Vehicle Segment:
Full-size minivan, family-oriented vehicle.
Competitors:
Chrysler Town & Country/Voyager, Dodge Grand Caravan, Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey, Ford Freestar.
Doors:
Sliding rear doors (power operated on many trims).
Seating Capacity:
Typically 7 or 8 passengers.
Interior Versatility:
Fold-and-stow seating, ample cargo space.
Lubrication Maintenance:
Recommended fluids, capacities, lubrication points, maintenance intervals.
Suspension:
Front suspension, rear suspension, steering system, wheel alignment specifications.
Brakes:
Front brake system (discs/calipers), rear brake system (discs/calipers), parking brake, ABS, hydraulic system components.
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, cooling fan, coolant types and specifications, pressure testing.
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), fuses, relays, lighting, power windows, door locks, mirrors.
Engine:
Engine mechanical (assembly, disassembly), cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing system, engine diagnostics.
Fuel System:
Fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel injectors, fuel pressure regulator, evaporative emission control (EVAP).
Exhaust System:
Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, muffler, pipes, oxygen sensors.
Transmission:
Automatic transmission (AT) service, rebuild, torque converter, transmission fluid specifications and service.
Heating Air Conditioning:
HVAC system components, refrigerant types and capacities, blower motor, evaporator, condenser, climate control module.
Emission Control Systems:
PCV system, EGR system, EVAP system, catalytic converter function and diagnostics.
Body:
Body panels, doors, hood, tailgate, interior trim, glass, bumpers, body hardware.
Wiring Diagrams:
Complete electrical schematics for all systems, including power distribution, grounds, and component locations.
Preventive Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and flushes, tire rotations, spark plug replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and complex issues across all vehicle systems, fault code interpretation.
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and repair for all major vehicle systems.
Rebuilding Procedures:
Detailed guides for engine and transmission rebuilding, including specifications and tolerances.
Component Diagnostics:
Specific diagnostic steps for individual components, including testing methods and expected results.
Depth:
Comprehensive (Factory-level) - Covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls.
NHTSA Rollover Resistance Star Rating:
4/5 Stars (for 2007 model year, often cited).
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System.
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS).
Electronic Stability Control:
Available Electronic Stability Control (ESC) or Vehicle Stability Management (VSM).
Airbags Front:
Driver and front passenger airbags.
Airbags Side:
Available front side-impact airbags and side-curtain airbags for all rows.
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts for all seating positions, pretensioners for front seats.
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM/CD audio system with multiple speakers. Higher trims may offer premium audio systems, in-dash CD changers.
Navigation System:
Optional factory-installed navigation system available on select trims.
Rear Seat Entertainment:
Optional rear-seat DVD entertainment system with flip-down screen.
Parking Sensors:
Optional rear parking assist sensors.
Auxiliary Input:
Standard auxiliary audio input jack on many models for connecting external devices.
Remote Keyless Entry:
Standard remote keyless entry system.
Power Sliding Doors:
Available power-operated sliding doors for passenger convenience.
Engine Oil Change:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions). Severe driving may require more frequent changes.
Engine Oil Filter:
Replace at every oil change.
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed or at 30,000 miles.
Cabin Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed or at 20,000-30,000 miles.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Inspect every 30,000 miles, replace at 60,000-100,000 miles depending on driving conditions and manufacturer recommendations. Early changes are beneficial.
Coolant Replacement:
Initial replacement at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000 miles thereafter (using specified coolant).
Spark Plugs:
Typically iridium-tipped plugs, often rated for 100,000 miles replacement.
Engine Oil Specification:
API SN or higher, SAE 5W-30 recommended (verify in owner's manual for exact spec).
Engine Oil Capacity Quarts:
Approximately 5.5 quarts (with filter change).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based, long-life coolant (e.g., Kia's Super Long Life Coolant - Pink).
Common Problems Engine:
Occasional oil leaks from valve cover gaskets or oil pan; potential for head gasket issues on higher mileage vehicles, though less common than some competitors.
Common Problems Transmission:
While generally reliable, some reports of transmission solenoid issues or delayed shifts; regular fluid maintenance is critical.
Common Problems Suspension Steering:
Worn sway bar links, ball joints, and tie rod ends over time; potential for power steering pump noise if fluid is low.
Common Problems Electrical:
Failure of power window regulators, HVAC blower motor resistor failure, occasional issues with door lock actuators.
Common Problems Brakes:
Normal wear and tear on brake pads and rotors; some instances of seized caliper pistons if maintenance is neglected.