🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Kia

Model:

Carnival

Year:

2008

Chassis Code:

VQ

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Minivan

Target Audience:

Families, individuals requiring flexible passenger and cargo space

Key Competitors 2008:

Dodge Grand Caravan, Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, Chrysler Town & Country

Unique Selling Points:

Spacious interior, versatile seating configurations, value proposition, optional V6 engine

📋 Manual Details

Primary Markets Covered:

North America, Global (specific variants may apply)

Estimated Page Count:

Hundreds (actual count varies by specific print or digital edition)

Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual (FSM)

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine (mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, exhaust), Transmission (automatic), Drivetrain (front-wheel drive)

Chassis:

Suspension (front and rear), Steering, Brakes (hydraulic, parking), Wheels and Tires

Electrical:

Body electrical systems, Lighting, Power accessories, Instrumentation, Powertrain control module (PCM), Ignition system, Charging system, Starting system, Fuses and Relays

Body:

Body panels, Doors, Windows, Seats, Trim, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning), Audio System, Safety systems (Airbags)

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, Fluid checks and changes, Filter replacements, Lubrication points

Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), Symptom-based troubleshooting, Electrical system diagnostics, Component testing

Repair And Overhaul:

Engine overhaul, Transmission service and repair, Suspension component replacement, Brake caliper and rotor replacement, Electrical component diagnosis and replacement, Bodywork repair procedures

Installation And Adjustment:

Component installation, Timing belt/chain adjustment, Wheel alignment specifications, Brake bleeding procedures

Depth:

Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds)

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Quality:

Printable (designed for home or professional printing)

Suggested Binding:

Spiral-bound or three-ring binder for ease of use

Recommended Paper:

Heavyweight, durable paper for shop use

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

G6CU (for North American market, 3.8L V6)

Engine Type:

V6, SOHC

Displacement:

3.8 Liters (3797 cc)

Horsepower:

Approx. 204 hp @ 5200 rpm

Torque:

Approx. 242 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI - Multi-Point Injection)

Recommended Fuel:

87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline

Bore X Stroke:

96.0 mm x 87.0 mm (approximate, verify in manual)

Compression Ratio:

9.0:1 (approximate, verify in manual)

Catalytic Converter:

Equipped with three-way catalytic converters

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-speed Automatic Transmission

Optional Transmission:

N/A for 2008 model year in most markets

Drive Type:

Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)

Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:

Kia Genuine ATF SP-III or equivalent (verify in manual)

1St Gear:

2.750 (typical, verify in manual)

2Nd Gear:

1.500 (typical, verify in manual)

3Rd Gear:

1.000 (typical, verify in manual)

4Th Gear:

0.750 (typical, verify in manual)

Reverse:

2.000 (typical, verify in manual)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approximately 192.1 inches (4880 mm)

Width:

Approximately 78.0 inches (1980 mm)

Height:

Approximately 69.3 inches (1760 mm)

Wheelbase:

Approximately 118.1 inches (3000 mm)

Seating Capacity:

7 or 8 passengers (depending on configuration)

Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:

Approximately 22.4 cubic feet (verify in manual)

Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:

Approximately 70.4 cubic feet (verify in manual)

Cargo Volume Max:

Approximately 148.1 cubic feet (verify in manual)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 4,200 - 4,500 lbs (1905 - 2041 kg), varies by trim and equipment

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Approximately 5,732 lbs (2600 kg) (verify in manual)

Towing Capacity:

Approximately 3,500 lbs (1588 kg) with trailer package (verify in manual)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Rating:

5-Star (driver and passenger, for models equipped with standard airbags)

NHTSA Side Impact Rating:

5-Star (front and rear seat occupants, for models equipped with standard airbags)

IIHS Top Safety Pick:

Not awarded for 2008 model year

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC) / Traction Control System (TCS)

Brake Assist:

Available

Airbags:

Standard front airbags, available side curtain airbags for all rows

Seatbelts:

3-point seatbelts with pretensioners for all occupants, LATCH system for child seats

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Standard AM/FM/CD audio system with 4 or 6 speakers, optional SiriusXM satellite radio

Navigation:

Optional factory-installed navigation system

Rear Parking Sensors:

Available

Rearview Camera:

Not typically available for this model year

Auxiliary Input:

Available auxiliary audio input jack

Bluetooth:

Not typically available for this model year

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for severe driving conditions)

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months (refer to manual for dusty conditions)

Spark Plug Replacement:

Approximately 105,000 miles (168,000 km) for iridium plugs (verify in manual)

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (48,000 - 96,000 km), depending on driving conditions (consult manual)

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approximately 4.5 US quarts (4.3 Liters) with filter (3.8L V6, verify in manual)

Engine Oil Viscosity:

SAE 5W-30 (verify in manual)

Coolant Capacity:

Approximately 7.4 US quarts (7.0 Liters) (verify in manual)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 (verify in manual)

Common Complaints:

Transmission shift quality issues, potential for HVAC blower motor failures, front suspension component wear (control arms, ball joints) due to vehicle weight and usage, check engine lights related to emissions components.

Preventative Measures:

Regularly inspect and service transmission, maintain cooling system, proper tire inflation and rotation to mitigate suspension wear.

📚 Vehicle History

Manufacturer:

Kia Motors Corporation

Generation:

First Generation (VQ) - launched in 2006

Updates For 2008:

Minor trim and feature updates, potential packaging adjustments (refer to specific market documentation for accuracy)

Production Location:

Hwaseong, South Korea

Production Years:

2006-2014 (for the first generation)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Initial Reviews:

Generally praised for its value and spaciousness, though often noted as less refined than some competitors.

Consumer Reports Reliability:

Variable (check specific year ratings from Consumer Reports for detailed reliability assessments)

Emissions Certification:

Meets EPA emissions standards for its model year