Segment:
Compact Car (C-segment)
Target Audience:
Young professionals, budget-conscious buyers, small families seeking stylish and practical transportation.
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cruze, Nissan Sentra.
Design:
Sporty and distinctive styling, particularly in Forte5 and Koup variants.
Value Proposition:
Aggressively priced with a strong feature set for its class.
Powertrain Options:
Availability of a capable 2.4L engine offering a good balance of performance and efficiency.
Geographic Coverage:
Primarily North America, adaptable to global markets with regional specification notes.
Trim Level Coverage:
Covers all trim levels offered with the 2.4L engine.
Estimated Page Count:
Approx. 1500-2000+ pages (typical for a comprehensive factory service manual).
Type:
Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Workshop Manual
Format:
Digital (PDF), potentially also available in print.
Searchability:
Searchable text within PDF format for efficient information retrieval.
Printable:
Printable pages for in-garage reference.
Layout:
Clear, step-by-step instructions with accompanying diagrams and illustrations.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical (2.4L G4KC), lubrication, cooling, fuel delivery, ignition, exhaust, engine management (ECM/ECU), emissions control.
Transmission:
Manual (M5CF1) and Automatic (A/T F4A42/F4A51) transmissions: overhaul, diagnostics, shifting mechanisms, control systems.
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive (FWD) system, CV joints, drive shafts, differential (integrated with transmission).
Suspension:
Front MacPherson strut, rear torsion beam/independent (depending on variant). Components, alignment, troubleshooting.
Steering:
Hydraulic power steering system: pump, rack and pinion, column, troubleshooting.
Brakes:
Front disc, rear drum/disc (depending on trim): hydraulic system, ABS (if equipped), parking brake, troubleshooting.
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system (alternator, starter), lighting, power accessories, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams.
Body And Interior:
Exterior panels, doors, latches, glass, interior trim, seating, HVAC system, comfort controls.
Safety Systems:
Airbag system (SRS), seatbelts, safety restraint system components.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, brake inspections, tire rotation.
Diagnostics:
System-specific troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, fault code interpretation (OBD-II), diagnostic connector location.
Repair And Overhaul:
Component removal, installation, disassembly, assembly, and adjustment for all major systems.
Torque Specifications:
Detailed torque values for critical fasteners across all assemblies (engine, chassis, body).
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical schematics for all circuits, including pinouts and component identification.
Depth:
Expert level, covering from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, advanced diagnostics, and component-level repair.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage instructions for specialized tools required for specific repairs.
Engine Type:
Inline-4 Cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve
Displacement:
2359 cc (2.4 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
88.0 mm x 97.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.5:1
Horsepower:
173 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
167 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane (Regular Unleaded)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
13.0 gallons (49.2 Liters)
ECU Type:
Kia proprietary ECU, likely Denso or similar.
Emissions Compliance:
Federal Tier 2 Bin 5 / LEV II standards.
Type:
5-Speed Manual Transmission (M5CF1)
Type:
4-Speed Automatic Transmission (F4A42 or F4A51)
Automatic Features:
Electronically controlled, torque converter lock-up clutch.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 (check manual for exact Kia specification)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Hyundai/Kia SP-III (or compatible SP-IV if superseded, verify with manual).
Wheelbase:
Approx. 104.3 inches (2649 mm)
Length:
Sedan: 178.1 in (4524 mm); Hatchback/Koup: 170.1 in (4320 mm)
Width:
70.7 inches (1796 mm)
Height:
Sedan: 57.1 in (1450 mm); Hatchback/Koup: 56.1 in (1425 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2900-3100 lbs (1315-1406 kg), depending on body style and transmission.
Gvw:
Approx. 4000-4200 lbs (1814-1905 kg)
Trunk Volume Sedan:
Approx. 14.7 cubic feet (416 Liters)
Cargo Volume Hatchback:
Approx. 19.4 cubic feet (550 Liters) behind rear seats, expandable with seats folded.
Wheel Size Standard:
16-inch alloy wheels
Wheel Size Optional:
17-inch alloy wheels
Tire Size Standard:
205/55R16
Tire Size Optional:
215/45R17
NHTSA Crash Test Front Driver:
5-Star (for applicable body styles and configurations).
NHTSA Crash Test Front Passenger:
5-Star (for applicable body styles and configurations).
NHTSA Crash Test Side Driver:
5-Star
NHTSA Crash Test Side Passenger:
5-Star
IIHS Crash Test Moderate Overlap Front:
Good (for applicable body styles and configurations).
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Esc:
Standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (TCS)
Airbags:
Driver, passenger, front side-impact, curtain airbags (standard on most trims).
Seatbelts:
3-point active seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.
Audio System:
Standard CD/MP3 player with auxiliary input, USB port, and satellite radio. Optional premium audio systems available on higher trims.
Connectivity:
Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming available on select trims.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Keyless Entry:
Standard keyless entry with remote fob. Optional push-button start.
Windows And Locks:
Power windows and door locks standard on most trims.
Oil And Filter Change:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions.
Air Cleaner Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed. Replace at 30,000 miles (48,000 km) under severe conditions.
Cabin Air Filter:
Inspect/replace every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
Spark Plugs:
Replace at 105,000 miles (168,000 km) using Iridium type plugs.
Coolant Replacement:
Initial replacement at 105,000 miles (168,000 km), then every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months thereafter.
Engine Oil Type:
API SM or higher, SAE 5W-20 synthetic blend or full synthetic.
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.7 US quarts (4.4 Liters) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
Genuine Kia Long Life Coolant (Blue) or equivalent (OAT - Organic Acid Technology).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Engine Noise Pinging:
Some reports of engine pinging or knocking, often related to carbon buildup or fuel quality. Manual covers decarbonizing procedures.
Transmission Shift Harshness:
Occasional harsh shifting in automatic transmissions, potentially addressable with fluid changes and control module updates. Manual provides diagnostic flowcharts.
Suspension Noise:
Reports of clunks or rattles from suspension, often due to worn bushings or ball joints. Manual details inspection and replacement.
Climate Control Fan Noise:
HVAC blower motor can become noisy. Manual covers blower motor replacement.
Manufacturer:
Kia Motors Corporation, South Korea.
Generation:
First Generation (2009-2013)
Body Styles:
Introduced as a sedan, with the Forte5 hatchback and Forte Koup coupe variants launched subsequently, including for the 2010 model year.
Manufacturing Plant:
Hwasung Plant, South Korea; Gwangmyeong Plant, South Korea.
Introduction Year Global:
2008 (as Kia Cerato)
Introduction Year North America:
2009