🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Kia

Model:

Sportage

Year:

1998

Vehicle Generation:

First Generation (JA)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact SUV / Crossover

Target Audience:

Owners seeking to perform their own maintenance and repairs, independent repair shops.

Competitors 1998:

Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Nissan Xterra

Platform:

Body-on-frame construction, shared platform with Kia/Mazda (depending on market/variant).

Design Philosophy:

Rugged, utility-focused SUV with available 4x4 capability.

Value Proposition:

Provides factory-level diagnostic and repair procedures, saving significant costs on professional servicing.

📋 Manual Details

General Coverage:

Comprehensive service, maintenance, and repair information.

Troubleshooting Guides:

Includes symptom-based troubleshooting trees and diagnostic procedures for various systems.

Estimated Pages:

Over 1000 (typical for a full service manual of this era)

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF/Scanned)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system.

Transmission:

Manual and Automatic transmission service, diagnosis, and overhaul.

Drivetrain:

Front-wheel drive (FWD) and All-wheel drive (AWD) systems, differentials, driveshafts, CV joints.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, bushings, alignment procedures.

Steering:

Steering gear, power steering system, steering column, wheel alignment.

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems (disc/drum), hydraulic components, ABS (if equipped), parking brake.

Electrical:

Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instruments, gauges, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays.

Body And Chassis:

Body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, seats, bumpers, frame and chassis components.

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system service and repair.

Routine Maintenance:

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

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnosis, fault code interpretation (OBD-I/OBD-II dependent on specific model configuration).

Major Repairs:

Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, clutch replacement, brake caliper/rotor replacement, suspension component replacement.

Component Removal Installation:

Detailed steps for removing and installing virtually all major vehicle components.

Electrical Troubleshooting:

Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for electrical faults, including wiring diagrams.

Wiring Diagrams:

Detailed electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems.

Depth:

Comprehensive (covers basic maintenance to complete engine/transmission rebuilds and advanced electrical diagnostics).

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Print Readability:

High resolution, suitable for printing individual pages or the entire manual.

Digital Binding:

N/A (Digital file)

Digital Paper Emulation:

N/A (Digital file)

Manual Completeness:

Full Factory Service Manual coverage, including repair, diagnostic, maintenance, and technical specifications.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code Usdm:

B3 (1.8L SOHC) and FE (2.0L SOHC)

Engine Displacement B3:

1.8 Liters (1839 cc)

Engine Type B3:

4-cylinder, Inline, SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft)

Bore Stroke B3:

83.0 mm x 85.0 mm

Compression Ratio B3:

9.3:1

Horsepower B3:

Approx. 105 hp @ 5500 rpm

Torque B3:

Approx. 117 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm

Engine Displacement Fe:

2.0 Liters (1998 cc)

Engine Type Fe:

4-cylinder, Inline, SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft)

Bore Stroke Fe:

85.0 mm x 88.0 mm

Compression Ratio Fe:

9.4:1

Horsepower Fe:

Approx. 120-130 hp @ 5500 rpm (market dependent)

Torque Fe:

Approx. 135-140 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (market dependent)

Engine Notes:

Engines are of Mazda/Ford origin, reflecting early Kia's reliance on shared technology. The manual will detail specific Kia variants and their maintenance requirements.

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Octane Rating Recommendation:

87 Octane (minimum)

0 60 Mph Estimate:

10-13 seconds (depending on engine and drivetrain)

Top Speed Estimate:

95-105 mph

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

5-speed Manual Transmission

Transmission Type Optional:

4-speed Automatic Transmission

Drivetrain Options:

Available in 2WD (Rear-Wheel Drive) and 4WD (Full-Time or Part-Time 4WD, transfer case specific)

Clutch Type:

Dry, single-plate (for manual transmission)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approx. 100.4 inches (2550 mm)

Length:

Approx. 166.5 inches (4229 mm)

Width:

Approx. 69.7 inches (1770 mm)

Height:

Approx. 66.5 inches (1689 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3100 - 3400 lbs (1406 - 1542 kg) depending on configuration

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvw:

Approx. 4400 - 4600 lbs

Towing Capacity:

Up to 2000 lbs (750 kg) (check specific market regulations and vehicle options)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Crash Rating:

Not extensively tested or rated by NHTSA for this model year in many markets. Generally considered adequate for its class and era.

Anti Lock Braking System ABS:

Optional or standard on higher trims/later production runs. The manual will cover ABS diagnostics.

Airbags:

Driver and passenger airbags were standard in many markets. Manual will detail airbag system service and safety precautions.

Seatbelts:

Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners for front occupants. Manual covers seatbelt inspection and replacement.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Basic AM/FM stereo radio with cassette player. Optional CD player on higher trims.

Display:

Analog gauges for speedometer, tachometer, fuel, and temperature. Basic LCD screen for odometer and warning lights.

Cruise Control:

Optional on higher trim levels.

Auxiliary Inputs:

None standard. Aftermarket solutions would be required for aux or USB connectivity.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for specific recommendation based on driving conditions).

Transmission Fluid Change Interval Auto:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles (check manual for specific interval and fluid type).

Transmission Fluid Change Interval Manual:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles (check manual for specific interval and fluid type).

Coolant Flush Interval:

Every 30,000-50,000 miles or 2-3 years.

Engine Oil Spec:

API SJ/SL certified, Viscosity: 5W-30 or 10W-30 (refer to manual for exact climate-dependent recommendations).

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 3.7-4.0 US quarts (3.5-3.8 Liters) with filter change (check manual for precise capacity).

Automatic Transmission Fluid Atf Type:

Dexron III or equivalent (refer to manual for exact specification).

Manual Transmission Fluid Type:

GL-4 Gear Oil (e.g., SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90) (refer to manual for exact specification).

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol based coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.

Common Concerns 1:

Rust/corrosion on body panels, especially in snowy regions. Chassis rust can be a significant issue.

Common Concerns 2:

Minor oil leaks from valve cover or oil pan gaskets.

Common Concerns 3:

Worn suspension bushings and ball joints due to age and usage.

Common Concerns 4:

Occasional electrical gremlins (e.g., window motors, interior lights) due to age and wiring harness wear.

Common Concerns 5:

Timing belt replacement is crucial on the 1.8L and 2.0L engines; failure can lead to severe engine damage. Manual will specify interval and procedure.

📚 Vehicle History

Kia Origins:

Kia Motors Corporation, founded in 1944, initially as a manufacturer of steel tubing and bicycles. Entered automotive manufacturing in the late 1960s.

Sportage Introduction:

The Sportage was Kia's first-ever SUV, launched in 1993 (globally) and 1995 (in North America). The 1998 model represents the early part of its first generation.

Platform Sharing:

Based on a modified chassis derived from the Mazda B-series pickup truck (or Ford Ranger in some markets), showcasing early Kia-Mazda collaboration.

Manufacturing Locations:

South Korea (primarily) and potentially assembly plants in other regions depending on market.

First Generation Ja Years:

1993-2002 (though facelifted and updated through this period)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Vehicle Awards:

As a first-generation model and early entrant for Kia in the SUV segment, it received mixed reviews but was recognized for its affordability and utility. Specific awards for the 1998 model are not widely documented.