🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Kia

Model:

Forte / Forte5 / Koup

Year:

2012

Generation Code:

TD

Chassis Code:

TD

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact car, hatchback, sporty coupe

Target Audience:

Budget-conscious buyers, first-time car owners, enthusiasts seeking affordable performance and practicality.

Key Competitors:

Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cruze, Hyundai Elantra.

Model Variants:

Sedan (Forte), 5-door hatchback (Forte5), 2-door coupe (Koup).

Value Proposition:

Offers a compelling blend of styling, features, fuel economy, and affordability.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Markets:

North America, Global

Languages:

English

Estimated Page Count:

2500+

Type:

Workshop Service Manual (WSM)

Includes:

Repair, Service, Diagnostics, Maintenance

Format Type:

Digital Download

File Format:

PDF (Searchable)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshaft, timing system, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel system, intake manifold, exhaust manifold, emissions control.

Engine Electrical:

Ignition system, starting system, charging system, engine control unit (ECU) diagnosis, sensors, actuators, wiring diagrams.

Transmission:

Manual Transmission (M/T): Clutch, gearbox, shift mechanism. Automatic Transmission (A/T): Torque converter, planetary gears, valve body, hydraulic control, electronic control module.

Drivetrain:

Front-wheel drive (FWD) system, drive shafts, CV joints, differential.

Suspension:

Front suspension (struts, control arms, ball joints, stabilizer bar), rear suspension (torsion beam or independent, shock absorbers, springs), wheel alignment specifications.

Steering:

Power steering system (hydraulic or electric), steering rack, tie rods, steering column.

Brakes:

Front and rear disc brakes, brake calipers, rotors, pads, brake lines, master cylinder, ABS system, EBD system, brake fluid specifications.

Body Exterior:

Body panels, doors, hood, trunk lid, bumpers, glass, mirrors, exterior trim, rust prevention, paint repair basics.

Body Interior:

Interior trim panels, seats, dashboard, instrument cluster, HVAC system controls, door panels, carpeting, headliner.

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system, lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), horn, wipers, power windows, power locks, keyless entry, wiring diagrams for all circuits.

HVAC:

Air conditioning (AC) system, heater core, blower motor, climate control modules, refrigerant type and charging procedures, cabin air filter.

Safety Systems:

Airbag system (SRS), seat belts, pretensioners, airbag control module, diagnostic procedures for safety systems.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements (oil, air, cabin), fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, tire rotation.

Diagnostic Troubleshooting:

Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and complex issues, using OBD-II scanner, symptom-based troubleshooting guides.

Major Repairs:

Engine overhauls, transmission rebuilds, suspension component replacement, brake system overhauls, steering system repairs.

Component Replacement:

Detailed instructions for replacing specific components such as alternator, starter motor, water pump, fuel pump, radiators, sensors, actuators, lamps, etc.

Electrical Diagnosis:

Troubleshooting electrical faults, testing circuits, interpreting wiring diagrams, component testing.

Body Repair:

Panel replacement, dent repair, door and trunk lid adjustment, glass replacement.

HVAC Service:

Refrigerant handling, leak testing, component replacement (compressor, condenser, evaporator), blower motor replacement.

Safety System Repair:

Airbag module replacement, seat belt replacement, diagnosing airbag system faults.

Depth Level:

Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds)

Detail Level:

Includes torque specifications, clearances, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and their meanings, component testing procedures.

Diagrams Illustrations:

Rich with detailed diagrams, exploded views, wiring schematics, and step-by-step illustrations.

📊 Manual Specifications

Searchability:

Fully searchable text for quick information retrieval.

Accessibility:

Accessible on computers, tablets, and smartphones.

Resolution:

High-resolution graphics and text for clear viewing and printing.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1 Type:

Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve

Engine 1 Displacement:

1.8 Liters (1797 cc)

Engine 1 Code:

G4FBB (Nu)

Engine 1 Horsepower:

148 hp @ 6500 rpm

Engine 1 Torque:

131 lb-ft @ 4300 rpm

Engine 1 Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI)

Engine 1 Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Engine 1 Emissions:

SULEV (Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle) in some markets.

