🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Kia

Model:

Soul

Year:

2010

Platform:

Kia PG Platform

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Subcompact Crossover SUV

Target Demographic:

Young buyers, urban dwellers, individuals seeking practicality and distinctive styling.

Key Competitors:

Scion xB, Nissan Cube, Honda Element (discontinued before 2010, but conceptually similar), Ford Fiesta (as a hatchback alternative).

Design:

Distinctive, boxy, upright styling with a unique silhouette.

Interior Versatility:

Spacious interior for its size, flexible seating arrangements, and ample cargo space.

Value Proposition:

Offers a good balance of features, space, and affordability.

📋 Manual Details

Regions Covered:

North America

Trim Levels Covered:

Base, !, Sport

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 2500+ pages (typical for a comprehensive factory service manual)

Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Complete engine disassembly, assembly, diagnostics, and repair for all engine variants.

Engine Control System:

ECM operation, fuel injection, ignition timing, emissions control, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).

Transmission Manual:

Repair, overhaul, and diagnosis of the 5-speed manual transmission.

Transmission Automatic:

Repair, overhaul, and diagnosis of the 4-speed automatic transmission (4F27E).

Drivetrain:

Front-wheel drive (FWD) system, including driveshafts, CV joints, and differential.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, including struts, shocks, control arms, bushings, and wheel alignment.

Steering:

Power steering system (hydraulic), steering gear, column, and related components.

Brakes:

Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes (standard) or rear disc brakes (optional on some trims), ABS system, parking brake.

Cooling System:

Radiator, coolant, thermostat, water pump, cooling fans, and hoses.

Fuel System:

Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel injectors, fuel filter, fuel pressure regulator.

Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, muffler, and pipes.

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), ignition system.

Lighting System:

Headlights, taillights, interior lighting, fog lights (if equipped).

Body Electrical:

Power windows, power locks, mirrors, wipers, horn, interior controls.

HVAC System:

Air conditioning, heating, ventilation, blower motor, controls, refrigerant service.

Safety Systems:

Airbag system, seatbelt pre-tensioners, ABS diagnostics.

Chassis:

Frame, body construction, mounting points.

Restraint Systems:

Airbag module locations, sensors, control units, and replacement procedures.

Diagnostic Tools:

OBD-II diagnostic procedures, scanner usage, sensor data interpretation.

Scheduled Maintenance:

Detailed instructions for all scheduled maintenance items and intervals.

Engine Repair:

Engine rebuild procedures, piston ring replacement, valve seal replacement, gasket renewal.

Transmission Overhaul:

Complete step-by-step instructions for automatic and manual transmission disassembly and reassembly.

Brake Service:

Brake pad replacement, rotor resurfacing/replacement, caliper service, brake fluid flush.

Suspension Replacement:

Strut, shock absorber, ball joint, and control arm replacement.

Electrical Troubleshooting:

Wiring diagrams, circuit testing, component diagnosis, and repair for all electrical systems.

HVAC Repair:

Refrigerant handling, compressor replacement, evaporator/condenser service, blower motor diagnosis.

Fuel System Cleaning:

Fuel injector cleaning and replacement, fuel pump testing.

Timing Belt Replacement:

Specific procedures and torque specifications for timing belt replacement (if applicable to engine variants).

Body Panel Repair:

Minor bodywork and panel replacement guidance.

Diagnostics:

Symptom-based troubleshooting guides and diagnostic flowcharts.

Depth:

Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds.

Diagnostic Capability:

Advanced diagnostic procedures including sensor data interpretation and fault code analysis.

Torque Specifications:

Detailed torque specifications for all critical fasteners.

Clearances:

Specified component clearances and tolerances for proper assembly.

Wiring Diagrams:

Full vehicle electrical wiring diagrams for all systems.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text for quick information retrieval.

Image Resolution:

High-resolution images and diagrams for clarity.

Binding:

N/A (PDF Format)

Paper Quality:

N/A (PDF Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code 1:

G4FA (1.6L)

Engine Description 1:

1.6L Gamma Inline-4 (G4FA)

Displacement 1:

1591 cc (97.0 cu in)

Bore Stroke 1:

77.0 mm x 85.4 mm

Compression Ratio 1:

10.5:1

Horsepower 1:

122 hp @ 6300 rpm

Torque 1:

115 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm

Valve Train 1:

DOHC, 16 valves, CVVT (Continuously Variable Valve Timing)

Fuel Delivery 1:

Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection

Engine Code 2:

G4KD (2.0L)

Engine Description 2:

2.0L Theta II Inline-4 (G4KD)

Displacement 2:

1998 cc (121.9 cu in)

Bore Stroke 2:

86.0 mm x 86.0 mm

Compression Ratio 2:

10.1:1

Horsepower 2:

142 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque 2:

137 lb-ft @ 4600 rpm

Valve Train 2:

