🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

KIA

Model:

Sportage

Year:

1996

Generation:

First Generation (JA)

Market:

Global (specific market details may vary)

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Compact SUV / Crossover

Target Audience:

Individuals seeking a practical, rugged, and affordable SUV.

Key Competitors:

Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Nissan Pathfinder (early models), Mitsubishi Pajero Sport.

Body Styles:

Typically available as a 3-door and 5-door variant.

Drivetrain Options:

2WD (Rear-wheel drive) and 4WD (Four-wheel drive).

Design Philosophy:

Built on a ladder-frame chassis, emphasizing durability and off-road capability.

Manufacturer Backing:

Official KIA factory service manual, mirroring dealer technician resources.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

OEM Factory Service Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Download (likely PDF)

Page Count:

Estimated 800-1200 pages (typical for full service manuals of this era)

Coverage Scope:

Comprehensive repair and maintenance procedures for the 1996 KIA Sportage.

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, disassembly, timing, lubrication, cooling, and emissions control.

Engine Performance:

Fuel system (injection, fuel pump, injectors), ignition system, and engine diagnostics.

Transmission Manual:

Manual gearbox overhaul, clutch system, gear linkage.

Transmission Automatic:

Automatic transmission overhaul, torque converter, transmission control (if applicable).

Drivetrain:

Driveshafts, differentials, transfer case (4WD models), axle shafts.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, bushings, alignment.

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems (disc/drum), hydraulic lines, master cylinder, ABS (if equipped).

Steering:

Steering column, steering rack/gearbox, power steering system.

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter), lighting, horn, wipers.

Body And Frame:

Chassis, body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, glass replacement.

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system diagnosis and repair.

Safety Systems:

Seat belts, airbags (if equipped), basic safety component checks.

Preventive Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance tasks, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication points.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic flowcharts, common symptom analysis, repair procedures for identified faults.

Repair Procedures:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and adjustment.

Component Overhaul:

Detailed instructions for rebuilding major components like engines and transmissions.

Wiring Diagrams:

Complete electrical system wiring diagrams for accurate diagnosis and repair.

Specifications Data:

Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, and other critical data.

Depth Level:

Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to major overhauls and diagnostics).

Diagnostic Capabilities:

Covers common diagnostic procedures and troubleshooting for various systems.

Repair Complexity:

Suitable for professional technicians and experienced DIY enthusiasts.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely searchable text content for quick information retrieval.

Print Quality:

High-resolution, designed for professional printing.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

FE20 (2.0L SOHC)

Engine Displacement:

1998 cc (2.0 Liters)

Engine Configuration:

Inline 4-cylinder, SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft)

Bore X Stroke:

82.0 mm x 93.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

8.5:1 (approx.)

Horsepower Rating:

Approximately 98-100 HP @ 5000-5200 RPM

Torque Rating:

Approximately 118-120 lb-ft @ 2800-3000 RPM

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Fuel Octane Rating:

87 Octane (Minimum)

Oil Capacity:

Approx. 4.5 Liters (4.8 US Quarts) with filter

Recommended Oil Viscosity:

SAE 10W-30 or 5W-30 (depending on climate)

Coolant Capacity:

Approx. 6.0 Liters (6.3 US Quarts)

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based coolant (e.g., 50/50 mix of coolant and distilled water)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

5-Speed Manual Transmission

Transmission Type Optional:

4-Speed Automatic Transmission

Transfer Case 4Wd:

Part-time 4WD system with manual front hub engagement or full-time 4WD depending on market.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

API GL-4 or GL-5 Gear Oil (SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90)

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Dexron III or equivalent ATF

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 4030-4175 mm (depending on body style)

Width:

Approx. 1720-1730 mm

Height:

Approx. 1630-1710 mm (depending on roof rack and 4WD)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2650 mm

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1400-1650 kg (depending on configuration)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Not specified, but typically around 2000-2200 kg

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Results:

Limited independent crash test data available for this specific model year and generation. Early SUVs of this era generally had lower safety standards than modern vehicles.

ABS:

Optional on some trims/markets

Airbags:

Driver and passenger airbags were likely optional or standard on higher trims.

Seatbelts:

Three-point seatbelts for front occupants, likely two-point for rear bench.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Basic AM/FM radio with cassette player, optional CD player.

Dashboard Controls:

Analog gauges, manual climate controls, basic switchgear.

Cruise Control:

Optional on some higher trim levels.

Bluetooth Compatibility:

Not applicable for the 1996 model year.

Aux Input:

Not standard; aftermarket solutions may exist.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first.

Air Filter Replacement:

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

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km), depending on plug type.

Timing Belt Replacement:

Crucial for this engine (2.0L FE20). Typically every 60,000-90,000 miles (96,000-144,000 km). Failure can cause severe engine damage.

Engine Oil Spec:

API SG/SH, SAE 10W-30 or 5W-30

Coolant Spec:

Ethylene Glycol (50/50 with distilled water)

Brake Fluid Spec:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Common Problems:

Timing belt failure (if not replaced on schedule), minor oil leaks from valve cover gasket, suspension wear (bushings, ball joints), potential rust in certain climates, early electronic component failures (sensors, actuators).

Maintenance Priority:

Strict adherence to timing belt replacement schedule is paramount.

📚 Vehicle History

Kia History:

KIA, founded in 1944, initially produced motorcycles and trucks before entering the passenger car market. The Sportage was one of KIA's earliest global SUV offerings.

Sportage Debut:

The first generation Sportage (JA) debuted in 1993 in Korea and was introduced to international markets around 1995-1996.

Platform:

Based on the Kia Sportage platform, which shared components with the Mazda B-Series truck and Ford Ranger.

Production Period:

First Generation (JA): 1993-2004 (with facelifts)

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily South Korea (Hwaseong), but also licensed production in other countries.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Award History:

The first-generation Sportage was not widely recognized with major automotive awards, but it established KIA's presence in the growing SUV market and was praised for its affordability and off-road potential relative to its segment.