🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Kia

Model:

Sorento

Year:

2004

Generation:

First Generation (JC)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Mid-size SUV

Competitors 2004:

Toyota Highlander, Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, Nissan Murano, Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Design Philosophy:

Body-on-frame construction for robust utility and towing capability, with a focus on practicality and value for money.

Target Audience:

Families and individuals seeking a versatile SUV for daily commuting, road trips, and light off-roading.

📋 Manual Details

Vehicle Variants Covered:

All 2004 Kia Sorento models, including 2WD and 4WD variants.

Geographic Applicability:

Primarily North American market specifications, but generally applicable to global models with potential regional variations.

Estimated Page Count:

1500+

Type:

Comprehensive Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, engine control (ECU/ECM).

Transmission:

Manual transmission (M5SR1) and Automatic transmission (Sportmatic/H-Matic), including diagnosis, repair, and fluid specifications.

Drivetrain:

Front-wheel drive (FWD), All-wheel drive (AWD) system, transfer case, drive shafts, differentials (front and rear).

Suspension:

Front independent suspension (double wishbone), Rear multi-link suspension, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings.

Brakes:

Front disc brakes, Rear disc brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), brake fluid specifications, bleeding procedures.

Steering:

Power assisted steering system, steering rack, power steering pump, fluid specifications.

Electrical:

Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system, lighting system, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams, instrument cluster, power accessories.

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, refrigerant R-134a, compressor, condenser, evaporator, diagnosis and repair.

Body:

Exterior body panels, doors, hood, tailgate, bumpers, interior trim, glass, mirrors, body sealing, rust prevention.

Diagnostics:

On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II), diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), troubleshooting procedures, sensor testing.

General Maintenance:

Oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, cabin air filter replacement, spark plug replacement, fluid level checks and top-offs.

Engine Repair:

Engine overhaul, cylinder head removal/installation, piston and ring replacement, bearing replacement, timing belt/chain service.

Transmission Service:

Transmission fluid and filter replacement, clutch replacement (manual), torque converter replacement (automatic), transmission overhaul.

Brake System Service:

Brake pad and rotor replacement, brake caliper service, brake line replacement, ABS system component testing and replacement.

Suspension And Steering Repair:

Component replacement (ball joints, tie rods, control arms, struts/shocks), power steering system repair, wheel alignment procedures.

Electrical System Troubleshooting:

Diagnosis of starting and charging system faults, lighting issues, power accessory malfunctions, use of wiring diagrams.

HVAC System Repair:

Refrigerant system evacuation and recharging, compressor replacement, leak detection, blower motor service.

Body And Interior Repair:

Door panel removal, tailgate repair, glass replacement, seat removal, trim piece installation.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance and fluid checks to advanced engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed troubleshooting guides and wiring diagrams.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Text-searchable PDF for quick access to information.

Quality:

High-resolution scans ensuring clarity of diagrams and text.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

2.5L DOHC 16-valve Inline-4 (G4CS)

Engine Displacement:

2497 cc (2.5 Liters)

Bore X Stroke:

91.4 mm x 93.5 mm

Compression Ratio:

9.5:1

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI - Multi-Point Injection)

Ignition System:

Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with coil-on-plug

Horsepower Hp:

139 hp @ 5500 rpm

Torque Lb-Ft:

159 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Engine Type:

3.5L DOHC 24-valve V6 (G6CU)

Engine Displacement:

3497 cc (3.5 Liters)

Bore X Stroke:

93.0 mm x 82.7 mm

Compression Ratio:

9.6:1

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI - Multi-Point Injection)

Ignition System:

Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with coil-on-plug

Horsepower Hp:

192 hp @ 5500 rpm

Torque Lb-Ft:

217 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Recommended Octane:

87 Octane (Minimum)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-Speed Manual (M5SR1)

Type:

4-Speed Automatic with Sportmatic / H-Matic (4-Speed Automatic)

Transfer Case:

Electronically controlled 4WD system with low-range gearing (optional on some models)

Manual Transmission Fluid:

GL-4 SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Kia Genuine ATF SP-III (or equivalent)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4675 mm (184.1 inches)

Width:

1885 mm (74.2 inches)

Height:

1745 mm (68.7 inches)

Wheelbase:

2700 mm (106.3 inches)

Front Track:

1610 mm (63.4 inches)

Rear Track:

