Segment:
Full-size Luxury Sedan
Competitors Era:
Competed against models like the Toyota Avalon, Buick LeSabre/Park Avenue, Ford Crown Victoria/Mercury Grand Marquis, and lower-trim models of European luxury sedans.
Value Proposition:
Offered a spacious interior, comfortable ride, and a suite of standard features at a more accessible price point than many established luxury brands.
Benefit To Owner:
Empowers owners and mechanics with the detailed information needed for accurate diagnosis, efficient repair, and proper maintenance, reducing reliance on expensive dealership services.
Detail Quality:
Professional quality, in-depth coverage with hundreds of photos, illustrations, and detailed substeps for each procedure.
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, disassembly, diagnosis, repair, specifications, timing belt, cooling system, lubrication system
Engine Performance:
Fuel injection system, ignition system, emissions control, engine management
Transmission:
Automatic transmission overhaul, diagnosis, fluid specifications, shift control
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive system, axle shafts, differential
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, alignment, shock absorbers, springs
Steering:
Power steering system, steering column, rack and pinion
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system, anti-lock braking system (ABS), disc brake overhaul, parking brake
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starter, lighting, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams
Body And Chassis:
Body panels, doors, glass, interior trim, chassis components
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system diagnosis and repair
Safety Systems:
Airbag system diagnosis and repair, seat belt mechanisms
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance tasks, fluid changes, filter replacements, tune-ups
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults, fault code interpretation
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for component repair and replacement
Disassembly Assembly:
Complete disassembly and reassembly of major vehicle systems
Diagnostics:
System diagnostics, electrical circuit tracing, component testing
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to advanced engine and transmission overhaul, including electrical troubleshooting and wiring diagrams
Engine Code:
G6CU (Lambda)
Engine Type:
3.5L V6 DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft)
Horsepower:
200 hp @ 5500 rpm (approx.)
Torque:
210 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Timing Belt Replacement Interval:
Refer to specific maintenance schedule; typically around 60,000 - 90,000 miles (manual will provide exact interval)
Spark Plug Type:
Refer to manual for exact specification (e.g., Iridium or Platinum recommended)
NHTSA Front Impact:
4-star (driver), 4-star (passenger) - based on available data for similar period vehicles
NHTSA Side Impact:
4-star (front), 5-star (rear) - based on available data for similar period vehicles
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Available (e.g., Electronic Stability Control - ESC may be optional or standard on higher trims)
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags, side curtain airbags (availability may vary by trim)
Seat Belts:
3-point front and rear seat belts with pre-tensioners
Audio System:
Premium audio systems often featured cassette and CD players, with available CD changer. Manual covers audio system repair and diagnosis.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control functionality
Remote Keyless Entry:
Standard remote keyless entry system
Power Seats:
Power adjustable driver and front passenger seats, often with memory function for the driver's seat.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000 miles or 6 months (refer to manual for precise recommendation based on driving conditions)
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 12 months
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (API Service SJ or higher; manual will specify exact API classification)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant, Type-2 (e.g., Kia Genuine Long Life Coolant or equivalent)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (manual will specify exact requirement)
Common Complaints:
Potential issues might include: minor electrical gremlins (e.g., power window switches), occasional transmission shift quality issues, and wear items like suspension bushings. The manual will detail diagnostic procedures for these and more.
Kia Origins:
Founded in 1944, Kia is South Korea's oldest manufacturer of motor vehicles. Initially focused on motorcycles and trucks, it expanded into passenger cars, often through licensing agreements and later developing its own designs.
Amanti Debut:
The Kia Amanti was introduced in North America for the 2004 model year as Kia's flagship luxury sedan, aiming to compete in a segment dominated by established brands. It was based on the platform of the Hyundai Grandeur XG.
Production Period:
2004-2006 (North American market). It was discontinued after the 2006 model year, succeeded by the Kia Amanti (which was essentially a rebadged and updated Kia Opirus).