🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

KIA

Model:

Sorento

Year:

2012

Trim Levels Covered:

All trim levels (e.g., LX, EX, SX)

Vin Decoder Reference:

Relevant VIN decoding information typically found within OEM manuals for component identification.

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Mid-size SUV, often positioned as a family-oriented vehicle with available seating for up to seven passengers.

Target Audience:

Families, individuals seeking versatility, and those needing a capable vehicle for various uses.

Key Competitors:

Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Ford Explorer, Nissan Pathfinder, Chevrolet Traverse, Hyundai Santa Fe.

Available Powertrains:

Standard 4-cylinder engine, with a more powerful V6 option for enhanced performance.

Seating Capacity:

Available in 5-passenger and 7-passenger configurations.

All Wheel Drive:

Optional All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system for improved traction and capability.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Electronic Troubleshooting for the 2012 KIA Sorento

Secondary Coverage:

Wiring diagrams, electrical system diagnostics, component locations, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)

Estimated Page Count:

Typically 1000+ pages for an OEM ETM of this nature, though exact count varies.

Type:

OEM Factory Electronic Troubleshooting Manual (ETM)

Purpose:

To provide detailed diagnostic and repair procedures for all electrical and electronic systems.

Language:

English

Format:

Electronic (likely PDF)

Searchability:

Likely fully searchable text due to OEM digital format.

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain Controls:

Engine Control Module (ECM), Transmission Control Module (TCM), fuel injection, ignition system, emissions control.

Chassis Controls:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), power steering, suspension control modules.

Body Electronics:

Lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), power windows, power locks, remote keyless entry, sunroof, power liftgate.

Infotainment And Comfort:

Audio system, navigation system, climate control (HVAC), instrument cluster, rearview camera, Bluetooth connectivity.

Safety Systems:

Airbag system (SRS), seatbelt pretensioners, parking assist sensors.

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive electrical schematic diagrams for all circuits and systems.

Component Locations:

Detailed diagrams and descriptions for the location of all electrical components, sensors, and modules.

Diagnostic Procedures:

Step-by-step troubleshooting guides for electrical faults, symptom-based diagnostics.

Testing And Measurement:

Instructions for using multimeters, oscilloscopes, and scan tools for component testing and circuit verification.

Repair Instructions:

Detailed procedures for replacing or repairing electrical components, wiring harnesses, and modules.

Software Updates And Programming:

Information regarding module programming, software updates, and initialization procedures.

Depth:

Advanced diagnostic and repair information suitable for professional technicians and experienced DIYers.

Troubleshooting Approach:

Systematic, logic-driven troubleshooting based on symptoms and diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

Likely PDF (Portable Document Format), optimized for electronic viewing and printing.

Resolution:

High-resolution, ensuring clarity of diagrams and text for accurate interpretation.

Physical Binding:

Not applicable for electronic format; if printed, would be comb or perfect bound.

Physical Paper Type:

Not applicable for electronic format; if printed, would be quality paper suitable for technical manuals.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code Or Designation:

Theta II G4KH (2.4L) and Lambda II G6DH (3.5L V6)

Displacement I4:

2.4 liters (2359 cc)

Displacement V6:

3.5 liters (3470 cc)

Horsepower I4:

Approximately 175-176 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque I4:

Approximately 169-170 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Horsepower V6:

Approximately 276 hp @ 6300 rpm

Torque V6:

Approximately 248 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Recommended Octane:

87 Octane (Regular)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type I4:

6-speed automatic transmission

Transmission Type V6:

6-speed automatic transmission with Sportmatic® shifting

AWD Availability:

All-Wheel Drive (AWD) available with both engine options.

Gears:

6 forward gears, 1 reverse gear.

