Vehicle Segment:
Full-size Minivan/MPV
Primary Competitors:
Chrysler Town & Country/Dodge Grand Caravan, Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, Ford Freestar/Mercury Monterey, Nissan Quest
Vehicle Attributes:
Spacious interior, flexible seating, V6 engine, family-oriented features, comfortable ride
Benefit To Owner:
Empowers owners to perform maintenance and repairs, saving money and ensuring vehicle longevity with factory-accurate information.
Powertrain:
Engine, Fuel System, Throttle Body, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Exhaust System
Chassis:
Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Drivetrain, Wheels, Tires
Electrical:
Electrical System, Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting, Instrumentation, Audio System, Body Electronics, Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Body Control Module (BCM)
Body:
Body Panels, Doors, Glass, Interior Trim, Exterior Trim, HVAC System
Maintenance:
Periodic Maintenance, Scheduled Service, Fluid Checks and Replacements, Filter Replacements, Lubrication
Repair:
Engine Rebuild, Transmission Overhaul, Brake System Repair, Suspension Component Replacement, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Repair, Body Panel Repair, HVAC System Repair
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Procedures, Symptom-Based Troubleshooting, Fault Code Interpretation, Electrical Schematics Analysis
Technical Data:
Specifications, Tolerances, Torque Values, Wiring Diagrams, Exploded Views, Component Locations
Depth Of Coverage:
Complete Factory Level: from basic maintenance to full vehicle disassembly and reassembly. Covers diagnostic procedures and detailed repair instructions for all major systems.
Engine Type:
Lambda II 3.8 V6
Engine Configuration:
60-degree V-angle
Valvetrain:
DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshafts), 24 Valves (4 valves per cylinder)
Displacement:
3.8 Liters (3778 cc)
Horsepower Rating:
Approximately 250 hp @ 6000 rpm (subject to regional variations)
Torque Rating:
Approximately 255 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (subject to regional variations)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) / Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant (specific Kia specification usually required)
Oil Capacity:
Approximately 5.5 Quarts (5.2 Liters) with filter (refer to manual for exact spec)
Recommended Oil Viscosity:
SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 (refer to manual for exact spec and API service rating)
Transmission Type:
Automatic
Transmission Variants:
Likely a 5-speed automatic transmission (e.g., F5A51 or similar variant).
Transmission Features:
Electronically controlled, adaptive shift logic, manual mode (Sportmatic or similar).
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
Kia Genuine ATF or equivalent specified fluid (e.g., SP-III or SP-IV depending on variant)
Wheelbase:
Approximately 121.7 inches (3090 mm)
Length:
Approximately 202.9 inches (5155 mm)
Width:
Approximately 78.4 inches (1990 mm)
Height:
Approximately 68.9 inches (1750 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approximately 4,500 - 4,800 lbs (2040 - 2180 kg) depending on configuration.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Typically around 6,000 - 6,200 lbs (2720 - 2810 kg)
Maximum Cargo Volume:
Over 140 cubic feet (with rear seats removed/folded)
NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating:
5-Star (for 2009 model, typical for this segment)
IIHS Moderate Overlap Frontal Rating:
Good (for 2009 model, typical for this segment)
Active Safety Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), Brake Assist (BA)
Passive Safety Features:
Front Airbags, Side-Impact Airbags (front and possibly third row), Curtain Airbags (front and second/third row), Seatbelt Pretensioners, Active Head Restraints (front seats)
Infotainment System:
Base models likely featured a standard AM/FM/CD player with auxiliary input. Higher trims could include upgraded audio systems, SiriusXM satellite radio, and in-dash navigation. A rear-seat entertainment system was often an option.
Driver Assistance Features:
Primarily limited to the active safety systems mentioned (ABS, ESC, TCS). Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like adaptive cruise control or lane departure warning were not commonly available on this model year.
Connectivity Options:
Auxiliary audio input jack was standard. Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling may have been an option on higher trims. USB ports were less common in this era.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (verify with manual based on driving conditions).
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Recommended every 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Recommended every 15,000 miles or annually.
Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
Typically around 60,000 - 100,000 miles, but early inspection and potential change at 30,000-45,000 miles is often recommended for longevity.
Coolant Capacity:
Approximately 8.6 Quarts (8.1 Liters) (refer to manual for exact specification)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (refer to manual for exact specification)
Common Wear Items:
Brake pads and rotors, suspension components (shocks, struts, bushings), serpentine belt, spark plugs, O2 sensors, exhaust system components.
Potential Engine Issues:
While generally robust, potential issues could include minor oil leaks, occasional sensor failures (e.g., camshaft/crankshaft position sensors), and intake manifold cleaning due to carbon buildup, especially with higher mileage. Cooling system maintenance is critical.
Potential Transmission Issues:
Some owners have reported occasional rough shifting or delayed engagement. Regular fluid maintenance is key to preventing premature wear in the automatic transmission.
Kia Brand Focus:
Kia, a South Korean automaker, has a history of producing reliable and value-oriented vehicles, evolving from budget-focused models to competitive offerings across various segments.
Carnival Sedona History:
The Sedona (also known as Carnival in many markets) was Kia's entry into the North American minivan segment. The 2009 model represents the second generation (VQ), a significant redesign offering improved styling, a larger platform, and more powerful engine options, directly competing with established players.
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily manufactured at Kia's Hwasung Plant in South Korea.