🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Kia

Model:

Sorento

Year:

2009

Engine:

3.8L V6

Engine Code:

G6DA

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Mid-size SUV / Crossover

Key Competitors 2009:

Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Ford Edge, Nissan Murano, Chevrolet Traverse

Vehicle Strengths 2009:

Spacious interior, comfortable ride, available third-row seating, powerful V6 engine option, value proposition.

Target Audience:

Kia Sorento 2009 owners seeking to perform their own maintenance, repairs, or diagnostics, as well as professional automotive repair shops.

Unique Selling Points:

The most complete resource available for the specific 3.8L V6 engine and model year, offering expert-level procedures.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Full Service & Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF, though not explicitly stated, common for online sales)

Coverage Scope:

Comprehensive service, maintenance, and troubleshooting

Estimated Page Count:

1500+

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

3.8L V6 (G6DA), including fuel, ignition, lubrication, cooling, emission control, and engine mechanical

Transmission:

Automatic Transmission (likely 5-speed), including torque converter, valve body, and internal components

Drivetrain:

Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) and All-Wheel Drive (AWD) systems, including differentials, driveshafts, and CV joints

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension systems, including struts, shock absorbers, control arms, bushings, and springs

Steering:

Power steering system, including pump, rack and pinion, and associated components

Brakes:

Hydraulic brake system, including ABS, EBD, brake fluid, calipers, rotors, pads, and lines

Electrical:

Complete electrical system, including battery, charging system, starter, lighting, fuses, relays, and wiring diagrams

Body:

Body and exterior components, including panels, doors, hood, tailgate, glass, and trim

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, including refrigerant, compressor, evaporator, and climate controls

Interior:

Interior components, including seats, dashboard, trim panels, and SRS airbag system

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid changes (oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid), filter replacements, spark plug replacement

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, fault code interpretation, electrical system diagnostics

Repair:

Detailed step-by-step repair procedures for all major systems, including engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake service, suspension repair, and electrical component replacement

Disassembly Reassembly:

Comprehensive instructions for component removal, disassembly, inspection, and reassembly

Calibration Adjustment:

Procedures for adjusting and calibrating various systems, e.g., wheel alignment, sensor calibration

Depth:

Expert-level detail suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts, covering everything from basic fluid checks to full engine and transmission overhauls.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format) - highly likely for easy access and searchability.

Print Readability:

Designed for clear printing with high-resolution diagrams and text.

Binding For Physical:

N/A (assuming digital format, but if physical, typically spiral-bound or perfect-bound for durability).

Paper Quality For Physical:

N/A (assuming digital format, but if physical, typically heavy-duty paper to withstand workshop use).

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated V6

Engine Displacement:

3.8 Liters (3778 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

96.0 mm x 87.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

9.4:1

Horsepower Peak:

262 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque Peak:

260 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Recommended Octane:

87 Octane

Valvetrain:

DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshafts), 24 valves (4 per cylinder)

Timing Drive:

Timing Chain

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-Speed Automatic

Transmission Options:

N/A for this specific engine/model year combination; 5-speed automatic was standard with 3.8L.

Transmission Control:

Electronic Control with Overdrive

Transmission Fluid Type:

Kia Genuine ATF SP-III or equivalent (refer to manual for exact specification)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

188.4 inches (4785 mm)

Width:

74.4 inches (1890 mm)

Height:

67.3 inches (1710 mm)

Wheelbase:

106.3 inches (2700 mm)

Curb Weight Approx:

4,200 - 4,400 lbs (1905 - 2000 kg) depending on drivetrain and trim

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Approximately 5,700 lbs (2585 kg)

Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:

Approx. 10.4 cubic feet

Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:

Approx. 33.0 cubic feet

Cargo Volume Behind 1St Row:

Approx. 70.0 cubic feet

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Crash Test Rating:

5-Star (for driver and passenger) - 2009 Model Year

IIHS Top Safety Pick:

Yes (Good ratings in front, side, and rear impact tests)

Anti Lock Braking System ABS:

Standard

Electronic Stability Control Esc:

Standard

Electronic Brake Force Distribution Ebd:

Standard

Traction Control System TCS:

Standard

Airbags Front:

Dual Front Impact Airbags

Airbags Side:

Front Side-Impact Airbags

Airbags Curtain:

Front and Rear Side-Curtain Airbags (with rollover sensing)

💡 Technology Features

Audio System Options:

Standard AM/FM/CD/MP3 player with auxiliary input; optional Infinity premium audio system.

Navigation System:

Optional factory navigation system (likely touch-screen based).

Rear Parking Sensors:

Optional

Backup Camera:

Optional, often integrated with navigation system.

Bluetooth Hands Free:

Available on some trim levels and optional packages.

🔧 Maintenance

Engine Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions). Severe duty may require more frequent changes.

Engine Air Filter Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as needed based on inspection.

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or annually.

Coolant Flush Replacement:

Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 4 years, whichever comes first.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Iridium-tipped spark plugs: Every 100,000 miles (160,000 km).

Engine Oil Type:

API SM or higher, SAE 5W-20 (for 3.8L V6). Verify with manual for climate-specific recommendations.

Engine Oil Capacity:

6.0 US Quarts (5.7 Liters) with filter change.

Coolant Type:

Hyundai/Kia Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (Green) or equivalent meeting ASTM D3306 and KSM 2142 standards.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Engine Carbon Buildup:

Potential for carbon buildup on intake valves, especially in direct-injection engines (though the G6DA is MPI, it's a general V6 consideration for this era). Manual will detail cleaning procedures.

Transmission Hard Shifting:

Some owners report occasional hard shifting; manual will cover diagnostic checks of transmission fluid level, solenoids, and control module.

Sensor Failures:

Common in many vehicles of this era, including O2 sensors, camshaft/crankshaft position sensors. Manual provides testing procedures.

HVAC Blower Motor Failure:

Blower motor or resistor can fail, leading to no or intermittent HVAC fan operation. Manual covers diagnosis and replacement.

📚 Vehicle History

Kia Founding:

Established in 1944, originally as a manufacturer of steel tubing and bicycle parts.

Kia Global Presence:

One of the fastest-growing automotive brands globally, known for value and increasingly for design and quality.

Sorento First Generation:

Introduced in 2002, based on a body-on-frame chassis, targeting the traditional SUV market.

Sorento Second Generation 2009 Update:

The 2009 model year marks the introduction of the second generation Sorento, transitioning to a unibody (monocoque) construction for improved ride comfort, handling, and fuel efficiency. This generation also introduced new styling and powertrain options.

Manufacturing Location 2009:

Korea (Hwaseong Plant)

Production Years Second Gen:

2009-2014

🏆 Awards & Recognition

NHTSA Overall Safety Rating:

4-Star (Overall Vehicle Score) - 2009 Model Year (reflects combined frontal, side, and rollover ratings).

Consumer Reports Reliability:

Variable by year and specific components; manual provides insights into common wear items and potential issues to address proactively.