Market Position:
Compact sedan/hatchback positioned as an affordable and practical option in its segment.
Competitive Analysis:
Competed against vehicles like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, and Ford Focus. Offered a strong value proposition with a focus on features for the price.
Key Features:
Affordability, reliable powertrain options, spacious interior for its class, available in sedan and hatchback body styles.
Manual Value Proposition:
Offers significant cost savings for owners by enabling DIY maintenance and repairs, compared to dealership labor costs.
Coverage Areas:
General Information, Engine Mechanical, Engine Electrical, Emission Control, Fuel System, Clutch System, Manual Transaxle System, Automatic Transaxle System, Driveshaft and Axle, Suspension System, Steering System, Restraint System, Brake System, Body (Interior and Exterior), Body Electrical System, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (HVAC)
Page Count:
Not specified, but implied to be comprehensive.
Manual Type:
Service Repair Workshop Manual
Format:
PDF (Downloadable)
Compatibility:
All Versions of Windows AND Mac.
Requirements:
Adobe PDF Reader.
Download Speed:
Speed Download.
Systems Covered:
All major mechanical, electrical, and body systems as listed in coverage_areas.
Procedures Included:
Step-by-step repair instructions, diagnostic procedures, troubleshooting, maintenance, overhaul procedures.
Engine Repair Procedures:
Engine assembly/disassembly, cylinder head servicing, piston and connecting rod removal/installation, crankshaft service, valve train adjustment, lubrication system repair, cooling system repair.
Transmission Repair Procedures:
Manual transaxle overhaul, automatic transaxle internal component repair, torque converter replacement, clutch replacement, gearset diagnosis.
Suspension Steering Procedures:
Shock absorber and strut replacement, spring replacement, control arm and ball joint service, steering rack and pinion repair, power steering system diagnosis and repair.
Brake System Procedures:
Brake pad and rotor replacement, caliper service, brake line inspection and replacement, master cylinder and brake booster testing, ABS system diagnostics.
Electrical System Procedures:
Wiring diagrams, component testing and replacement (alternator, starter, battery), fuse and relay identification, lighting system repair, body electrical module diagnostics.
Body Interior Exterior Procedures:
Panel replacement, door and window mechanism repair, trim removal and installation, seat adjustment and repair, bumper repair and replacement.
HVAC Procedures:
Component replacement (compressor, condenser, evaporator), refrigerant system service, blower motor and resistor replacement, actuator diagnosis, cabin air filter replacement.
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to advanced diagnostics and repair, mirroring dealer-level procedures.
Primary Engine:
2.0L G4GC DOHC Inline-4 (Alpha II engine family)
Horsepower:
Approximately 138 hp @ 6000 rpm (North American specification, may vary slightly by market/trim)
Torque:
Approximately 133 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (North American specification, may vary slightly by market/trim)
Fuel System:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Timing System:
Timing Belt
Wheelbase:
Approx. 102.4 inches (2600 mm)
Length:
Approx. 174.5 inches (4430 mm) for Sedan, Approx. 169.7 inches (4310 mm) for Hatchback
Width:
Approx. 67.5 inches (1715 mm)
Height:
Approx. 56.7 inches (1440 mm) for Sedan, Approx. 57.1 inches (1450 mm) for Hatchback
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2700-2900 lbs (1225-1315 kg), varies by body style and equipment.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Typically around 3800-3900 lbs (1725-1770 kg).
NHTSA Front Driver Side Impact:
5 Stars (for 2009 model year)
NHTSA Front Passenger Side Impact:
5 Stars (for 2009 model year)
IIHS Frontal Offset Score:
Good (for models with side airbags, but side airbags were optional on many trims for this year).
Active Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Traction Control System (TCS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) often optional or standard on higher trims.
Passive Features:
Front dual-stage airbags, front side-impact airbags (optional), side curtain airbags (optional on some models), front seatbelt pretensioners.
Infotainment Features:
Basic AM/FM/CD audio system, often with MP3 capability. Auxiliary input jack may be present on some trims. Limited steering wheel audio controls on higher trims.
Driver Assistance Features:
Cruise control, intermittent wipers. Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) were not common for this segment and model year.
Connectivity Features:
Power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry (on some trims), optional heated mirrors.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions. Severe driving conditions may require more frequent changes.
Engine Oil Type:
Refer to manual for exact specification. Commonly API SM or newer, SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Recommended at 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years, whichever comes first, due to interference engine design. Failure can cause severe engine damage.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based coolant, typically OAT (Organic Acid Technology) type, pre-mixed 50/50 with distilled water. Check manual for specific Kia part number or equivalent.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Transmission Fluid Type Manual:
GL-4, 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil (Check manual for specific Kia part number or equivalent).
Transmission Fluid Type Automatic:
Kia SPIII Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) or equivalent. Check manual for exact specification and capacity.
Known Issues:
Premature failure of automatic transmission torque converter, power steering pump leaks, HVAC blower motor resistor failure, front suspension components (e.g., control arm bushings, sway bar links) wear, oil pressure sensor leaks.
Engine Issues:
Timing belt tensioner and idler pulley wear; potential for catalytic converter failure if engine is misfiring.
Brand Heritage:
Kia, a South Korean automobile manufacturer, has a history dating back to 1944, initially producing motorcycle parts and bicycles. They entered the automotive market in the late 1960s and have grown into a global player known for value and increasingly for design and quality.
Model Evolution:
The Spectra replaced the Sephia and was produced from 2004 to 2009. It was built on a new platform and offered a more modern design and improved features compared to its predecessor. The second generation (2004-2009) received a minor facelift for the 2007 model year.
Production Years:
2004-2009 (for the second generation Spectra)
Production Locations:
Primarily manufactured in South Korea. Vehicles sold in North America were often produced at Kia's plant in Gwangmyeong, South Korea.
