🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Kia

Model:

Sorento

Year:

2004

Generation:

First Generation (unibody chassis debut)

Chassis Code:

TB

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Mid-size SUV, transitioning from body-on-frame to unibody construction for this generation.

Target Audience:

Families seeking a capable, comfortable, and relatively affordable SUV with good utility and optional AWD.

Competitors:

Competed against vehicles like the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Ford Explorer, Chevrolet TrailBlazer, and Nissan Pathfinder.

Selling Points:

Offered a robust 3.5L V6 engine, available AWD, comfortable ride, and a more car-like handling experience compared to its predecessor due to the unibody platform. Known for its value proposition.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Scope:

Comprehensive coverage for all repair procedures.

Estimated Pages:

Likely 1500-2500+ pages (typical for a complete factory service manual of this era).

Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF (Digitally Delivered)

📖 Manual Coverage

Covered Systems:

General Information, Automatic Transaxle System, Body Interior and Exterior, Body Electrical System, Brake System, Clutch System, Driveshaft and Axle, Emission Control System, Engine Electrical System (3.5L V6 DOHC), Engine Mechanical System (3.5L V6 DOHC), Fuel System, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (HVAC), Manual Transaxle System, Restraint System, Steering System, Suspension System, Transfer System.

Electrical System Detail:

Comprehensive coverage of the body electrical system, including lighting, power accessories, instrument cluster, body control modules (BCM), and related wiring diagrams.

Engine Electrical Detail:

Detailed diagnostics and repair procedures for engine management systems, ignition, starting, charging, sensors, and actuators for the 3.5L V6 DOHC engine.

Suspension And Steering Detail:

Detailed information on front and rear suspension components, steering gear, power steering system, and alignment procedures.

Brake System Detail:

Comprehensive coverage of hydraulic systems, disc and drum brakes (if applicable), ABS components, parking brake, and associated repair procedures.

Repair Procedures:

All repair procedures, diagnostics, maintenance, troubleshooting, specifications, and diagrams.

Diagnostic Procedures:

Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), and step-by-step diagnostic flows for various systems.

Torque Specifications:

Essential torque values for all major fasteners, from engine components to suspension and brake assemblies.

Body Repair:

Includes procedures for body interior and exterior repairs, panel replacement, trim removal, and glass service.

HVAC Repair:

Covers diagnosis and repair of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, including refrigerant handling, component replacement, and leak testing.

Depth Of Coverage:

Factory-level diagnostic procedures, component removal/installation, overhaul instructions, torque specifications, wiring diagrams, and technical service bulletins (TSBs) relevant to the model year.

Wiring Diagrams:

Likely includes detailed wiring schematics for all major vehicle systems, crucial for electrical troubleshooting.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF. Requires a PDF reader for access.

Searchability:

PDF format typically allows for text searching, making it efficient for finding specific information.

Printability:

Designed for digital viewing but likely printable by the user. Quality dependent on original source and PDF conversion.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Delivery - No physical binding)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Delivery - No physical paper)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Variant:

3.5L V6 DOHC

Horsepower:

Approximately 192-198 hp (depending on specific calibration/market).

Torque:

Approximately 217-222 lb-ft (depending on specific calibration/market).

Injection Type:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) / Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI).

Engine Code Typical:

G6CU (3.5L V6).

Cylinder Configuration:

V6

Valvetrain:

DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshafts)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Options:

Both Automatic Transaxle and Manual Transaxle systems are covered in the manual, indicating availability of both for the 2004 model.

Automatic Transmission:

Likely a 4-speed automatic transmission (e.g., V4A51).

Drivetrain:

Available in Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) and All-Wheel Drive (AWD) configurations.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approx. 106.3 inches (2700 mm)

Length:

Approx. 189.9 inches (4825 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 4,000 - 4,400 lbs (1814 - 2000 kg) depending on configuration.

Cargo Volume Rear Seats Up:

Approx. 35.6 cubic feet (1008 liters)

Cargo Volume Rear Seats Folded:

Approx. 70.4 cubic feet (1993 liters)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

Likely achieved 4-star ratings in frontal crash tests (typical for vehicles of this era).

Brake Assist:

ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) standard, Brake Assist may be optional or standard depending on trim.

Airbags:

Standard front airbags. Side airbags and/or curtain airbags were likely optional or standard on higher trims.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Standard AM/FM/CD player. Higher trims may have offered premium audio systems, cassette players, and auxiliary inputs (often 3.5mm or early iPod connectivity). Navigation systems were rare or aftermarket for this year.

Cruise Control:

Cruise control was a common feature. Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like adaptive cruise control or lane-keeping assist were not available.

Bluetooth:

Bluetooth connectivity was not standard or widely available on 2004 models. Aftermarket solutions would be required.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 5,000 to 7,500 miles (8,000 to 12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions and oil type used. Consult the manual for exact specifications.

Transmission Fluid Change Interval:

Typically every 30,000 to 60,000 miles (48,000 to 96,000 km) for the automatic transmission, or as specified by Kia. Manual transmission fluid interval may be longer.

Spark Plug Replacement Interval:

Depending on spark plug type (e.g., platinum or iridium), intervals can range from 60,000 to 100,000 miles. Refer to manual for exact type and interval.

Engine Oil Type:

Likely SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 Synthetic or Synthetic Blend. Refer to the manual for specific API/ILSAC classifications.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol-based coolant. Typically Asian Red or a universal long-life coolant. Consult manual for specific type and capacity.

Transmission Fluid Type Automatic:

Likely ATF SP-III or equivalent. Specific fluid type is critical for transmission longevity.

Transmission Fluid Type Manual:

Likely GL-4 gear oil for the manual transmission. Refer to manual for specific viscosity and API rating.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid (consult manual for precise specification).

Power Steering Fluid Type:

Typically Dexron III/VI ATF or a specific power steering fluid. Check manual for compatibility.

Common Wear Items:

As with many SUVs of this era: potential for worn suspension components (bushings, ball joints), wheel bearings, catalytic converter issues, and occasional minor electrical glitches. The 3.5L V6 is generally robust but requires diligent maintenance.

Oil Filter Example:

e.g., Purolator PBL10070, Wix 51500 (cross-referenced for the 3.5L V6 engine. Always verify with the manual or parts supplier).

Engine Timing:

The 3.5L V6 DOHC engine in this Sorento typically uses a timing belt. Replacement intervals are crucial, often around 60,000 to 90,000 miles (96,000 to 145,000 km). Failure can lead to catastrophic engine damage.

📚 Vehicle History

Kia History Notes:

Kia, a South Korean manufacturer, was growing rapidly in global markets during the early 2000s, seeking to establish itself with reliable and competitively priced vehicles.

Sorento Evolution:

The 2004 Sorento represented a significant shift with its move to a unibody chassis, improving ride comfort and handling over the previous body-on-frame generation. It aimed to blend SUV capabilities with a more refined driving experience.

Manufacturing Location:

Primarily manufactured in South Korea.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Safety Awards:

While specific awards for the 2004 model are not prominently highlighted, Kia vehicles of this era were often recognized for their value and improving reliability.

IIHS Crash Test Notes:

The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) ratings for this generation may vary. The unibody platform generally offered better crashworthiness than traditional body-on-frame SUVs.