Vehicle Class:
Compact SUV / Crossover
Target Audience:
Owners seeking to perform their own maintenance and repairs, independent repair shops, and automotive enthusiasts.
Key Competitors:
Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Nissan Xterra, Isuzu Rodeo, Jeep Cherokee.
Original Equipment Quality:
Represents the official factory service documentation used by Kia dealerships and technicians, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
Diagnostic Tools:
Includes information relevant to utilizing OE diagnostic equipment and interpreting sensor data.
Longitudinal Coverage:
Extensive year range coverage (1993-2004) means it addresses evolutionary changes and potential differences across model years within the first generation.
Engine Mechanical:
Detailed disassembly, assembly, inspection, and repair of all engine components, including cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing systems, and lubrication.
Engine Management:
Diagnosis and repair of fuel injection, ignition systems, emission controls, sensors (MAF, O2, TPS, etc.), ECU operation, and troubleshooting of engine performance issues.
Transmission Manual:
Overhaul, repair, and adjustment procedures for manual transmissions, including clutch assembly, gear selection, and internal component replacement.
Transmission Automatic:
Diagnosis, repair, and overhaul of automatic transmissions, including torque converter, valve body, planetary gear sets, clutches, and electronic control systems.
Drivetrain:
Service for front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive systems, including differentials, driveshafts, CV joints, and transfer case (for 4WD models).
Suspension:
Inspection, repair, and replacement of front and rear suspension components, including struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, bushings, and springs.
Steering:
Diagnosis and repair of power steering systems, steering gear, tie rods, steering column, and wheel alignment procedures.
Brakes:
Detailed procedures for brake system service, including hydraulic components (master cylinder, calipers, wheel cylinders, brake lines), brake pads, rotors, drums, parking brake, and ABS system diagnosis.
Electrical System:
Comprehensive wiring diagrams, component location, troubleshooting charts, and repair procedures for all electrical systems, including battery, charging, starting, lighting, instruments, and accessories.
HVAC:
Diagnosis, repair, and refrigerant handling for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, including compressor, condenser, evaporator, blower motor, and controls.
Body And Chassis:
Repair procedures for body panels, doors, windows, mirrors, interior trim, and chassis components, including collision repair guidelines.
Restraint Systems:
Information on airbag systems, seat belts, and their related components and diagnostic procedures.
Routine Maintenance:
Step-by-step instructions for oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, and general inspection.
Troubleshooting:
Extensive diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting guides for common and uncommon issues across all vehicle systems.
Component Repair:
Detailed instructions for the removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly of virtually every mechanical and electrical component.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Guidance on using diagnostic tools, interpreting fault codes, and performing system tests to pinpoint issues.
Wiring Diagrams:
Complete and detailed electrical schematics for all circuits, including component locations and wire colors.
Specifications And Tolerances:
Precise measurements, clearances, torques, and other critical specifications required for accurate repairs and adjustments.
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including advanced electrical diagnostics.
Engine Code And Type:
FE-DOHC (Family 2, Double Overhead Camshaft) - 2.0L (1997cc) Inline 4-cylinder
Bore X Stroke:
86.0 mm x 86.0 mm
Valve Train:
DOHC, 16 valves
Horsepower Approx:
122-130 hp @ 5,600 rpm (depending on year and market)
Torque Approx:
135-140 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm (depending on year and market)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended)
Ignition System:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with individual ignition coils
Optional Engine 2.5L:
2.5L (2500cc) V6 (Later models, primarily North America, 1997-2001): 160 hp @ 6,000 rpm, 165 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm.
Length:
Approx. 4,330 - 4,345 mm (170.5 - 171.1 in)
Width:
Approx. 1,790 - 1,810 mm (70.5 - 71.3 in)
Height:
Approx. 1,670 - 1,750 mm (65.7 - 68.9 in) (depending on roof rails)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2,650 mm (104.3 in)
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 190 mm (7.5 in)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1,400 - 1,600 kg (3,086 - 3,527 lbs) (depending on configuration)
Towing Capacity:
Typically around 1,000 - 1,500 kg (2,200 - 3,300 lbs) (Check local regulations and specific vehicle configuration).
NHTSA Front Crash Test:
Not extensively tested or rated by NHTSA in all configurations for these early model years. Early Sportage models had variable safety performance.
IIHS Crash Test:
Generally rated as 'Marginal' or 'Acceptable' in frontal offset tests for earlier years. Later years saw some improvements.
ABS:
Available on higher trims and later model years, standard on some models.
Traction Control:
Rarely available on this generation, more common on later vehicles.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags were standard on most models from mid-generation onwards. Early models may have had optional airbags.
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts with pretensioners for front occupants, three-point belts for rear occupants.
Body Structure:
Body-on-frame construction (early models), transitioning to unibody construction for later models (around 1998-2004, depending on market). This manual likely covers both, with distinctions made.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles (8,000 - 12,000 km) or 6-12 months, whichever comes first (Consult manual for specific engine type and driving conditions).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles (24,000 - 48,000 km) or annually, depending on driving environment (Consult manual).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (48,000 - 96,000 km) (Depending on spark plug type - copper vs. platinum/iridium).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial for FE-DOHC engines. Interval typically around 60,000 - 90,000 miles (96,000 - 144,000 km) or 5-7 years. Failure can cause severe engine damage.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 - 4.8 liters (4.8 - 5.1 quarts) (Consult manual for exact capacity with filter change).
Engine Oil Type:
API SJ or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (depending on climate, consult manual).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, typically a green or orange type (Consult manual for specific Kia coolant specifications).
Timing Belt Tensioner:
Can fail, leading to belt slippage or breakage. Regular replacement of the tensioner and idler pulleys with the timing belt is recommended.
Head Gasket Leaks:
Can occur, particularly in older or neglected engines. Symptoms include coolant loss, white smoke from exhaust, or overheating.
Automatic Transmission Slippage:
Can develop with age and mileage. Regular fluid and filter changes are critical. Valve body issues can also arise.
Rear Main Seal Leaks:
Common wear item, can leak oil from the rear of the engine.
Exhaust Manifold Cracks:
Can develop due to thermal cycling, leading to exhaust leaks and ticking noises.
ABS Sensor Failures:
Wheel speed sensors for the ABS system can fail, illuminating the ABS warning light.
Kia Motors Founding:
Founded in 1944, Kia is South Korea's oldest manufacturer of motor vehicles.
Global Expansion:
The Sportage was a key model in Kia's international expansion and entry into the SUV market.
First Generation Launch:
The first-generation Sportage (JA) debuted in 1993, initially based on a chassis shared with the Mazda Bongo. It was designed as a compact, body-on-frame SUV.
Transition To Unibody:
Around 1998/1999, Kia transitioned the Sportage to a unibody platform, making it more car-like in ride and handling, and closer to its competitors.
Engine Updates:
Introduction of the 2.5L V6 engine in select markets in later years of the first generation.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily South Korea. Some models were assembled in other locations under license or joint ventures.
Production End First Gen:
Production of the first generation ended in 2004, making way for the all-new second generation Sportage.
