Target Audience:
Families, fleet operators
Key Competitors 2004-2005:
Dodge Grand Caravan, Chrysler Town & Country, Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey, Ford Freestar/Mercury Monterey, Chevrolet Venture/Vans/Uplander.
Vehicle Highlights:
Spacious interior, versatile seating configurations, comfortable ride, value for money.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides in-depth factory procedures for maintenance, diagnosis, and repair, empowering owners and independent shops.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, emissions control.
Drivetrain:
Automatic transmission, front-wheel drive system, axles, CV joints.
Suspension And Steering:
Front suspension, rear suspension, steering gear, power steering system.
Brakes:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, anti-lock braking system (ABS), parking brake.
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, body electrical, multiplex communication system.
HVAC System:
Heating, ventilation, air conditioning, climate control.
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, windows, seats, interior trim, roof.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
Repair:
Component removal and installation, component testing, component repair and overhaul.
Adjustment:
Brake adjustments, clutch adjustments (if applicable), door alignment.
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications.
Depth:
Comprehensive factory-level detail, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIYers.
Diagnostic Tools Referenced:
Generic OBD-II scan tools, Kia-specific diagnostic equipment (e.g., KDS).
Engine Code:
G6CU (typically)
Displacement:
3.5 Liters (3497 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
93.0 mm x 85.0 mm (approx.)
Compression Ratio:
9.4:1 (approx.)
Horsepower:
195 hp @ 5500 rpm (approx.)
Torque:
217 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline
Engine Oil Type:
API SJ or higher (SAE 5W-30 recommended)
Engine Oil Capacity:
5.3 US Quarts (5.0 Liters) with filter change (approx.)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol Antifreeze (typically Asian Red)
Coolant Capacity:
8.4 US Quarts (8.0 Liters) (approx.)
Transmission Type:
4-Speed Automatic
Transmission Model:
Kia F4A51 (or similar Hyundai/Kia design)
Optional Transmission:
None offered for these model years in North America.
Transmission Fluid Type:
Kia SP-III Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
8.1 US Quarts (7.7 Liters) (approx.)
Length:
197.5 inches (approx.)
Width:
77.4 inches (approx.)
Height:
69.0 inches (approx.)
Wheelbase:
118.1 inches (approx.)
Seating Capacity:
7-8 Passengers
Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:
37.2 cubic feet (approx.)
Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
86.4 cubic feet (approx.)
Curb Weight:
4,430 lbs (approx.)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (Gvwr):
5,890 lbs (approx.)
NHTSA Frontal Crash Test Driver:
5 Stars (2004 model year)
NHTSA Frontal Crash Test Passenger:
5 Stars (2004 model year)
NHTSA Side Impact Front Seat:
5 Stars (2004 model year)
IIHS Head Restraint Evaluation:
Good (for models with specific seat types)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional Electronic Stability Control (ESC) on some trims/packages.
Airbags Front:
Standard front driver and passenger airbags.
Airbags Side:
Optional front side-impact airbags.
Seat Belts:
3-point seat belts for all occupants, height-adjustable front seat belts.
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system.
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo with CD player, available cassette player, 4-6 speaker systems.
Climate Control:
Manual or Automatic Climate Control depending on trim and options.
Cruise Control:
Standard on EX trim.
Rear Parking Sensors:
Available as an option or part of a package.
Auxiliary Input:
Typically not available on factory systems of this era, aftermarket solutions are common.
Bluetooth:
Not available on factory systems of this era.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions).
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles or 2 years.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 1 year.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 60,000 miles or 4 years.
Coolant Flush And Replace:
Every 30,000 miles or 2 years.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Platinum tipped plugs: 100,000 miles. Standard plugs: 30,000 miles (verify specific plug type for the G6CU engine).
Power Steering Fluid Type:
ATF SP-III or equivalent
Differential Fluid Type:
API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 (if applicable for FWD, though usually integrated with transmission).
Common Wear Items:
CV axles, sway bar links, wheel bearings, exhaust components, front brake pads/rotors.
Potential Engine Issues:
Minor oil leaks, occasional cooling system hose degradation.
Potential Transmission Issues:
Earlier models (pre-2004) sometimes had transmission shifting issues, often improved with fluid changes and software updates. The F4A51 is generally reliable but requires proper ATF.
Interior Component Wear:
Wear on driver's seat bolster, center console armrest durability can be a concern.
Kia History Context:
Kia, a South Korean automaker, has a history dating back to 1944, initially producing motorcycles and trucks. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Kia experienced significant growth and product development, often in partnership with Hyundai.
Sedona First Generation:
The Kia Sedona (also known as Kia Carnival in many markets) was first introduced in 1998. The 2004-2005 models represent the initial generation, designed to compete in the growing minivan segment.
Manufacturing Location:
Assembled primarily in South Korea.
Production Years First Gen:
1998-2005 (global, with some regional variations).
Value Awards:
While specific awards for the 2004-2005 Sedona might be scarce, Kia as a brand has been recognized for improving quality and value in the early 2000s.
Consumer Satisfaction Context:
Reviews from the era often cited its spaciousness and affordability as key strengths, with occasional criticisms regarding refinement and long-term reliability compared to segment leaders.