🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Kia

Model:

Carnival

Year:

2004

Engine Identifier:

3.5L DOHC

Vin Code Engine:

Likely 'H' or 'E' depending on specific engine variant, refer to manual for precise VIN decoding

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Minivan / MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle)

Target Audience:

Families seeking spacious, practical transportation

Key Competitors 2004:

Dodge Grand Caravan, Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey, Ford Freestar, Chevrolet Venture/Vans

Practicality:

Spacious interior, flexible seating configurations, sliding rear doors for easy access

Value Proposition:

Often offered a competitive price point with a good balance of features and space

Engine Variant:

Specifically targets the 3.5L DOHC engine variant, which was a strong performer in the lineup

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

North America (likely, based on common market distribution for this model year)

Total Pages:

848

Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, valve train, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel system (mechanical aspects)

Engine Management:

Engine Control Unit (ECU), ignition system, fuel injection system, emissions control systems, sensors, actuators, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)

Transmission:

Automatic transmission (likely 4-speed or 5-speed for this era/engine), removal, installation, overhaul, torque converter, transmission control module (TCM)

Drivetrain:

Front-wheel drive (FWD) system, drive axles, CV joints, differential

Suspension:

Front suspension (MacPherson struts, control arms, stabilizer bar), rear suspension (multi-link or independent setup), shock absorbers, springs, bushings

Steering:

Power steering system, steering rack, steering column, power steering pump, fluid specifications

Brakes:

Front disc brakes, rear disc brakes, anti-lock braking system (ABS), hydraulic system, brake fluid specifications, bleeding procedures, parking brake

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior), fuses, relays, wiring diagrams

Body And Chassis:

Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, interior trim, exterior trim, chassis components, structural integrity

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, compressor, evaporator, condenser, refrigerant types and procedures, blower motor

Interior Systems:

Seating systems, seatbelts, airbags (SRS), power windows, power door locks, mirrors

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and top-offs, belt inspections

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, use of scan tools and diagnostic equipment

Repair And Rebuild:

Component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, reassembly, and installation for major systems

Specifications:

Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical values, diagnostic parameters

Wiring Diagrams:

Detailed electrical wiring schematics for all major vehicle systems

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering basic to advanced repair and diagnostics, including internal component overhauls and system diagnostics

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

Portable Document Format (PDF)

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable (assuming OCR or native PDF text layer)

Quality:

Digital, high resolution suitable for viewing and printing

Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

Likely 'VQ35DE' or a Kia-developed derivative, requires manual verification for exact code.

Displacement:

3.5 Liters (3497 cc)

Configuration:

V6 (V-type, 6 cylinders)

Valvetrain:

DOHC (Double Overhead Camshafts), 24 valves (4 valves per cylinder)

Horsepower Approx:

Around 200-215 hp (actual figure varies slightly by market/tuning)

Torque Approx:

Around 220-230 lb-ft (actual figure varies slightly by market/tuning)

Induction:

Multi-point fuel injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

Type:

Pressurized liquid cooling system

🔧 Transmission

Type:

4-speed Automatic Transmission (likely)

Type:

5-speed Automatic Transmission (possible on higher trims/later production)

Drive Modes:

Likely P-R-N-D (Park, Reverse, Neutral, Drive) with potential manual shift modes

Transmission Fluid:

Refer to manual for specific ATF type (e.g., SP-III or equivalent)

📐 Dimensions

Length Approx:

Around 4770 mm (187.8 inches)

Width Approx:

Around 1890 mm (74.4 inches)

Height Approx:

Around 1750 mm (68.9 inches)

Wheelbase Approx:

Around 2905 mm (114.4 inches)

Curb Weight Approx:

Around 1900-2050 kg (4189-4520 lbs), depending on trim and options

Cargo Volume Rear Seats Up Approx:

Significant, designed for maximum cargo utility, specific liters/cubic feet requires manual check

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver Approx:

Likely 4-star or 5-star (based on general segment performance in that era, manual to confirm)

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger Approx:

Likely 4-star or 5-star (based on general segment performance in that era, manual to confirm)

IIHS Small Overlap Front Approx:

N/A for this model year as the test wasn't prevalent

ABS:

Standard (Anti-lock Braking System)

Traction Control:

Optional or standard on higher trims

Airbags:

Front airbags (driver and passenger), side curtain airbags (optional or standard on higher trims)

Seatbelts:

3-point seatbelts with pretensioners for front seats, 3-point seatbelts for rear seats

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM/CD player, potentially with cassette tape. Speaker configurations varied by trim.

Navigation:

Optional factory navigation system may have been available on higher trims.

Cruise Control:

Standard

Auxiliary Input:

Unlikely for this model year, standard aux ports became common later.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions (refer to manual for precise interval)

Transmission Fluid Change Interval:

Often recommended around 60,000-100,000 miles, but highly dependent on usage (refer to manual)

Coolant Change Interval:

Typically every 30,000-50,000 miles or 2-3 years (refer to manual for specific coolant type and interval)

Spark Plug Replacement Interval:

Platinum or Iridium plugs often have intervals of 90,000-100,000 miles (refer to manual for exact type and interval)

Engine Oil Type:

Refer to manual for viscosity grade (e.g., 5W-30 or 10W-30) and API service classification

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approximately 5.0-5.5 US quarts (4.7-5.2 liters) with filter change (refer to manual)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 (refer to manual)

Engine Reliability:

Generally reliable, but some reports of oil leaks (valve cover, oil pan) and potential for timing belt failure if not maintained (confirm if belt or chain for 3.5L DOHC)

Transmission Issues:

Some transmission shift quality issues or occasional solenoid failures reported, regular fluid changes are crucial

Suspension Wear:

Bushings and ball joints can wear over time, leading to clunking noises or uneven tire wear

HVAC System:

Blend door actuator failures, AC compressor issues, or refrigerant leaks can occur

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Focus:

Kia, a South Korean automaker, known for offering value-oriented vehicles with increasing quality and features over time.

First Generation Start:

1998 (Globally), 2003 (US Market)

Generation Covered:

First Generation (1998-2006, with facelifted models)

Manufacturing Location:

South Korea (primarily)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Segment Awards:

The Kia Carnival, as a practical minivan, would have been evaluated against segment competitors for family-friendly features and value. Specific awards are less prominent for this model year compared to established players.