Segment:
Full-size Minivan
Target Audience:
Families, fleet operators, commercial use.
Key Competitors 2002-2005:
Dodge Grand Caravan/Voyager, Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey, Chevrolet Venture/Lumina APV, Ford Windstar, Chrysler Pacifica (later).
Vehicle Type:
Front-engine, front-wheel drive (FWD) minivan.
Seating Capacity:
Available in 7-seater and 8-seater configurations.
Design Philosophy:
Spacious interior, comfortable ride, practical for family transport.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, engine electrical, transmission (automatic), driveline, axles, CV joints.
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, brakes (hydraulic, ABS, parking brake), wheels, tires.
Electrical:
Body electrical systems, lighting, instrumentation, audio system, HVAC controls, power accessories (windows, locks, mirrors), airbags, body control module (BCM).
Body And Frame:
Body panels, doors, interior trim, seats, glass, seals, structural components, collision repair procedures (limited).
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid checks and changes, filter replacements, lubrication, inspections.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and their meanings, component testing procedures.
Repair:
Component removal and installation, disassembly and assembly, overhaul procedures, torque specifications, adjustments.
Special Tools:
Listing and usage of specialized tools required for specific repairs.
Depth:
Comprehensive factory-level detail covering routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, electrical system diagnostics, and chassis component repairs.
Engine Type:
Naturally aspirated V6 gasoline engine.
Displacement:
3.5 Liters (3497 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
91.0 mm x 90.0 mm
Valvetrain:
SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft), 3 valves per cylinder (2 intake, 1 exhaust).
Horsepower Hp:
200 hp @ 5500 rpm (approx.)
Torque Lb-Ft:
217 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI).
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane Regular Unleaded Gasoline.
ECU Type:
Kia ECU (specific model varies, e.g., Bosch or proprietary).
Transmission Type:
4-speed Automatic Transmission
Transmission Model:
Kia F4A51 or similar.
Shift Modes:
Driver-selectable (e.g., 'Power' mode on some models).
Transmission Fluid Type:
Kia SP-III (or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon compatible fluid).
Transmission Fluid Capacity Quarts:
Approximately 8.0 - 8.5 quarts (dry fill), check manual for exact capacity and refill procedure.
Curb Weight Lbs:
Approx. 4,300 - 4,500 lbs (depending on trim and options)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr Lbs:
Approx. 5,800 - 6,000 lbs
Cargo Volume Cu Ft Behind 3Rd Row:
Approx. 22.4
Cargo Volume Cu Ft Behind 2Nd Row:
Approx. 65.7
Cargo Volume Cu Ft Max:
Approx. 136.5 (with seats removed)
Standard Wheel Size:
15 inch or 16 inch alloy or steel wheels.
Standard Tire Size:
P215/70R15, P225/60R16 (check specific trim level).
Bolt Pattern:
5 x 114.3 mm (5 x 4.5 inch)
NHTSA Front Driver Crash Test Rating:
4 Stars (2003 model year)
NHTSA Front Passenger Crash Test Rating:
4 Stars (2003 model year)
NHTSA Side Driver Door Crash Test Rating:
5 Stars (2003 model year)
NHTSA Side Rear Passenger Crash Test Rating:
5 Stars (2003 model year)
IIHS Front Crash Test Rating:
Good (2003 model year)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on all models.
Traction Control:
Optional Traction Control System (TCS) on some models.
Airbags:
Frontal airbags for driver and front passenger standard. Optional side airbags available on some trims.
Seat Belts:
3-point seat belts for all occupants, pretensioners for front seats.
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system in second row.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/CD player, optional cassette, premium sound systems available on higher trims.
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system available on select higher trim models.
Rear Seat Entertainment:
Optional rear-seat entertainment system (DVD player and screen) available on higher trim levels.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Parking Sensors:
Optional rear parking sensors available on some models.
Auxiliary Input:
Typically not standard, some later models might have an auxiliary input.
Power Accessories:
Power windows, power door locks, power mirrors standard on most trims.
Climate Control:
Manual or automatic climate control, dual-zone climate control available on higher trims. Rear HVAC vents standard.
Oil Change Interval Miles Km:
Every 7,500 miles or 12,000 km (under normal driving conditions), consult manual for severe conditions.
Air Filter Replacement Interval Miles Km:
Every 30,000 miles or 48,000 km, or as needed based on inspection.
Spark Plug Replacement Interval Miles Km:
Platinum-tipped plugs: 100,000 miles or 160,000 km. Standard plugs (if applicable): 30,000 miles or 48,000 km.
Timing Belt Replacement Interval Miles Km:
This engine typically uses a timing chain, not a belt. Consult manual for chain inspection/maintenance intervals if applicable.
Engine Oil Type:
API SM or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-20 (verify for specific climates).
Engine Oil Capacity Quarts:
Approximately 5.2 quarts (5.0 Liters) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based, 50/50 mix with distilled water (Asian Red or equivalent).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Power Steering Fluid Type:
ATF SP-III or equivalent.
Common Problems Engine:
Occasional oil leaks from valve cover gaskets or oil pan gaskets. Check for potential PCV system issues.
Common Problems Transmission:
Erratic shifting or slipping can occur with age. Regular fluid and filter changes are crucial. Valve body issues might require specialized repair.
Common Problems Suspension Steering:
Worn front suspension components (ball joints, control arm bushings), power steering pump noise, or leaks.
Common Problems Electrical:
Window regulator failures, door lock actuator issues, power mirror malfunctions, and HVAC blower motor resistor failures are reported.
Common Problems Brakes:
Premature wear of brake pads and rotors can occur due to vehicle weight and typical usage. Check for caliper sticking.
Importance Of Following Schedule:
Crucial for longevity and preventing costly repairs, especially for transmission and engine components.
Manufacturer Origin:
South Korea
Brand Identity:
Kia Motors Corporation, known for value-oriented vehicles.
First Generation Debut:
1998 (globally), 2001 (North America) as Kia Sedona.
Facelift Updates:
Minor updates and feature additions occurred throughout the generation, including styling tweaks and safety enhancements leading up to the 2002-2005 period.
Manufacturing Location:
Korea (primarily Sohari Plant).
Production Period:
1998 - 2005 (for the VQ platform generation).
Safety Awards:
Received positive safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS for its class during its production run, as reflected in the ratings section.
Consumer Reports Typical Ratings:
Generally rated as average to below average for reliability in its early years, with improvements noted in later models and specific areas. This manual is key to maintaining its longevity.
Emissions Standards:
Meets Federal EPA emissions standards for its model year. Manual includes detailed emissions control system information.