Segment:
Full-size Minivan
Key Competitors:
Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, Dodge Grand Caravan, Chrysler Town & Country, Ford Windstar
Seating Capacity:
Typically 7 or 8 passengers
Body Style:
Sliding rear doors (both sides), tailgate or liftgate
Powertrain:
Front-wheel drive, V6 engine
Demographics:
Families, individuals needing significant passenger and cargo space
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, disassembly, diagnosis, repair for 3.5L V6 Lambda engine
Engine Management:
Fuel injection, ignition system, emissions control, ECU diagnosis and programming
Transmission:
Automatic Transmission (4-speed: F4A51, F5A51) diagnosis, repair, fluid specifications, torque converter service
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive system, CV joints, axles, differential service
Suspension:
Front MacPherson strut, rear multi-link suspension, springs, shock absorbers, bushings, alignment specifications
Steering:
Power steering system diagnosis, pump, rack and pinion repair, fluid type
Brakes:
Front disc, rear disc brakes, ABS system diagnosis, hydraulic system, brake pad and rotor replacement, bleeding procedures
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, charging system, starting system, lighting, fuses, relays, battery service
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system diagnosis, refrigerant handling, component replacement, blower motor, A/C compressor
Body And Chassis:
Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, glass replacement, chassis components, rust prevention
Interior:
Seat removal and installation, dashboard disassembly, interior trim repair
Diagnostics:
OBD-II diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), scan tool usage, symptom-based troubleshooting guides
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid changes (oil, coolant, transmission, brake fluid), filter replacement (oil, air, cabin, fuel)
Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon problems, symptom analysis
Repair:
Detailed repair instructions for all major mechanical and electrical components, including torque specifications and special tool requirements
Overhaul:
Complete engine and transmission overhaul procedures
Electrical Diagnostics:
Testing of electrical circuits, component diagnosis using multimeters and oscilloscopes
Depth Level:
Expert Level: Covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine rebuilds and advanced diagnostics.
Detail Level:
Highly detailed with diagrams, illustrations, and step-by-step instructions.
Engine Code:
G6CU (Lambda)
Engine Type:
3.5L V6 SOHC (Single Overhead Cam)
Displacement:
3.5 Liters / 3497 cc
Horsepower:
200 hp @ 5500 rpm (approx.)
Torque:
217 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Coolant Capacity:
Approximately 8.0 Liters (8.5 US Quarts)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant (e.g., Asian Blue)
Oil Capacity:
Approximately 4.7 Liters (5.0 US Quarts) with filter change
Recommended Oil Viscosity:
SAE 5W-30
Oil Filter Part Number Example:
Kia 26300-35056 or equivalent (e.g., Purolator PBL10241, Wix 57079)
Transmission Type:
4-speed Automatic Transaxle
Transmission Model Example:
F4A51
Optional Transmission:
5-speed Automatic Transaxle (in later model years)
Optional Transmission Model Example:
F5A51
Drive Layout:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 7.1 Liters (7.5 US Quarts) for 4-speed, 7.6 Liters (8.0 US Quarts) for 5-speed
Transmission Fluid Type:
Kia Genuine ATF or ATF SP-III compatible
Length:
Approximately 195.3 inches (4960 mm)
Width:
Approximately 78.0 inches (1980 mm)
Height:
Approximately 68.5 inches (1740 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approximately 118.1 inches (3000 mm)
Passenger Volume:
Approx. 160.4 cu ft (4542 L)
Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:
Approx. 22.7 cu ft (643 L)
Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
Approx. 80.4 cu ft (2277 L)
Cargo Volume With All Seats Folded:
Approx. 140.3 cu ft (3973 L)
Curb Weight:
Approximately 4,200 - 4,500 lbs (1905 - 2041 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Approximately 5,750 - 5,950 lbs (2608 - 2700 kg)
Towing Capacity:
Approximately 3,500 lbs (1588 kg) when properly equipped
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
5-Star (2002 models)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
5-Star (2002 models)
NHTSA Side Impact Front Seat:
4-Star (2002 models)
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Seat:
4-Star (2002 models)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional Traction Control System (TCS) on some models
Airbags Front:
Standard front driver and passenger airbags
Airbags Side:
Optional front side-impact airbags available on some trims/years
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts for all passengers, pretensioners for front seats
Audio System:
AM/FM/CD player, optional cassette, 4-6 speaker configurations depending on trim level. Steering wheel audio controls available on higher trims.
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system available on select higher-trim models.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control system
Parking Sensors:
Optional rear parking assist sensors available on some trims.
Auxiliary Input:
Not standard; aftermarket solutions may be available.
Bluetooth:
Not available from the factory for this model year range.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as needed based on inspection.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or annually.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 48 months. Severe service may require more frequent changes.
Coolant Change:
Initial change at 60,000 miles (96,000 km), then every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) for iridium-tipped plugs.
Timing Belt Replacement:
This engine uses a timing chain, which is designed for the life of the engine and does not require routine replacement like a belt.
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron III Automatic Transmission Fluid or equivalent.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Transmission Problems:
Some owners report delayed shifting, slipping, or harsh shifts, potentially related to internal wear or solenoid issues. Regular fluid changes are crucial.
Engine Misfires:
Occasional reports of engine misfires, often linked to ignition coils, spark plugs, or fuel injector issues. The 3.5L V6 is generally robust.
HVAC System:
A/C blower motor failures or condenser leaks can occur over time.
Suspension Wear:
Like many vehicles of this age and type, suspension components such as bushings, ball joints, and tie rod ends may require replacement due to wear and tear.
Power Window Regulators:
Instances of failing power window regulators have been reported.