Segment:
Full-size Minivan
Target Audience:
Families, individuals needing versatile passenger and cargo transport.
Key Competitors 2006:
Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey, Dodge Grand Caravan, Chrysler Town & Country, Ford Freestar.
Versatility:
Known for its spacious interior, flexible seating arrangements, and practical passenger/cargo carrying capabilities.
Completeness:
Offers comprehensive coverage for all aspects of vehicle maintenance and repair.
Usability:
Designed for both novice DIYers and professional mechanics with clear, illustrated instructions.
Cost Savings:
An inexpensive way to keep the vehicle working properly by enabling DIY repairs and informed service decisions.
Engine Service Repair:
Comprehensive diagnosis and repair for all engine components.
Transmission Service Repair:
Detailed procedures for automatic and potentially manual transmissions.
Brake System:
Diagnosis, repair, and adjustment of braking components (e.g., ABS, EBD).
Wiring Diagram:
Complete electrical system schematics for troubleshooting.
Electrical System:
Covers all electrical components, circuits, and modules.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension diagnosis and repair.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering column, and linkage repair.
Cooling System:
Radiator, fans, thermostat, and coolant flow diagnosis.
Fuel Injection:
Diagnosis and repair of fuel delivery and injection systems.
Fuel System:
Fuel pump, tank, lines, and filter service.
Emission System:
Components related to emissions control, including catalytic converter and O2 sensors.
Heater Air Conditional:
HVAC system diagnosis, repair, and refrigerant handling.
Engine Control System:
ECU, sensors, and actuators related to engine management.
Chassis Body:
Structural components, body panels, and associated hardware.
Restraint System:
Airbag system, seatbelt mechanisms, and SRS diagnosis.
Interior:
Trim, seating, and interior component repair.
Differential Drive:
Service and repair of the differential and drivetrain components.
Axle:
Front and rear axle assembly diagnosis and repair.
General Maintenance:
Routine maintenance procedures and schedules.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic approach to diagnosing vehicle problems.
Periodic Lubrication:
Lubrication points and fluid change schedules.
Disassembly Reassembly:
Step-by-step instructions for complete component disassembly and reassembly.
Repair Procedures:
Detailed instructions for all repair operations.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Guidance on identifying and troubleshooting faults.
Electrical Troubleshooting:
Combined troubleshooting and electrical service procedures with wiring diagrams.
Maintenance Scheduling:
Guidance on periodic service intervals.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering both do-it-yourself and experienced mechanic levels, with factory-level detail.
Illustrations:
Hundreds of photos and illustrations, detailed drawings, and enlarged insets.
Instruction Format:
Numbered instructions, detailed substeps, notes, cautions, and warnings.
Engine Type:
V6, 3.5L (24-valve, DOHC)
Engine Code:
G6CU (This is a common Hyundai/Kia V6, likely fitted)
Horsepower:
Approximately 195-204 hp (varies slightly by market and specific tune)
Torque:
Approximately 217-220 lb-ft
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (driver and passenger) for the 2006 model year.
NHTSA Side Impact:
5-Star (front) and 4-Star (rear) for the 2006 model year.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
Traction Control:
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Traction Control System (TCS) were often available or standard on higher trims.
Airbags:
Standard front airbags, optional side-curtain airbags for all rows.
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners for all seating positions, LATCH child seat anchors.
Oil Change:
Typically every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first, using synthetic blend oil (refer to manual for exact specification).
Tire Rotation:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles.
Coolant Flush:
Approximately every 30,000 - 50,000 miles, or as specified by Kia for the original coolant type.
Engine Oil Viscosity:
5W-20 or 5W-30, depending on climate (refer to manual for exact recommendation).
Transmission Fluid Type:
Genuine Kia ATF SP-III or equivalent.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Common Problems 2006:
Potential for minor electrical gremlins, HVAC system issues, and occasional suspension component wear. Detailed troubleshooting in the manual.
Kia History:
Kia, a South Korean manufacturer, has a history dating back to 1944, evolving into a major global automotive producer known for value and improving quality.
Carnival Generation 2:
The 2006 model represents the second generation (VQ) of the Kia Carnival, which debuted for the 2006 model year in North America, replacing the older UD generation.
Design Changes Gen2:
The VQ generation featured a completely new platform, larger dimensions, improved safety, and a more powerful V6 engine compared to its predecessor.
Production Location:
Kia factories, primarily in South Korea.