🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Kia

Model:

Sportage

Year:

2002

Chassis Code:

KMC N

Engine Code Gasoline 2.0L:

FE DOHC (16-valve)

Engine Code Diesel 2.0L:

R2 (8-valve) or RF (12-valve) - *less common in North America for 2002*

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

Compact SUV, positioned as an affordable and practical option in its segment. Known for its utility and value proposition.

Competitive Analysis:

Competed with vehicles like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, and Nissan Xterra in the early 2000s. The Sportage offered a truck-like body-on-frame construction (on some models) which was less common in the segment at the time, providing a more robust feel.

Key Features:

Available 4x4 system, compact yet spacious interior, utility-focused design, relatively simple mechanicals for easier maintenance.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

North America, Europe, Asia

Trim Levels Covered:

All trim levels (e.g., Base, LX, SE, EX, Sport) for the 2002 model year.

Page Count:

Approx. 1500+

Manual Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine Mechanical, Engine Electrical, Fuel System, Exhaust System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Ignition System, Emission Control Systems, Clutch, Manual Transmission, Automatic Transmission, Transfer Case (4WD), Drive Shafts, Differentials, Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Brakes (Front & Rear), ABS, Body Exterior, Body Interior, HVAC System, Electrical Components, SRS (Airbag) System, Wiring Diagrams

Electrical System Coverage:

Complete wiring diagrams for all major systems, including lighting, ignition, starting, charging, fuel injection, ABS, SRS, power windows/locks, wipers, and HVAC controls.

Procedures Included:

Scheduled Maintenance, Routine Inspections, Component Removal & Installation, Diagnostic Procedures, Troubleshooting Guides, Repair Procedures, Overhaul Procedures, Torque Specifications, Fluid Capacities & Types, Wiring Harness Repair, Body Panel Alignment, A/C System Servicing

Engine Overhaul Procedures:

Detailed steps for cylinder head removal/installation, piston/ring replacement, crankshaft and connecting rod bearing service, valve timing adjustments.

Transmission Repair Procedures Manual:

Clutch assembly removal/installation, transmission gear inspection, bearing replacement, seal replacement.

Transmission Repair Procedures Automatic:

Transmission removal/installation, torque converter replacement, valve body diagnosis and repair, internal component inspection and replacement.

Suspension And Steering Repair:

Replacement of ball joints, tie rod ends, control arm bushings, shock absorbers/struts, steering gearbox (rack and pinion for later models) service.

Brake System Service:

Front and rear brake pad/shoe replacement, rotor/drum resurfacing or replacement, caliper/wheel cylinder service, brake line inspection and replacement, ABS component testing and replacement.

Body Panel Replacement:

Guidance on removing and installing fenders, doors, hoods, liftgates, and bumpers, including alignment.

HVAC System Service:

Refrigerant charging, component replacement (compressor, condenser, evaporator, blower motor), and leak detection.

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive: From basic maintenance and fluid changes to in-depth engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, suspension component replacement, and electrical system diagnostics.

Diagnostic Troubleshooting Charts:

Includes flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting guides for common drivability, starting, and electrical issues.

Calibration Procedures:

Includes procedures for recalibrating sensors and modules after replacement.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

High-resolution PDF, searchable text, hyperlinked sections for easy navigation.

Searchability:

Fully text-searchable, allowing users to quickly find specific topics, part numbers, or procedures.

Print Quality:

High-quality scans suitable for printing specific pages or the entire manual.

Print Options:

Printable page by page or as a complete document, optimized for clear reproduction of diagrams and schematics.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine:

2.0L DOHC Inline-4 (FE DOHC)

Horsepower:

Approx. 129-130 hp @ 5600 rpm

Torque:

Approx. 134-136 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Fuel System:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Engine Code:

FE DOHC

Bore X Stroke:

82.0 mm x 93.5 mm

Compression Ratio:

9.2:1

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Oil Capacity:

4.5 US quarts (4.3 Liters) with filter change (API SG or higher, SAE 5W-30 recommended)

Coolant Capacity:

Approx. 6.0 US quarts (5.7 Liters) (50/50 mix of ethylene glycol antifreeze and distilled water)

