🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Kia

Model:

Sportage

Year:

2003

Chassis Code:

NB-3

Vin Designator:

K

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact SUV / Crossover

Target Audience:

Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, professional repair shops seeking detailed technical information.

Key Competitors 2003:

Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Nissan Xterra, Jeep Cherokee (XJ).

Vehicle Platform:

Body-on-frame construction (shared with Mazda B-Series truck and Kia K-Series trucks), offering robust off-road capability for its class.

Drivetrain Options:

Available in both Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) and All-Wheel Drive (AWD) configurations.

📋 Manual Details

General Coverage:

Comprehensive service and repair procedures for the 2003 Kia Sportage.

Estimated Pages:

1500+

Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Download (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, disassembly, cylinder head, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, lubrication system, cooling system.

Engine Management:

Fuel injection system, ignition system, emission control system, engine control module (ECM) diagnostics.

Transmission Manual:

Manual transmission overhaul, clutch system, gearshift linkage.

Transmission Automatic:

Automatic transmission overhaul, hydraulic control, torque converter, transmission fluid service.

Drivetrain:

Front-wheel drive (FWD), all-wheel drive (AWD) system, transfer case, drive shafts, axles, CV joints.

Suspension:

Front suspension (MacPherson struts), rear suspension (multi-link), shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering rack and pinion, steering column, tie rods.

Brakes:

Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes (or optional rear disc), anti-lock braking system (ABS) components, hydraulic system, brake fluid.

Electrical System:

Battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting system, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams.

Body And Interior:

Body panels, doors, hood, tailgate, interior trim, seats, HVAC system.

Comfort And Convenience:

Air conditioning (A/C), heating, power windows, power locks, central locking system.

Scheduled Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and replacements, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for common issues, fault codes, symptom-based troubleshooting guides.

Repair Procedures:

Step-by-step instructions for component replacement and repair across all major systems.

Disassembly Assembly:

Detailed instructions for taking apart and reassembling major vehicle components.

Tightening Torques:

Specification of correct torque values for critical fasteners.

Wiring Diagrams:

Detailed electrical schematic diagrams for various systems.

Diagnostic Charts:

Flowcharts and charts to aid in diagnosing electrical and mechanical problems.

Depth:

Covers from basic routine maintenance and inspections to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including electrical diagnostics and component-level repairs.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Searchable:

Yes, text-searchable content for quick information retrieval.

Printable:

Yes, designed for printing individual sections or the entire manual.

Image Resolution:

High-resolution, clear diagrams and illustrations.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

FE (2.0L), RF (2.5L Diesel - market dependent)

Displacement Gasoline:

2.0 Liters (1998 cc)

Configuration Gasoline:

Inline 4-Cylinder, DOHC, 16 Valves

Bore X Stroke Gasoline:

84.0 mm x 90.0 mm

Compression Ratio Gasoline:

9.6:1

Horsepower Gasoline:

122 hp @ 5500 rpm (approximate, may vary slightly by market)

Torque Gasoline:

131 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (approximate)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (Octane Rating 87 recommended)

Injection Type:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Ignition System:

Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with coil-on-plug or coil pack.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-Speed Manual

Transmission Type:

4-Speed Automatic

Automatic Overdrive:

Yes (for 4-speed automatic)

Transfer Case AWD:

Full-time 4WD with viscous coupling center differential (or part-time 4WD depending on sub-model).

Manual Transmission Fluid:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-90

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Kia ATF SP-III (or equivalent)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4585 mm (180.5 in)

Width:

1795 mm (70.7 in)

Height:

1735 mm (68.3 in)

Wheelbase:

2630 mm (103.5 in)

Ground Clearance:

200 mm (7.9 in) approx.

Curb Weight:

1550 - 1700 kg (3417 - 3748 lbs) depending on configuration

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

2100 kg (4630 lbs) approx.

Cargo Volume:

830 - 1950 Liters (29 - 69 cu ft) with rear seats folded

Standard Tire Size:

215/65R16

Optional Tire Size:

235/60R16

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5 x 114.3 mm (5 x 4.5 inches)

Wheel Size:

16 x 6.5J or 16 x 7.0J

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:

4/5 Stars (for 2003 model year)

NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:

4/5 Stars (for 2003 model year)

IIHS Frontal Offset:

Good (for 2003 model year)

ABS:

Standard on most trims, optional on base models.

Traction Control:

Optional on some AWD models.

Airbags Front:

Driver and front passenger airbags standard.

Seatbelts:

Three-point seat belts with pretensioners for front occupants.

Rollover Protection:

Reinforced body structure designed to mitigate rollover risks.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM CD player with 4 or 6 speakers. Optional premium audio system available.

Display:

Basic digital clock and radio display. No central infotainment screen.

Cruise Control:

Available on higher trim levels.

Auxiliary Input:

Not standard. May have aftermarket upgrades.

HVAC:

Manual or automatic climate control, depending on trim. Air conditioning and heater standard.

Power Features:

Power windows, power door locks, power mirrors available on most trims.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

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

Air Filter Replacement Interval:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km)

Spark Plug Replacement Interval:

Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for standard spark plugs, 100,000 miles (160,000 km) for iridium-tipped plugs.

Timing Belt Replacement Interval:

Not applicable, uses a timing chain.

Engine Oil Specification:

API SJ or higher, SAE 5W-30 or SAE 10W-30

Engine Oil Capacity:

4.0 Liters (4.2 US quarts) with filter change

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol-based antifreeze (50/50 mix with distilled water)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Common Wear Items:

CV joints, wheel bearings, front struts/shocks, exhaust system components, minor oil leaks from valve cover gasket.

Engine Management Issues:

Potential for O2 sensor failure, catalytic converter issues (rare), and occasional idle control valve problems.

Transmission Concerns:

Automatic transmission can be sensitive to fluid maintenance. Manual transmissions are generally robust.

Body Corrosion:

Can be susceptible to rust in areas with heavy road salt usage, particularly around wheel arches and rocker panels.

📚 Vehicle History

Kia History:

Kia Motors Corporation, founded in 1944, is South Korea's oldest manufacturer of motor vehicles. Known for its value-oriented vehicles and expanding global presence.

Sportage Generation 1:

The 2003 Sportage marks the first generation (NB-3 platform, 1997-2004) of the Sportage, which was built on a robust body-on-frame chassis shared with Mazda and Kia trucks, positioning it more as a traditional SUV than a crossover.

Manufacturing Location:

South Korea

Production Years Gen1:

1997-2004 (NB-3 platform)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Safety Awards:

Received good safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS for its class at the time of release, highlighting its robust construction for a body-on-frame SUV.