Target Audience:
Owners with basic mechanical skills, independent auto service professionals, and car owners seeking to understand and discuss repairs knowledgeably with technicians.
Advantage Over Generic Manuals:
This is vehicle-specific information, not generic. It provides the exact same data used by authorized Kia dealer service departments.
Clarity And Usability:
Accurate, clear, and concise text combined with detailed illustrations and diagrams for easy comprehension and safe execution of repairs.
Cost Savings:
Enables DIY repairs for common tasks like oil changes, spark plug replacements, and air filter changes, leading to significant cost savings. Potential to save hundreds or thousands in repair bills.
Preparedness For Maintenance:
Provides the necessary resources and tools (informationally) to confidently perform maintenance and repairs when needed, avoiding the fear of tackling complex tasks.
Systems Covered Overview:
General Information, Engine Mechanical, Engine Electrical, Emission Control, Fuel System, Clutch System, Manual Transaxle, Automatic Transaxle, Driveshaft and Axle, Suspension System, Steering System, Restraint System, Brake System, Body (Interior and Exterior), Body Electrical System, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (HVAC)
Page Count Estimate:
Comprehensive (exact page count not specified, but implies full coverage)
Manual Type:
Service Repair Workshop Manual
Download Speed:
Advertised as 'Speed Download', indicating a reasonably fast digital transfer.
Engine Mechanical:
Detailed procedures for engine assembly, disassembly, component inspection, and repair. Includes cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing system, lubrication, and cooling.
Engine Electrical:
Covers ignition system, starting system, charging system, engine control module (ECM) operation, sensors, actuators, and diagnostic procedures.
Emission Control:
Information on emission control components, diagnosis of emission-related faults, and systems like evaporative emission control (EVAP) and catalytic converter.
Fuel System:
Details on fuel pump, fuel injectors, fuel filter, fuel pressure regulator, and evaporative emission control systems.
Clutch System:
Repair and adjustment procedures for the clutch assembly, release bearing, and clutch hydraulic system (if applicable).
Manual Transaxle:
Complete overhaul and repair instructions for the manual gearbox, including gear selection, clutch operation, and internal component servicing.
Automatic Transaxle:
Diagnostic procedures, fluid level and condition checks, overhaul, and repair of the automatic transmission.
Driveshaft And Axle:
Information on CV joints, drive axles, propeller shafts (if RWD), and wheel hub assemblies.
Suspension System:
Covers front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, struts, springs, control arms, and alignment procedures.
Steering System:
Details on power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, and steering column components.
Restraint System:
Information on airbags, seatbelts, pretensioners, and associated sensors and control modules.
Brake System:
Covers hydraulic system, ABS, EBD, brake pads, rotors, calipers, and bleeding procedures.
Body Interior Exterior:
Procedures for body panel removal and installation, interior trim, glass replacement, and seals.
Body Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, lighting systems, power windows, central locking, wipers, and accessory electrical components.
HVAC:
Service and repair for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, including refrigerant handling and component diagnosis.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes (oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid), filter replacements, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic steps for common and uncommon issues, fault code interpretation, and symptom-based troubleshooting guides.
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, overhaul, and adjustment across all covered systems.
Diagnostics:
Detailed diagnostic routines, including the use of scan tools, multimeters, and specialized test equipment.
Wiring Schematics:
Comprehensive electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems, essential for diagnosing electrical faults.
Diagnostic Tools Required:
The manual implies the use of standard automotive diagnostic tools such as multimeters, scan tools (OBD-II), pressure gauges, and specialized testers for specific components.
Depth Of Coverage:
Professional-level repair and diagnostic information, suitable for dealership technicians and skilled DIY enthusiasts. Covers everything from basic fluid checks to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.
Engine Options:
Typically offered with 1.6L (G4FC) and 2.0L (G4KD) inline-4 gasoline engines for the 2012 model year. Specific engine details are within the manual.
Engine Performance Data:
Detailed horsepower, torque, and engine-specific performance parameters will be available within the manual for each engine variant.
Fuel Injection Type:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI) or Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) depending on engine variant. Manual will detail specifics.
Engine Timing:
Timing belt or timing chain depending on engine. Manual will provide detailed procedures for inspection, replacement, and timing setup.
Cylinder Head Overhaul:
Detailed steps for removing, inspecting, cleaning, and reassembling cylinder heads, including valve lapping and seal replacement.
Infotainment System Coverage:
Information on audio systems, navigation (if equipped), and related electrical components. Troubleshooting for these systems is included.
Audio System Diagnosis:
Troubleshooting steps for common audio system faults, speaker issues, and head unit malfunctions.
Driver Assistance Systems:
Coverage for systems like cruise control, parking assist sensors (if equipped), and their respective electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures.
Connectivity Features:
Information pertaining to USB ports, auxiliary inputs, and Bluetooth connectivity (if equipped), including their integration into the vehicle's electrical system.
Recommended Service Intervals:
The manual provides manufacturer-recommended service intervals for all routine maintenance items, including oil changes, filter replacements, spark plugs, and fluid flushes.
Engine Oil Specification:
Specifies the correct engine oil viscosity grade (e.g., SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30) and API service classification recommended by Kia for the 2012 Soul. Includes oil capacity.
Coolant Specification:
Details the type of engine coolant (e.g., HOAT or OAT) and its mixture ratio with water. Includes coolant capacity.
Brake Fluid Specification:
Specifies the required DOT brake fluid type (e.g., DOT 3 or DOT 4) for the braking system. Includes bleeding procedures.
Power Steering Fluid:
Specifies the correct type of power steering fluid and the procedure for checking and topping off the reservoir.
Transmission Fluid Type Manual:
Details the specific manual transmission fluid specification (e.g., API GL-4) and its capacity.
Common Issues And Diagnosis:
While not explicitly listed as 'known issues', the comprehensive troubleshooting section guides technicians through diagnosing and resolving common problems encountered with this model year.
Air Filter Replacement Procedure:
Step-by-step instructions for locating and replacing the engine air filter and cabin air filter, including required tools.
Spark Plug Replacement Procedure:
Detailed guidance on spark plug replacement, including torque specifications and correct plug gap.