🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Kia

Model:

Forte

Year:

2011

Chassis Code:

TD

Platform:

Hyundai Avante HD / Kia Cerato TD Platform

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Sedan

Competitors Primary:

Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Ford Focus

Value Proposition:

Affordable pricing, good fuel economy, extensive features for the price point, often exceeding competitors in standard equipment.

Design Era:

Stylish and modern design for its era, moving away from Kia's previous more utilitarian image.

Powertrain Options:

Fuel-efficient 4-cylinder engines with available manual and automatic transmissions.

Safety Suite:

Standard safety features including multiple airbags and anti-lock brakes.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

North America

Secondary Coverage:

Global Markets (variant dependent)

Total Pages:

1257

Type:

Workshop Service Manual

Purpose:

Repair, Diagnostics, Maintenance, Overhaul

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine (G4KD, G4KC), Transmission (M5GF1, F5AC1, F5AC2)

Chassis:

Suspension (Front: MacPherson Strut, Rear: Torsion Beam), Steering (Electric Power Steering - MDPS), Brakes (ABS, EBD)

Electrical:

Body Control Module (BCM), Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Lighting, Audio, HVAC Controls, SRS Airbag System

Body:

Exterior panels, Interior trim, Doors, Windows, Seats, Roof System

Routine Maintenance:

Oil change, filter replacement, fluid checks, spark plug replacement

Diagnostics:

Trouble codes (DTCs), component testing, circuit diagrams, troubleshooting flowcharts

Major Repairs:

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

Component Installation:

Timing belt replacement, clutch replacement, alternator removal/installation, AC compressor service

Depth:

Comprehensive: From basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text content

Resolution:

High resolution, suitable for printing

Scalability:

Scalable diagrams and illustrations

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code 1:

G4KD

Engine Name 1:

2.0L CVVT Theta II

Displacement 1:

1998 cc

Configuration 1:

Inline 4-Cylinder, DOHC, 16 Valves

Bore X Stroke 1:

86.0 mm x 86.0 mm

Compression Ratio 1:

9.5:1

Horsepower 1:

156 hp @ 6200 rpm (approx.)

Torque 1:

144 lb-ft @ 4300 rpm (approx.)

Engine Code 2:

G4KC

Engine Name 2:

1.8L CVVT Beta II

Displacement 2:

1797 cc

Configuration 2:

Inline 4-Cylinder, DOHC, 16 Valves

Bore X Stroke 2:

82.0 mm x 81.5 mm

Compression Ratio 2:

9.1:1

Horsepower 2:

124 hp @ 6000 rpm (approx.)

Torque 2:

117 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approx.)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Injection Type:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Ignition System:

Electronic Ignition (Distributorless)

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission Type:

5-Speed Manual Transmission (M5GF1)

Optional Transmission Type:

4-Speed Automatic Transmission (F5AC1/F5AC2)

Transmission Control:

Electronic Control Unit (ECU) for automatic transmission

Manual Transmission Fluid:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-85 (Refer to manual for specific part numbers and capacities)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Kia Genuine ATF or equivalent (Refer to manual for specific part numbers and capacities)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4530 mm (approx.)

Width:

1765 mm (approx.)

Height:

1470 mm (approx.)

Wheelbase:

2650 mm (approx.)

Front Track:

1545 mm (approx.)

Rear Track:

1550 mm (approx.)

Ground Clearance:

150 mm (approx.)

Curb Weight Min:

1270 kg (approx. for 1.8L M/T)

Curb Weight Max:

1370 kg (approx. for 2.0L A/T)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

1770 kg (approx.)

Trunk Volume:

450 Liters (approx.)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Overall Rating:

Not rated for the specific 2011 model year, but later Forte generations achieved good ratings. Expect typical for its class.

IIHS Crash Test Results:

Not specifically rated for 2011. Later models generally performed well.

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System

Ebd:

Standard Electronic Brake-force Distribution

Traction Control:

Optional on some trims

Electronic Stability Control:

Optional on some trims

Airbags Front:

Standard Dual Front Airbags

Airbags Side:

Optional Front Side-Impact Airbags

Airbags Curtain:

Optional Curtain Airbags (Front and Rear)

Seatbelts:

3-point Height-Adjustable Front Seatbelts with Pretensioners and Load Limiters

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Standard AM/FM/CD/MP3 player with auxiliary input. Optional SiriusXM satellite radio and upgraded audio systems.

Connectivity:

USB port (on some trims), Bluetooth hands-free connectivity (optional).

Cruise Control:

Standard

Keyless Entry:

Standard

Push Button Start:

Optional on higher trims

Rear Parking Sensors:

Optional

HVAC:

Manual air conditioning standard. Optional automatic climate control.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval Gasoline:

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

Engine Air Filter Replacement:

Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed. Recommended replacement at 30,000 miles (48,000 km).

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed. Recommended replacement at 30,000 miles (48,000 km).

Spark Plug Replacement:

2.0L (G4KD): 105,000 miles (168,000 km) for Iridium type. 1.8L (G4KC): 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for standard type.

Timing Belt Replacement:

Not applicable - equipped with timing chain.

Engine Oil Specification:

SAE 5W-20, API SN or higher (Refer to manual for specific part numbers and capacities, typically around 4.5 quarts for 2.0L)

Coolant Specification:

Ethylene Glycol based coolant, permanent type (e.g., HOAT or OAT, typically a pink or red color). Refer to manual for specific Kia specifications.

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 (Refer to manual for specific recommendation, typically 0.5 Liters)

Power Steering Fluid:

For MDPS (Electric Power Steering), no fluid change required.

Engine Noise:

Some reports of piston slap or timing chain noise on higher mileage G4KD engines, often related to oil viscosity or maintenance.

Transmission Shifting:

Occasional reports of rough shifting in automatic transmissions, potentially due to fluid degradation or solenoid issues.

Suspension Wear:

Standard wear items like ball joints, tie rod ends, and bushings can require replacement with age and mileage.

Electrical Gremlins:

Minor electrical issues such as door lock actuators, window motors, or sensor failures can occur.

📚 Vehicle History

Kia Heritage:

Kia Motors Corporation, founded in 1944, initially as a manufacturer of steel tubing and bicycles. Transitioned to trucks and cars in the late 1960s. Gained global recognition for its value-driven, increasingly reliable vehicles.

First Generation:

The Kia Forte (TD) was introduced for the 2010 model year as the successor to the Kia Spectra/Cerato. It was the second generation of the Cerato platform globally.

Design Philosophy:

Designed by Kia's European design studio, featuring a more aerodynamic and youthful appearance compared to its predecessor.

Production Location:

Hwasung Plant, South Korea

Production Years:

2009-2013 (for the first generation)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Safety Awards:

While specific awards for the 2011 model are limited, the Forte platform generally received positive marks for its safety features for its class and price point.

Fuel Economy Ratings:

Generally competitive fuel economy for its class, with EPA estimates varying by engine and transmission. Example: 2.0L Auto approximately 26 MPG City / 34 MPG Highway.