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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