DOHC, 16 valves, CVVT (Continuously Variable Valve Timing)

Fuel Delivery 2:

Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

Evaporative Emission Control:

EVAP system with charcoal canister.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type 1:

5-speed Manual Transmission

Transmission Type 2:

4-speed Automatic Transmission (4F27E)

Drive Layout:

Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Kia SPIII or equivalent (check manual for specific part number if available)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

160.6 inches (4079 mm)

Width:

69.5 inches (1765 mm)

Height:

63.4 inches (1610 mm)

Wheelbase:

98.4 inches (2499 mm)

Ground Clearance:

Approximately 6.1 inches (155 mm)

Passenger Volume:

Approximately 96.7 cu ft

Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:

Approximately 19.3 cu ft

Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded:

Approximately 52.1 cu ft

Curb Weight 1.6L:

Approximately 2700-2800 lbs (depending on transmission and features)

Curb Weight 2.0L:

Approximately 2800-2950 lbs (depending on transmission and features)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Typically around 3700-3900 lbs

Towing Capacity:

Not Recommended (typically 0 lbs for this vehicle class)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Driver Impact:

5-Star (2010 model year)

NHTSA Frontal Passenger Impact:

5-Star (2010 model year)

NHTSA Side Driver Impact:

5-Star (2010 model year)

NHTSA Side Passenger Impact:

5-Star (2010 model year)

NHTSA Side Rear Barrier:

5-Star (2010 model year)

NHTSA Rollover Resistance:

4-Star (2010 model year)

IIHS Moderate Overlap Front:

Good (2010 model year)

IIHS Side Impact:

Good (2010 model year)

IIHS Roof Strength:

Good (2010 model year)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Ebs:

Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)

Esc:

Standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

Traction Control:

Traction Control System (TCS)

Airbags Front:

Driver and front passenger airbags

Airbags Side:

Front seat-mounted side airbags

Airbags Curtain:

Full-length side curtain airbags

Seatbelts:

3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters

Child Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system

💡 Technology Features

Audio System Standard:

AM/FM/CD/MP3 player with SiriusXM Satellite Radio capability, USB and auxiliary input jacks, and 4 or 6 speakers.

Infotainment Controls:

Steering wheel-mounted audio controls on higher trims.

Backup Camera:

Optional on select trims.

Parking Sensors:

Not commonly available for this model year.

Bluetooth:

Optional for hands-free calling and audio streaming on select trims.

Keyless Entry:

Standard or optional depending on trim level.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most trims.

Power Accessories:

Power windows, power door locks, power mirrors available on most trims.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (severe driving conditions) or 7,500 miles / 12 months (normal driving conditions) - consult manual for specifics.

Engine Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles or 12 months (or as needed based on driving conditions).

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles or 12 months (or as needed based on driving conditions).

Coolant Replacement:

Initial: 105,000 miles / 10 years. Subsequent: 30,000 miles / 3 years.

Brake Fluid Flush:

Every 2 years or 30,000 miles.

Spark Plug Replacement 1.6L:

Approximately 105,000 miles (Long-life Iridium)

Spark Plug Replacement 2.0L:

Approximately 105,000 miles (Long-life Iridium)

Engine Oil Type:

API SM or higher, SAE 5W-20 (refer to manual for exact specification and capacity)

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based coolant (typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 (refer to manual for exact specification)

Engine Noise:

Some reports of minor engine ticking or knocking sounds under certain conditions, often attributed to normal operation or minor valve train noise.

Suspension Noise:

Occasional reports of clunking or rattling from the suspension, potentially due to worn bushings or strut mounts.

Interior Rattles:

Due to the nature of the interior design and materials, some minor interior rattles might be present over time.

HVAC Issues:

Rare reports of HVAC blower motor issues or refrigerant leaks, though not widespread.

Oil Filter Part Number:

Refer to manual or reputable aftermarket supplier for specific part number (e.g., Purolator PBL10835, Wix 57045).

Air Filter Part Number:

Refer to manual or reputable aftermarket supplier for specific part number (e.g., Fram CA10216, Wix 49973).

📚 Vehicle History

Manufacturer Origin:

South Korea

Brand Philosophy:

Focus on value, design, and improving vehicle quality and technology.

Generation 1 Start:

2009

Generation 1 End:

2013

2010 Model Year Significance:

First generation Kia Soul, introducing its unique styling and practicality to the market.

Manufacturing Plant:

Gwangmyeong, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea

Initial Release Date:

October 2008 (for the 2009 model year, with 2010 being an early production year).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Kbb Best Resale Value:

The Kia Soul has historically been recognized by Kelley Blue Book for its strong resale value in its segment.

Consumer Reports Reliability:

Reliability ratings have varied over the years for the Soul; this 2010 model would require specific evaluation from historical Consumer Reports data, but early models generally showed average to above-average reliability.

Emission Standards:

Meets EPA and CARB emission standards for its model year.