Segment:
Compact SUV / Crossover
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, professional repair shops seeking detailed information for the 1997 Kia Sportage
Competitors 1997:
Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Nissan Xterra, Ford Bronco II, Jeep Cherokee
Vehicle Strengths:
Rugged body-on-frame construction, available 4WD, capable off-road performance for its class, practical interior.
Manual Advantage:
Provides the critical technical data needed to maintain and repair this specific first-generation model, often difficult to find in generic guides.
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, disassembly, overhaul, cooling system, lubrication system, fuel system, emission control systems
Engine Performance:
Engine tuning, diagnostics, specifications
Transmission Manual:
Clutch, gearbox overhaul, gear shifting mechanisms, lubrication
Transmission Automatic:
Automatic transmission overhaul, torque converter, hydraulic control, lubrication, diagnostics
Drivetrain:
Transfer case, differentials (front and rear), driveshafts, CV joints, axles
Suspension:
Front suspension (independent), rear suspension (multi-link/solid axle depending on variant), shock absorbers, springs, bushings, alignment specifications
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack/box, steering column, tie rods, alignment
Brakes:
Front and rear brakes (disc/drum configurations), hydraulic system, parking brake, ABS system (if equipped), fluid types, bleeding procedures
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter), ignition system, lighting, accessories, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams
Body And Frame:
Body construction, panels, doors, hood, tailgate, interior trim, glass, seals, rust prevention and repair
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system service, refrigerant, component replacement
Emission Control:
Emissions system components, diagnostics, troubleshooting
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-ups, tire rotations, spark plug replacement
Diagnostics Troubleshooting:
Systematic fault finding for all major vehicle systems, symptom-based troubleshooting guides
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and overhaul of engine, transmission, suspension, brakes, etc.
Overhaul Rebuild:
Detailed procedures for rebuilding engines, transmissions, and other major components
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to complete engine/transmission rebuilds, including detailed torque specifications and clearances.
Engine Code 1:
FE555 (2.0L SOHC Inline-4)
Engine Code 2:
FE315 (2.2L Diesel Inline-4) - Less common in North America, but possible.
Displacement Gas:
1998 cc (2.0 Liters)
Horsepower Gas:
Approx. 120-130 HP @ 5,600 RPM (Varies slightly by market/spec)
Torque Gas:
Approx. 130-140 lb-ft @ 4,000 RPM (Varies slightly by market/spec)
Bore X Stroke Gas:
82.0 mm x 93.5 mm
Fuel Delivery Gas:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type Gas:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 Octane Recommended)
Configuration:
Inline 4-Cylinder
Valvetrain:
SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft), 16 Valves
Length:
Approx. 4,191 mm (165.0 inches)
Width:
Approx. 1,735 mm (68.3 inches)
Height:
Approx. 1,605 mm (63.2 inches)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2,650 mm (104.3 inches)
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 190-200 mm (7.5-7.9 inches) (Varies with tire size and suspension)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1,400 - 1,600 kg (3,086 - 3,527 lbs) (Varies by configuration)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Typically around 2,000 kg (4,400 lbs)
Cargo Volume Rear Seats Up:
Approx. 640 Liters (22.6 cu ft) (Estimated)
Cargo Volume Rear Seats Folded:
Approx. 1,740 Liters (61.4 cu ft) (Estimated)
NHTSA Front Impact:
Not rated or available for this model year. Early SUV safety standards were less rigorous.
IIHS Front Offset:
Not rated or available for this model year.
ABS:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on some trims/markets.
Traction Control:
Not typically available for this model year.
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard.
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners for front occupants, 3-point seatbelts for rear occupants (may vary)
Rollover Protection:
Body-on-frame construction provides inherent structural rigidity compared to unibody designs.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (Consult manual for severe conditions)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km)
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months
Engine Oil Spec:
API SG/SH, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (Consult manual for exact specification and capacity)
Coolant Spec:
Ethylene Glycol based, 50/50 mix with distilled water
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Common Issue 1:
Rear main crankshaft seal leaks.
Common Issue 2:
Power steering pump and hose leaks.
Common Issue 3:
Window regulator failures and door lock actuator issues.
Common Issue 4:
Corrosion, particularly on the chassis and body panels, especially in rust-prone climates.
Common Issue 5:
Clutch wear (manual transmission) and automatic transmission issues (hard shifting, slipping).
Kia History Context:
Kia, founded in 1944, initially produced bicycles and motorcycles before entering the automotive sector. The Sportage was one of Kia's early global entries, aiming to capture the growing SUV market.
Generation 1 Start Year:
1993 (Global Launch), 1997 (North American Launch)
Generation 1 End Year:
2004
Development Basis:
Developed in collaboration with Mazda, sharing platforms and components with the Mazda Proceed Levante (which was based on the Ford Bronco II/Mazda Navajo). This was Kia's first unibody SUV.
Manufacturing Locations:
South Korea (Asia Motors plant), Ecuador, Taiwan, Russia