Vehicle Segment:
Minivan / MPV
Target Audience:
Families, individuals seeking versatile people and cargo hauling.
Key Competitors:
Chrysler Town & Country/Voyager, Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, Ford Windstar/Freestar, Chevrolet Venture/Uplander
Value Proposition:
Affordable pricing, practical interior space, diverse engine options, and a range of comfort and convenience features.
Diy Enablement:
Empowers owners to perform their own maintenance and repairs, saving on labor costs and increasing vehicle longevity.
Powertrain:
Engine Mechanical, Engine Electrical, Fuel System, Exhaust System, Cooling System, Lubrication System
Drivetrain:
Transmission (Automatic), Drive Shafts, Wheel Drive Shafts
Chassis:
Brakes (ABS, Disk, Park), Hydraulic Brakes, Steering System (Power Steering), Front Suspension, Rear Suspension, Wheels and Tires
Body And Interior:
Doors, Bumpers, Interior Trim, Exterior Trim, Roof and Sunroof, Steering Wheel, Washer and Wiper System
Electrical And Electronics:
Lighting System, Keyless Entry System, SIR (Supplemental Inflatable Restraint / Airbags), Engine Electrical, Body Electrical
Comfort And Climate:
HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning)
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Fluid Checks and Changes, Filter Replacements, Inspections
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), Symptom-based diagnostics
Repair And Overhaul:
Complete disassembly and reassembly procedures for all major components and systems
Electrical Troubleshooting:
Wiring diagrams, Component testing, Circuit diagnosis
Body And Frame:
Panel replacement, Alignment procedures, Trim installation/removal
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic adjustments and fluid services to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures.
Engine Displacement:
2.5L (G6CU) and 3.5L (G6CU / G6CU-D)
Engine Code Examples:
G6CU (2.5L, 3.5L)
Horsepower Range:
Approximately 140-160 HP (2.5L) and 195-200 HP (3.5L)
Torque Range:
Approximately 190-200 lb-ft (2.5L) and 215-220 lb-ft (3.5L)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
ECU Type:
ECM (Engine Control Module) with OBD-II diagnostics
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant (e.g., Hyundai Long Life Coolant)
Oil Type:
API SG, SH, SJ or higher, SAE 5W-30 recommended (check specific manual for variations)
Oil Capacity:
Approximately 4.5-5.0 quarts (4.3-4.7 liters) with filter (check specific model/engine)
Transmission Type:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (e.g., KM177, KM178)
Optional Transmission:
N/A for this generation
Transmission Control:
Electronically Controlled Transmission (ECT)
Transmission Fluid Type:
Kia Genuine ATF SP-III or equivalent DEXRON III / MERCON
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 8.0-9.0 quarts (7.6-8.5 liters) for complete fill (check manual for accurate capacity)
Length:
Approximately 192.7 inches (4895 mm)
Width:
Approximately 75.2 inches (1910 mm)
Height:
Approximately 67.1 inches (1705 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approximately 117.5 inches (2985 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approximately 4,100 - 4,300 lbs (1860 - 1950 kg), varies by configuration
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvw:
Approximately 5,500 - 5,700 lbs (2500 - 2585 kg)
Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:
Approximately 20-25 cubic feet (0.57-0.71 m³)
Cargo Volume With 3Rd Row Folded:
Approximately 70-80 cubic feet (1.98-2.27 m³)
Cargo Volume With 2Nd And 3Rd Rows Folded:
Approximately 120-140 cubic feet (3.40-3.96 m³)
NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating:
Varies by year, generally acceptable to good (refer to specific NHTSA reports for accuracy).
IIHS Crash Test Ratings:
Varies, refer to IIHS archives for specific model year and test data.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Traction Control:
Optional on some models/trims
Airbags:
Frontal airbags for driver and passenger, optional side airbags
Seat Belts:
3-point seat belts in all seating positions, pretensioners for front seats
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system
Oil And Filter Change:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (or 7,500 miles with synthetic oil, consult manual).
Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed or at 30,000 miles.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed or at 30,000 miles.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Platinum tipped plugs typically last up to 100,000 miles, check manual for specific recommendations.
Timing Belt Replacement:
N/A (These engines use a timing chain, which is generally maintenance-free for the life of the engine, but should be inspected as per manual).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Kia Genuine Power Steering Fluid or equivalent DEXRON III/MERCON
Coolant Capacity:
Approximately 8.0-8.5 quarts (7.6-8.0 liters) for the 3.5L V6.
Common Issues Engine:
Occasional coolant leaks from gaskets or hoses, potential for oil leaks from valve cover gaskets, carbon buildup in the intake manifold.
Common Issues Transmission:
Early models may exhibit hesitant shifting or transmission slipping; regular fluid changes are crucial.
Common Issues Suspension:
Worn ball joints and tie rod ends due to vehicle weight and mileage, strut mounts can degrade.
Common Issues Electrical:
Window regulators and motors can fail, power door lock actuators, and minor electrical gremlins in the body control module.
Kia Heritage:
Kia Motors Corporation, established in 1944, initially as a manufacturer of steel tubing and bicycles. Entered automotive manufacturing in the late 1960s and has grown into a global automotive player.
Carnival Sedona Introduction:
The Kia Carnival (known as Sedona in North America) was first introduced in 1998 globally, with the second generation (VQ) debuting for the 2006 model year. This manual covers the latter part of the first generation.
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily manufactured in South Korea (Hwaseong Plant).
Production Years First Gen:
1998-2005 (globally, with variations in exact phase-out dates by market).