🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

KIA

Model:

Sorento

Year:

2004

Generation Designation:

First Generation (JC)

Platform Code:

JC

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Mid-size SUV, typically offering three rows of seating and versatile utility

Competitors:

Ford Explorer, Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Nissan Pathfinder, Chevrolet TrailBlazer

Key Selling Points:

Affordability, spacious interior, available V6 engine, truck-like durability (body-on-frame construction in earlier models, though the 2004 is often unibody-based for this generation in some markets)

Vehicle Type:

Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)

Body Style:

5-door SUV

Seating Capacity:

Typically 7-passenger configuration with optional third-row seating

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital PDF Download

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 1500-2500 pages (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals of this era)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanicals, fuel system, cooling system, lubrication system, ignition system, exhaust system, engine management (ECM/ECU), transmission (manual and automatic), drivetrain (transfer case, differentials, axles, driveshafts)

Chassis:

Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (including ABS), wheels and tires

Electrical:

Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrument cluster, power accessories (windows, locks, mirrors), wipers and washers, audio system, climate control electricals, body control modules (BCM), wiring diagrams, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)

Body:

Body construction, exterior trim, interior trim, doors, windows, seats, airbags, body repairs, paint

Maintenance:

Oil change, filter replacement, fluid checks and changes, lubrication, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement, brake pad replacement, tire rotation

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, fault code interpretation, circuit testing, component testing

Repair:

Engine overhaul, cylinder head repair, transmission overhaul, brake caliper rebuild, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair, body panel replacement

Special Procedures:

Engine timing, fuel injector testing, ABS bleeding, differential fluid service, airbag system service, climate control system evacuation and recharge

Depth Of Information:

Comprehensive coverage from basic maintenance to in-depth mechanical and electrical repairs, including diagnostic procedures and specifications

Diagnostic Tools:

Information on using OBD-II scanners, multimeters, specialized tools, and diagnostic procedures for specific components

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

Portable Document Format (PDF)

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable for keywords (depending on OCR quality of original scan)

Digital Reproduction:

High-resolution scan for clear text and diagrams

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code And Type:

G6C (3.5L V6 SOHC MPI)

Engine Displacement Liters:

3.5

Engine Configuration:

V6

Engine Valvetrain:

SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft)

Horsepower Ps:

Approximately 195-200 PS (varies by market and exact spec)

Torque Nm:

Approximately 280-290 Nm (varies by market and exact spec)

Compression Ratio:

Typically 9.0:1 or 9.5:1

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Recommended Octane:

87 (Octane Rating - RON+MON)/2, or 91 RON

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

4-speed Automatic Transmission

Transmission Type Optional:

5-speed Manual Transmission (less common in many markets for this model year, but may have been available)

Drive Type:

Available in 2WD (Rear-Wheel Drive) and 4WD (All-Wheel Drive)

Transfer Case Type:

Electronically controlled or mechanically engaged for 4WD models

📐 Dimensions

Length Mm:

Approximately 4675 mm

Width Mm:

Approximately 1865 mm

Height Mm:

Approximately 1710 mm (without roof rails)

Wheelbase Mm:

Approximately 2745 mm

Curb Weight Kg:

Approximately 1800-1950 kg (depending on drivetrain and options)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Kg:

Approximately 2500-2600 kg

Towing Capacity Kg:

Typically around 1500-2000 kg (check local regulations and vehicle specification)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Crash Test Rating:

Likely 4-star for driver and passenger (based on typical ratings for this class and era)

IIHS Front Crash Test Rating:

Likely 'Acceptable' or 'Good' (depending on specific testing parameters)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System

Traction Control:

Optional or standard on certain trims/drivetrains

Electronic Stability Control:

Optional or standard on certain trims/drivetrains (may be referred to as ESP or similar)

Airbags Front:

Driver and front passenger airbags

Airbags Side:

Optional or standard side curtain airbags (for front and second-row passengers)

Seatbelts:

3-point height-adjustable front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters, 3-point rear seatbelts

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Standard AM/FM/CD player with 4-6 speakers; optional premium sound system and/or satellite radio.

Navigation:

Optional factory-installed navigation system on higher trims.

Cruise Control:

Standard feature

Parking Assistance:

Rear parking sensors were optional on some trims.

Auxiliary Input:

May be present on some models or require aftermarket installation for audio devices.

HVAC System:

Manual or automatic climate control with air conditioning and heater

🔧 Maintenance

Engine Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000 to 7,500 miles (8,000 to 12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (depending on driving conditions)

Engine Oil Filter Replacement:

With every oil change

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 to 30,000 miles (24,000 to 48,000 km) or as needed based on inspection

Spark Plug Replacement:

Typically around 60,000 to 100,000 miles (96,000 to 160,000 km) for iridium or platinum tipped plugs

Transmission Fluid Change:

Automatic: Every 30,000 to 60,000 miles (48,000 to 96,000 km). Manual: Every 40,000 to 60,000 miles (64,000 to 96,000 km).

Coolant Replacement:

Every 30,000 to 50,000 miles (48,000 to 80,000 km) or 2-4 years

Brake Fluid Flush:

Every 2 to 3 years

Engine Oil Type:

API SN/SP or ILSAC GF-5/GF-6 certified synthetic or synthetic blend SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 (consult owner's manual for exact spec based on climate)

Engine Oil Capacity Liters:

Approximately 4.7 liters (4.9 US quarts) with filter change

Transmission Fluid Type Automatic:

Kia SPIII ATF or equivalent (e.g., Dexron-III compatible, though SPIII is preferred)

Transmission Fluid Type Manual:

API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based coolant (e.g., P-HOAT or OAT type, typically a green or orange coolant for this era)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid

Engine Issues:

Potential for oil leaks (valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket), cooling system issues (radiator leaks, thermostat failure), occasional starter motor failure.

Transmission Issues:

Some reports of rough shifting or premature wear in automatic transmissions; manual clutch wear.

Suspension Issues:

Wear in suspension bushings, ball joints, and tie rod ends can lead to premature tire wear and steering looseness.

Electrical Issues:

Window regulator failures, HVAC blower motor issues, and occasional issues with the central locking system.

Exhaust Issues:

Catalytic converter failure, exhaust manifold cracks (less common than some competitors).

📚 Vehicle History

Kia History Context:

Kia Motors Corporation, a South Korean automaker, established in 1944. Known for producing a wide range of vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, and vans, with a focus on value and increasingly on design and technology.

Sorento Generation 1 Launch:

First introduced globally in 2002 as a body-on-frame SUV, with the 2004 model representing an update or early production run of this generation.

Sorento Platform Transition:

While early Sorentos were often body-on-frame, the platform for later models in this generation (including potentially the 2004 in some markets) transitioned to a unibody construction for improved ride comfort and handling.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primary manufacturing plants in South Korea (e.g., Hwaseong), with potential assembly in other international locations.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Awards General:

While specific major awards for the 2004 Sorento might be limited, it was generally recognized for its value proposition and utility within its segment upon release.