Market Segment Position:
The Kia Carnival Sedona (often referred to simply as the Carnival in many markets, with Sedona being the North American designation for this generation) was a popular choice in the family minivan segment, known for its practicality, spacious interior, and value proposition compared to some competitors.
Key Competitors:
In 2007, key competitors included the Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey, Chrysler Town & Country/Dodge Grand Caravan, and Ford Freestar. The Carnival Sedona typically competed on price and features.
Vehicle Focus:
The 2007 Kia Carnival Sedona EX was positioned as a well-equipped family hauler, offering a comfortable ride, versatile seating arrangements, and a focus on passenger amenities.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanicals, fuel system, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system, ignition system, powertrain control modules (PCMs).
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (ABS, EBD, parking brake), wheel bearings, axles, drive shafts.
Electrical:
Complete electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, lighting systems, starting and charging systems, instrumentation, comfort and convenience systems, power accessories.
Body And Trim:
Exterior body panels, interior trim, doors, windows, seats, HVAC system (including climate control), safety systems (airbags, seatbelts).
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system diagnosis, refrigerant handling, component replacement (compressor, condenser, evaporator, blower motor, actuators).
Body Electrical:
Power sliding doors, power liftgate (if equipped), interior and exterior lighting, horn, wipers, power outlets, keyless entry system.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid checks and changes (oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, power steering fluid), filter replacements (oil, air, cabin, fuel), tire rotation and pressure checks, brake pad inspection.
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission service and repair, brake caliper and rotor replacement, suspension component replacement (shocks, struts, ball joints, tie rods), steering rack repair, electrical component diagnosis and replacement, body panel repair and alignment.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, fault code interpretation, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, electrical system diagnostics.
Diagnostics:
OBD-II system diagnosis, scan tool usage, live data interpretation, component testing procedures.
Component Replacement:
Detailed instructions for replacing major and minor components, including torque specifications for critical fasteners.
Exploded Views:
Includes exploded views for many components, illustrating part relationships and aiding in disassembly/reassembly.
Depth Level:
Comprehensive, covering basic to advanced repair and diagnostic procedures, including rebuilds and electrical schematics.
Troubleshooting Guides:
Includes symptom-based troubleshooting tables and diagnostic flowcharts for various systems.
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed, color-coded wiring diagrams for all electrical systems, aiding in diagnosis and repair.
Engine Type:
V6 Gasoline (commonly 3.8L Lambda G6CU)
Engine Displacement:
3.8 Liters (3778 cc)
Horsepower Estimate:
Approximately 244 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque Estimate:
Approximately 255 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI - Multi-Point Injection)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Engine Code:
G6CU (for 3.8L V6)
Diesel Availability:
The manual states 'Unless otherwise specified, both gasoline and diesel engines are covered'. While the 3.8L V6 was prevalent in North America, international markets may have had diesel options (e.g., 2.9L CRDi). This manual is comprehensive for all variants.
Length:
Approx. 197.4 inches (5015 mm)
Width:
Approx. 77.4 inches (1965 mm)
Height:
Approx. 67.7 inches (1720 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 118.1 inches (3000 mm)
Curb Weight Estimate:
Approx. 4,300 - 4,500 lbs (1950 - 2040 kg)
Towing Capacity Estimate:
Typically around 3,500 lbs (1588 kg) when properly equipped with towing package.
Cargo Volume Estimate:
Varies significantly with seat configurations, typically exceeding 100 cubic feet with rear seats folded.
NHTSA Front Crash Rating Estimate:
Likely 4-star or 5-star for driver and front passenger (refer to specific NHTSA data for exact year/model).
IIHS Offset Frontal Rating Estimate:
Likely 'Acceptable' or 'Good' (refer to specific IIHS data for exact year/model).
Active Safety Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Traction Control System (TCS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC).
Passive Safety Features:
Front dual-stage airbags, front side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags (for all rows), active front head restraints, three-point seatbelts with pretensioners.
Front Brakes:
Ventilated Discs
Infotainment System:
EX trim typically featured a premium audio system with CD player, auxiliary input, and potentially satellite radio readiness. Higher trims might have offered an in-dash CD changer or rear-seat entertainment options.
Driver Assistance Features:
Cruise control, rear parking sensors (often optional on EX), ABS, ESC, TCS.
Connectivity Options:
Auxiliary audio input jack.
Convenience Features:
Power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, power-adjustable mirrors, automatic climate control (often standard on EX), power sliding rear doors (often standard on EX).
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000 to 7,500 miles (8,000 to 12,000 km) or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions (refer to manual for specific recommendation based on API SN or ILSAC GF-5 rated oil).
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 to 30,000 miles (24,000 to 48,000 km) or as needed based on inspection.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 12,000 to 15,000 miles (19,000 to 24,000 km) or annually.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000 to 60,000 miles (48,000 to 96,000 km) under normal driving conditions; more frequently for severe use. Crucial for automatic transmission longevity.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 (API SN or ILSAC GF-5 certified)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 5.5 US quarts (5.2 liters) with filter change for the 3.8L V6.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze (typically a red or pink long-life coolant, e.g., G12+ or equivalent, but verify with manual).
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 10.5 US quarts (9.9 liters).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (verify with manual).
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Refer to manual for specific type, often ATF Dexron III or equivalent.
Differentials Fluid Type:
Refer to manual for specifications (typically GL-5 gear oil).
Common Issues Note:
While generally reliable, common issues for this generation can include occasional transmission solenoid issues, HVAC blend door actuator failures, power sliding door malfunctions, and potential for exhaust system corrosion depending on climate. The manual will detail diagnosis and repair for these.
Brand Philosophy:
Kia, a South Korean automaker, has established a reputation for offering vehicles with strong value, improving quality, and increasingly modern styling and technology, often providing more features for the price than established competitors.
Generation:
This 2007 model represents the second generation of the Kia Carnival/Sedona (VQ platform), which debuted for the 2006 model year and offered a significant redesign over its predecessor, including a more modern exterior, improved safety features, and a more refined interior.
Manufacturing Plant:
Likely manufactured in South Korea.