Segment:
Compact Sedan / Compact Car
Target Audience:
DIY enthusiasts, independent repair shops, fleet maintenance
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Hyundai Elantra, Ford Focus
Competitive Advantage:
Value for money, stylish design, good fuel economy, decent feature set for the price point
Vehicle Highlights:
Sleek exterior styling, comfortable interior, available advanced safety features, fuel-efficient engine options
Primary Coverage:
Service, Repair, Diagnostics, Maintenance
Secondary Coverage:
Wiring Diagrams, Technical Specifications, Component Locations, Troubleshooting Guides
Estimated Page Count:
Over 2500 pages (typical for a comprehensive workshop manual)
Manual Type:
Workshop Manual / Service Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Engine Mechanical, Engine Control System (ECM), Fuel System, Ignition System, Exhaust System, Transmission (Automatic and Manual), Drivetrain Components (CVT, AWD if applicable - although Forte is typically FWD)
Chassis:
Suspension System (Front and Rear), Steering System, Braking System (ABS, EBD, ESC), Wheel and Tire Specifications
Electrical:
Body Control Module (BCM), Lighting System, Instrument Cluster, Power Accessories, Audio System, Navigation System, HVAC Controls, Body Electrical Wiring Diagrams
Body:
Exterior Body Panels, Interior Trim, Doors, Windows, Seats, Airbags, Safety Restraints
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil Change, Filter Replacement, Spark Plug Replacement, Brake Fluid Flush, Coolant Replacement, Air Filter Replacement, Tire Rotation
Repair Procedures:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Brake Component Replacement, Suspension Component Replacement, Steering Rack Replacement, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Replacement, Body Panel Repair
Diagnostic Procedures:
OBD-II Diagnostic Codes, Engine Performance Diagnosis, Transmission Shifting Issues, HVAC System Troubleshooting, Electrical System Fault Finding
Special Procedures:
Timing Belt/Chain Replacement, Fuel Injector Cleaning/Replacement, Clutch Replacement (Manual Transmission), Airbag System Service
Diagnostic Depth:
Advanced diagnostic procedures, fault code interpretation, sensor data analysis
Rebuild Depth:
Complete engine and transmission rebuild specifications, torque values, clearances, and assembly procedures
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical schematics for all systems, including component identification and wire routing
PDF Quality:
High-resolution scans, searchable text (if OCR processed), printable pages
Print Quality:
Optimized for digital viewing and printing
Binding Type:
N/A (Digital PDF Download)
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital PDF Download)
Engine Code 1 8L:
G4FB (1.8L MPI)
Engine Code 2 0L:
G4FG (2.0L GDI)
Horsepower 1 8L:
145 hp @ 6300 rpm
Torque 1 8L:
130 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
Horsepower 2 0L:
164 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque 2 0L:
151 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm
Fuel Delivery 1 8L:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Delivery 2 0L:
Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Engine Oil Viscosity:
SAE 0W-20 (API SN or ILSAC GF-5)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.6 US quarts (4.4 Liters) with filter change
Coolant Type:
Hyundai/Kia Long Life Coolant (Blue) or equivalent (Ethylene Glycol-based, 50/50 mix with distilled water)
Transmission Type:
6-Speed Manual Transmission (M6GF2)
Transmission Type:
6-Speed Automatic Transmission with Shiftronic (A6GF1)
Automatic Transmission Features:
Driver Mode Select (Eco, Normal, Sport)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
DIA QUEEN ATF SP-III or compatible (check specific model application)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
GL-4 SAE 75W-90 gear oil (check specific application)
Length:
175.0 - 175.7 inches (4445 - 4463 mm)
Width:
69.9 inches (1775 mm)
Height:
57.9 inches (1471 mm)
Wheelbase:
106.3 inches (2700 mm)
Trunk Capacity:
15.0 cu ft (425 Liters)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2,800 - 3,000 lbs (1270 - 1361 kg) depending on trim and powertrain
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Refer to vehicle specific sticker or manual
Towing Capacity:
Not Recommended/Intended for towing
NHTSA Overall Rating:
5-Star (for most configurations)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Yes (for models equipped with specific options)
Electronic Stability Control Esc:
Standard
Traction Control System TCS:
Standard
Anti Lock Braking System ABS:
Standard
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution Ebd:
Standard
Airbags:
Dual front, front-side, side-curtain airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point active seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system
Infotainment System:
Available UVO infotainment system with touchscreen, Bluetooth, SiriusXM Satellite Radio
Audio System:
Standard 6-speaker audio, optional premium audio system
Navigation:
Optional navigation system
Parking Sensors:
Not typically available for 2015 model year
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available on higher trims
Rear Cross Traffic Alert:
Available on higher trims
Auxiliary Audio Input:
Available
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km)
Spark Plug Replacement Gdi:
Every 105,000 miles (168,000 km)
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months
Brake Fluid Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months
Coolant Replacement:
First replacement at 105,000 miles (168,000 km) or 10 years, then every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months thereafter
Engine Noise Knock Ping:
Some reports of engine knocking or pinging, particularly on GDI engines, potentially related to carbon buildup or fuel quality. Manual addresses diagnosis and cleaning procedures.
Transmission Harsh Shifting:
Occasional complaints of harsh shifting in automatic transmissions, often addressable with software updates or fluid service per manual guidance.
Electrical Glitches:
Infrequent reports of minor electrical issues (e.g., infotainment system glitches), typically covered by detailed electrical troubleshooting in the manual.
Steering Wheel Vibration:
Possible causes include tire balance or suspension issues, both extensively covered in the manual.
Manufacturer Origin:
South Korea
Brand Philosophy:
Focus on affordability, value, and increasingly, design and technology
First Generation Launch:
2008 (as Kia Cerato/Forte)
Third Generation Launch:
2013 (for model year 2014)
2015 Model Year Updates:
Mid-cycle refresh, updated styling, revised features, introduction of GDI engine on some trims
Assembly Locations:
Hwaseong, South Korea; Gwangmyeong, South Korea; Mexico (for North American market)