Segment:
Compact Car / Sport Coupe (Koup)
Target Audience:
DIY mechanics, professional technicians, car enthusiasts
Competitors 2010:
Honda Civic Coupe, Mitsubishi Eclipse, Scion tC, Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V
Design Philosophy:
Sporty styling, practical compact dimensions, value-oriented pricing
Value Proposition:
Authoritative guide for in-depth understanding and execution of all service and repair tasks.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, exhaust, emissions control, engine management system (ECM)
Transmission:
Manual Transmission (M/T) and Automatic Transmission (A/T) - repair, overhaul, diagnostics
Drivetrain:
Front Wheel Drive (FWD) system, drive shafts, CV joints
Suspension:
Front McPherson strut, rear multi-link, springs, shock absorbers, control arms, bushings, wheel alignment specifications
Steering:
Power steering system (hydraulic/electric), steering rack, column, tie rods
Brakes:
Front disc, rear disc (likely), ABS system, EBD, brake lines, calipers, master cylinder, parking brake
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, wipers, horn, instrument cluster, power accessories, body control module (BCM)
Body:
Body structure, exterior panels, doors, hood, trunk, glass, interior trim, seats
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system (compressor, condenser, evaporator, blower motor, controls)
Safety Systems:
Airbag system, seat belt pre-tensioners, SRS module
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, spark plug service
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting flowcharts, symptom-based diagnostics, OBD-II diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and their meanings
Repair:
Component removal and installation, disassembly and reassembly, calibration procedures
Overhaul:
Engine and transmission overhaul procedures
Wiring Diagrams:
Complete electrical system wiring schematics
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including diagnostic procedures and specifications.
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft)
Displacement:
2.0 Liters (1998 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
86.0 mm x 86.0 mm (typical for Theta II)
Compression Ratio:
10.1:1 (typical for Theta II G4GC)
Horsepower:
156 hp @ 6200 rpm (approximate)
Torque:
144 lb-ft @ 4300 rpm (approximate)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI - Multi-Point Injection)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Fuel Octane Rating:
87 Octane (Minimum)
ECM Type:
Kia proprietary engine control module
Emission Controls:
Catalytic converter, Oxygen sensors (O2S), Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) (if applicable)
Manual:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Automatic:
4-speed Automatic Transmission with Shiftronic (manual shifting mode)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulic clutch (for M/T)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
GL-4 SAE 75W-85 (API)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Kia SP-III or equivalent DEXRON-III/MERCON
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (for 2010 Kia Forte Sedan)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Yes (for 2010 Kia Forte Sedan)
Traction Control:
Standard on some trims, optional on others
Electronic Stability Control:
Standard on some trims, optional on others
Anti Lock Braking System:
Standard
Airbags:
Front, side-impact, and curtain airbags
Seat Belts:
3-point ELR seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters
Oil Change:
Every 7,500 miles or 12 months (whichever comes first), using synthetic oil.
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 7,500 miles, replace as needed or every 30,000 miles.
Cabin Air Filter:
Inspect every 7,500 miles, replace as needed or every 15,000 miles.
Spark Plugs:
Replace every 100,000 miles (if using Iridium type).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Automatic: Every 60,000 miles. Manual: Inspect every 30,000 miles, replace as needed.
Coolant Change:
Initial: 100,000 miles. Subsequent: Every 50,000 miles.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-20 (API SM or higher)
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 U.S. quarts (with filter change)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based, Kia Super Long Life Coolant (Blue)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Engine Issues:
Some reports of oil consumption in certain Theta II engines, potential for catalytic converter failure due to internal breakdown over time.
Transmission Issues:
Occasional reports of harsh shifting or transmission slippage in automatic transmissions, especially with higher mileage.
Suspension Issues:
Wear in control arm bushings and sway bar links can lead to clunking noises or uneven tire wear.
Electrical Issues:
Minor issues like window regulator failures or dashboard light malfunctions have been reported.
Kia History:
South Korean automaker with a history dating back to 1944, evolving from motorcycle and truck manufacturing to a significant global passenger car producer.
Forte Generation 1:
The 2010 Kia Forte marked the first generation of the model, designed to compete in the increasingly popular compact car segment. The Forte Koup (TD) variant was introduced as a stylish, two-door coupe version.
Manufacturing Plant:
Gwangmyeong Plant, South Korea
Production Years:
2008-2013 (First Generation Forte)
