🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Kia

Model:

Sephia

Year:

1992

Generation Code:

First Generation (SA)

Vin Prefix:

Negotiable (Vehicle identification numbers were standardized later)

👋 Introduction

Market Segment:

Compact sedan, targeting value-conscious buyers

Key Competitors:

Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Escort, Chevrolet Cavalier, Mitsubishi Mirage

Vehicle Strengths:

Affordability, fuel efficiency, surprisingly spacious interior for its class, front-wheel drive

Manual Value Proposition:

Essential resource for owners and independent repair shops to maintain and repair the 1992 Kia Sephia, saving on dealership costs.

📋 Manual Details

Systems Covered:

Engine, Fuel System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Exhaust System, Clutch, Transmission (Manual & Automatic), Drive Axles, Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering, Brakes (Front Disc, Rear Drum), Wheels & Tires, Body Exterior, Body Interior, Electrical System (Ignition, Lighting, Instruments, Accessories), Climate Control, Safety Restraints (Airbag not standard in '92), Troubleshooting, Diagnostics

Page Count:

Approximately 800-1000 pages (typical for a comprehensive workshop manual of this era)

Manual Type:

Workshop Manual / Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Printed (Original factory publication)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine overhaul, cylinder head removal/installation, piston/ring replacement, crankshaft/bearing service, camshaft timing, valve train adjustments

Fuel And Emission Control:

Fuel injection system (MPI), fuel pump, injectors, fuel pressure regulator, emission control systems (catalytic converter, EGR)

Cooling And Lubrication:

Radiator, water pump, thermostat, coolant specifications, oil pump, oil filter replacement, oil pan removal/installation

Transmission Manual:

Clutch assembly, transmission disassembly/assembly, gear shift linkage, transmission fluid specifications

Transmission Automatic:

Automatic transmission fluid type, checking procedure, general maintenance, minor adjustments (likely limited to external adjustments)

Suspension And Steering:

Front MacPherson struts, rear independent suspension, wheel alignment procedures, steering rack, power steering system (if equipped)

Brake System:

Front disc brake service, rear drum brake service, brake fluid type, bleeding procedures, parking brake adjustments

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, charging system (alternator, battery), starting system (starter motor), ignition system (distributor, coil, spark plugs), lighting circuits, instrument cluster, fuses, relays, diagnostic connector

Body And Interior:

Body panel removal/installation, door mechanisms, glass replacement, seat removal, trim panel service, weatherstripping

Maintenance Procedures:

Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, air filter replacement, coolant flushes, brake fluid replacement, belt inspections and replacements

Diagnostic Procedures:

Troubleshooting charts based on symptoms, engine fault diagnosis, electrical system fault finding

Repair Procedures:

Component removal, installation, disassembly, and reassembly for most major vehicle systems

Adjustment Procedures:

Valve lash adjustment, ignition timing, clutch free play, parking brake, idle speed

Specifications And Tolerances:

Torque specifications for all fasteners, engine clearances, electrical resistance values, fluid capacities

Depth Level:

Comprehensive Workshop Manual (covering repair, maintenance, diagnostics, and specifications)

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format Support:

N/A (Original is printed, digital reproduction may vary)

Print Quality:

High (Original factory printing, clear diagrams and text)

Binding Type:

Perfect bound or staple bound (depending on original publication)

Paper Type:

Durable, semi-gloss paper stock designed for workshop environments

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

T8D (common for early models)

Engine Type:

Inline 4-cylinder, SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft)

Displacement:

1.6 Liters (1594 cc)

Horsepower:

Approx. 88 hp @ 5000 rpm

Torque:

Approx. 90 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended)

Bore X Stroke:

76.0 mm x 87.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

9.3:1

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-Speed Manual

Transmission Type:

4-Speed Automatic

Clutch Type:

Hydraulically operated, dry single plate

Manual Transmission Fluid:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 (or equivalent)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Dexron II or Dexron III (or equivalent)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4305 mm (169.5 in)

Width:

1695 mm (66.7 in)

Height:

1395 mm (54.9 in)

Wheelbase:

2500 mm (98.4 in)

Front Track:

1445 mm (56.9 in)

Rear Track:

1435 mm (56.5 in)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1050 kg (2315 lbs) - Manual Transmission

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Negotiable (Typically around 1450-1500 kg)

Towing Capacity:

Not Recommended/Rated

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

Not specifically rated for this model year by NHTSA in a way comparable to modern standards.

IIHS Crash Test Results:

Data not readily available for this specific model year and organization.

ABS:

Optional on some higher trims

Airbags:

Driver airbag optional on some trims; Passenger airbag not available.

Seatbelts:

3-point front seatbelts, 2-point rear seatbelts (lap belts)

Child Seat Anchors:

Not equipped with LATCH system; seat belts for child seat installation.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

AM/FM stereo cassette player, optional CD player on higher trims.

Speakers:

Typically 4-speaker system.

Cruise Control:

Optional on some models

Connectivity Features:

None in the modern sense (e.g., Bluetooth, USB).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first.

Air Filter Replacement Interval:

Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.

Spark Plug Replacement Interval:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).

Timing Belt Replacement Interval:

Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 4 years. Critical due to interference engine design.

Engine Oil Capacity:

3.8 Liters (4.0 US Quarts) with filter (API SG or SH, SAE 10W-30 recommended)

Coolant Capacity:

Approx. 6.0 Liters (6.3 US Quarts) (50/50 Ethylene Glycol based coolant)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Common Problems:

Timing belt failure (if not replaced regularly), minor electrical gremlins, rust on body panels in certain climates, carburetor issues on earlier non-EFI models (less common for '92), starter motor issues.

Timing Belt Part Number Example:

Gates TB130, Dayco 95045 (Verify specific application)

Oil Filter Part Number Example:

Purolator L10078, Fram PH3564 (Verify specific application)

Spark Plug Part Number Example:

NGK BKR5E-11 (or equivalent, check gap specification)

📚 Vehicle History

Kia Founding:

Founded in 1944 as Kyungsung Precision Industry, later becoming Kia Corporation.

Kia Global Entry:

Kia's international expansion began significantly in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Sephia Introduction:

The Sephia was Kia's first mass-produced car sold globally, debuting in 1992 (as a 1992 model year in many markets).

Design Basis:

Based on the Mazda Familia/323 platform, featuring a common chassis design.

Production Years:

1992-1997 (First Generation SA)

Manufacturing Locations:

South Korea (Primary)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Early Reviews:

Generally reviewed as an affordable and practical transportation option, though not a performance or luxury leader.

Fuel Economy Rating:

EPA estimates were competitive for the era, often in the range of 24-26 MPG city / 30-33 MPG highway.