🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Kia

Model:

Sportage

Year:

1999

Internal Model Code:

K00 (First Generation)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact SUV

Target Audience:

DIY mechanics, professional technicians, owners seeking detailed repair and maintenance information.

Competitors:

Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Suzuki Vitara, Isuzu Rodeo.

Vehicle Design:

Body-on-frame construction (early models), available with rear-wheel drive or selectable four-wheel drive, utility-focused SUV.

Value Proposition:

Provides access to factory-level repair information, empowering users to perform complex maintenance and repairs, saving on labor costs.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

1999 Kia Sportage

Engine Coverage:

2.0L FE DOHC I4, 2.0L B3 SOHC I4

Transmission Coverage:

4-Speed Automatic, 5-Speed Manual

Drivetrain Coverage:

2WD (Rear-Wheel Drive), 4WD (Four-Wheel Drive) with Selectable Transfer Case

Estimated Pages:

Approximately 2000+ pages (comprehensive digital PDF)

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical (FE DOHC, B3 SOHC), fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system, engine control (ECU/ECM), emissions control.

Drivetrain:

Manual transmission, automatic transmission, clutch, driveshafts, differentials (front and rear), transfer case, wheel hubs, CV joints.

Chassis:

Suspension (front independent, rear multi-link/solid axle depending on configuration), steering system, brake system (front discs, rear drums/discs depending on spec), wheels, tires, chassis components.

Electrical:

Battery, charging system (alternator, starter), lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior), ignition system, power accessories, instrumentation, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, engine control module (ECM) diagnostics, body control module (BCM) basics.

Body And Interior:

Body panels, doors, windows, latches, locks, mirrors, interior trim, seats, HVAC system (heating, ventilation, air conditioning), body seals, glass.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance intervals, oil changes, filter replacements (oil, air, fuel), spark plug replacement, fluid level checks and top-offs, belt inspections and replacement.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides based on symptoms, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation, component testing procedures, circuit analysis.

Repair:

Step-by-step repair instructions for all major systems, component removal and installation, overhaul procedures for engines and transmissions, bodywork repairs, electrical component replacement.

Specifications:

Torque specifications for fasteners, engine clearances, fluid capacities, diagnostic parameter values, electrical resistance values.

Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic maintenance and fluid changes to complete engine and transmission overhauls, advanced electrical diagnostics, and body repair.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

Searchable PDF

Print Quality:

High-resolution scans of original factory documents, suitable for printing individual pages or sections.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1 Type:

Kia FE DOHC (Dual Overhead Cam) Inline-4

Engine 1 Displacement:

1998 cc (2.0 Liters)

Engine 1 Bore X Stroke:

85.0 mm x 88.0 mm

Engine 1 Compression Ratio:

9.3:1

Engine 1 Horsepower Net:

122 hp @ 5000 rpm (US Spec, may vary by region)

Engine 1 Torque Net:

135 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm (US Spec, may vary by region)

Engine 2 Type:

Mazda B3 SOHC (Single Overhead Cam) Inline-4

Engine 2 Displacement:

1839 cc (1.8 Liters)

Engine 2 Horsepower Net:

118 hp @ 5000 rpm (Approximate, may vary)

Engine 2 Torque Net:

117 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm (Approximate, may vary)

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Ignition Type:

Electronic Ignition System (EIS) with Distributor and Coil

Cooling Method:

Water Cooled

Oil Type Recommendation:

API SG or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (refer to manual for specific climate/load conditions)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

5-Speed Manual Transmission

Transmission Type Optional:

4-Speed Electronically Controlled Automatic Transmission

Transfer Case:

2-Speed Transfer Case with 2WD/4WD High/4WD Low engagement (on 4WD models)

Manual Transmission Fluid:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 (or 80W-90, consult manual)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Dexron III (or equivalent, consult manual)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

2650 mm (104.3 inches)

Length:

4315 mm (169.9 inches)

Width:

1795 mm (70.7 inches)

Height:

1685 mm (66.3 inches)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1500-1700 kg (3300-3750 lbs) depending on configuration.

Standard Tire Size:

P235/75R15

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5x139.7 mm (5x5.5 inches)

Standard Wheel Size:

15 x 7.0 inches

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating:

Not extensively tested or rated by NHTSA for this model year in a publicly accessible database. Early SUVs often had less rigorous testing.

ABS:

Available on some trim levels, often front wheels only or front and rear.

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags standard.

Seatbelts:

3-point seatbelts with pretensioners for front occupants, 3-point rear seatbelts.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM/Cassette or optional CD player. Basic speaker systems.

ABS:

Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on select models.

Auxiliary Ports:

No factory auxiliary input (3.5mm jack) or USB ports.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first), using synthetic or synthetic blend oil is recommended for optimal performance and longevity. Check manual for specific driving conditions.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles or 12 months, or more frequently in dusty conditions.

Spark Plug Replacement:

FE DOHC: Approximately 60,000 miles (copper plugs). Consult manual for exact type and interval. B3 SOHC may have different requirements.

Timing Belt Replacement:

FE DOHC: Crucial! Replace every 60,000 miles or 4 years. A broken timing belt will cause severe engine damage (interference engine).

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, 50/50 mix with distilled water. Refer to manual for specific color/type (e.g., Asian vehicle specific OAT/HOAT).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check master cylinder cap/manual)

Common Wear Items:

CV boots, ball joints, tie rod ends, wheel bearings, exhaust system components (rust), front brake pads/rotors.

Engine Specific Concerns:

FE DOHC: Timing belt service is paramount. Oil leaks from valve cover gasket and crankshaft seals can occur. B3 SOHC: Generally reliable but less powerful; potential for head gasket issues with age/overheating.

Transmission Concerns:

Manual transmission clutch wear. Automatic transmission shift quality degradation or solenoid issues with high mileage.

Rust Prone Areas:

Wheel arches, rocker panels, rear quarter panels, frame rails (especially in rust belt regions).

📚 Vehicle History

Kia History:

Kia Corporation, established in 1944, is South Korea's oldest manufacturer of motor vehicles. Known for its rapid growth and diversification into various automotive segments.

Sportage First Generation:

The 1999 Sportage belongs to the first generation (1993-2002), which was based on the Mazda Bongo/Ford Econovan platform. It featured body-on-frame construction, offering ruggedness but a less refined ride compared to later unibody SUVs.

Manufacturing Location:

South Korea (primarily)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Segment Awards:

While the first-generation Sportage wasn't a major award winner in the same vein as some Japanese competitors, it offered a budget-friendly and capable entry into the compact SUV market, appealing to value-conscious buyers.