Fluid Type:

Refer to manual for specific ATF type (e.g., SP-IV or equivalent)

Fluid Capacity Approx:

Approximately 7.7 quarts (7.3 liters) for the 6-speed automatic.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approximately 189.4 inches (4811 mm)

Width:

Approximately 74.2 inches (1885 mm)

Height:

Approximately 67.7 inches (1720 mm)

Wheelbase:

Approximately 109.4 inches (2780 mm)

Passenger Volume:

Approximately 124.4 cubic feet (3523 liters)

Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:

Approximately 10.6 cubic feet (300 liters)

Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:

Approximately 39.6 cubic feet (1121 liters)

Cargo Volume Behind 1St Row:

Approximately 74.0 cubic feet (2096 liters)

Curb Weight Approx FWD:

Starting around 3850 lbs (1746 kg)

Curb Weight Approx AWD:

Starting around 4000 lbs (1814 kg)

Towing Capacity:

Up to 5,000 lbs (2268 kg) when properly equipped (V6 engine required).

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Overall Rating:

Generally received good ratings, often 4-star or 5-star in various categories from NHTSA for this generation. Specific results may vary by configuration.

IIHS Ratings:

Likely achieved 'Good' ratings in most IIHS crashworthiness tests for its generation.

Electronic Stability Control:

Standard ESC system (also known as VSM - Vehicle Stability Management) across all trims.

Antilock Braking System:

Standard ABS with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA).

Traction Control:

Standard Traction Control System (TCS).

Airbag System:

Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, and available side-curtain airbags for all rows.

Seatbelts:

3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters for front occupants, all-row 3-point seatbelts.

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system in rear seating positions.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Standard AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with auxiliary input and USB port. Higher trims offered premium Infinity audio systems.

Navigation:

Optional navigation system with touchscreen interface available on EX and SX trims.

Rear Camera:

Available rearview camera system integrated with the infotainment display.

Parking Sensors:

Optional rear parking assist sensors.

Bluetooth:

Available Bluetooth® hands-free phone connectivity and audio streaming.

Keyless Entry Start:

Keyless entry system and push-button start available on higher trims.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions. Consult owner's manual for severe driving conditions.

Tire Rotation:

Recommended every 7,500 miles (12,000 km).

Cabin Air Filter:

Recommended replacement every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or annually.

Engine Air Filter:

Recommended replacement every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or every two years.

Spark Plugs:

Iridium spark plugs typically have a longer interval, e.g., 105,000 miles (169,000 km).

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 0W-20 API SM or higher (Synthetic Recommended)

Engine Oil Capacity I4:

Approximately 4.5 quarts (4.3 liters) with filter change.

Engine Oil Capacity V6:

Approximately 5.1 quarts (4.8 liters) with filter change.

Coolant Type:

Korean Long Life Coolant (KLC) or equivalent, typically ethylene glycol-based, 50/50 mix with distilled water.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Engine Misfires:

Occasional reports of ignition coil or spark plug failures leading to misfires, particularly on the 4-cylinder engine.

Transmission Hesitation:

Some owners have reported occasional transmission hesitation or rough shifting, often resolved by software updates or fluid changes.

Interior Rattles And Squeaks:

As with many SUVs in this class, some instances of interior trim rattles or squeaks can occur over time.

Sensor Failures:

Electronic Troubleshooting Manual is essential for diagnosing issues related to various sensors (e.g., ABS sensors, camshaft/crankshaft position sensors).

📚 Vehicle History

Kia History:

Kia Motors Corporation is a South Korean automotive manufacturer with a history dating back to 1944, known for its value-oriented vehicles and expanding global presence.

Sorento Generation 2:

The 2012 model year represents the second generation of the KIA Sorento, which debuted for the 2009 model year. This generation transitioned from a body-on-frame construction to a unibody platform, offering improved ride comfort and handling. Significant styling updates and powertrain enhancements occurred for the 2011 model year.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primary assembly plants included South Korea (Hwaseong).

Production Years 2Nd Gen:

2009-2015

🏆 Awards & Recognition

IIHS Top Safety Pick:

While specific awards can vary year-to-year and by trim, the Sorento of this generation generally performed well in safety assessments.

Consumer Reports Ratings:

Received mixed to good ratings in consumer satisfaction and predicted reliability surveys during its lifespan.

Jd Power Dependability:

Information on specific JD Power dependability ratings for the 2012 model would require consulting their reports.