Vehicle Segment:
Mid-size SUV
Target Audience:
Owners seeking to perform their own maintenance and repairs, independent repair shops, automotive enthusiasts.
Competitors 2003-2008:
Toyota Highlander, Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, Nissan Pathfinder, Chevrolet TrailBlazer, Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides access to official factory procedures, specifications, and diagnostic information essential for accurate and effective vehicle maintenance and repair.
Vehicle Selling Points:
Rugged styling, available V6 engine, capable AWD system, practical interior space, good value proposition for its segment.
Primary Coverage:
Repair, Service, Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Diagnostics
Specific Systems:
Engine, Brakes, Sunroof, Timing Belt, Wiring Diagrams, Engine Performance, Front End, Suspension, Air Conditioning, Computer Diagnostics, Firing Orders, Serpentine Belts, U-Joints/CV-Joints, Driving Concerns
Estimated Page Count:
Extensive (detailed content implies several thousand pages typical for factory workshop manuals)
Type:
Official Factory Workshop Repair Service Manual
Format:
Downloadable Digital File (compatible with Win95/98/ME/XP/vista/7/Linux/MAC)
Powertrain:
Engine overhaul & rebuilding, engine performance tuning, timing belt replacement, serpentine belt routings & service, transmission information & capacities, firing orders.
Chassis And Suspension:
Brakes system service, front end procedures & specifications, suspension system service, U-joint & CV-joint service procedures.
Electrical And Diagnostics:
Wiring diagrams (complete), trouble codes, troubleshooting & diagnostics, computer diagnostic codes.
Comfort And Convenience:
Sunroof service, air conditioning service.
Routine Maintenance:
Factory maintenance schedules and charts, fluid capacities, routine inspections.
Repair And Overhaul:
Engine rebuilding, transmission service, brake component replacement, suspension component replacement, U-joint/CV-joint replacement, sunroof mechanisms, AC system repairs.
Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
Interpreting trouble codes, diagnosing performance issues, electrical system troubleshooting, using diagnostic tools.
Depth:
Comprehensive, from routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilding. Includes detailed specifications and diagnostic procedures.
Illustrations:
Hundreds of illustrations (diagrams, schematics, repair photos).
Engine Options Availability:
Likely covers multiple engine variants offered across model years, most notably the 2.5L and 3.5L V6.
Engine 2 5L Specs:
Type: Inline 4-cylinder, Displacement: Approx. 2.5 Liters (2497 cc), Power: Approx. 140-150 hp, Torque: Approx. 160-170 lb-ft. (Note: Specifics may vary by market and year).
Engine 3 5L Specs:
Type: V6, Displacement: Approx. 3.5 Liters (3497 cc), Power: Approx. 190-220 hp, Torque: Approx. 215-230 lb-ft. (Note: Specifics may vary by market and year, likely includes Hyundai/Kia's Sigma engine family variant).
Engine Management:
Electronic fuel injection (EFI), likely multi-port.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Fuel Delivery:
Fuel pump, fuel filter, injectors.
Standard Transmission:
Likely a 4-speed automatic transmission for most variants.
Optional Transmission:
A 5-speed manual transmission may have been available on base models or specific markets, though less common.
Drivetrain:
Available in both Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) and All-Wheel Drive (AWD) configurations.
Transmission Fluid Type:
Refer to manual for specific ATF type (likely Dexron-III/Mercon compatible or Kia's proprietary fluid for later revisions).
Length:
Approx. 187.0 inches (4750 mm)
Width:
Approx. 74.4 inches (1890 mm)
Height:
Approx. 68.1 inches (1730 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 112.2 inches (2850 mm)
Curb Weight Range:
Approx. 4,100 - 4,400 lbs (1860 - 2000 kg) depending on configuration.
Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:
Limited, typically around 10-15 cubic feet.
Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
Approx. 30-40 cubic feet.
Cargo Volume Max:
Approx. 75-85 cubic feet.
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
Likely 4 out of 5 stars for 2003-2005 models, depending on specific testing for that era.
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
Likely 4 out of 5 stars for 2003-2005 models.
IIHS Side Impact:
Variable, some early models may have received 'Acceptable' or 'Marginal' ratings.
ABS:
Standard on most trims, optional on base models early on.
Traction Control:
Optional on AWD models, potentially standard on higher trims later in the generation.
Electronic Stability Control:
Not widely available or standard on most models within this generation's timeframe.
Airbags Front:
Standard front driver and passenger airbags.
Airbags Side Curtain:
Optional side curtain airbags for front and second-row occupants may have been available on higher trims.
Audio System:
Factory installed AM/FM/CD player with optional premium audio system. Some models may have offered an auxiliary input jack or cassette player.
Navigation:
Rarely offered, if at all, during the early years of this generation. Likely only on top-tier trims later in the model run.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims.
Parking Sensors:
Not commonly available for this generation.
Bluetooth:
Not typically available on models from 2003-2006. Later 2007-2008 models might have featured it as an option on higher trims.
Usb Port:
Not available for this generation.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000 to 5,000 miles (4,800 to 8,000 km) for conventional oil, or 5,000 to 7,500 miles (8,000 to 12,000 km) for synthetic oil, depending on driving conditions.
Timing Belt Replacement Interval:
Crucial service; typically recommended every 60,000 to 90,000 miles (96,000 to 145,000 km) for the 3.5L V6. Consult manual for exact mileage and year-specific recommendations.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Recommended every 30,000 to 60,000 miles (48,000 to 96,000 km), or as per severe driving conditions.
Engine Oil Viscosity:
Likely 5W-30 or 10W-30, depending on climate. Synthetic blend or full synthetic recommended for optimal performance and longevity. Refer to manual for exact spec.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based antifreeze, typically a green or orange long-life formula. Kia's proprietary coolant or equivalent is recommended.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Common Problems Engine:
Timing belt failure (if not replaced on schedule), potential for oil leaks from valve covers or main seals, occasional ignition coil issues.
Common Problems Transmission:
Erratic shifting or delayed engagement in automatic transmissions, wear on torque converter clutch.
Common Problems Suspension:
Worn ball joints, tie rod ends, and bushings due to vehicle weight and typical SUV usage. Rear differential pinion seal leaks.
Common Problems Electrical:
Power window motor failures, HVAC blower motor issues, sometimes ABS sensor faults.
Kia Origins:
Founded in 1944, Kia Motors began as a manufacturer of steel tubing and bicycle parts before moving into motorcycles and eventually automobiles. Gained significant global recognition through partnerships and its 'Power to Surprise' brand.
Sorento Launch:
The first-generation Sorento (KM) was introduced in 2002 for the 2003 model year, positioning Kia in the burgeoning mid-size SUV market. It was built on a traditional body-on-frame chassis.
Facelift Updates:
A significant facelift occurred for the 2007 model year, introducing revised styling, interior updates, and potentially updated engine or transmission options, though this manual covers the pre-facelift and initial post-facelift years.
Manufacturing Location:
Primary manufacturing was in South Korea, with potential assembly in other regions depending on market.
Safety Awards:
While specific awards are not prominent for this generation's early years, it was generally received positively for its value and utility. Later Kia models have garnered more consistent safety awards.
Consumer Reports Ratings:
Ratings varied; initial models had average to below-average reliability predictions, often improving with subsequent model years or facelifts.
Epa Fuel Economy:
Varies significantly by engine and drivetrain. For example, a 3.5L V6 AWD might achieve around 15 MPG city / 20 MPG highway.
