🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Kia

Model:

Forte

Year:

2012

Engine:

2.0L

Chassis Code:

TD

Engine Code:

G4KD (2.0L Nu MPI)

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The Kia Forte (known as the Cerato in some markets) in 2012 was positioned as a strong contender in the compact sedan and coupe segments, offering value, fuel efficiency, and a stylish design aimed at younger buyers and budget-conscious consumers.

Competitors:

Competed directly with vehicles like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Hyundai Elantra, Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cruze, and Mazda3.

Features 2012 Forte:

Available in sedan and coupe (Koup) body styles, efficient 2.0L engine, modern styling, good feature content for the price point, comfortable interior.

Value Proposition:

This workshop manual provides DIY enthusiasts and professional technicians with the necessary information to perform all maintenance, repair, and diagnostic tasks on the 2012 Kia Forte 2.0L, saving time and money compared to dealership service.

📋 Manual Details

Main Coverage:

Complete Workshop Service and Repair

Secondary Coverage:

Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Diagnostics, Repair, Overhaul

Estimated Pages:

1500-2000 (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals of this era)

Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual (WSRM)

Language:

English

Format:

Digital PDF (Instant Download)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, engine management, transmission (automatic and manual), clutch, drivetrain components (axles, driveshafts)

Chassis:

Brakes (hydraulic, ABS, EBD), steering system, suspension system (front and rear), wheels, tires

Body:

Body construction, exterior trim, interior trim, doors, windows, seats, HVAC system, body electrical (lighting, wipers, power accessories), safety restraint systems (airbags, seatbelts)

Electrical:

Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrument cluster, audio system, body control module (BCM), powertrain control module (PCM), wiring diagrams for all systems

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks), brake pad replacement, spark plug replacement, belt replacement

Repair:

Engine component repair/replacement (e.g., cylinder head, pistons), transmission overhaul, brake caliper rebuild, suspension component replacement, electrical component diagnosis and repair

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides based on symptoms, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and their meanings, procedures for using diagnostic scan tools

Specifications:

Torque specifications for all fasteners, fluid capacities, electrical specifications, engine timing specifications

Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and electrical schematics.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

Portable Document Format (PDF)

Searchability:

Searchable text for quick information retrieval

Quality:

High-resolution, designed for clarity and readability on screen and when printed.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated Inline-4 Cylinder

Displacement:

1998 cc (2.0 Liters)

Engine Family:

Kia Nu Engine Family

Valvetrain:

DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshafts), 4 valves per cylinder, CVVT (Continuously Variable Valve Timing)

Horsepower Peak:

156 hp @ 6200 rpm (approximate)

Torque Peak:

144 lb-ft @ 4300 rpm (approximate)

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Recommended Fuel:

87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol-based (refer to manual for specific Kia/Hyundai specification, e.g., Long Life Coolant Pink)

Oil Type:

SAE 5W-20 API SN or higher (refer to manual for exact specification)

Oil Capacity:

Approximately 4.6 US quarts (4.4 liters) with filter change

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

6-Speed Manual Transmission

Transmission Type:

6-Speed Automatic Transmission (with Sportmatic Shifter)

Automatic Features:

Driver-selectable modes, manual shifting capability (Sportmatic)

Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:

SPIII or SPIV (refer to manual for exact Kia/Hyundai specification)

Manual Transmission Fluid Type:

API GL-4 SAE 75W-85 (refer to manual for exact specification)

📐 Dimensions

Sedan Length:

178.7 inches (4539 mm)

Sedan Width:

70.1 inches (1781 mm)

Sedan Height:

56.7 inches (1440 mm)

Koup Wheelbase:

104.3 inches (2649 mm)

Sedan Trunk Volume:

14.7 cu ft (416 liters)

Curb Weight Manual:

Approximately 2860 lbs (1297 kg)

Curb Weight Automatic:

Approximately 2920 lbs (1324 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Crash:

5-Star (for 2012 model year)

IIHS Top Safety Pick:

Yes (for 2012 model year)

Active Safety List:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist System (BAS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS)

Passive Safety List:

Front dual-stage airbags, front side-mounted airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags, active front headrests, front active head restraints, three-point seatbelts with pretensioners

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Base models typically featured an AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with auxiliary input and USB port. Higher trims offered available Bluetooth connectivity, satellite radio, and a premium audio system.

Driver Assistance Features:

Standard features included ABS, ESC, TCS. Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) were not commonly available on this model year Forte.

Connectivity Options:

Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming (on equipped models), USB connectivity for media playback and device charging.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions). Refer to manual for severe conditions.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months.

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

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

Spark Plug Replacement:

NGK SILZKR7B11 (Iridium) spark plugs recommended, replace every 105,000 miles (169,000 km).

Coolant Replacement:

Initial replacement at 105,000 miles (169,000 km), then every 52,500 miles (84,500 km) or 5 years thereafter.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 (refer to manual for exact specification)

Power Steering Fluid Type:

Refer to manual for specific type (often a PSF or ATF)

Common Problems:

Potential for premature wear in front suspension components (struts, ball joints), occasional issues with power window motors, minor electrical gremlins, and intake manifold runner control issues on some models.

Recall Information:

Recall campaigns may exist for specific components; always consult official Kia service bulletins or NHTSA for active recalls affecting this model year.

📚 Vehicle History

Kia Overview:

Kia Motors Corporation is a South Korean automotive manufacturer, part of the Hyundai Motor Group. Founded in 1944, Kia has grown significantly, establishing a global presence with a focus on value, design, and reliability.

Forte Generation:

The 2012 Kia Forte represents the first generation (2008-2013), which marked a significant step forward in Kia's product offerings, introducing more stylish designs and improved performance compared to its predecessors like the Spectra.

Assembly Locations:

Primarily assembled in South Korea (Hwaseong), with potential for other global assembly plants.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

IIHS Award:

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick for 2012, indicating excellent performance in crash tests.

Consumer Reports Rating:

Consumer Reports generally provided average to above-average reliability ratings for this model, with specific components sometimes noted for potential issues.