Segment:
Full-size Luxury Sedan
Target Audience:
Owners seeking to perform their own maintenance and repairs, independent repair shops.
Competitors:
Cadillac DeVille, Lincoln Town Car, Buick Park Avenue, Chrysler 300.
Vehicle Usp:
Korean take on American-style large sedans, often offering a strong value proposition.
Manual Value:
Essential for maintaining this increasingly rare luxury sedan, enabling cost-effective repairs and longevity.
Engine:
Complete engine overhaul, diagnosis, component testing, timing belt replacement, cooling system, lubrication system, fuel system, emissions control.
Transmission:
Automatic transmission (4-speed 45RFE/48RE derivatives), fluid service, torque converter, internal component repair, diagnostics.
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS, brake calipers, rotors, pads, master cylinder, brake lines, bleeding procedures.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, struts, shock absorbers, control arms, ball joints, bushings, wheel alignment procedures.
Steering:
Power steering system, pump, rack and pinion, steering column, tie rods, diagnosis.
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, fuse box locations, charging system, starting system, ignition system, lighting, instrument cluster, power accessories, body control module (BCM).
HVAC:
Air conditioning system, heater core, blower motor, climate control module, refrigerant service, diagnostics.
Body:
Body panel removal and installation, doors, hood, trunk, glass, interior trim, exterior trim, collision repair information.
Diagnostic Trouble Codes:
OBD-II codes, P, B, C, U codes, diagnostic strategies.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair procedures for all major vehicle systems, including component replacement and adjustment.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, electrical circuit diagnosis.
Technical Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical component data.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic preventative maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
Good (2004 model)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
Good (2004 model)
IIHS Side Impact:
Acceptable (2006 model)
ABS:
Standard (4-wheel disc brakes)
Traction Control:
Available
Electronic Stability Control:
Available (ESC)
Airbags Front:
Standard dual front airbags
Airbags Side:
Available front side-impact airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners
Audio System:
Premium audio systems available, often with CD player, cassette player (early models), and steering wheel controls.
Navigation:
Optional GPS navigation system.
Parking Sensors:
Available rear parking sensors.
Auxiliary Input:
Rare, typically not standard across all models.
Seats:
Leather upholstery, heated front seats, power adjustable driver and passenger seats.
Climate Control:
Automatic climate control, dual-zone climate control available.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles (recommend platinum or iridium type).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 90,000 miles or 7 years, whichever comes first (critical maintenance item).
Transmission Fluid Service:
Every 30,000 miles or 24 months.
Engine Oil Type:
API SN/SM/SL or ILSAC GF-5/GF-4/GF-3, SAE 5W-30 recommended.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based, Asian Red (Long Life)
Common Problems:
Timing belt tensioner and idler pulley failures (can cause catastrophic engine damage), intermittent power window issues, HVAC blower motor resistor failure, occasional catalytic converter issues, minor electrical gremlins.
Maintenance Alert:
Strict adherence to timing belt replacement is paramount to prevent severe engine damage.
Brand:
Kia Motors Corporation, founded in 1944.
Brand Evolution:
Transitioned from bicycle and motorcycle manufacturer to automotive producer, initially with licensed vehicles, later developing proprietary designs.
Development:
The Amanti was Kia's flagship luxury sedan, designed to compete with established American and Japanese luxury vehicles, often based on Hyundai platforms.
Platform:
Shared platform and powertrain components with the Hyundai XG Grandeur and Kia Opirus.
Manufacturing Location:
South Korea
Production End Reason:
Discontinued due to declining sales and Kia's strategic shift towards smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles and SUVs.