Engine Type:

Inline 4-Cylinder, DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft), 16 Valves

Engine Block Material:

Aluminum Alloy

Cylinder Head Material:

Aluminum Alloy

Optional Engine 2.0L Diesel:

2.0L SOHC 8-Valve Turbo Diesel (R2/RF) - *Primarily for non-North American markets, less common for 2002 in North America.*

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Standard:

5-Speed Manual Transmission

Transmission Optional:

4-Speed Automatic Transmission

Transfer Case 4Wd:

Electronic Control 4WD System with 2WD/4WD High/4WD Low modes (on 4WD models)

Fluid Specifications Manual:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil (capacity varies, refer to manual)

Fluid Specifications Automatic:

Kia Genuine ATF SP-III or equivalent (capacity approx. 7.4 US quarts / 7.0 Liters)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 166.1 inches (4219 mm)

Width:

Approx. 69.3 inches (1760 mm)

Height:

Approx. 67.7 inches (1720 mm)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 100.8 inches (2560 mm)

Ground Clearance:

Approx. 7.9 inches (200 mm)

Approach Angle:

Approx. 33 degrees

Departure Angle:

Approx. 34 degrees

Breakover Angle:

Approx. 23 degrees

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3100 - 3500 lbs (1406 - 1588 kg) depending on configuration

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Approx. 4500-4700 lbs (2041-2132 kg)

Towing Capacity:

Approx. 1500 lbs (680 kg) when properly equipped

Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:

Approx. 20.1 cubic feet (570 liters)

Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded:

Approx. 58.3 cubic feet (1650 liters)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Driver Impact:

4 Stars (for models equipped with airbags)

NHTSA Front Passenger Impact:

4 Stars (for models equipped with airbags)

Active Features:

Optional ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)

Passive Features:

Dual front airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, side-impact door beams.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment Features:

Basic AM/FM stereo with CD player (optional cassette player), manual climate control, power windows/locks (on higher trims).

Driver Assistance Features:

Limited by modern standards; focus on basic mechanical and safety systems. Optional ABS.

Connectivity Features:

Typically only basic 12V accessory power outlets. No integrated Bluetooth or USB ports.

🔧 Maintenance

Engine Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions. Severe conditions: 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 3 months.

Air Filter Replacement Interval:

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

Spark Plug Replacement Interval:

Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for platinum-tipped spark plugs. Standard plugs: 30,000 miles (48,000 km).

Transmission Fluid Change Interval Auto:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months for severe service; 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 48 months for normal service. Inspect annually.

Timing Belt Replacement Interval:

Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for the 2.0L FE DOHC engine. This is CRITICAL to prevent catastrophic engine damage.

Transfer Case Fluid Change Interval:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months (for 4WD models).

Differential Fluid Change Interval:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months (front and rear diffs).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Power Steering Fluid Type:

ATF SP-III or equivalent (refer to manual for exact type)

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, compatible with Kia's specified type (typically green or orange coolant).

Known Issues:

Timing belt failure (if not replaced per schedule, leading to catastrophic engine damage), rear main seal leaks, starter motor issues, occasional electrical gremlins, rust on body panels (especially in certain climates), front suspension component wear (ball joints, bushings).

Exhaust Manifold Cracks:

Some models may be prone to exhaust manifold cracking due to heat cycles.

Oxygen Sensor Failure:

Oxygen sensors can fail over time, affecting fuel economy and emissions.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Kia Motors Corporation, founded in 1944, is South Korea's oldest manufacturer of motor vehicles. Known for its rapid growth and increasing global presence.

Model Evolution:

The first-generation Sportage (produced from 1993 to 2004, with the 2002 model year part of this generation) was a compact SUV that offered a blend of utility and car-like driving characteristics. It was available in both 2WD and 4WD configurations and featured a body-on-frame construction for a portion of its production run. The 2002 model year represents a mature iteration of this initial design.

Production Years Generation 1:

1993-2004

Manufacturing Locations:

South Korea (primarily)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

While not a recipient of major 'car of the year' awards, the Sportage was recognized for its value and utility within its market segment during its production years.