Engine 2 Type:

Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve, GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection)

Engine 2 Displacement:

2.0 Liters (1998 cc)

Engine 2 Code:

G4PD (Beta II)

Engine 2 Horsepower:

156 hp @ 6200 rpm (Forte Sedan/Hatchback), 175 hp @ 6000 rpm (Koup SX)

Engine 2 Torque:

144 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (Forte Sedan/Hatchback), 169 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm (Koup SX)

Fuel Tank Capacity:

13.0 gallons (49.2 Liters)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Standard Type:

6-Speed Manual Transmission (M/T)

Transmission Optional Type:

6-Speed Automatic Transmission with Manual Shift Mode (Sportmatic)

Transmission Features:

Front-wheel drive (FWD), paddle shifters (optional on some models/trims)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Forte Sedan: 178.4 in (4531 mm); Forte5: 171.7 in (4361 mm); Koup: 171.7 in (4361 mm)

Width:

70.1 in (1781 mm)

Height:

Forte Sedan: 56.1 in (1425 mm); Forte5/Koup: 54.7 in (1390 mm)

Wheelbase:

104.3 in (2649 mm)

Trunk Volume:

Forte Sedan: 14.7 cu ft (416 L); Forte5: 19.4 cu ft (550 L) (rear seats up)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 2,800 - 3,100 lbs (1270 - 1406 kg), depending on body style and equipment.

Towing Capacity:

Not Recommended

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Overall Rating:

5-Star Overall Safety Rating (when equipped with specific options).

IIHS Top Safety Pick:

Often awarded Top Safety Pick designation.

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Ebs:

Standard Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)

Esc:

Standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

Traction Control:

Standard Traction Control System (TCS)

Airbags:

Dual front airbags, front side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags (front and rear).

Seatbelts:

3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

Child Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Standard AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with auxiliary input and USB port. Available premium audio systems.

Navigation:

Optional navigation system available on higher trims.

Bluetooth:

Available Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and audio streaming.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control.

Backup Camera:

Available backup camera integrated into rearview mirror or infotainment screen.

Keyless Entry:

Standard keyless entry with remote.

Push Button Start:

Available push-button start with smart key.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (synthetic oil recommended).

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 20,000 miles (32,000 km) or 12 months.

Cabin Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 105,000 miles (168,000 km) (long-life iridium spark plugs).

Coolant Replacement:

Initial replacement at 105,000 miles (168,000 km), then every 45,000 miles (72,000 km) or 3 years.

Engine Oil Specification:

SAE 5W-20, API SN or ILSAC GF-5 certified (Synthetic recommended).

Engine Oil Capacity:

1.8L: 4.0 qts (3.8L); 2.0L: 4.8 qts (4.6L) with filter change.

Transmission Fluid Spec Manual:

GL-4 Gear Oil (refer to manual for specific viscosity, typically SAE 75W-90).

Transmission Fluid Spec Automatic:

Kia Genuine ATF SP-IV or equivalent.

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 3 or DOT 4.

Coolant Specification:

Ethylene Glycol based, OAT (Organic Acid Technology) type, typically a pink or red color. (Refer to manual for exact specification, e.g., K-Coolant).

Engine Oil Consumption:

Some reports of excessive oil consumption on earlier models with the 2.4L GDI engine (not prevalent on the 1.8L or 2.0L GDI for 2012, but worth noting for owners).

Transmission Shifting:

Occasional reports of rough shifting in automatic transmissions; software updates may resolve this.

Suspension Noise:

Front end noises (clunks, rattles) can occur, often related to worn suspension components like sway bar links or bushings.

Interior Rattles:

Common in many vehicles of this class, interior trim pieces can develop rattles over time.

📚 Vehicle History

Manufacturer:

Kia Motors Corporation, South Korea.

Generation 1:

The first generation Forte (TD) was introduced for the 2010 model year, replacing the Spectra. The 2012 model year represents a mid-cycle refresh for this generation.

Assembly Locations:

Hwaseong, South Korea; Yancheng, China (for Chinese market).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

IIHS Award 2012:

The 2012 Kia Forte lineup was recognized as an IIHS Top Safety Pick.

Kbb Best Buy:

Often featured in Kelley Blue Book's Best Buy awards for its segment due to value and features.

Fuel Economy Rating:

EPA estimates vary by engine and transmission, but generally range from 25-28 MPG city / 34-38 MPG highway for the 1.8L engine.