Vehicle Segment:
Subcompact Crossover SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle)
Target Audience:
Urban dwellers, young professionals, small families seeking a practical and stylish compact vehicle.
Key Competitors 2011:
Nissan Cube, Scion xB, Honda Element (though the Element was phasing out), Mini Countryman.
Unique Styling:
Distinctive boxy and upright silhouette, wide range of vibrant color options.
Interior Versatility:
Surprisingly spacious interior for its class, configurable seating (60/40 split rear seats), ample cargo space.
Value Proposition:
Offered a good balance of features, practicality, and affordability compared to competitors.
Diagnostic And Repair Focus:
To provide authorized repair procedures, diagnostic information, and specifications for the 1.6L DOHC engine and related systems of the Kia Soul (AM).
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, disassembly, overhaul, cylinder head, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, engine block, timing system, lubrication system, cooling system.
Engine Management:
Fuel injection system (GDI/MPI dependent), ignition system, emissions control system, engine control unit (ECU) diagnostics and component testing.
Transmission Manual:
Manual transmission overhaul, clutch system, gear shifting mechanisms.
Transmission Automatic:
Automatic transmission overhaul (if applicable to this engine variant), torque converter, valve body, internal components, transmission control unit (TCU) diagnostics.
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive system, axles, driveshafts, differential.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, struts, springs, control arms, anti-roll bars.
Steering:
Steering rack, power steering system (hydraulic/electric), steering column.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake system components, calipers, rotors, pads, brake lines, ABS system, parking brake.
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting system, horns, power windows, mirrors, seats.
Body And Chassis:
Body panel removal/installation, door mechanisms, interior trim, underbody components, structural elements.
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system components, refrigerant, controls.
Safety Systems:
Airbag system (SRS), seat belts, diagnostic procedures for safety components.
Scheduled Maintenance:
Detailed procedures for oil changes, filter replacements, fluid flushes, tune-ups, inspections.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts, symptom-to-cause identification, wiring diagrams for electrical fault finding.
Repair And Rebuild:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, repair, and reassembly, including torque specifications and clearances.
Diagnostic Procedures:
OBD-II diagnostics, specific sensor testing, actuator testing, using diagnostic scan tools.
Specification Data:
Torque specifications, fluid capacities, electrical specifications, engine timings, wear limits.
Depth Level:
Comprehensive (includes detailed diagnostics, repair, and overhaul of all major vehicle systems).
Diagnostic Capability:
Advanced (covers electronic diagnostics, sensor testing, and system troubleshooting).
Repair Scope:
Full rebuilds and major component replacement.
Engine Code:
G4FC (Gamma engine family)
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC (Double Overhead Camshafts), 16 valves.
Displacement:
1.6 Liters (1591 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
77.0 mm x 85.4 mm (approximate)
Compression Ratio:
10.5:1 (typical for this engine)
Horsepower:
124 hp @ 6300 rpm (approximate, may vary slightly by market)
Torque:
115 lb-ft @ 4850 rpm (approximate, may vary slightly by market)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane or higher recommended)
Emission Control:
Catalytic converter, O2 sensors, evaporative emission control system (EVAP).
Length:
4095 mm (161.2 inches)
Width:
1765 mm (69.5 inches)
Height:
1600 mm (63.0 inches)
Wheelbase:
2550 mm (100.4 inches)
Ground Clearance:
155 mm (6.1 inches) (approximate)
Passenger Volume:
Approx. 2.5 cubic meters (90 cu ft)
Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seats:
Approx. 564 Liters (19.9 cu ft)
Cargo Volume With Rear Seats Folded:
Approx. 1302 Liters (46.0 cu ft)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1230-1270 kg (2712-2800 lbs) (depending on transmission and equipment)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
N/A (Specific GVWR not commonly advertised in base specs, consult manual for precise figure)
Towing Capacity:
Not Recommended (Typical for this vehicle class)
NHTSA Front Crash Test Rating:
4 Stars (for driver and passenger) for the 2011 model.
IIHS Side Crash Test Rating:
Good (Top Safety Pick for 2011 models without side airbags, Good for models with side airbags)
Braking System:
Front ventilated discs, rear solid discs.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Esc:
Optional Electronic Stability Control (ESC) - availability varied by trim level and market.
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (TCS)
Airbags:
Standard front airbags, optional front side-impact airbags and side curtain airbags (availability varied by trim).
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters for front seats; three-point seat belts for rear seats.
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions. Severe driving conditions may require more frequent changes.
Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 7,500 miles, replace as needed (typically every 15,000-30,000 miles depending on driving environment).
Engine Coolant Flush:
Replace coolant every 60,000 miles or 4 years, whichever comes first.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Replace spark plugs (iridium type) at 105,000 miles (168,000 km).
Transmission Fluid Change Manual:
Inspect annually. Replace if necessary based on driving conditions (typically not scheduled for replacement unless issues arise).
Transmission Fluid Change Automatic:
Replace every 60,000 miles or 4 years under normal conditions. Severe conditions may require replacement every 30,000 miles or 2 years.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-20, API SN or higher, ILSAC GF-5 compliant.
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.0 US quarts (3.8 Liters) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based, OAT (Organic Acid Technology) type, meeting specification MS 591-08 (typically an orange or pink coolant).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Refer to manual for specific type, often a proprietary fluid or ATF Dexron III (confirm with manual).
Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
GL-4, SAE 75W-85 synthetic gear oil (confirm exact specification).
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
SP-III (or equivalent compatible fluid, refer to manual for specific part number and specification).
Engine Oil Consumption:
Some owners have reported slightly higher than average oil consumption, making regular checks crucial. Refer to the manual for potential causes and checks.
Engine Knocking Or Pinging:
Can occur with low-octane fuel or carbon buildup. Manual provides diagnostic steps for detonation.
Suspension Noise:
Worn bushings or ball joints can lead to clunking or rattling sounds over bumps. Manual details inspection and replacement procedures.
HVAC Blower Motor Issues:
Occasional failures of the blower motor or resistor. Manual covers diagnostics and replacement.
Kia Motors Corp:
Founded in 1944, Kia is South Korea's oldest manufacturer of motor vehicles, known for its affordable and increasingly stylish vehicles.
Soul First Generation Launch:
The first generation Kia Soul (AM) was unveiled in 2008 and arrived in North America for the 2009 model year. The 2011 model represents a mid-cycle refresh or minor update for this generation.
Second Generation Transition:
The second generation Soul (PS) was introduced for the 2014 model year, featuring a significant redesign and updated powertrains.
Manufacturing Plant:
Gwangmyeong, South Korea (Kia Motors Plant)
Production Period Am Generation:
2008 - 2013