🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Kia

Model:

Carens Rondo II

Model Variant:

F L

Year:

2008

Engine Code:

G4GC (likely)

Vin Digit Engine:

4 (typically for 1.6L)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle) / Crossover

Target Demographic:

Families, individuals seeking practical, versatile, and affordable transportation.

Key Competitors:

Mazda 5, Ford Focus C-Max, Citroen C4 Picasso, Renault Scenic, Toyota Verso, Volkswagen Touran.

Value Proposition:

Offered a blend of hatchback practicality with SUV-like styling and seating flexibility at a competitive price point.

Body Style:

5-door MPV/Crossover with sliding rear doors (market dependent, but common feature).

Seating Capacity:

Typically 5 or 7 seats, depending on configuration.

Powertrain Options:

Focus on the 1.6L engine, with other options like 2.0L petrol and 1.6L/2.0L diesel available in various markets.

📋 Manual Details

Country Of Sale:

Global (primarily Europe, Asia, Australia)

Region Specific Notes:

Manual may cover variations common to specific export markets. Check regional applicability.

Estimated Page Count:

1500-2500 (typical for comprehensive service manuals)

Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Focus:

Technical repair and maintenance procedures

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF assumed based on common sales practices for this era)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Complete overhaul, diagnosis, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, emission control systems (EGR, PCV), engine management (ECU). Specifics for 1.6L G4GC Alpha II engine.

Transmission:

Manual and Automatic Transmission: overhaul, diagnosis, gear shift mechanisms, clutch service (MT), torque converter operation (AT), transmission fluid service and specifications.

Drivetrain:

Front-wheel drive system: CV joints, drive shafts, differential (integral to transmission). Rear axle components (if applicable for specific market variants, though FWD is standard).

Brakes:

Front and rear disc brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) operation and diagnosis, brake fluid specifications, hydraulic system components (master cylinder, calipers, lines), parking brake.

Suspension:

Front MacPherson struts, rear multi-link suspension, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, wheel bearings, alignment specifications.

Steering:

Power steering system (hydraulic), steering rack and pinion, tie rods, power steering fluid specifications.

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior), fuses, relays, wiring diagrams (component identification, circuit tracing), body control modules.

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system: refrigerant types, compressor operation, blower motor, climate control unit, diagnosis of cooling and heating issues.

Body And Chassis:

Body panels, doors, glass, interior trim removal and installation, chassis component inspection, corrosion protection.

Diagnostics:

OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics) system, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation, scan tool usage, troubleshooting charts and flowcharts.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance items (oil changes, filter replacements, spark plugs), fluid level checks and top-offs, tire rotation, brake inspection, battery maintenance.

Repair:

Engine component replacement (e.g., alternator, starter, water pump), brake pad/rotor replacement, suspension component replacement (e.g., ball joints, bushings), exhaust system repair, minor bodywork.

Troubleshooting:

Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults across all major vehicle systems, symptom-based troubleshooting guides.

Overhaul:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for complete engine, transmission, and major component rebuilds.

Installation:

Installation guides for replacement parts, accessories, and key components.

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive wiring schematics for all vehicle electrical systems, enabling precise troubleshooting and repair.

Depth:

Comprehensive (covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine/transmission rebuilds and complex electrical diagnostics).

Target Audience:

Professional technicians, DIY enthusiasts with mechanical aptitude.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format) - Searchable and printable.

Searchability:

High (typical for professionally created PDF service manuals).

Quality:

High-resolution images and diagrams for clarity.

Binding:

N/A (Digital format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft), 16-valve

Engine Family:

Kia Alpha II (G4GC)

Displacement:

1.6 liters (1599 cc)

Horsepower Approx:

105-115 PS (approx. 103-113 bhp, 77-85 kW) at 6000 rpm (specifications vary by market and exact tuning)

Torque Approx:

145-155 Nm (approx. 107-114 lb-ft) at 4500 rpm (specifications vary by market and exact tuning)

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI - Multi-Point Injection)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Petrol (Octane rating may vary by market, typically 91-95 RON)

ECU:

Engine Control Unit (ECU) with OBD-II compliance.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed Manual Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-speed Automatic Transmission

