🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Kia

Model:

Sorento

Model Code:

BL

Year:

2007

Engine Variant:

3.3L DOHC V6

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Mid-size SUV

Positioning:

The Kia Sorento (BL) aimed to offer a value-oriented, spacious, and capable mid-size SUV, often competing with established players in its segment.

Key Competitors:

Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, Ford Explorer, Chevrolet Trailblazer, Nissan Murano, Hyundai Santa Fe.

Body Styles:

Available as a 5-door SUV, often with optional third-row seating.

Powertrain Options:

Featured primarily V6 engine options for the 2007 model year, prioritizing performance and towing capability.

Value Proposition:

Kia typically emphasized a strong feature set and competitive pricing in the SUV market.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (Printable)

Page Count Estimate:

Several Hundred (specific count not provided, but described as 'hundreds of pages')

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Complete engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, emission control systems, engine management (ECU/ECM) diagnostics and repair.

Transmission:

Automatic transmission (likely 5-speed) diagnosis, repair, fluid specifications, shift control, torque converter, and internal components.

Drivetrain:

Front and rear axle assemblies, drive shafts, CV joints, differential, 4WD system (if applicable) service and repair.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, struts, springs, control arms, ball joints, wheel alignment procedures, and specifications.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering column, steering gear/rack and pinion, tie rod ends, and steering angle sensor (if equipped) repair.

Brakes:

Hydraulic brake system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), brake pads, rotors, calipers, brake lines, master cylinder, and bleeding procedures.

Electrical:

Complete electrical system, including battery, charging system (alternator, starter), lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), fuses, relays, wiring diagrams, and diagnostic procedures.

Body And Chassis:

Body panels, doors, hood, tailgate, interior trim, glass, seals, chassis components, frame repair, and corrosion protection.

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system diagnosis, refrigerant handling, components (compressor, condenser, evaporator), and controls.

Restraints:

Airbag system, seat belts, SRS module, and related components diagnosis and safety precautions.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance intervals, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, drive belt inspection and replacement.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, and common problem diagnosis for all major systems.

Repair:

Step-by-step repair instructions for virtually all components, including engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, suspension and brake system repairs.

Diagnostics:

OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics II) information, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), and procedures for using diagnostic scan tools.

Specifications And Tolerances:

Detailed torque specifications for all fasteners, critical measurement tolerances for engine and chassis components, alignment specifications.

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems, including component locations and connector pinouts.

Depth Level:

Comprehensive (covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds).

Target Audience:

Professional Automotive Technicians and DIY Enthusiasts.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

Likely PDF, though not explicitly stated. Optimized for printing.

Searchability:

Typically PDFs are searchable for keywords.

Print Quality:

High resolution for clear text and diagrams.

Binding:

N/A for digital format, but designed for easy printing and binding.

Paper Quality:

N/A for digital format, but professional print quality recommended.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

G3.3L (Lambda I)

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated V6

Displacement:

3.3 Liters (3342 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

92.0 mm x 82.0 mm (approximate, requires manual confirmation)

Compression Ratio:

10.0:1 (approximate, requires manual confirmation)

Valvetrain:

DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshafts), 4 valves per cylinder (24 valves total)

Horsepower Est:

Approximately 235-245 hp @ 6000 rpm (requires manual confirmation for specific rating)

Torque Est:

Approximately 235-245 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (requires manual confirmation for specific rating)

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI - Multi-Point Injection)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

Fuel Octane Rating:

87 octane recommended (check manual for specific requirements)

Emission Standard:

Varies by market, likely meets EPA standards for the year.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed Automatic Transmission (e.g., H-Matic)

Transmission Options:

Manual transmission was typically phased out or unavailable on higher trims for this generation, but a 5-speed automatic was standard or predominant.

Drivetrain Options:

Available in Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) and All-Wheel Drive (AWD) configurations.

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Specific ATF type required (e.g., Kia Genuine ATF SP-III or equivalent). Consult manual for precise specification and part number.

Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Approximate capacity: 7.0-8.0 Liters (total fill). Check manual for specific drain and fill quantity.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 4745 mm (186.8 in) (for BL generation, specific to 2007 model year)

Width:

Approx. 1890 mm (74.4 in) (for BL generation)

Height:

Approx. 1740 mm (68.5 in) (for BL generation, unladen)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2710 mm (106.7 in) (for BL generation)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1900-2050 kg (4189-4519 lbs) depending on configuration (FWD/AWD, features)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Requires manual verification for exact specification.

Towing Capacity:

Typically around 3,500 lbs (1,588 kg) with proper towing equipment, verify with manual for exact rating.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Crash Test Rating:

Refer to NHTSA for specific model year and configuration ratings (likely 4-star or 5-star).

IIHS Crash Test Rating:

Refer to IIHS for specific model year and configuration ratings (e.g., Good in front and side impacts).

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System.

Ebd:

Standard Electronic Brakeforce Distribution.

Esp Or Esc:

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) was often standard or optional, refer to manual for exact availability.

Traction Control:

Standard Traction Control System (TCS).

Airbags:

Front airbags, side-impact airbags, and side-curtain airbags (availability may vary by trim).

Seat Belts:

3-point seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters.

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Standard AM/FM/CD audio system, often with auxiliary input. Higher trims may offer premium audio systems (e.g., Infinity).

Navigation:

Optional factory navigation system available on some trims.

Parking Assist:

Rear parking sensors may be optional on higher trims.

Auxiliary Input:

Standard auxiliary audio input jack on most models.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 5,000 to 7,500 miles (8,000 to 12,000 km) or 6 months, depending on driving conditions. Consult manual for precise intervals.

Air Filter Replacement Interval:

Check every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed or every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).

Cabin Air Filter Replacement Interval:

Check every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed or annually.

Spark Plug Replacement Interval:

Typically at 100,000 miles (160,000 km) for iridium-tipped plugs, consult manual for specific type and interval.

Transmission Fluid Change Interval:

Check fluid condition regularly, replacement typically every 60,000 to 100,000 miles (96,000 to 160,000 km) or as specified by driving conditions.

Engine Oil Type:

Synthetic or Synthetic Blend SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 recommended. Verify specific viscosity grade and API service classification in the manual.

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 5.5 - 6.0 Quarts (5.2 - 5.7 Liters) with filter change. Verify in manual.

Coolant Type:

Asian Red or Pink Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (Ethylene Glycol based). Do not mix colors. Consult manual for specific Kia specification.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid. Consult manual for exact specification.

Common Problems Engine:

Occasional oil leaks from valve covers or oil pan, potential for intake manifold gasket issues. Cooling system hoses and thermostat can degrade over time.

Common Problems Transmission:

Hesitation or rough shifting in automatic transmissions, potential for solenoid issues or torque converter problems if not properly maintained.

Common Problems Suspension:

Worn control arm bushings, ball joints, and sway bar links can lead to noise and alignment issues. Struts and shocks may leak or lose damping over time.

Common Problems Electrical:

Window regulator failures, power lock actuator issues, and occasional problems with sensors (e.g., ABS sensors) can occur.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Focus:

Kia, a South Korean automaker, has a history of producing a diverse range of vehicles, gaining significant market share through value and improving quality.

Sorento Generation Bl:

The BL generation of the Sorento (produced from 2002 to 2009, with the facelift for 2007) represented a shift for Kia's SUV offerings, transitioning towards a unibody construction for improved ride and handling compared to its body-on-frame predecessor.

Facelift Impact:

The 2007 model year often signified a mid-cycle refresh for the BL Sorento, introducing updated styling, features, and potentially powertrain refinements, including the widely adopted 3.3L V6 engine.

Production Location:

Primarily manufactured in South Korea.

Production Years:

BL Generation: 2002-2009 (Model years covered by this manual are specific to the 2007 variant).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Safety Awards Example:

While specific 'awards' might be few, the Sorento (BL) consistently aimed for good safety ratings in its class, as reflected in government crash tests.

Value For Money:

Often recognized in its segment for offering a strong balance of features, space, and pricing.