🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Kia

Model:

Spectra

Year:

2008

Body Style:

Sedan and Hatchback

Generation:

Second Generation (JS)

Chassis Code:

JS

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Sedan/Hatchback

Target Audience:

Budget-conscious consumers seeking reliable transportation

Key Competitors:

Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cobalt, Mazda3

Value Proposition:

Affordable pricing, decent fuel economy, practical interior

Design Philosophy:

Practicality and value over sportiness or luxury

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Full Service, Repair, and Diagnostics

Secondary Coverage:

Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Wiring Diagrams, Specifications

Estimated Page Count:

1000+

Type:

Factory Service Manual (Software)

Language:

English

Format:

Software/Digital (likely PDF or proprietary software)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, disassembly, cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, lubrication system

Engine Management:

Fuel injection, ignition system, emissions control, sensors, ECU diagnostics

Transmission Manual:

Manual transmission assembly, disassembly, clutch operation

Transmission Automatic:

Automatic transmission assembly, disassembly, hydraulic control, torque converter

Drivetrain:

Front wheel drive, axles, CV joints, differential

Suspension:

Front suspension (McPherson strut), rear suspension (multi-link), shock absorbers, springs

Steering:

Power steering system, steering column, steering rack

Brakes:

Front disc brakes, rear disc or drum brakes, ABS, EBD, parking brake

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instruments, accessories

Body And Interior:

Body panel removal, door mechanisms, interior trim, seats, HVAC system

Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning:

HVAC system components, refrigerant handling, diagnostics

Safety Systems:

Airbag system, seat belts, SRS diagnostics

Diagnostics:

OBD-II system, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), scan tool procedures

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement

Major Repairs:

Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, suspension component replacement, brake caliper service

Troubleshooting:

Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults

Component Replacement:

Detailed instructions for replacing individual parts and sub-assemblies

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive electrical schematics for all vehicle systems

Technical Specifications:

Torque values, clearances, tolerances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications

Diagnostic Tool Usage:

Guidance on using OBD-II scanners and specialized diagnostic equipment

Depth:

Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds

Detail Level:

Detailed step-by-step instructions, exploded views, and diagnostic flowcharts

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

Software-based (proprietary or PDF)

Print Quality:

N/A (Digital Format)

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

Searchable Text:

Likely yes, depending on software or PDF creation

Update Availability:

Typically static for a given model year

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

G4ED / G4GC (depending on region)

Engine Type:

Inline 4-cylinder

Displacement:

1.6 L (1599 cc) and 2.0 L (1998 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

1.6L: 76.5 mm x 86.4 mm; 2.0L: 82.0 mm x 93.5 mm

Compression Ratio:

1.6L: 9.5:1; 2.0L: 9.3:1

Horsepower:

1.6L: ~106 hp @ 6000 rpm; 2.0L: ~138 hp @ 6000 rpm (North American spec)

Torque:

1.6L: ~106 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm; 2.0L: ~137 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (North American spec)

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI - Multi-Point Injection)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (87 Octane Recommended)

Ignition Type:

Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with Coil-on-Plug

Emission Control:

Catalytic Converter, On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II)

Oil Type:

API SN or higher, SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30

Oil Capacity:

Approx. 3.5 - 4.0 quarts (3.3 - 3.8 liters) with filter change

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed Manual Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-speed Automatic Transmission (4-speed H-Matic)

Automatic Features:

Lock-up torque converter, electronically controlled

Manual Transmission Fluid:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-90

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Kia Genuine ATF SP-III (or equivalent)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Sedan: ~173.4 inches (4405 mm); Hatchback: ~167.7 inches (4260 mm)

Width:

~67.9 inches (1725 mm)

Height:

Sedan: ~56.7 inches (1440 mm); Hatchback: ~57.7 inches (1465 mm)

Wheelbase:

~102.4 inches (2600 mm)

Curb Weight:

~2,700 - 2,900 lbs (1225 - 1315 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Varies by configuration, typically ~3,700 lbs (1678 kg)

Trunk Volume:

Sedan: ~12.6 cubic feet (357 liters); Hatchback: ~15.0 - 46.0 cubic feet (425 - 1300 liters) with seats folded

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Crash Test:

Likely 4-star for driver and passenger (for 2008 model year)

IIHS Side Crash Test:

Likely Acceptable (check specific reports for 2008 model)

ABS:

Standard (Anti-lock Braking System)

Ebd:

Standard (Electronic Brake-force Distribution)

Airbags:

Frontal airbags for driver and passenger, optional side curtain airbags

Seat Belts:

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

Child Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Base models: AM/FM/CD player with 4 speakers. Higher trims: Optional premium audio, MP3 capability, auxiliary input.

Navigation:

Not typically available or a dealer-installed option, not integrated in base models.

Cruise Control:

Available on most trims

Traction Control:

Optional on some trims

Auxiliary Input:

Available on models with upgraded audio systems

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first

Engine Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km)

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km)

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) (Platinum or Iridium type recommended)

Transmission Fluid Change Auto:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months

Transmission Fluid Change Manual:

Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 48 months

Coolant Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months (initial) then every 30,000 miles (48,000 km)

Timing Belt Replacement:

Spectra models typically use a timing chain, which is generally maintenance-free for the life of the engine. Verify specific engine code.

Coolant Type:

Hyundai/Kia Long Life Coolant (Green) - Ethylene Glycol based

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Power Steering Fluid Type:

Kia Genuine Power Steering Fluid (or equivalent power steering fluid meeting Dexron III/Mercon specifications)

Common Issues Engine:

Oil consumption in higher mileage engines, potential for catalytic converter failure, minor coolant leaks from hoses.

Common Issues Transmission:

Occasional harsh shifting in automatic transmissions, wear in manual clutch components.

Common Issues Suspension:

Worn front control arm bushings, sagging rear springs, premature failure of front struts.

Common Issues Electrical:

Faulty power window regulators, issues with the mass airflow sensor (MAF), intermittent warning lights.

Common Issues HVAC:

HVAC blower motor failure, refrigerant leaks.

📚 Vehicle History

Kia Heritage:

Kia Motors Corporation, founded in 1944, originally a manufacturer of steel tubing and bicycle parts, entering the automotive sector in the 1970s. Known for its value-oriented and increasingly competitive vehicles.

Spectra Lineage:

The Spectra was Kia's compact offering, succeeding the Sephia. The second generation (JS) introduced a more modern design and platform.

Generation Timeline:

First Generation: 2004-2006; Second Generation (JS): 2007-2009 (discontinued and replaced by Forte/Cerato).

Production Years:

2007-2009 (for the JS generation)

Manufacturing Locations:

South Korea (primarily)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Safety Awards:

Achieved good ratings in frontal crash tests from NHTSA. Specific IIHS ratings should be verified.

Fuel Economy Ratings:

EPA estimated MPG typically in the range of 22-24 MPG city / 30-32 MPG highway (depending on engine and transmission).

Emission Standards:

Meets EPA emission standards for the model year.