🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Kia

Model:

Sedona

Year:

2003

Engine Variant:

3.5L DOHC V6

Chassis Code:

VQ (North America), RU (Global)

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Minivan

Target Audience:

Families, people requiring flexible passenger and cargo space.

Key Competitors:

Dodge Grand Caravan, Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey, Chevrolet Venture.

Vehicle Type:

Minivan, MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle)

Doors:

4-door plus sliding rear passenger doors.

Seating Capacity:

Typically 7 or 8 passengers.

📋 Manual Details

Geographic Coverage:

Global (primarily North American specifications likely within the manual)

Total Pages:

829

Manual Type:

Workshop Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Complete overhaul and repair procedures for the 3.5L DOHC V6 engine.

Engine Management:

Fuel injection, ignition system, emissions control, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).

Transmission Automatic:

Repair and overhaul of the automatic transmission (likely a 4-speed or 5-speed unit).

Drivetrain:

Front-wheel drive system, driveshafts, differential.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, alignment specifications, shock absorbers, springs.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering column, linkage.

Brakes:

Hydraulic brake system, ABS, disc and drum brake components, brake bleeding procedures.

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, charging system, starting system, lighting, accessories.

Body And Chassis:

Body panel repair, doors, windows, interior trim, structural components.

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system diagnosis and repair.

Safety Systems:

Airbag system diagnosis and components.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement.

Diagnostics:

Step-by-step troubleshooting guides for common and complex issues.

Repair And Rebuild:

Detailed instructions for component removal, installation, and complete overhaul.

Troubleshooting:

Fault finding for engine, transmission, electrical, and chassis systems.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic scheduled maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable (depending on OCR quality of the source)

Print Quality:

High quality, suitable for printing

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Displacement:

3.5 Liters

Engine Configuration:

V6

Valve Train:

DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft)

Horsepower Estimate:

Approx. 200-205 hp (varies by market/exact tune)

Torque Estimate:

Approx. 217-220 lb-ft (varies by market/exact tune)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Engine Control Unit Type:

ECU/ECM (specific model dependent, likely proprietary Kia system)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

Automatic

Number Of Speeds:

Likely 4-speed or 5-speed Automatic (common for this era)

Transmission Fluid Type:

Kia Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) SP-III or equivalent (refer to manual for exact specification).

Drive Layout:

Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)

📐 Dimensions

Length Estimate:

Approx. 195 inches (varies slightly by market)

Width Estimate:

Approx. 77 inches

Height Estimate:

Approx. 69 inches

Curb Weight Estimate:

Approx. 4,300 - 4,500 lbs

Towing Capacity Estimate:

Approx. 2,000 - 3,500 lbs (depending on equipment)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating:

Refer to specific NHTSA records for 2003 Sedona (likely 4-star driver, 5-star passenger for frontal impacts).

IIHS Crash Test Performance:

Refer to specific IIHS records for 2003 Sedona.

Antilock Brakes:

Standard on most trims

Electronic Stability Control:

May be optional or unavailable on certain trims/markets.

Airbags:

Front airbags, side curtain airbags (optional on some trims).

Seat Belt Pretensioners:

Standard

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

AM/FM/CD player, optional premium audio with more speakers.

Navigation:

Optional factory-installed navigation system on higher trims.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most models.

Auxiliary Input:

May be available as an aftermarket addition or on later production runs.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles or 6 months (refer to manual for specific driving conditions).

Engine Air Filter Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles or 24 months.

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles or 12 months.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles (severe use requires more frequent changes).

Engine Oil Specification:

SAE 5W-30 API Service SG or higher (refer to manual for precise specification and capacity).

Coolant Specification:

Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze, SAE J1034 compliant, typically a green type (refer to manual for specific type and capacity).

Engine Oil Leaks:

Potential for valve cover gasket and oil pan gasket leaks over time.

Transmission Performance:

Some reports of delayed shifting or harsh shifts; regular fluid maintenance is crucial.

Suspension Wear:

Front suspension components (ball joints, tie rods) can experience wear due to vehicle weight and usage.

HVAC Blend Door Actuators:

Common failure point in HVAC systems leading to temperature control issues.

📚 Vehicle History

Manufacturer Origin:

South Korea

First Generation:

Kia Sedona (VQ) introduced in 1998 in Korea, launched globally starting late 1998/early 1999.

Facelift Update:

A facelift occurred for the 2002 model year, with the 2003 model year representing a continuation of this updated platform.

Production Period:

1998-2005 (First Generation)

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily South Korea (Hwaseong Plant), also assembled in Vietnam, Ecuador, and Russia.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Awards Mention:

While specific major awards for the 2003 model might be scarce, the Sedona aimed to provide value and family practicality in a competitive segment. Reviews from the era often highlighted its spacious interior and good feature set for the price.