Positioning:
Family-oriented, versatile SUV with available third-row seating and robust powertrain options
Competitors:
Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Ford Explorer, Chevrolet Trailblazer, Nissan Pathfinder
Design:
Body-on-frame construction (for BL generation), rugged styling, spacious interior
Powertrain:
Powerful V6 engine options, available AWD
Versatility:
Available seven-passenger seating, significant cargo capacity
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, disassembly, cylinder head, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, timing system, lubrication system, cooling system
Engine Management:
Fuel system, ignition system, emission control systems, ECU diagnostics, sensors, actuators
Transmission:
Automatic transmission (likely, given engine and year), overhaul, diagnostics, fluid service
Drivetrain:
Front axle, rear axle, propeller shaft, differentials, drive shafts
Suspension:
Front suspension (independent), rear suspension (independent), shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings
Steering:
Power steering system, steering gear, steering column, tie rods
Brakes:
Front and rear brakes (disc), ABS system, brake lines, master cylinder, calipers, pads, rotors
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, wipers, horn, power windows, power locks, mirrors
Body And Chassis:
Body panels, doors, hood, tailgate, bumpers, interior trim, chassis components
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system, refrigerant handling, components
Safety Systems:
Airbag system, seat belt pretensioners, SRS diagnostics
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnosis, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) interpretation
Repair:
Component removal and installation, component overhaul, system repair
Adjustments:
Wheel alignment, brake adjustments, clutch adjustments (if applicable), idle speed adjustments
Replacements:
Belt replacement, hose replacement, gasket replacement, seal replacement
Specifications And Tolerances:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications
Depth:
Comprehensive factory-level detail for professional technicians and experienced DIYers
Diagnostic Complexity:
Advanced electronic diagnostics, wiring diagrams, component testing procedures
Rebuild Procedures:
Detailed engine and transmission overhaul procedures
Engine Code:
G6CU (commonly associated with 3.8L Lambda)
Engine Type:
60-degree V6, naturally aspirated
Displacement:
3.8 Liters (3778 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
96.0 mm x 87.0 mm (typical for this engine family)
Compression Ratio:
9.6:1 (typical)
Valve Train:
DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshafts), 24 valves
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Horsepower:
Approx. 242 hp @ 6000 rpm (varies slightly by market)
Torque:
Approx. 251 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (varies slightly by market)
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane Regular Unleaded Gasoline
Fuel Tank Capacity:
70 Liters (18.5 US gallons)
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (for 2008 model year in certain configurations)
NHTSA Side Impact:
5-Star (for 2008 model year in certain configurations)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (for 2008 model year)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Traction Control:
Standard Electronic Traction Control (TCS)
Esp:
Standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Brake Assist:
Standard Brake Assist System (BAS)
Airbags:
Front dual-stage airbags, front side-impact airbags, curtain side-impact airbags (for all rows)
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters for all seating positions
Rollover Protection:
Active Rollover Prevention (ARP) system integrated into ESP
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with auxiliary input. Optional Infinity premium audio system.
Navigation:
Optional factory-installed navigation system with touchscreen display available on higher trims.
Climate Control:
Manual or dual-zone automatic climate control
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control
Parking Sensors:
Optional rear parking assist sensors
Rearview Camera:
Optional rearview camera integrated into navigation screen
Auxiliary Input:
Standard 3.5mm auxiliary audio input jack
Usb Port:
Optional USB port integrated with audio system on some models
Bluetooth:
Optional Bluetooth hands-free connectivity on some models
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles or 24 months
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 100,000 miles (Platinum or Iridium type)
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 60,000 miles or 48 months (severe service: 30,000 miles)
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30, API SM or higher (or ILSAC GF-4)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 5.5 Liters (5.8 US quarts) with filter change
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant, P-HOAT type (e.g., Hyundai/Kia Super Long Life Coolant)
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 8.8 Liters (9.3 US quarts)
Transmission Fluid Type:
SPIII Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid Type:
ATF SPIII or Kia Power Steering Fluid
Engine Oil Consumption:
Some 3.8L Lambda engines may exhibit increased oil consumption; regular checks are advised.
Transmission Harsh Shifting:
Occasional reports of harsh shifting or delayed engagement, potentially related to transmission fluid condition or valve body issues.
Suspension Components:
Wear in bushings, ball joints, and tie rod ends can occur with mileage, leading to steering looseness or clunking noises.
HVAC Blend Door Actuators:
Failure of HVAC blend door actuators can lead to improper temperature control or air distribution.
Exhaust Manifold Cracks:
Cracks in the exhaust manifold can occur due to thermal stress, leading to exhaust leaks and a ticking sound.