🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Kia

Model:

Sorento

Model Code:

BL

Year:

2006

Engine Variant:

3.5 DOHC

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Mid-size SUV, known for offering a blend of passenger comfort, utility, and value.

Competitors 2006:

Ford Explorer, Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Chevrolet TrailBlazer, Nissan Pathfinder.

Platform:

Based on Kia's unibody SUV platform, offering a car-like ride compared to body-on-frame competitors.

Seating Capacity:

Typically offered with 5 or 7 seats, depending on configuration.

Powertrain Options:

The 3.5L V6 engine was a prominent option, offering a balance of power and refinement.

📋 Manual Details

General Coverage:

Complete factory service and repair information for the Kia Sorento (BL) 2006 with the 3.5L DOHC engine.

Estimated Pages:

Hundreds (specific number not provided, but described as comprehensive)

Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual

Language:

English (presumed based on product description and industry standards for this market)

Format:

Printable (allows printing entire manual or specific pages)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Engine mechanical, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel system, ignition system, emission control system, engine performance diagnostics, timing procedures, rebuild procedures.

Transmission:

Automatic transmission (likely 5-speed, model dependent) repair, diagnosis, fluid service, torque converter, internal components.

Drivetrain:

Front-wheel drive (FWD) and All-wheel drive (AWD) systems, propeller shaft, differential, CV joints, drive axles.

Brakes:

Brake system diagnosis and repair, hydraulic system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution), parking brake, brake fluid specifications.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, struts, springs, control arms, bushings, alignment specifications.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering gear, steering column, tie rod ends, diagnosis and repair.

Electrical:

Vehicle electrical system overview, wiring diagrams, charging system, starting system, lighting system, power windows, power locks, body control module (BCM) diagnostics, fuse and relay locations.

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system components, refrigerant service, diagnosis of blower motor, evaporator, condenser, and controls.

Body:

Body panel repair, doors, hood, tailgate, bumpers, interior trim removal and installation, glass replacement.

Chassis:

Frame and chassis components, mounting points, corrosion protection.

Diagnostics:

Component testing, troubleshooting charts, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation, sensor readings.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication, tune-up procedures.

Repair:

Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for all major mechanical and electrical systems.

Overhaul:

Engine and transmission overhaul procedures, including specifications for machining and assembly.

Adjustment:

Adjustment procedures for various components, such as clutch, parking brake, etc.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid checks and filter changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

Likely PDF, allowing for searching, zooming, and selective printing.

Printability:

High quality, designed to be printed in full or in part for workshop use.

Binding Description:

If printed, typically comb-bound or spiral-bound for ease of use and lay-flat capability.

Paper Quality:

Durable paper stock suitable for workshop environments, often with laminated cover pages.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

Likely part of the Hyundai/Kia 'Sigma' V6 family.

Displacement:

3.5 Liters (3497 cc)

Configuration:

V6

Valvetrain:

DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft), 24 valves

Horsepower Est:

Approximately 200-205 hp (actual spec may vary slightly by region)

Torque Est:

Approximately 217-220 lb-ft (actual spec may vary slightly by region)

Induction:

Multi-point fuel injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

Coolant Type:

Propylene Glycol-based coolant (e.g., Asian Red or equivalent) - refer to manual for specific P/N and mix ratio.

Oil Type:

API Service SM or higher, SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 recommended (confirm viscosity based on ambient temperature in manual).

Oil Capacity Qt:

Approximately 4.5 - 4.7 quarts (with filter change).

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-speed Automatic Transmission (likely A5HF1 or similar from Hyundai/Kia).

Available Options:

Manual transmission options may have been available in some markets, but the 3.5L DOHC was commonly paired with the automatic.

Drivetrain Availability:

Available in Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) and All-Wheel Drive (AWD) configurations.

Atf Type:

Kia Genuine ATF SP-III or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon compatible fluid (verify exact specification in manual).

📐 Dimensions

Length In:

Approx. 186.7 inches

Width In:

Approx. 74.2 inches

Height In:

Approx. 67.5 inches

Wheelbase In:

Approx. 110.0 inches

Curb Weight Lbs Est:

Approx. 4,200 - 4,500 lbs depending on configuration (FWD/AWD).

Towing Capacity Lbs Est:

Up to 3,500 lbs (check specific model and regional options).

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

5-Star (for 2006 model year, check specific test results)

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

5-Star (for 2006 model year, check specific test results)

IIHS Frontal Offset:

'Acceptable' to 'Good' rating (check specific year for detail).

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).

Traction Control:

Traction Control System (TCS) often standard or available.

Electronic Stability:

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) or Electronic Stability Program (ESP) often available.

Airbags Front:

Dual front airbags.

Airbags Side:

Available front side-impact airbags.

Airbags Curtain:

Available curtain side-impact airbags for front and second-row occupants.

Seatbelts:

Three-point seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Standard AM/FM/CD audio system, with optional premium sound systems and navigation available on higher trims.

Connectivity:

Auxiliary input jack for audio devices may be present, Bluetooth connectivity less common for this model year.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control system.

Parking Assist:

Rear parking sensors may be optional on some trims.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Mileage:

Typically every 5,000 to 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for specific intervals).

Air Filter Replacement:

Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed or approximately every 30,000 miles.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Platinum or Iridium type plugs typically have a longer service life, e.g., 60,000 - 100,000 miles (confirm specific plug type and interval).

Transmission Fluid Service:

Every 30,000 to 60,000 miles, depending on driving conditions (severe use may require more frequent service). Check manual for specific interval.

Coolant Capacity Liter:

Approximately 7.5 - 8.0 liters (verify exact capacity in manual).

Power Steering Fluid:

Dexron III/Mercon compatible fluid or specified Kia fluid (refer to manual for specific P/N).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid (confirm exact specification in manual).

Engine Oil Leaks:

Potential for oil leaks from valve cover gaskets or oil pan gasket due to age and mileage.

Transmission Shifting:

Some owners have reported occasional rough shifting or delayed engagement, often related to fluid condition or transmission control module issues.

Suspension Wear:

Worn ball joints, tie rod ends, and strut mounts are common on higher mileage vehicles, affecting steering and ride quality.

Exhaust Manifold Cracks:

Certain engine configurations have been known to develop cracks in the exhaust manifolds, leading to exhaust leaks and ticking noises.

📚 Vehicle History

Kia Overview:

Kia Motors Corporation, a South Korean manufacturer known for producing a wide range of vehicles, emphasizing value and improving quality over decades.

Sorento Generation:

The BL generation (2003-2009) was Kia's second generation Sorento, evolving from a more rugged, body-on-frame SUV to a more refined, unibody crossover SUV, aligning with market trends.

Manufacturing Location:

Primarily manufactured in South Korea (Hwaseong) and also assembled in other locations depending on the market (e.g., Russia, Vietnam).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Safety Awards 2006:

Achieved top safety ratings from NHTSA (5-star) for frontal impacts in 2006, indicating good occupant protection.

Consumer Reports Reliability:

Reliability ratings varied by year and specific components, generally considered average to above average for its segment at the time.

Emissions Compliance:

Meets federal and state emissions standards for the 2006 model year, details on specific standards can be found in the manual.