🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Kia

Model:

Forte

Year:

2012

Engine Displacement:

2.0L

Vin Prefix:

KNA

Generation:

First Generation (TD)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Sedan/Hatchback

Target Audience:

DIY enthusiasts, independent repair shops, Kia owners seeking detailed technical information

Competitors:

Hyundai Elantra, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Mazda3

Vehicle Usp:

Affordable pricing, stylish design, good fuel economy, long warranty (at time of release)

Benefit To Owner:

Empowers owners to perform complex maintenance and repairs, saving money and extending vehicle life

Benefit To Mechanic:

Provides dealership-level accuracy and detail for efficient and correct repairs

📋 Manual Details

Primary Regions:

North America

Trim Levels Covered:

All trims equipped with the 2.0L engine (e.g., LX, EX)

Estimated Pages:

1500+

Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM)

Purpose:

Dealership-level repair and maintenance

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine (G4KD), transmission (automatic and manual), driveline, fuel system, exhaust system

Chassis:

Suspension (front and rear), steering, brakes (front disc, rear drum/disc), wheels, tires

Body And Interior:

Exterior panels, doors, glass, interior trim, seats, HVAC system, comfort controls

Electrical And Electronics:

Wiring diagrams, lighting, power distribution, body control module (BCM), engine control module (ECM), infotainment, safety systems

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting charts, electrical diagnosis

Repair:

Component removal and installation, adjustments, calibration, overhaul procedures

Diagnostics:

Scan tool operation, live data analysis, actuator testing, sensor readings

Depth:

Comprehensive, from basic fluid checks to complete engine and transmission overhauls

Special Tools:

Detailed listing and usage of specialized Kia tools required for specific repairs

Torque Specifications:

Precise torque values for all fasteners

📊 Manual Specifications

Quality:

High-resolution, searchable PDF

Accessibility:

Printable pages, bookmark functionality

Graphics:

Clear, detailed illustrations, diagrams, and schematics

Digital:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Digital:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

G4KD (Theta II MPi)

Engine Type:

Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve

Bore X Stroke:

86.0 mm x 86.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.5:1

Horsepower:

156 hp @ 6200 rpm

Torque:

144 lb-ft @ 4300 rpm

Induction:

Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended)

Timing Drive:

Timing Chain

🔧 Transmission

Type:

6-Speed Manual Transmission (M6CF2)

Type:

6-Speed Automatic Transmission (A6LF1)

Automatic Features:

Manual mode (Sportmatic), electronically controlled

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Kia SPIII or equivalent (refer to manual for specific part number)

Automatic Transmission Capacity:

Approx. 7.5 Liters (15.8 Pints) - dry fill

📐 Dimensions

Length:

178.7 inches (4539 mm) for Sedan

Width:

70.1 inches (1780 mm)

Height:

57.7 inches (1465 mm)

Wheelbase:

104.3 inches (2650 mm)

Passenger Volume:

Approx. 95.4 cu ft (Sedan)

Trunk Volume:

Approx. 14.7 cu ft (Sedan)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 2900-3100 lbs (depending on trim and transmission)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 4000 lbs

Standard Wheel Size:

15-inch or 16-inch alloy/steel

Standard Tire Size:

P205/55R16 or P215/45R17 (depending on trim)

Bolt Pattern:

5x114.3 mm (5x4.5 inches)

Center Bore:

67.1 mm

🛡️ Safety Features

IIHS Status 2012:

Good ratings in moderate overlap front, side, roof strength, and head restraints & seats. Front crash prevention: Not Rated.

NHTSA Overall 2012:

4 out of 5 stars (Overall Safety Rating)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Esc:

Standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

Traction Control:

Standard Traction Control System (TCS)

Airbags:

Frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags

Seatbelts:

Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters

Child Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

AM/FM/CD/MP3/SiriusXM satellite radio with auxiliary input and USB port (standard on most trims). Optional Infinity premium audio system.

Display:

Optional color LCD display for audio and vehicle settings.

Rearview Camera:

Optional rearview camera system.

Bluetooth:

Optional Bluetooth hands-free connectivity.

Usb Port:

Standard USB port for media playback and device charging.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Every 5,000 miles or 6 months (severe duty) / Every 7,500 miles or 12 months (normal duty) - refer to manual for detailed conditions.

Engine Air Filter:

Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (typically every 30,000 miles).

Cabin Air Filter:

Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (typically every 20,000-30,000 miles).

Coolant Flush:

Initial replacement at 105,000 miles, then every 52,500 miles thereafter (using Kia genuine coolant or equivalent).

Transmission Fluid Change:

Automatic: Inspect every 30,000 miles, replace every 105,000 miles (severe duty or trailer towing may require more frequent changes). Manual: Inspect every 60,000 miles.

Engine Oil:

API SN/ILSAC GF-5 or higher, SAE 5W-20 synthetic blend or full synthetic.

Engine Oil Capacity:

4.8 US Quarts (4.5 Liters) with filter change.

Coolant:

Ethylene glycol based, long-life coolant (Hyundai/Kia Green Coolant or equivalent meeting MS-97B specification).

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4, low-viscosity, meeting FMVSS 116.

Power Steering Fluid:

Refer to manual for specific type, often a Dexron III equivalent or proprietary Kia fluid.

Engine Issues:

Some reports of catalytic converter issues, oil consumption (less common than later GDI engines), and occasional ignition coil failures.

Transmission Issues:

Occasional complaints of rough shifting in automatic transmissions, particularly with higher mileage. Manual transmission clutch wear is standard.

Electrical Issues:

Infrequent reports of minor electrical gremlins, such as power window motor issues or sensor malfunctions. Wiring diagram clarity is crucial.

Suspension Issues:

Wear on suspension components (e.g., struts, bushings) over time is normal for vehicles of this age and mileage.

📚 Vehicle History

Kia History:

Kia Motors Corporation, established in 1944, is a South Korean automotive manufacturer with a strong focus on value, design, and improving vehicle quality.

Forte Introduction:

The Kia Forte was introduced in 2009 as a replacement for the Spectra. It was designed to offer a more stylish and engaging alternative in the compact segment.

Forte Td Generation:

The 2012 model year falls within the first generation (TD), which spanned from 2009 to 2013. It received a facelift for the 2012 model year.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily produced in South Korea (Hwaseong plant).

Sales Context:

The Forte contributed significantly to Kia's growing market share in North America, praised for its value proposition.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Vehicle Awards General:

While specific awards for the 2012 Forte are less prominent than its later generations, it was generally well-received for its value and improved styling compared to previous Kia models.

Safety Awards General:

Achieved good safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA for its class and time.

Consumer Reports Rating General:

Consumer Reports ratings for the 2012 Forte varied, with some areas receiving average scores and others below average, typical for many vehicles in this segment at the time. The manual provides detailed insight into maintaining these aspects.