Drive Layout:

Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)

Manual Fluid Type:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 (check manual for specific Kia part number)

Automatic Fluid Type:

Kia Genuine ATF SP-III or equivalent (check manual for specific Kia part number)

📐 Dimensions

Length Approx:

4525 mm (178.1 in)

Width Approx:

1790 mm (70.5 in)

Height Approx:

1645 mm (64.8 in)

Wheelbase Approx:

2750 mm (108.3 in)

Cargo Volume Min Approx:

Approx. 382 liters (with 5 seats up, varies by market/configuration)

Curb Weight Approx:

1450 - 1550 kg (3197 - 3417 lbs) (varies by transmission and trim)

🛡️ Safety Features

Euroncap Rating Approx:

Likely 4-star Euro NCAP for earlier models of this generation. Specific crash test data for the 2008 model should be verified.

ABS:

Standard on most models.

Esp Esc:

Optional on some higher trims or markets.

Airbags:

Front airbags (driver/passenger) standard. Side and curtain airbags optional or standard on higher trims.

Seatbelts:

3-point seatbelts with pretensioners (front), ISOFIX child seat anchors.

💡 Technology Features

Head Unit:

Factory fitted AM/FM/CD player, potentially with MP3 playback. Aux input may be present on higher trims. Navigation was an option in some markets.

Speakers:

Typically 4-6 speaker systems.

Cruise Control:

Available on mid-to-high trim levels.

Bluetooth:

Unlikely to be standard in 2008; may have been an optional dealer-fit accessory or available on top trims.

Keyless Entry:

Standard on many trims.

Power Accessories:

Power windows, power door locks, power mirrors typically standard or optional depending on trim.

🔧 Maintenance

Engine Oil Change:

Every 10,000 - 15,000 km (6,000 - 9,000 miles) or 12 months, whichever comes first. Consult manual for specific recommendation based on driving conditions.

Oil Filter Replacement:

At every engine oil change.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 20,000 - 30,000 km (12,000 - 18,000 miles) or as needed based on inspection.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Approx. 60,000 - 100,000 km (37,000 - 62,000 miles) depending on spark plug type (e.g., iridium).

Transmission Fluid Change:

Manual: Every 80,000 - 100,000 km (50,000 - 62,000 miles). Automatic: Every 60,000 - 80,000 km (37,000 - 50,000 miles) or as per severe service schedule.

Coolant Replacement:

Every 5 years or 100,000 km (60,000 miles) with extended life coolant.

Engine Oil Type Viscosity:

API SL/SM, ILSAC GF-3/GF-4, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check manual for exact recommendation and API service rating).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check manual).

Power Steering Fluid:

Use specified power steering fluid or Dexron III ATF (check manual for exact specification).

Engine Performance:

Occasional reports of rough idle, potential for oil leaks from valve cover gasket or oil pan.

Electrical:

Alternator failures can occur. Window regulators and power locks can sometimes be problematic.

Suspension Steering:

Wear in front control arm bushings, tie rod ends leading to knocking noises or steering looseness. Wheel bearing noise.

HVAC:

AC compressor issues or leaks, blend door actuator failures leading to incorrect temperature control.

Transmission:

Manual transmissions generally robust, but clutch wear is a maintenance item. Automatic transmission torque converter shudder or shifting issues may arise with high mileage.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Origins:

South Korean automotive manufacturer, founded in 1944, known for producing affordable and reliable vehicles.

Generation:

This is the Kia Carens Rondo II (UN) generation, introduced in 2006 and produced until 2013. It succeeded the first-generation Carens (FC).

Model Name Variants:

Known as Kia Carens in most markets, but also as Kia Rondo in North America. 'F L' likely indicates a specific trim level or market variant.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily South Korea (Hwasung Plant), with some assembly possibly in other Kia facilities depending on the market.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Awards History:

The Kia Carens/Rondo II was generally well-regarded for its value, practicality, and reliability in its segment. Specific industry awards might vary by market, but it contributed to Kia's growing reputation for quality.

Consumer Reports General:

Consumer Reports and similar organizations generally rated the Carens/Rondo as average to above average for reliability in its class during its production run, appreciating its fuel economy and practicality.