🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Kia

Model:

Spectra

Production Years Covered:

2004, 2005, 2006, 2007

Chassis Codes:

GD (South Korea), LD (Global)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact/Small Family Car

Target Audience:

DIY enthusiasts, independent repair shops, owners seeking to maintain and repair their Kia Spectra

Competitors Circa 2004-2007:

Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cobalt, Nissan Sentra, Hyundai Elantra

Manual Advantage:

Provides dealer-level repair information, saving significant costs associated with professional servicing. Enables confident DIY maintenance and repairs.

Documentation Style:

Detailed substeps, notes, cautions, warnings, numbered instructions, bold figure numbers, enlarged insets for clarity.

📋 Manual Details

Systems Covered:

Maintenance, Engine Mechanical, Engine Control System, Fuel System, Emission Control, Intake, Exhaust, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Ignition System, Starting System, Charging System, Automatic Transmission, Clutch, Manual Transmission, Transfer Case, Propeller Shaft, Drive Shaft, Differential, Axle, Suspension, Tire & Wheel, Brake Control, Brakes, Parking Brake, Steering Column, Power Steering, Air Conditioning, Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), Seat Belts, Engine Immobilizer, Cruise Control, Wiper & Washer System, Door Locks, Meter/Audio/Visual Systems, Horn, Windshield/Glass/Mirrors, Instrument Panel, Seats, Engine Hood/Doors, Exterior & Interior Trim, Electrical System, Multiplex/CAN Communication

Estimated Page Count:

Comprehensive (Hundreds of pages, exact number not specified but implied by 'complete' and 'hundreds of photos and illustrations')

Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual (FSM)

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Download (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine (2.0L G4JP & 2.0L G4GC Beta II), Automatic Transmission (F4A41, F4A42, F4A51), Manual Transmission (M5GF1, M5CF1)

Chassis:

Suspension (Front MacPherson Strut, Rear Torsion Beam), Steering (Rack and Pinion, Power Steering), Brakes (Front Disc, Rear Drum/Disc depending on trim), Wheels and Tires

Electrical:

Complete Electrical System Diagnosis, Wiring Diagrams, Lighting, Instrumentation, Audio System, Cruise Control, Immobilizer, Airbag System (SRS)

Maintenance And Tune Up:

Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes (oil, coolant, brake, transmission), filter replacements, spark plug service, ignition timing, valve clearance adjustment (if applicable)

Repair And Rebuild:

Complete disassembly and reassembly of major components: engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, steering, climate control, body panels

Troubleshooting Diagnostics:

Step-by-step diagnostic procedures, common problem identification, electrical system troubleshooting, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) interpretation

Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic fluid checks to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed torque specifications and diagnostic procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable PDF (standard for modern digital manuals)

Printability:

All pages printable, allows printing of entire manual or selected pages

Binding:

N/A (Digital format, no physical binding)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code And Type:

2.0L DOHC I4 (G4GC Beta II)

Displacement:

1998 cc

Horsepower Approximate:

135-138 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque Approximate:

133-136 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended)

Ignition Type:

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

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol-based antifreeze (e.g., Kia Super Long Life Coolant, or equivalent)

Engine Oil Type:

API SJ or higher, SAE 5W-30 recommended

Oil Capacity Approximate:

4.0-4.5 quarts (with filter)

🔧 Transmission

Manual Transmission:

5-speed manual (M5GF1, M5CF1)

Automatic Transmission:

4-speed automatic (F4A41, F4A42, F4A51)

Automatic Transmission Features:

Electronically controlled, often with a lock-up torque converter for improved fuel efficiency.

Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:

Kia Genuine ATF SP-III (or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon compatible fluid, verify specific requirements in manual)

Manual Transmission Fluid Type:

GL-4 gear oil, SAE 75W-90 recommended

📐 Dimensions

Length Approximate:

174.4 inches (4430 mm)

Width Approximate:

67.9 inches (1725 mm)

Height Approximate:

57.1 inches (1450 mm)

Wheelbase Approximate:

102.2 inches (2595 mm)

Curb Weight Approximate:

2800 - 3000 lbs (1270 - 1360 kg), depending on trim and options

Trunk Volume Approximate:

12.2 cubic feet (Sedan), 22.0 cubic feet (Hatchback)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Driver Impact Rating 2004:

★★★★☆ (4/5 stars)

NHTSA Front Passenger Impact Rating 2004:

★★★★☆ (4/5 stars)

Braking System:

Front ventilated disc brakes, Rear drum brakes (standard), optional rear disc brakes on higher trims.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) often standard or optional depending on trim and year.

Airbags:

Front driver and passenger airbags standard. Side airbags and curtain airbags available on higher trims or as options.

Seat Belts:

Three-point seat belts for all occupants, pretensioners and load limiters for front seats.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM/CD player, often with auxiliary input on later models. Speaker configurations vary by trim.

Instrument Cluster:

Includes tachometer, speedometer, fuel gauge, coolant temperature gauge, and various warning lights.

Cruise Control:

Available on many trims, controlled via steering wheel or stalk.

Engine Immobilizer:

Standard feature to prevent unauthorized starting.

Climate Control:

Manual or automatic climate control systems, depending on trim level.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil And Filter Change:

Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles (8,000 - 12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first. Refer to manual for specific driving conditions.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles (24,000 - 48,000 km), or as needed based on driving environment.

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles (24,000 - 48,000 km), or annually.

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000 - 50,000 miles (48,000 - 80,000 km) or 2-3 years.

Power Steering Fluid:

Dexron III/Mercon compatible ATF or specific Kia power steering fluid.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid (verify in manual).

Common Wear Items:

CV axles, wheel bearings, suspension components (bushings, ball joints, tie rod ends), exhaust system (muffler, catalytic converter), oxygen sensors, thermostat.

Engine Management:

Occasional issues with ignition coils, crankshaft position sensors, and idle air control valves.

Transmission Automatic:

Some reports of solenoids or valve body issues; regular fluid changes are critical.

📚 Vehicle History

Manufacturer:

Kia Motors Corporation, South Korea

Generation:

Second Generation Kia Spectra (2004-2009 for US market, based on Kia LD platform)

Styling And Updates:

The 2004 models represent a significant redesign over the previous generation, with more modern styling and improved platform. Available as a 4-door sedan and a 5-door hatchback.

Production Locations:

Primarily South Korea (Donghee Plant), and other Kia assembly plants globally.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Value Award:

Often recognized for its affordability and value proposition in the compact car segment.

Consumer Reports:

Variable ratings for reliability and owner satisfaction depending on the specific year and components; the manual is essential for addressing potential weak points.