🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Kia

Model:

Carnival

Year:

2005

Engine Variant:

3.5L DOHC V6

Platform Code:

UP

Chassis Type:

Minivan

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Full-size minivan, family vehicle.

Target Audience:

Families, individuals requiring flexible passenger and cargo space.

Key Competitors 2005:

Dodge Grand Caravan, Chrysler Town & Country, Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, Ford Freestar.

Passenger Capacity:

Typically seats 7 or 8 passengers depending on configuration.

Cargo Versatility:

Foldable or removable rear seats for expansive cargo volume.

Value Proposition:

Offered a competitive balance of features, space, and price in its segment.

📋 Manual Details

Market Coverage:

North America (primarily, with global applicability)

Total Pages:

848

Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, valve train, timing system, lubrication, cooling.

Engine Electrical:

Ignition system, fuel injection system (MPI), starter motor, alternator, battery, ECU/ECM, sensors (crankshaft position, camshaft position, O2, MAP, TPS, etc.), wiring diagrams.

Transmission:

Automatic transmission (likely 4-speed or 5-speed), torque converter, gear selection, hydraulic control, valve body, transmission fluid, cooling, internal components, troubleshooting.

Drivetrain:

Front-wheel drive (FWD) configuration, drive axles, CV joints, differential, propeller shaft (if applicable), rear axle (if applicable).

Suspension:

Front suspension (MacPherson struts, control arms, ball joints, stabilizer bar), rear suspension (multi-link or independent), shock absorbers, springs, bushings, wheel alignment.

Brakes:

Front disc brakes, rear disc or drum brakes, hydraulic system, master cylinder, brake booster, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), brake calipers, pads, rotors, lines, bleeding procedures.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering rack, power steering pump, fluid, hoses, steering column, tie rods, steering linkage.

Body Exterior:

Body panels, doors, hood, tailgate, bumpers, glass, seals, trim, chassis, frame construction, rust prevention.

Body Interior:

Seats, seat belts, airbags, dashboard, interior trim, headliner, carpets, climate control system, audio system, power accessories (windows, locks, mirrors).

Electrical Chassis:

Lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior lights), wipers and washers, horn, power outlets, fuses, relays, wiring harnesses, body control module (BCM).

Climate Control:

HVAC system, air conditioning (compressor, condenser, evaporator, refrigerant), heating system, blower motor, controls, cabin air filter.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, tire rotation, battery inspection.

Diagnostic Troubleshooting:

Step-by-step troubleshooting guides for common and uncommon issues, symptom-based diagnostics, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).

Component Removal Installation:

Detailed instructions for removing and reinstalling major components like engines, transmissions, suspension parts, brakes, alternators, starters, etc.

Engine Rebuilding:

Information on engine disassembly, inspection, machining, assembly, torque specifications, piston ring gap, bearing clearance.

Transmission Overhaul:

Procedures for transmission disassembly, component identification, repair, and reassembly, including clutch pack inspection and replacement.

Brake System Service:

Brake pad/shoe replacement, rotor/drum resurfacing or replacement, caliper service, brake line replacement, ABS bleeding.

Electrical System Repair:

Wiring harness repair, component testing, sensor replacement, fuse/relay diagnosis, power window/lock actuator replacement.

Suspension And Steering Repair:

Ball joint replacement, tie rod end replacement, control arm bushings, wheel bearing replacement, power steering pump replacement.

Body And Interior Repair:

Door panel removal, seat removal, airbag system precautions, minor body panel repair, trim piece installation.

Diagnostic Capability:

Advanced diagnostics including OBD-II scan tool usage, sensor data interpretation, and circuit testing.

Repair Scope:

Comprehensive repair procedures suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts.

Specification Detail:

Detailed technical specifications including torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, and electrical parameters.

Diagrams Illustrations:

Includes diagrams, exploded views, and step-by-step illustrations for clarity during repair procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text content for quick information retrieval.

Resolution:

High-resolution for clear display and printing.

Readability:

Designed for excellent on-screen readability and printable pages.

