Segment:
Compact car segment (sedan, hatchback, coupe).
Key Competitors 2012:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Hyundai Elantra (sharing platforms), Ford Focus.
Design Philosophy:
Sporty styling, practical interiors, value-oriented pricing.
Variant Differences:
Forte sedan (4-door), Forte5 (5-door hatchback), Koup (2-door coupe) offer distinct body styles and target demographics.
Diy Focus:
Empowers owners and independent repair shops to perform a wide range of maintenance and repair tasks, saving costs.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, lubrication, cooling, exhaust, ignition, starting, charging systems.
Transmission:
Manual and Automatic transmission overhaul, diagnostics, and repair procedures.
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive system, CV axles, differential, wheel bearings.
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, steering rack, power steering system.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (disc brakes), ABS, parking brake system.
Electrical Electronics:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrument cluster, body control modules, infotainment system wiring diagrams.
Body Chassis:
Body panels, doors, interior trim, glass, bumpers, structural components, corrosion protection.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common drivability issues, electrical faults, and mechanical problems.
Repair Rebuild:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, repair, and reassembly.
Diagnostics:
OBD-II diagnostic trouble code (DTC) interpretation and troubleshooting guides.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.
Resolution:
High resolution, suitable for printing individual pages or the entire manual.
Binding Suggestion:
Printable, ideal for spiral binding or three-ring binders for easy navigation.
Recommended Paper:
Standard printer paper (8.5"x11" or A4) for optimal readability.
Text Search:
Searchable text for quick access to specific information.
Engine Code 1:
G4FC (1.6L Gamma MPI)
Displacement 1:
1.6 Liters (1591 cc)
Configuration 1:
Inline-4 Cylinder, DOHC, 16 Valves
Bore Stroke 1:
77.0 mm x 85.5 mm
Compression Ratio 1:
10.5:1
Horsepower 1:
138 hp @ 6300 rpm
Torque 1:
123 lb-ft @ 4850 rpm
Engine Code 2:
G4KD (2.0L Beta II MPI)
Displacement 2:
2.0 Liters (1998 cc)
Configuration 2:
Inline-4 Cylinder, DOHC, 16 Valves
Bore Stroke 2:
86.0 mm x 86.0 mm
Compression Ratio 2:
9.3:1
Horsepower 2:
156 hp @ 6200 rpm
Torque 2:
144 lb-ft @ 4300 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended)
Oil Capacity 1 6L:
4.0 US quarts (3.8 Liters) with filter change
Oil Type 1 6L:
SAE 5W-20, API SN or higher
Oil Capacity 2 0L:
4.2 US quarts (4.0 Liters) with filter change
Oil Type 2 0L:
SAE 5W-20, API SN or higher
Manual Transmission:
5-speed manual (M5CF1 for 1.6L, M5GF1 for 2.0L)
Automatic Transmission:
4-speed automatic (4AT-F for 1.6L, F4A51 for 2.0L)
Automatic Modes:
Driver-selectable modes (e.g., Sport, Comfort on some trims)
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
KIA SPIIIM (or equivalent)
Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-85 (manual transmission fluid)
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 7.2 US quarts (6.8 Liters) for a dry fill; less for fluid change.
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
5-Star
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
5-Star
NHTSA Side Impact Front Passenger:
5-Star
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Passenger:
5-Star
NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4-Star
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Yes (for most 2012 models)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Ebs:
Electronic Brake-force Distribution
Esc:
Electronic Stability Control (Standard)
TCS:
Traction Control System (Standard)
Airbags Front:
Dual front advanced airbags
Airbags Side:
Dual front side-impact airbags
Airbags Curtain:
Full-length side curtain airbags (standard on sedan/hatchback, optional/standard on Koup depending on trim)
Seatbelts:
3-point seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters
Child Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with USB and auxiliary input jacks. Higher trims may feature premium audio (e.g., Infinity).
Navigation:
Optional touchscreen navigation system on higher trim levels.
Bluetooth:
Optional Bluetooth hands-free connectivity.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Backup Camera:
Optional rearview camera integrated into the navigation system or rearview mirror.
Ucl:
User Convenience Link for remote keyless entry and power accessories.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions.
Air Filter Replacement Interval:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as needed based on inspection.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement Interval:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement Interval 1 6L:
Every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) (Iridium type).
Spark Plug Replacement Interval 2 0L:
Every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) (Iridium type).
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) or 5 years, whichever comes first.
Brake Fluid Flush Interval:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years, whichever comes first.
Coolant Type:
Hyundai/Kia Long Life Coolant (Blue) - Ethylene Glycol based
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Engine Oil Consumption:
Some owners have reported higher than average oil consumption, particularly on higher mileage 2.0L engines. Regular checks are recommended.
Transmission Shifting Harshness:
Occasional reports of harsh shifting in automatic transmissions, potentially related to fluid condition or valve body issues.
Evaporative Emissions System Leaks:
Common for various vehicles, including the Forte, to develop leaks in the EVAP system, often indicated by a check engine light and P0455 code.
Suspension Noise:
Front suspension components (struts, ball joints, bushings) can develop noise over time, especially in areas with rough roads.
Kia Evolution:
Kia Motors Corporation, founded in 1944, has a significant global presence known for value-driven vehicles.
Forte Introduction:
The Kia Forte was introduced for the 2009 model year as a replacement for the Kia Spectra. The 2010-2013 models represent the first generation (TD/JK platform).
Forte5 Introduction:
The Forte5 hatchback variant was introduced for the 2010 model year, offering a more practical alternative to the sedan.
Koup Introduction:
The Koup, a two-door coupe version, was introduced for the 2010 model year, targeting a sportier demographic.
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily Gwangmyeong, South Korea, and also in other Kia assembly plants globally.
First Generation Years:
2009-2013