🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Kia

Model:

Spectra

Year:

2009

Chassis Code:

LD (Global)

Engine Codes:

G4GC (2.0L DOHC)

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The Kia Spectra 2009 represents a compact sedan/hatchback that targeted value-conscious consumers, offering a balance of features, fuel efficiency, and practicality. It competed in a highly competitive segment against vehicles like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Ford Focus.

Competition:

The Spectra's appeal was built on its affordable pricing and decent feature set for its class. However, it often lagged behind key competitors in areas like refinement, driving dynamics, and long-term reliability perceptions. This manual caters to owners who are looking to maintain and repair their vehicle effectively, ensuring its longevity and optimal performance.

Manual Value:

This manual's primary value lies in its comprehensive coverage, mirroring the exact information used by professional Kia service centers. It empowers owners to perform a wide range of maintenance and repair tasks, potentially saving significant money on labor costs and ensuring the vehicle is serviced to manufacturer specifications.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage:

Complete service, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair information for the 2009 Kia Spectra.

Pages:

Undisclosed (estimated to be comprehensive, likely 1000+ pages based on scope)

Type:

Professional Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical, engine control systems (ECM), fuel system, cooling system, exhaust system, transmission (manual and automatic), clutch, driveline, axles, driveshafts.

Chassis:

Brake system (ABS, EBD), suspension (front and rear), steering system, wheels, tires.

Electrical:

Body electrical systems, charging system, starting system, ignition system, lighting, instrumentation, power windows, locks, mirrors, wipers, HVAC controls, audio system, wiring diagrams.

Body:

Exterior body panels, interior trim, doors, windows, seats, safety restraints (airbags, seatbelts).

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes (oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid), filter replacements, spark plug service, belt inspection/replacement, battery service.

Repair:

Engine repair (head gasket, timing belt, piston rings), transmission repair, brake component replacement, suspension component replacement, steering component replacement, electrical component diagnosis and repair, body panel repair.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting, electrical circuit diagnosis, fuel system diagnosis, performance issues.

Diagnostics:

On-board diagnostics (OBD-II), scan tool usage, sensor testing, actuator testing, circuit analysis.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and wiring diagrams. Suitable for both DIY enthusiasts and professional mechanics.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Printability:

Fully Printable

Zoom Capability:

Yes (allows for detailed examination of diagrams and text)

Binding:

Digital Download (PDF)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Inline 4-Cylinder, DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshaft)

Displacement:

1,975 cc (2.0 Liters)

Bore X Stroke:

82.0 mm x 93.5 mm

Compression Ratio:

9.5:1

Horsepower:

138 hp @ 6000 rpm (approximate, may vary slightly by market/emission standards)

Torque:

133 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (approximate, may vary slightly by market/emission standards)

Induction Type:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (87 Octane recommended)

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based coolant (e.g., Asian Red/Pink OAT)

Coolant Capacity:

Approx. 7.0 Liters (with heater)

Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 API SM or higher

Oil Capacity:

Approx. 4.0 Liters (with filter change)

Spark Plugs:

Iridium type (e.g., NGK IFR5J11) - Gap: 1.0-1.1 mm

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-Speed Manual Transmission

Type:

4-Speed Automatic Transmission

Automatic Control:

Electronic control for gear selection and shift points.

Manual Fluid Type:

API GL-4 SAE 75W-90

Automatic Fluid Type:

Kia SPIII ATF (or equivalent)

Capacity:

Approx. 7.0 Liters (for total fill)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4526 mm (Sedan)

Width:

1730 mm

Height:

1470 mm (Sedan)

Wheelbase:

2610 mm

Track Width Front:

1500 mm

Track Width Rear:

1490 mm

Passenger Volume:

Approx. 95 cubic feet

Trunk Volume:

Approx. 15 cubic feet (Sedan)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1280-1350 kg (depending on trim and transmission)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Not specified, but generally around 1800 kg

Wheel Size:

15-inch or 16-inch alloy or steel wheels

Tire Size:

205/55R16 (common for 16-inch wheels), 195/65R15 (common for 15-inch wheels)

Bolt Pattern:

5x114.3 mm (5 lug, 114.3mm bolt circle)

Center Bore:

67.1 mm

Offset:

ET +40 to +45 (typical)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Crash:

Good (for the driver in frontal offset tests, based on similar model testing of the era)

IIHS Front Offset:

Acceptable (for the driver)

ABS:

Standard on most trims (Anti-lock Braking System)

Ebd:

Standard with ABS (Electronic Brake-force Distribution)

Traction Control:

Optional on some trims

Airbags Front:

Standard (Driver and Passenger)

Airbags Side:

Optional front side airbags on some trims

Seatbelts:

3-point ELR seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters

Child Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Standard AM/FM/CD player with optional MP3 capability and Sirius satellite radio. Available with 4 or 6 speakers.

Display:

Basic digital display for radio and clock. No integrated navigation or large color screens.

Cruise Control:

Available on EX trim levels and above.

Aux Input:

Optional auxiliary audio input jack for external music players.

Bluetooth:

Not typically available on 2009 models; aftermarket solutions may be required.

🔧 Maintenance

Engine Oil Change:

Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first. (Check manual for specific conditions).

Engine Oil Filter Change:

Every engine oil change.

Engine Air Filter:

Inspect every 7,500 miles (12,000 km), replace as needed or at least every 2 years.

Cabin Air Filter:

Inspect every 7,500 miles (12,000 km), replace as needed or at least annually.

Spark Plugs:

Replace every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) with Iridium type plugs.

Timing Belt:

Replace every 90,000 miles (144,000 km) or 7 years. (Crucial Maintenance Item).

Coolant Flush:

Flush and replace coolant every 5 years or 100,000 miles (160,000 km).

Brake Fluid Flush:

Replace every 2 years or 30,000 miles (48,000 km).

Power Steering Fluid:

Dexron III ATF or Kia Genuine Power Steering Fluid

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 (as specified in manual)

Engine Oil Consumption:

Some owners report higher than average oil consumption, necessitating regular checks.

Suspension Components:

Premature wear of control arm bushings, ball joints, and tie rod ends has been noted on some examples.

HVAC System:

Potential issues with blower motor resistor or climate control panel failures.

Engine Mounts:

Degradation of engine and transmission mounts can lead to increased vibration.

ABS Sensor Failure:

Occasional failures of ABS wheel speed sensors can illuminate the ABS warning light.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

Kia, a South Korean automaker, has a history dating back to 1944, initially producing steel tubing and bicycle parts. In the automotive sector, Kia has grown significantly, particularly since its acquisition by Hyundai. The Spectra, known as the Cerato in many markets, represents Kia's effort to establish a strong presence in the compact car segment globally.

Second Generation:

The 2009 Kia Spectra belongs to the second generation of the Spectra/Cerato, which was produced from 2003 to 2009. This generation saw significant styling updates and the introduction of more refined powertrains compared to its predecessor. The Spectra was positioned as Kia's mainstream compact offering.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primary production for North American markets was in South Korea (e.g., Gwangmyeong) and potentially other global Kia assembly plants.

Production Years:

2004-2009 (for the second generation Spectra in North America)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Safety Award:

The Kia Spectra (as part of the Cerato line) received 'Good' ratings from the IIHS in some frontal crash tests, indicating a decent level of structural integrity for its class and time, though often not leading its segment.

Consumer Reports:

Consumer Reports generally rated the Spectra as average to below average in predicted reliability compared to segment leaders like Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic during its production run. This manual is vital for owners to address potential reliability concerns through diligent maintenance.