🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Kia

Model:

Soul

Generation Code:

AM

Model Years Covered:

2013-2014

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Crossover SUV (CUV)

Unique Selling Proposition:

Distinctive boxy styling, spacious interior for its size, practical and versatile. Known for offering good value.

Key Competitors:

Nissan Juke, Mini Countryman, Fiat 500L, Honda HR-V (later models), Chevrolet Trax

Exterior Design:

Iconic upright, boxy profile with a large glass area and distinctive front and rear fascia designs.

Interior Design:

Surprisingly spacious cabin with good headroom and legroom, user-friendly dashboard layout, often featuring unique interior color options and ambient lighting.

Powertrain Options:

Choice of efficient 1.6L and more powerful 2.0L engines, mated to either manual or automatic transmissions.

📋 Manual Details

Engine Variants:

1.6L Gamma GDI Petrol, 2.0L Nu MPI Petrol

Transmission Variants:

A6MF1/A6GF1 Automatic, M6CF3-1/M6CF1 Manual

Estimated Pages:

Estimated 1500+ pages (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals)

Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical (1.6L Gamma GDI, 2.0L Nu MPI), Engine fuel system, Engine cooling system, Engine lubrication system, Engine electrical, Ignition system, Emission control system, Automatic transmission (A6MF1/A6GF1), Manual transmission (M6CF3-1/M6CF1), Drivetrain (front-wheel drive, half-shafts, differential)

Chassis:

Suspension (front MacPherson strut, rear torsion beam), Steering system (electric power steering), Brakes (front disc, rear disc/drum), Wheels and tires, Chassis and frame

Electrical:

Body electrical systems, Lighting (headlamps, taillamps, interior), Instrument cluster, Power windows, Power locks, Wiper and washer system, Audio system, Climate control system, Airbag system (SRS), Antilock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

Body:

Body exterior (panels, doors, hood, tailgate), Body interior (trim, seats), HVAC system (heating, ventilation, air conditioning), Safety restraints

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-ups, tune-ups, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement

Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting, electrical schematics, component testing procedures, wiring diagrams

Repair And Overhaul:

Engine repair (cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft), Transmission overhaul and repair, brake system repair, suspension component replacement, steering system repair, electrical component repair, body panel repair

Installation And Adjustment:

Component installation, timing belt/chain adjustment, brake pad replacement, fluid bleeding, alignment procedures (general guidelines)

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance and fluid changes to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed diagnostic procedures and electrical system analysis.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Text-searchable PDF for quick information retrieval

Quality:

High-resolution for clear diagrams, illustrations, and text.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

1.6L Gamma Gdi:

Inline-4, Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI), Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (D-CVVT). Approx. 138 HP @ 6300 RPM, 123 lb-ft Torque @ 4850 RPM. Engine Code: G4FD.

2.0L Nu Mpi:

Inline-4, Multi-Point Injection (MPI), Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (D-CVVT). Approx. 164 HP @ 6500 RPM, 148 lb-ft Torque @ 4700 RPM. Engine Code: G4NA.

Engine Management:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Engine Control Unit (ECU) with diagnostic capabilities.

Injection Type:

GDI for 1.6L, MPI for 2.0L

Recommended Fuel:

Unleaded gasoline (87 octane or higher recommended)

Catalytic Converter:

Three-way catalytic converter

Type:

Pressurized liquid cooling system

🔧 Transmission

Manual Option:

M6CF3-1 / M6CF1 (6-speed manual)

Automatic Option:

A6MF1 / A6GF1 (6-speed automatic)

Automatic Features:

Electronically controlled with shift logic, often with a manual mode (Sport Mode).

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Refer to manual for specific ATF type (likely SP-IV or equivalent). Capacity approx. 7.0-7.5 liters.

Manual Transmission Fluid:

Refer to manual for specific MTF type (likely GL-4, viscosity grade dependent on climate). Capacity approx. 2.0-2.2 liters.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 4,140 mm (163.0 in)

Width:

Approx. 1,765 mm (69.5 in)

Height:

Approx. 1,600 mm (63.0 in)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2,600 mm (102.4 in)

Passenger Volume:

Generous for its class, offering good headroom and rear-seat legroom.

