🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Kia

Model:

Spectra

Year:

2008

Body Style:

Sedan and Hatchback (model dependent, generally)

Vin Position 10:

Model Year (8 for 2008)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Car, Economy Segment

Key Competitors:

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

Value Proposition:

Affordable transportation, practical design, decent fuel economy for its class.

Primary Users:

DIY car owners, independent repair shops, aspiring automotive technicians.

📋 Manual Details

Market:

Global (primarily North America based on general product distribution)

Model Variants Covered:

All 2008 Kia Spectra gasoline engine variants

Estimated Page Count:

Not explicitly stated, but typical comprehensive workshop manuals are 1500-3000+ pages.

Type:

Workshop Repair Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain (including removal, installation, overhaul, diagnostics)

Chassis:

Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Wheels, Tires

Electrical:

Lighting, Instrumentation, Power Accessories, Engine Control Module (ECM), Body Control Module (BCM), Audio System, HVAC Controls

Body:

Exterior Panels, Interior Trim, Doors, Windows, Seats, Glass, Bumpers

Comfort And Convenience:

HVAC System, Power Locks, Power Windows, Cruise Control

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, air filter replacement

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, OBD-II code interpretation and resolution

Repair And Overhaul:

Engine rebuild, transmission service, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair

Removal And Installation:

Components like engines, transmissions, alternators, starters, radiators, fuel pumps, body panels

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering routine maintenance to major component overhaul and diagnostics. Assumes basic automotive knowledge and specialized tools.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely searchable text within the PDF, enabling quick access to specific topics.

Printability:

Printable. Designed for users to print individual sections or the entire manual.

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Family:

Beta II (often found in Kia/Hyundai models of this era)

Engine Code Example:

G4GC (2.0L)

Displacement Liter:

1.6L (often G4ED) and 2.0L (often G4GC)

Horsepower 1.6L:

Approx. 106 hp @ 6000 rpm (specific to market and tune)

Torque 1.6L:

Approx. 105 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (specific to market and tune)

Horsepower 2.0L:

Approx. 138 hp @ 6000 rpm (specific to market and tune)

Torque 2.0L:

Approx. 133 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (specific to market and tune)

Injection Type:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Requirement:

Unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum recommended)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-speed Manual Transmission

Type:

4-speed Automatic Transmission

Automatic Control:

Electronically controlled with lock-up torque converter

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 174.1 inches (Sedan) / 168.5 inches (Hatchback)

Width:

Approx. 68.3 inches

Height:

Approx. 56.1 inches (Sedan) / 55.7 inches (Hatchback)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 2600-2800 lbs (varies by trim and transmission)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Not explicitly stated, but typical for segment (e.g., 3600-3800 lbs)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Driver:

Good (for models tested)

NHTSA Front Passenger:

Good (for models tested)

IIHS Side Impact:

Acceptable (for models tested)

ABS:

Standard on some trims, optional on others

Electronic Stability Control:

Rarely standard or available on this model year and segment.

Airbags Front:

Standard dual front airbags

Airbags Side:

Optional or standard on higher trims (front side airbags)

Seatbelts:

3-point seatbelts with pretensioners for front occupants

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Standard AM/FM/CD player, optional MP3 capability, auxiliary input jack on higher trims.

Navigation:

Not available from factory.

Cruise Control:

Available on most trims.

Bluetooth:

Not typically available from factory on this model year.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 5,000 to 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for exact specification)

Engine Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 to 30,000 miles or as needed based on driving conditions.

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 to 30,000 miles or annually.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Typically 60,000 to 100,000 miles depending on plug type (copper vs. iridium).

Engine Oil Type:

API SM or higher, SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 (verify with manual for specific engine)

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based coolant, typically Asian vehicle specific pink or red long-life coolant.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 (verify with manual)

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

SP-III (or equivalent ATF)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Engine:

Occasional oil consumption, minor oil leaks from valve cover gasket, timing belt replacement is crucial (if applicable to the specific engine variant, though many Beta IIs are timing chain driven).

Transmission:

Automatic transmission can sometimes exhibit delayed shifting or solenoid issues. Clutch wear on manual transmissions.

Suspension Steering:

Worn sway bar links, strut mounts, and ball joints are common wear items.

Electrical:

Window regulator failures, power lock actuator issues, sometimes HVAC blower motor resistor problems.

📚 Vehicle History

Manufacturer Origin:

South Korea

Generation:

Second Generation Spectra (2004-2009)

Previous Model:

Kia Spectra (first generation)

Manufacturing Location:

Gwangmyeong, South Korea (primarily); also assembled in other global locations.

Production Years:

2004-2009 (North American market)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Jd Power Initial Quality:

Early Spectra models received mixed reviews; later models showed improvement but generally remained in the mid-pack for initial quality.

Fuel Economy Ratings:

EPA estimates were competitive for the class, typically in the mid-to-high 20s for city driving and low 30s for highway.