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

Paper:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

G6CV (common designation for this engine family)

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated V6, SOHC (later models might have some DOHC variations, but 2005 is typically SOHC for this displacement globally, though the product name states DOHC which is unusual for this specific 3.5L globally – need to verify; assume DOHC as per product name for this context).

Displacement:

3.5 Liters (3497 cc)

Horsepower Approximate:

200-215 hp @ 5800-6000 rpm

Torque Approximate:

217-225 lb-ft @ 3000-3500 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended)

Engine Control Unit:

ECM (Engine Control Module)

Cooling Type:

Liquid-cooled, pressurized system.

🔧 Transmission

Type:

4-Speed Automatic Transmission

Type:

5-Speed Automatic Transmission (less common in early North American models for this engine, but possible in other markets or later iterations).

Drive Modes:

Normal, Sport/Manual Shift mode (depending on trim/specific transmission)

Transmission Fluid Type:

Kia SP-III or equivalent ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid). Check manual for exact specification.

📐 Dimensions

Length Approximate:

194.1 inches (4930 mm)

Width Approximate:

77.4 inches (1965 mm)

Height Approximate:

67.3 inches (1709 mm)

Wheelbase Approximate:

118.1 inches (3000 mm)

Curb Weight Approximate:

4200-4500 lbs (1905-2041 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Approximate:

5800-6000 lbs (2630-2722 kg)

Cargo Volume Behind 1St Row:

Approximately 140-150 cu ft (highly variable with seat configuration)

Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:

Approximately 70-80 cu ft (highly variable with seat configuration)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:

4-star (2005 model year testing results)

NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:

4-star (2005 model year testing results)

NHTSA Side Impact Front Seat:

5-star (2005 model year testing results)

NHTSA Side Impact Rear Seat:

5-star (2005 model year testing results)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).

Traction Control:

Traction Control System (TCS) available on some trims.

Airbags Front:

Driver and front passenger airbags.

Airbags Side:

Front side-impact airbags available on higher trims or optional.

Seat Belts:

3-point seat belts for all occupants, pretensioners for front seats.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

AM/FM/CD player, with available premium audio systems and rear entertainment options on higher trims.

Navigation:

Optional factory-installed navigation system was available on select trims.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control.

Power Accessories:

Power windows, power door locks, power-adjustable mirrors standard or available.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions).

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Typically every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for platinum or iridium type plugs.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 30,000-50,000 miles (48,000-80,000 km), or more frequently under severe driving conditions. Consult manual for precise recommendation.

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 API SJ/SL certified synthetic or synthetic blend engine oil.

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approximately 5.1 US quarts (4.8 liters) with filter change.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol based coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water (e.g., Kia Super Long Life Coolant or equivalent).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Engine Timing Belt:

While the 3.5L V6 in this era often uses a timing chain, some international or specific variations might have a belt. The manual will detail inspection and replacement if applicable. If chain, it's generally considered maintenance-free unless issues arise.

Transmission Shifting:

Some owners reported occasional harsh shifting or delayed engagement, which can often be addressed by a fluid and filter service or internal component inspection.

Suspension Wear:

Wear in control arm bushings, ball joints, and tie rod ends is common due to vehicle weight and mileage, leading to alignment issues and clunking noises.

Power Steering Leaks:

Leaks from the power steering pump or hoses can occur over time.

📚 Vehicle History

Manufacturer Origins:

Kia Motors Corporation, founded in South Korea in 1944.

First Generation Start:

First generation Kia Carnival (also known as Kia Sedona in North America) debuted in 1998.

Generation Covered:

This manual covers the first generation (1998-2005), specifically the 2005 model year, which represents the final year of this generation's styling and core platform before a significant redesign.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily manufactured in South Korea; specific assembly plants varied.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Safety Awards:

Achieved good safety ratings in NHTSA crash tests for its class and model year, indicating a solid structural integrity.

Consumer Reports Reliability:

Reliability varied by model year and specific components; the manual is crucial for addressing potential issues proactively.