🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Kia

Model:

Amanti

Year:

2006

Chassis Code:

RWD Platform (based on Kia Opirus/Hyundai Grandeur XG)

Market Segment:

Full-size Sedan / Luxury Sedan

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The 2006 Kia Amanti was positioned as Kia's flagship luxury sedan, targeting consumers seeking premium features and comfort at a more accessible price point compared to established luxury brands. It competed in a segment with vehicles like the Toyota Avalon, Buick Lucerne, and Lincoln Town Car.

Competitive Analysis:

While lacking the prestige of some rivals, the Amanti offered a compelling package of standard features, a spacious interior, and a V6 engine, aiming to disrupt the traditional full-size sedan market. Its RWD platform, shared with the Hyundai Grandeur XG, provided a solid foundation for its luxury aspirations.

Key Features:

Standard V6 engine, spacious cabin, leather upholstery, premium audio system, available sunroof, distinctive styling for its time, and a focus on driver comfort.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

All mechanical, electrical, body, and interior systems; maintenance, troubleshooting, diagnostics, repair procedures, specifications, wiring diagrams, and technical bulletins.

Page Count:

Estimated 2000+ pages (typical for comprehensive service manuals of this era and format)

Manual Type:

Official Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Software (likely digital format such as PDF or proprietary application)

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine (including lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, emissions), Transmission (automatic), Drivetrain (RWD, axles, driveshafts), Suspension (front and rear), Steering, Brakes (ABS, EBD), Climate Control (HVAC), Electrical System (charging, starting, lighting, accessories), Body & Chassis, Interior Trim, Restraint Systems (airbags), Diagnostics (OBD-II).

Procedures Included:

Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, component removal and installation, diagnostic fault code interpretation, troubleshooting guides, wiring schematic analysis, repair procedures for common failures, clutch system checks (if applicable), brake bleeding, suspension alignment procedures.

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic fluid checks and filter replacements to detailed engine overhaul, transmission rebuilding, and complex electrical system diagnostics and repair.

Diagnostic Tools Required:

OBD-II scan tool for reading diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), basic hand tools, specialized tools for specific components (e.g., timing belt tools, fuel pressure gauge).

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

Digital Software (likely searchable, printable, and potentially hyperlinked for navigation)

Print Quality:

High-resolution digital images, diagrams, and text, suitable for professional printing of individual sections if desired.

Binding Type:

N/A (Software-based, not a physical book)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital format)

Completeness:

Full Service and Repair Manual, providing comprehensive information for maintenance, diagnosis, and repair. It is not a condensed version.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Displacement:

3.5 Liters (3497 cc)

Engine Configuration:

V6

Engine Code:

G6CU (common for Hyundai/Kia 3.5L V6)

Horsepower:

200 hp @ 5500 rpm

Torque:

220 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Block Material:

Aluminum Alloy

Cylinder Head Material:

Aluminum Alloy

Valve Train Design:

DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshafts), 4 valves per cylinder

ECU Type:

Proprietary Kia/Hyundai ECU with OBD-II diagnostics

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-Speed Automatic

Transmission Code:

Likely related to Hyundai/Kia A5SR1/A5SR2 family

Features:

Electronically controlled, adaptive shift logic, manual shift mode (Sport/Manual mode).

Transmission Fluid Type:

Kia/Hyundai SP-III or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon

Gear Ratios:

Specific ratios would be detailed in the manual, but typical for this era's 5-speed auto.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approximately 197.4 inches

Width:

Approximately 73.0 inches

Height:

Approximately 57.1 inches

Wheelbase:

Approximately 112.2 inches

Passenger Volume:

Approximately 106.1 cu ft

Front Headroom:

Approximately 39.1 inches

Rear Legroom:

Approximately 38.1 inches

Cargo Volume:

Approximately 15.3 cu ft (trunk)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 3600 - 3800 lbs

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approximately 4700 - 4900 lbs

Standard Wheel Size:

17-inch alloy wheels

Standard Tire Size:

P225/55R17

Bolt Pattern:

5x114.3mm (5x4.5 inches)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating Driver:

4-Star (for 2006 model year, typical for its class)

NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating Passenger:

4-Star (for 2006 model year)

NHTSA Side Impact Rating Front Seat:

5-Star (for 2006 model year)

NHTSA Side Impact Rating Rear Seat:

4-Star (for 2006 model year)

IIHS Head Restraint Evaluation:

Good (likely, based on class and era)

Active Safety Features:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Traction Control System (TCS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC - likely standard or optional).

Passive Safety Features:

Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags, three-point seatbelts with pretensioners, active front head restraints.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Premium audio system with CD player, AM/FM radio. Higher trims may include a cassette player and a basic navigation system or premium sound (e.g., Infinity).

Display Type:

LCD or simple digital display for audio and climate controls.

Driver Assistance Features:

Cruise control, rear parking sensors (optional or standard on higher trims).

Connectivity Options:

Basic connectivity, likely with options for auxiliary input or cassette adapter for music playback.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions).

Air Filter Replacement Interval:

Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles, or as needed based on driving conditions.

Spark Plug Replacement Interval:

Approximately every 60,000 - 100,000 miles (depending on spark plug type, e.g., iridium recommended).

Timing Belt Replacement Interval:

The 3.5L V6 G6CU engine in this era typically uses a timing belt. The interval is usually around 60,000-90,000 miles or 5-7 years. This manual will specify the exact interval and procedure, including replacement of tensioners and idler pulleys.

Engine Oil Specification:

SAE 5W-30, API SN or newer, ILSAC GF-5 compliant (or as specified in the manual for the G6CU engine).

Engine Coolant Specification:

Proprietary Kia/Hyundai Long Life Coolant (or equivalent HOAT - Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) - typically a pink or orange color.

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Power Steering Fluid Specification:

Dexron III/Mercon compatible fluid, or specific Kia power steering fluid.

Common Issues:

Potential for ABS system faults (wheel speed sensors, module), HVAC blower motor resistor failure, occasional transmission solenoid issues, and timing belt maintenance adherence is crucial to prevent catastrophic engine damage. Water pump leaks may also occur.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Kia, founded in 1944, evolved from a motorcycle and bicycle manufacturer to a major automotive producer. Its entry into the North American market in the early 1990s was characterized by value-oriented vehicles. The Amanti represented Kia's ambitious push into the more premium segment.

Model Evolution:

The Kia Amanti was introduced in 2004 for the 2004 model year as a replacement for the Kia Credos/Optima in larger sedan segment in some markets, though it was a distinct model focused on luxury. It was based on the same platform as the Hyundai Grandeur XG (and later the Azera). It received a minor facelift in 2007.

Production Years:

2004-2009 (North American market)

Manufacturing Location:

South Korea

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

The Amanti did not receive widespread major automotive awards but was recognized for its value proposition and feature content within its price class. Specific awards would need to be researched from contemporary automotive reviews.

Ratings:

Consumer satisfaction ratings varied; while praised for comfort and features, reliability perceptions were typical of Korean brands of that era, which were improving but still catching up to Japanese and German competitors.