🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Kia

Model:

Sorento

Year:

2012

Engine:

3.5L V6

Chassis Code:

UM

Trim Levels Covered:

All trims equipped with the 3.5L V6 engine

Engine Code:

G6DA

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Mid-size Crossover SUV

Target Audience:

Families, individuals seeking versatile utility and comfortable long-distance travel

Key Competitors:

Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Ford Explorer, Chevrolet Traverse

Body Style:

5-door SUV

Seating Capacity:

Available in 5 or 7-seat configurations

Powertrain Options:

Primary focus on the 3.5L V6, but base models may have had a 2.4L 4-cylinder (not covered in this specific manual)

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Full Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF)

Page Count:

Extensive (Professional manual, typically 1500+ pages)

Scope:

Service, Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Repair

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, cylinder head, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, camshafts, timing system, lubrication system, cooling system

Engine Electrical:

Ignition system, fuel injection system (MPI), starter motor, alternator, battery, engine control module (ECM) diagnosis and wiring diagrams

Transmission:

6-speed automatic transmission (A6MF1), transmission control module (TCM), torque converter, gear shifting mechanisms, fluid specifications and replacement

Drivetrain:

Front-wheel drive (FWD) and All-wheel drive (AWD) systems, front differential, rear differential (AWD), drive shafts, CV joints

Suspension:

Front MacPherson struts, rear multi-link suspension, springs, shock absorbers, control arms, sway bars, wheel alignment specifications

Brakes:

Front and rear disc brakes, ABS, EBD, brake system bleeding procedures, component replacement, rotor and pad specifications

Steering:

Power steering system (hydraulic or electric), steering rack, tie rods, steering column

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system, lighting system, horn, wipers and washers, power windows, power locks, central locking, interior and exterior lighting diagnostics

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, refrigerant handling, compressor, evaporator, condenser, blower motor, climate control unit

Body And Chassis:

Body panel removal and installation, interior trim, doors, hoods, tailgates, chassis components, structural repairs

Body Electrical:

Power distribution, fuses, relays, body control module (BCM), infotainment system wiring, sensor diagnostics

Safety Systems:

Airbag system (SRS), seat belt pretensioners, ABS, ESC (Electronic Stability Control), tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)

Scheduled Maintenance:

Detailed intervals and procedures for oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and flushes, spark plug replacement, brake inspection, belt inspections, etc.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting guides, electrical system diagnosis, engine performance issues, transmission problems

Repair Procedures:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and adjustment for all major systems

Overhaul Procedures:

Comprehensive rebuild procedures for engine and transmission components where applicable

Technical Specifications:

Torque specifications, clearances, measurements, fluid capacities, electrical component resistance values

Depth Level:

Professional/Expert

Diagnostic Capabilities:

Advanced diagnostic procedures, including sensor data interpretation and signal tracing using wiring diagrams

Special Tools:

Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repair procedures

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

Likely PDF; High resolution, searchable text, printable pages

Image Clarity:

High quality diagrams, illustrations, and photographs for clarity

Physical Binding:

N/A (Digital format)

Physical Paper:

N/A (Digital format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated V6

Displacement:

3.5 Liters (3470 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

92.0 mm x 87.4 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.4:1

Valve Train:

DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshafts), 24 valves (4 per cylinder)

Horsepower:

276 hp @ 6300 rpm

Torque:

248 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Recommended Fuel:

87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline

Fuel Tank Capacity:

17.0 gallons (64.4 Liters)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

6-speed Automatic with Sportmatic Shifting

Drivetrain Options:

Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) and All-Wheel Drive (AWD)

Transmission Fluid Type:

Kia SPIIIG (or equivalent SP-III/SP-IV specification)

Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Approximately 7.5 Quarts (7.1 Liters) for dry fill

📐 Dimensions

Length:

188.4 inches (4785 mm)

Width:

74.2 inches (1885 mm)

Height:

67.3 inches (1709 mm)

Wheelbase:

108.5 inches (2755 mm)

Ground Clearance:

7.0 inches (178 mm)

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

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

Tire Size:

P235/60R17, P235/55R18 (depending on trim)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3900-4100 lbs (1769-1860 kg) depending on configuration

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Approx. 5357 lbs (2430 kg)

Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:

9.6 cu ft (272 L)

Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:

37.0 cu ft (1048 L)

Cargo Volume Behind 1St Row:

78.4 cu ft (2220 L)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 stars (for 2012 model)

IIHS Top Safety Pick:

Yes (for 2012 model)

Electronic Stability Control Esc:

Standard

Anti-Lock Braking System ABS:

Standard

Electronic Brakeforce Distribution Ebd:

Standard

Traction Control System TCS:

Standard

Airbag System:

Front airbags, front side airbags, side curtain airbags

Seat Belts:

3-point seat belts with pretensioners for all occupants

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

UVO infotainment system (available on certain trims), touchscreen display, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, SiriusXM Satellite Radio capability

Connectivity:

Auxiliary audio input, USB port, Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity

Rearview Camera:

Available on higher trims

Parking Sensors:

Available

Keyless Entry Start:

Available with push-button start

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months (whichever comes first), or 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months with synthetic oil and filter. Consult manual for precise recommendation based on driving conditions.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km)

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months

Spark Plug Replacement:

Iridium type: 105,000 miles (168,000 km)

Transmission Fluid Flush:

Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for typical use; sooner for severe use. Consult manual.

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 0W-20 Synthetic Motor Oil

Engine Oil Capacity:

6.5 Quarts (6.1 Liters) with filter change

Coolant Type:

HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, typically orange or pink color

Coolant Capacity:

Approximately 8.5 Quarts (8.0 Liters)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Common Complaints:

Occasional reports of excessive oil consumption in some 3.5L engines, potential for premature wear of suspension components (e.g., control arm bushings), and HVAC blower motor issues.

📚 Vehicle History

Manufacturer Origin:

South Korea

Generation:

Second Generation (UM, 2010-2013)

Design Philosophy:

Transition from body-on-frame to unibody construction, enhancing ride comfort and handling

Engine Introduction:

The 3.5L Lambda II V6 engine was introduced with this generation, offering improved performance and efficiency over previous powertrains.

Production Start Year:

2004 (Globally)

Production Location 2012:

Hwasung, South Korea

🏆 Awards & Recognition

IIHS Award:

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick

NHTSA Rating:

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 4-Star Overall Safety Rating