and coat the female end of the connection with dielectric grease before reassembly.
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