Segment:
Full-size Luxury Sedan
Competitors:
Buick LeSabre/Lucerne, Toyota Avalon, Chrysler 300, Ford Five Hundred/Taurus.
Focus:
Comfort, spacious interior, quiet ride, value proposition.
Target Audience:
Buyers seeking a comfortable and well-equipped sedan at a competitive price point.
Benefit To Owner:
Enables owners and independent repair shops to perform diagnostics, maintenance, and repairs accurately and efficiently, saving on dealership labor costs.
Benefit To Technician:
Provides direct access to factory-level repair information, specifications, and procedures, mirroring dealership resources.
Engine:
Comprehensive engine diagnostics, repair, and overhaul for all variants.
Transmission:
Detailed procedures for automatic transmission service, repair, and troubleshooting.
Brakes:
ABS, EBD, brake system component diagnosis and repair, fluid replacement.
Electrical:
Full wiring diagrams, component testing, diagnostic procedures for all electrical systems.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension component inspection, replacement, and alignment specifications.
Steering:
Power steering system diagnosis, repair, and component replacement.
HVAC:
Air conditioning system service, refrigerant handling, climate control unit diagnosis.
Body And Chassis:
Body panel repair, structural integrity, door, window, and interior trim procedures.
Fuel System:
Fuel injection system diagnosis, pump, injector, and sensor testing.
Exhaust System:
Exhaust component inspection, replacement, and catalytic converter information.
Cooling System:
Radiator, thermostat, water pump, and cooling fan service and repair.
Safety Systems:
Airbag system diagnostics and SRS component replacement procedures.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, tire rotation, spark plug service.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting guides.
Component Replacement:
Step-by-step instructions for replacing major and minor components.
Rebuilding:
Complete engine and transmission rebuilding procedures, including torque specifications.
Diagnostics:
OBD-II diagnostics, sensor data interpretation, fault code explanations.
Wheel Alignment:
Alignment specifications and adjustment procedures.
Timing Belt Service:
Precise procedures and timing marks for belt replacement.
Brake System Bleeding:
Correct procedures for bleeding brake lines.
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures.
Engine Code:
G6CU (3.5L V6)
Engine Type:
3.5L V6 DOHC
Displacement:
3497 cc (213.4 cu. in.)
Horsepower:
200 hp @ 5500 rpm (approx.)
Torque:
218 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended)
Ignition System:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with coil-on-plug
Emissions Control:
Catalytic Converter, EGR System, Oxygen Sensors
NHTSA Front Impact:
Not Rated (Vehicle of this era often had limited standardized testing)
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Good (for 2005 model year)
Traction Control:
Standard
Electronic Stability Control Esc:
Optional on some trims, standard on later models.
Antilock Braking System ABS:
Standard
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution Ebd:
Standard
Airbags:
Front dual-stage airbags, front side-impact airbags.
Seat Belts:
Pretensioning front seatbelts with load limiters.
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system.
Audio System:
AM/FM/CD player with optional premium audio system (e.g., Infinity).
Climate Control:
Automatic climate control with dual-zone temperature settings on higher trims.
Navigation:
Optional GPS navigation system available on some models.
Parking Sensors:
Optional rear parking assist sensors.
Auxiliary Input:
Available on some later models or as an aftermarket addition.
Oil Change:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Engine Air Filter:
Replace every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Cabin Air Filter:
Replace every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
Spark Plugs:
Replace every 60,000 miles (96,000 km).
Transmission Fluid:
Inspect every 30,000 miles (48,000 km), replace as needed or approximately every 60,000 miles (96,000 km).
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-30, API SN or higher
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol-based coolant, 50/50 mix with distilled water (Orange colored for Kia vehicles of this era).
Engine Misfires:
Can occur due to worn spark plugs, ignition coils, or fuel injector issues. The manual details diagnostic steps.
Transmission Slipping:
May require transmission fluid and filter service, or more in-depth internal repair as detailed in the manual.
Power Window Motors:
Known to fail; the manual provides replacement procedures.
Suspension Noises:
Often related to worn ball joints, tie rod ends, or sway bar links. The manual covers inspection and replacement.
HVAC Blower Motor:
Can fail; replacement is covered in the manual.
Kia History:
Kia Motors Corporation, founded in 1944, is a South Korean automobile manufacturer. It is the second-largest automobile manufacturer in South Korea and is part of the Hyundai Motor Group.
Amanti Introduction:
The Kia Amanti was introduced for the 2004 model year as Kia's flagship luxury sedan, aiming to compete in the full-size segment.
Amanti Redesign:
Received a minor refresh for the 2007 model year, with updated styling and features.
Production Location:
South Korea (Hwaseong Plant)
Production Years:
2003-2009 (for model years 2004-2008 in North America)
Discontinuation Reason:
Discontinued in most markets due to declining sales and Kia's shift in product focus towards more globally appealing models.
Initial Reception:
Often praised for its comfortable ride and value, but criticized for less engaging driving dynamics compared to some rivals.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Mixed to average reliability ratings across various components over its production run, as documented in the manual for potential troubleshooting.