1615 mm (63.6 inches)

Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:

Approximately 961 liters (33.9 cubic feet)

Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:

Approximately 235 liters (8.3 cubic feet) - (if equipped with 3rd row)

Curb Weight Est Min:

1850 kg (4079 lbs)

Curb Weight Est Max:

2050 kg (4519 lbs)

Towing Capacity Max:

3500 lbs (1588 kg) with trailer brakes

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr Est:

2500 kg (5511 lbs)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Driver Side Impact:

4/5 Stars (for earlier models, check specific VIN reports)

NHTSA Front Passenger Side Impact:

4/5 Stars (for earlier models, check specific VIN reports)

IIHS Side Impact Rating:

Good (for models equipped with side airbags)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with EBD

Traction Control:

Optional Traction Control System (TCS)

Stability Control:

N/A for most 2004 models, not a common feature for this generation.

Airbags:

Front dual-stage airbags (driver and passenger), optional front side-impact airbags.

Seatbelts:

3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters for front seats, 3-point seatbelts for rear seats.

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system.

Rollover Protection:

Body-on-frame construction contributes to structural integrity, but specific rollover ratings vary. Check NHTSA data.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Standard AM/FM/CD player with 4 or 6 speakers. Optional premium audio with subwoofer. Some models may have optional satellite radio.

Navigation:

Optional factory-installed GPS navigation system available on higher trim levels.

Display:

Center console display for climate control and audio. Navigation system has a separate screen.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most trims, operated via steering wheel buttons.

Parking Sensors:

N/A for most 2004 models.

Rear View Camera:

N/A for 2004 models.

Bluetooth:

N/A for 2004 models.

Usb Port:

N/A for 2004 models.

Auxiliary Input:

Optional auxiliary audio input may be available on some models.

🔧 Maintenance

Engine Oil And Filter Change:

Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first.

Air Filter Replacement:

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

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

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

Spark Plug Replacement I4:

Every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) (if using iridium-tipped plugs).

Spark Plug Replacement V6:

Every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) (if using iridium-tipped plugs).

Automatic Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months.

Manual Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months.

Coolant Replacement:

Initial replacement at 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 4 years, then every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years.

Brake Fluid Replacement:

Every 24,000 miles (38,000 km) or 24 months.

Engine Oil Viscosity:

5W-20 or 5W-30 (API SM/SL or higher)

Engine Oil Capacity I4:

4.5 liters (4.8 US quarts) with filter change

Engine Oil Capacity V6:

4.7 liters (5.0 US quarts) with filter change

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based (Asian Red/Orange type, or equivalent HOAT)

Power Steering Fluid:

ATF Dexron III or equivalent

Engine Oil Consumption:

Some owners report higher than average oil consumption, especially on higher mileage V6 engines. Regular checks are recommended.

Transmission Slippage:

Early automatic transmissions can exhibit slipping. Ensuring proper fluid levels and service is crucial.

Suspension Component Wear:

Ball joints, control arm bushings, and sway bar links can wear over time, leading to clunking noises and alignment issues.

Window Regulator Failure:

Power window regulators are a known weak point, with motors failing or regulators breaking.

HVAC Blower Motor:

Blower motor failure can result in no or intermittent airflow from the HVAC system.

📚 Vehicle History

Kia Motors Overview:

Kia Motors Corporation is a South Korean automobile manufacturer, founded in 1944. It is the second-largest automobile manufacturer in South Korea, after Hyundai Motor Company. Kia is part of the Hyundai Motor Group.

Sorento First Generation Jc:

The first-generation Kia Sorento (JC) was introduced in 2002. It was designed as a body-on-frame SUV, a departure from Kia's earlier unibody SUVs. The 2004 model year represents an early iteration of this platform, featuring a strong emphasis on utility and affordability.

Manufacturing Location:

Hwasung, South Korea

Production Years First Gen:

2002-2009

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Kbb Value Awards:

While specific awards for the 2004 model are not prominently cited, the Sorento has historically been recognized for its value proposition within the SUV segment.

Consumers Report Reliability:

Reliability ratings for this generation were typically average to below average in independent consumer surveys, with specific components like transmissions and window regulators noted as areas of concern.

Emissions Standards:

Complies with U.S. EPA emissions standards for 2004 model year vehicles. Specific California emissions (CARB) compliance should be verified for vehicles sold in that state.