The Kia Soul 2011, identified by vehicle code AM, represents a distinctive entry in the compact automotive market. This model, part of the first generation which spanned from 2008 to 2013, is powered by inline 4-cylinder gasoline engines, offering displacements of 1.6L and 2.0L with horsepower ranging from approximately 122 to 142. Known for its unique, boxy styling and urban-focused design, the Soul was manufactured in Gwangmyeong, South Korea. Safety was a key consideration, with the 2011 model earning a 5-star NHTSA front crash rating and being recognized as a 'Top Safety Pick' by the IIHS, featuring standard front, side-impact, and side-curtain airbags, as well as ABS.
This comprehensive Service and Repair Workshop Manual provides in-depth information for the Kia Soul 2011. It covers all major systems, including engine mechanical and electrical, emission control, fuel, clutch, manual and automatic transaxles, driveshaft and axle systems, suspension, steering, brake, body interior/exterior, body electrical, and HVAC. The manual details routine maintenance, diagnostic troubleshooting, repair and rebuild procedures, and special procedures, making it an invaluable resource for professional mechanics, experienced DIY enthusiasts, and informed vehicle owners. Its extensive coverage, including diagrams and illustrations, ensures accurate and safe maintenance and repair, enabling significant cost savings.
First Generation Start:
2008
First Generation End:
2013
Positioning:
The Kia Soul 2011 Service Repair Workshop Manual is positioned as an essential resource for owners and independent repair professionals seeking factory-level diagnostic and repair information.
Advantage:
This manual offers vehicle-specific, manufacturer-approved procedures, unlike generic online resources, ensuring accuracy and safety. It provides the same information used by authorized Kia dealerships.
Authenticity:
Written by the manufacturer, Kia, ensuring the highest level of accuracy and detail.
Visuals:
Includes diagrams, illustrations, and wiring schematics to aid understanding.
Cost Savings:
Empowers users to perform maintenance and repairs themselves, leading to significant cost savings.
User Friendliness:
Designed for ease of use with clear, concise text and step-by-step instructions, suitable for various skill levels.
Engine Mechanical:
Complete Engine Mechanical System (including teardown, assembly, and diagnostics)
Engine Electrical:
Complete Engine Electrical System (including ignition, starting, charging, sensors, and ECUs)
Emission Control:
Complete Emission Control System (including diagnostics and repair of related components)
Fuel System:
Complete Fuel System (including fuel delivery, injection, and evaporative emission controls)
Clutch System:
Complete Clutch System (for manual transmission models)
Manual Transaxle:
Complete Manual Transaxle System (including removal, installation, and internal repairs)
Automatic Transaxle:
Complete Automatic Transaxle System (including removal, installation, and internal repairs)
Driveshaft Axle:
Complete Driveshaft and Axle Systems (including CV joints, boots, and differentials)
Suspension System:
Complete Suspension System (including struts, shocks, control arms, and alignment procedures)
Steering System:
Complete Steering System (including power steering, rack and pinion, and steering column)
Restraint System:
Complete Restraint System (including airbags, seat belts, and related sensors)
Brake System:
Complete Brake System (including disc brakes, ABS, and hydraulic components)
Body Interior Exterior:
Complete Body (Interior and Exterior) (including panels, trim, glass, and body repair)
Body Electrical:
Complete Body Electrical System (including lighting, power accessories, and body control modules)
HVAC:
Complete Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) System
Estimated Pages:
Over 1500 pages (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals)
Type:
Service and Repair Workshop Manual
Powertrain:
Engine, Fuel, Emissions, Clutch, Transaxle, Driveshaft, Axles
Chassis:
Suspension, Steering, Brakes
Electrical:
Engine Electrical, Body Electrical, HVAC Electrical
Body:
Interior, Exterior, Body Repair
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and changes, tire rotation
Diagnostic Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step troubleshooting guides for various systems, fault code interpretation
Repair And Rebuild:
Detailed procedures for component removal, installation, and overhaul (e.g., engine rebuild, transaxle overhaul, brake caliper replacement)
Special Procedures:
Air conditioning service, airbag system diagnostics and replacement, wheel alignment
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to advanced diagnostics and component-level repairs.
Target Audience:
Professional mechanics, experienced DIY enthusiasts, and informed vehicle owners.
Compatibility:
All Versions of Windows and Mac OS
Reader Requirement:
Adobe PDF Reader (Free Download)
Printability:
Yes, all pages are printable.
Digital Binding:
N/A (Digital PDF)
Digital Paper Type:
N/A (Digital PDF)
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder Gasoline
Displacement:
1.6L GDI (Gamma G4FC) and 2.0L DOHC (Beta II G4GC) / CVVT (Theta II G4KD) options, depending on market and trim.
Horsepower:
Approximately 122 hp (1.6L) to 142 hp (2.0L).
Torque:
Approximately 115 lb-ft (1.6L) to 135 lb-ft (2.0L).
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) or Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) on some variants.
Recommended Fuel:
Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane (AKI) or higher, depending on manufacturer recommendation.
Transmission Type:
5-speed Manual Transaxle
Transmission Type:
4-speed Automatic Transaxle
Automatic Features:
Electronically controlled, with lock-up torque converter for improved fuel efficiency.
Length:
Approximately 160.6 inches (4080 mm)
Width:
Approximately 69.5 inches (1765 mm)
Height:
Approximately 63.2 inches (1605 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approximately 98.4 inches (2500 mm)
Curb Weight:
Varies by engine and transmission, typically 2,800 - 3,000 lbs.
NHTSA Front Crash Rating:
5-Star (for driver and passenger in frontal crash tests)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
The 2011 Kia Soul was a Top Safety Pick by IIHS.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Available Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Traction Control System (TCS)
Airbags:
Standard front-seat airbags, front side-impact airbags, and side-curtain airbags.
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters for all seating positions.
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with auxiliary input. Optional upgraded systems with SiriusXM satellite radio and Bluetooth connectivity available on higher trims.
Cruise Control:
Available cruise control system.
Parking Assistance:
Available rear parking assist sensors on certain trims.
Bluetooth:
Optional Bluetooth hands-free phone system and audio streaming.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, or 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months with synthetic oil, whichever comes first (refer to manual for specific engine oil type and capacity).
Air Filter Replacement:
Recommended every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km), or as needed based on driving conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically around 60,000-100,000 miles (96,000-160,000 km) depending on spark plug type (e.g., iridium).
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil (API SM or higher, ILSAC GF-4 or higher - refer to manual for precise specification)
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil (for manual transaxle)
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Kia Genuine ATF (or equivalent specifications as per manual) for automatic transaxle
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol-based coolant, Asian Pink or equivalent (50/50 mix with distilled water)
Potential Issues:
Occasional reports of minor interior rattles, early wear on some suspension components, and potential issues with certain sensors in higher mileage vehicles. Manual provides diagnostic steps for these.
Brand Origin:
Kia Motors Corporation, South Korean automotive manufacturer.
First Generation Launch:
The first-generation Kia Soul was introduced in 2008 in South Korea and later in international markets.
Design Philosophy:
Known for its distinctive, boxy styling and youthful, urban-focused design.
Manufacturing Plant:
Gwangmyeong, South Korea (Kia Motors Plant)
IIHS Recognition:
Recognized as a 'Top Safety Pick' by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Design Awards:
Recipient of various design accolades for its distinctive and polarizing styling.
