Key Competitors:
Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Nissan X-Trail
Strengths:
Value proposition, durable powertrain, comfortable ride
Weaknesses:
Interior materials, fuel economy compared to some rivals, road noise
Drivetrain Options:
FWD, AWD
Engine Options:
Primarily 2.0L, some markets offered 2.7L V6
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, lubrication, cooling
Engine Performance:
Fuel injection, ignition, emissions control, engine management system (ECU)
Transmission Manual:
5-speed manual transmission (M5SR1) internal components, operation, and repair
Transmission Automatic:
4-speed automatic transmission (F4A42) internal components, operation, and repair
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) systems, differentials, drive shafts, CV joints
Suspension:
Front MacPherson struts, rear multi-link suspension, springs, dampers, bushings, alignment specifications
Brakes:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, ABS system, hydraulic lines, parking brake
Steering:
Power steering system, steering column, rack and pinion assembly
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, body control module (BCM)
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system operation and repair
Body And Trim:
Interior and exterior trim removal and installation, door mechanisms, glass, body panel repair
Chassis And Frame:
Frame construction, body mounting, corrosion protection
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures, symptom-based troubleshooting charts, fault code interpretation
Repair:
Component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly
Diagnostics:
OBD-II diagnostics, sensor testing, actuator testing, ECU programming and diagnostics
Component Replacement:
Step-by-step guides for replacing all major components
Torque Specifications:
Detailed torque values for all fasteners
Depth:
Comprehensive factory-level detail
Diagrams Quality:
High-quality, detailed wiring diagrams and exploded view illustrations
Diagnostic Tools:
Information on required diagnostic tools and equipment
Engine Code:
G4GC (Beta II)
Configuration:
Inline-4 cylinder, DOHC, 16 valves
Horsepower:
139 hp @ 6000 rpm (approx.)
Torque:
135 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (approx.)
Induction:
Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended)
ECU Type:
Kia proprietary, OBD-II compliant
Timing Belt Or Chain:
Timing Belt
Transmission Type:
5-speed Manual (M5SR1)
Transmission Type:
4-speed Automatic (F4A42)
AWD System:
Electronically controlled active all-wheel drive system
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Kia SP-III or equivalent (e.g., Dexron III compatible)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 (or 75W-85)
NHTSA Front Impact:
4-star (2006 model year)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (2006 model year)
Electronic Stability Control:
Optional/Standard depending on trim and market
Airbags Front:
Standard driver and passenger airbags
Airbags Side:
Optional front side-impact airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts
Rollover Protection:
Reinforced body structure, potential for Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months (severe conditions: 3,750 miles or 3 months)
Engine Oil Filter:
Replace at every oil change
Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (or every 30,000 miles)
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 90,000 miles or 7 years (whichever comes first)
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 Liters (4.8 US Quarts) with filter
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or higher, SAE 5W-30 (SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 in warmer climates)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol-based antifreeze (e.g., Kia Super Long Life Coolant - blue)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Common Problems:
Timing belt degradation/failure, occasional ABS sensor issues, HVAC blower motor failures, power steering pump whine
Check Engine Lights:
Can be related to oxygen sensors, EVAP system, or ignition coil issues
