🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Kia

Model:

Soul

Year:

2011

Generation Code:

AM

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Subcompact Crossover SUV

Key Competitors 2011:

Nissan Juke, Honda Element (discontinued), Scion xB, Chevrolet HHR.

Unique Selling Points:

Distinctive boxy styling, spacious and versatile interior for its class, good fuel economy, value pricing.

Benefit To Owner:

Provides comprehensive DIY repair and maintenance capabilities, saving on dealership service costs and empowering owners with in-depth vehicle knowledge.

Intended Users:

Do-it-yourselfers, independent repair shops, and Kia technicians.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Scope:

Complete Factory Service and Repair

Estimated Page Count:

Hundreds of pages (printable in entirety or selected sections)

Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

File Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Detailed disassembly, assembly, inspection, and repair of all engine components, including cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, and timing systems.

Engine Management:

Fuel injection system, ignition system, emissions control systems, electronic control unit (ECU) diagnosis and programming.

Transmission Manual:

Service, repair, and diagnosis of manual transmissions, including clutch operation, gear selection, and internal component replacement.

Transmission Automatic:

Service, repair, and diagnosis of automatic transmissions (if applicable to the 2011 model), including torque converter, valve body, and electronic control.

Drivetrain:

Front-wheel drive systems, axles, differentials, and CV joints.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension systems, including struts, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings, and alignment procedures.

Steering:

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

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems, including discs, calipers, pads, hydraulic lines, master cylinder, ABS system, and parking brake.

Electrical System:

Complete electrical system diagnosis, including battery, alternator, starter, lighting, fuses, relays, and body control modules.

Body And Chassis:

Body panel removal and installation, interior trim, doors, windows, mirrors, and structural components.

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system service, including refrigerant handling, compressor, condenser, evaporator, and climate controls.

Infotainment Audio:

Audio system, speakers, and basic infotainment system troubleshooting (specifics dependent on trim level).

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotations, and brake inspections.

Troubleshooting:

Systematic diagnostic procedures for identifying and resolving common and complex issues across all vehicle systems.

Repair Procedures:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal, repair, and reinstallation, often with detailed substeps.

Electrical Diagnostics:

Detailed wiring diagrams, component testing procedures, and troubleshooting for electrical faults.

Torque Specifications:

Precise torque values for all critical fasteners during assembly and disassembly.

Special Tools:

Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repair procedures.

Depth Of Information:

Comprehensive, ranging from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds. Suitable for DIY enthusiasts and professional mechanics.

Illustrations:

Hundreds of photos and illustrations, including enlarged insets for detailed part examination.

Guidance:

Numbered instructions, notes, cautions, and warnings to guide the user through each procedure.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Printability:

Printable without restriction, allowing for individual page or full manual printing.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Delivery:

Instant download via link on checkout page after payment.

Software Requirements:

Adobe PDF Reader

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Option 1:

2.4L Inline-4 GDI (Theta II)

Engine Displacement 1:

2359 cc

Engine Code 1:

G4KC

Horsepower 1:

175 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque 1:

169 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Engine Option 2:

1.6L Inline-4 MPI (Gamma)

Engine Displacement 2:

1591 cc

Engine Code 2:

G4FC

Horsepower 2:

122 hp @ 6300 rpm

Torque 2:

117 lb-ft @ 4850 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) for 1.6L, Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) for 2.4L.

Recommended Fuel:

87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline (confirm in manual for specific requirements)

Timing Drive:

Timing Chain (for both engines)

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

5-speed Manual (typically with 1.6L engine)

Optional Transmission:

6-speed Automatic (typically with 2.4L engine), 4-speed Automatic (with 1.6L engine)

Automatic Transmission Control:

Electronically controlled with adaptive shift logic.

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Refer to manual for specific Kia ATF type (e.g., SP-III or SP-IV, depending on transmission variant).

Manual Transmission Fluid:

Refer to manual for specific gear oil viscosity and API rating (e.g., SAE 75W-90 GL-4).

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

100.4 inches (2550 mm)

Length:

160.6 inches (4080 mm)

Width:

70.5 inches (1790 mm)

Height:

63.4 inches (1610 mm)

Curb Weight Est Min:

2,840 lbs (1288 kg) (1.6L Manual)

Curb Weight Est Max:

3,150 lbs (1429 kg) (2.4L Automatic)

Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seats:

19.3 cu ft (546 L)

Cargo Volume With Rear Seats Folded:

53.4 cu ft (1512 L)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Driver:

4 Stars (2011 model year)

NHTSA Frontal Passenger:

4 Stars (2011 model year)

NHTSA Side Driver:

5 Stars (2011 model year)

NHTSA Side Passenger:

5 Stars (2011 model year)

NHTSA Side Rear Occupant:

5 Stars (2011 model year)

IIHS Roof Strength:

Good (2011 model year)

IIHS Head Restraints And Seats:

Good (2011 model year)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System

Traction Control:

Standard Electronic Traction Control System (TCS)

Esc:

Standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

Airbags:

Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, full-length side curtain airbags.

Seatbelts:

3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Standard AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with auxiliary input jack and USB port (on some trims). SiriusXM Satellite Radio available.

Navigation:

Optional navigation system available on higher trim levels.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control.

Bluetooth:

Optional Bluetooth hands-free connectivity available on some trims.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically 7,500 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, with synthetic oil. Refer to manual for specific conditions and oil type.

Air Filter Replacement:

Recommended every 15,000 - 30,000 miles, or as needed based on driving conditions (inspect per manual).

Spark Plug Replacement:

Typically around 60,000 - 100,000 miles depending on plug type (refer to manual for exact spec).

Coolant Flush Interval:

Initial flush around 60,000 miles, then every 30,000-50,000 miles thereafter (refer to manual for specific coolant type and procedure).

Engine Oil Type:

Synthetic SAE 5W-20 (for both 1.6L and 2.4L engines - confirm with manual).

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 4.0-4.5 quarts (3.8-4.3 Liters) with filter change (confirm with manual).

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based, Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (e.g., Kia Genuine Long Life Coolant or equivalent meeting specifications outlined in the manual).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 (confirm with manual).

Common Complaints 2011 Soul:

Potential for minor interior rattles, some reports of premature brake wear on earlier models, some HVAC blend door actuator issues. Engine oil consumption could be a concern on higher mileage 2.4L engines. Refer to the manual for specific diagnostic steps for these.

📚 Vehicle History

Manufacturer Origin:

South Korea

Generation Introduction:

First Generation (AM) introduced for the 2009 model year.

2011 Model Year Updates:

Minor updates often include new exterior color options, minor trim enhancements, or feature shuffling between trim levels. No major redesign for 2011.

Assembly Location:

Gwangmyeong, South Korea (primarily for the AM generation).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Consumer Ratings:

Consistently received good ratings for value, practicality, and unique styling in automotive reviews. The 2011 model was part of the initial successful launch of the Soul.