Cargo Volume Rear Seats Up:

Approx. 340 liters (12.0 cu ft)

Cargo Volume Rear Seats Down:

Approx. 700 liters (24.7 cu ft) with seats folded (approximate figures).

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1,250 kg - 1,350 kg (2,756 lbs - 2,976 lbs) depending on engine and transmission.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rating:

Generally achieved good ratings, often 4-star or 5-star overall in NHTSA testing for its era.

IIHS Rating:

Likely achieved 'Good' ratings in most IIHS crash tests for the period.

Electronic Stability Control:

Standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Traction Control System (TCS).

Antilock Brakes:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD).

Airbags:

Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags.

Seat Belts:

Three-point seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters for front seats.

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system for rear seats.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Standard AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with auxiliary input. Optional SiriusXM satellite radio.

Display Screen:

Optional touchscreen infotainment system with navigation and rearview camera integration available on higher trims.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control.

Parking Assistance:

Rearview camera and parking sensors available on select trims.

Bluetooth:

Available Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and audio streaming on higher trims.

Usb Port:

USB charging/media port available.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil And Filter Change:

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

Engine Air Filter Replacement:

Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed. Replacement typically around 30,000 miles (48,000 km).

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Inspect/replace every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or annually.

Spark Plug Replacement 1.6L:

Refer to manual. Typically iridium plugs with a long interval, possibly 100,000 miles (160,000 km).

Spark Plug Replacement 2.0L:

Refer to manual. Likely similar long-life iridium plugs.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Automatic: Inspect every 30,000 miles (48,000 km), replace as needed. Manual: Inspect as needed.

Engine Oil Type 1.6L:

SAE 0W-20, API SN or ILSAC GF-5 certified synthetic oil. Capacity: Approx. 4.0-4.2 liters (4.2-4.4 US quarts).

Engine Oil Type 2.0L:

SAE 0W-20, API SN or ILSAC GF-5 certified synthetic oil. Capacity: Approx. 4.0-4.2 liters (4.2-4.4 US quarts).

Coolant Type:

Permanent type coolant (long-life antifreeze), typically silicate-free. Kia Genuine Coolant or equivalent (e.g., G12/G12+ compatible). Capacity: Approx. 6.0-6.5 liters.

Brake Fluid Type:

SAE J1703 or FMVSS 116 DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Engine Issues:

While generally reliable, some owners have reported minor oil consumption with the 1.6L GDI engine, and potential issues with the GDI fuel injectors under high mileage. The 2.0L MPI is known for its durability.

Transmission Issues:

Some instances of rough shifting or delayed engagement in the automatic transmission have been reported; regular fluid changes are critical.

Suspension And Chassis:

Worn sway bar links or bushings can lead to knocking noises over bumps. Rear torsion beam can be susceptible to misalignment if impacted.

Electrical Issues:

Infrequent reports of sensor failures or minor electrical gremlins, often related to connections or grounds.

📚 Vehicle History

Kia Legacy:

Kia, established in 1944, evolved from a manufacturer of steel tubing and bicycles to become South Korea's second-largest automaker. Known for rapid growth and improving quality, often offering competitive value and distinctive design.

First Generation:

The first generation Kia Soul (AM) was introduced in late 2008 for the 2009 model year. It was designed to appeal to younger buyers with its unique styling and practical interior.

Second Generation Transition:

The 2014 model year represents the transition to the second generation Kia Soul (PS), which debuted in late 2013. While the product information states 2013-2014, it's crucial to verify which generation the specific manual targets, as there might be slight differences in systems between the late 2013 (first gen) and early 2014 (second gen) models.

Manufacturing Location:

Primarily Gwangmyeong, South Korea, at Kia's Hwaseong plant.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Kbb Best Resale Value:

The Kia Soul has often been recognized by Kelley Blue Book (KBB) for its strong residual value in its segment.

Edmunds Top Rated:

Frequently appeared on 'Recommended' lists or received positive reviews from automotive publications like Edmunds for its practicality and value.

Consumer Reports:

Generally received average to above-average predicted reliability ratings from Consumer Reports, particularly for the 2.0L engine.