🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Kia

Model:

Optima Hybrid

Year:

2012

Chassis Code:

JF

Engine Code Common:

G4HC (2.4L Hybrid)

👋 Introduction

Market Segment:

Mid-size sedan, focusing on fuel efficiency and hybrid technology.

Competitive Set:

Toyota Camry Hybrid, Ford Fusion Hybrid, Hyundai Sonata Hybrid.

Hybrid Powertrain:

Combination of 2.4L gasoline engine and electric motor for improved fuel economy.

Design:

Sleek, European-inspired styling for its generation.

Technology:

Features common to its segment including infotainment, climate control, and safety systems.

📋 Manual Details

Geographic Coverage:

Global (US market focus implied by typical product offerings)

Trim Level Coverage:

Likely covers all standard trim levels for the 2012 Optima Hybrid.

Estimated Page Count:

1500-2000 pages (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals)

Manual Type:

Service Repair Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine (internal combustion and electric motor), Hybrid system components (battery pack, power control unit, inverter), Transmission, Cooling system.

Chassis:

Suspension (front and rear), Steering, Brakes (including regenerative braking system), Wheels and Tires.

Electrical:

12V electrical system, High-voltage hybrid system wiring, Battery management system, Charging system, Lighting, Audio system, Climate control system.

Bodywork:

Exterior body panels, Interior trim, Glass, Doors, Seats, Safety restraints (airbags, seatbelts).

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, Oil and filter changes, Fluid level checks and top-offs, Spark plug replacement, Air filter replacement, Brake pad inspection and replacement.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides, Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation, Component testing procedures, Wiring diagrams for fault finding.

Repair Rebuild:

Engine overhaul, Transmission repair, Hybrid system component replacement (e.g., inverter, battery module, electric motor), Brake system component replacement, Suspension and steering component replacement.

Special Procedures:

Hybrid system high-voltage component handling and safety precautions, Battery pack service, Power control unit calibration, Hybrid system diagnostics and repair.

Depth:

Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to full engine and hybrid system rebuilds), including detailed specifications and diagnostic procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Text-searchable (essential for quick information retrieval)

Print Quality:

High-resolution, clear images, diagrams, and text suitable for printing.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital PDF Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

2.4L Inline-4 (Gasoline) + Electric Motor

Engine Code:

G4HC

Displacement:

2359 cc (143.9 cu in)

Bore X Stroke:

93.0 mm x 86.0 mm (3.66 in x 3.39 in)

Compression Ratio:

12.5:1

Combined Horsepower:

206 hp @ 5000 rpm (System Output)

Gasoline Engine Horsepower:

169 hp @ 6000 rpm

Electric Motor Horsepower:

30 kW (40 hp)

Combined Torque:

247 lb-ft (System Torque) (Primarily from electric motor at low speeds)

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (87 Octane Recommended)

Battery Type:

Lithium Polymer (Li-Polymer)

Battery Capacity:

Approx. 1.4 kWh (Varies by specific configuration)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

6-Speed Automatic with Sportmatic (incorporating hybrid drive components)

Optional Transmission:

N/A (Standard for Hybrid model)

Hybrid Integration:

Seamless integration of gasoline engine and electric motor for optimal performance and efficiency.

Transmission Fluid Type:

Kia Genuine ATF SP-IV or equivalent (refer to manual for exact specification and part number)

Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Refer to manual for precise capacity (typically 7-9 quarts for overhaul).

📐 Dimensions

Length:

191.1 inches (4854 mm)

Width:

72.1 inches (1831 mm)

Height:

57.9 inches (1471 mm)

Wheelbase:

110.0 inches (2794 mm)

Front Track:

62.1 inches (1577 mm)

Rear Track:

62.0 inches (1575 mm)

Cargo Volume:

15.1 cubic feet (approx.)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3559 lbs (1614 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Refer to vehicle placard.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Overall Safety Rating:

Likely 5-Star (Top Safety Pick by IIHS for many trims/years of Optima)

IIHS Top Safety Pick:

Yes (for standard Optima, likely applicable to Hybrid)

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (with Electronic Brake-force Distribution - EBD and Brake Assist - BA)

Traction Control:

Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS).

Tire Pressure Monitoring:

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

Airbags:

Front airbags, Side airbags, Curtain airbags (front and rear).

Seatbelts:

3-point front and rear seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

UVO (Ultimate Vehicle Experience) or similar Kia infotainment system with CD/MP3 player, AM/FM radio, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, USB and auxiliary input jacks.

Display:

Available touchscreen display (e.g., 4.3-inch or 8-inch depending on trim).

Camera Systems:

Available rearview camera.

Parking Sensors:

Available rear parking assist sensors.

Bluetooth:

Bluetooth wireless technology for hands-free calling and audio streaming.

Navigation:

Optional navigation system.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic oil).

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) (Iridium type).

Coolant Replacement:

Initial replacement at 100,000 miles (160,000 km), then every 50,000 miles (80,000 km) thereafter (for hybrid system coolant).

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 0W-30 Synthetic (API SN or higher).

Engine Oil Capacity:

4.8 quarts (4.5 L) with filter change.

Coolant Type:

Hyundai/Kia Long Life Coolant (Blue) or equivalent (based on ethylene glycol and deionized water).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4.

Hybrid Battery Degradation:

Potential for gradual capacity loss in the hybrid battery pack over many years/high mileage, though generally reliable for this era.

Engine Oil Consumption:

Some reports of minor oil consumption, regular checks are advised.

Infotainment Glitches:

Occasional reports of infotainment system unresponsiveness or minor software glitches.

Brake Wear:

Due to regenerative braking, front brake pads may wear differently than expected; regular inspection is key.

📚 Vehicle History

Kia Brand Focus:

Kia, a South Korean automaker, has grown significantly in global market share by offering value, improving quality, and adopting modern design and technology.

Optima Generation Jf:

The 2012 model represents the first generation of the Kia Optima to feature a dedicated hybrid powertrain, building upon the success of the redesigned fourth-generation (TF) Optima platform.

Manufacturing Location:

Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea (Primarily)

Production Years Kf Platform:

2010-2015 (Standard Optima), 2011-2015 (Hybrid variants)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

IIHS Recognition:

The Kia Optima (non-hybrid) consistently received IIHS Top Safety Pick awards during this generation for its crashworthiness.

Consumer Reports Ratings:

Consumer Reports typically rated the Optima well for its class in reliability and performance, though hybrid-specific ratings varied.

Epa Fuel Economy:

EPA estimated MPG: ~35 City / 40 Highway / 37 Combined (figures vary slightly by source and specific model year updates).