🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Kia

Model:

Forte

Body Style:

Koup (Coupe) & Sedan

Model Years Covered:

2011, 2012, 2013

Chassis Codes:

TD (Sedan), TF (Koup)

Engine Codes:

G4FC (1.6L), G4KD (2.0L), G4KA (2.4L)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Car Segment

Target Audience:

Value-conscious consumers seeking a stylish and affordable coupe or sedan.

Key Competitors:

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

Vehicle Strengths:

Attractive styling (especially Koup), good value proposition, decent fuel economy, available in coupe and sedan formats.

Benefit To Owner:

Enables owners to perform maintenance, diagnose issues, and carry out repairs efficiently, saving on dealership costs and ensuring proper vehicle upkeep.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

North America (USA, Canada)

Specific Regions:

USA, Canada

Estimated Pages:

2000+

Type:

Complete Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable Digital File (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical, Engine control systems (ECM), Fuel system, Ignition system, Exhaust system, Cooling system, Lubrication system, Transmission (Manual & Automatic), Drivetrain (FWD), Differentials.

Chassis:

Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering system, Brake system (Front & Rear discs, ABS), Wheels & Tires.

Electrical:

Body control modules (BCM), Powertrain control modules (PCM), Lighting systems (Interior & Exterior), Instrumentation, Audio systems, HVAC controls, Power accessories (Windows, Locks, Mirrors), SRS (Airbag) system, Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and troubleshooting.

Body:

Exterior body panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Bumpers, Glass, Interior trim, Seats, Roof system.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, Oil changes, Filter replacements, Fluid checks and changes, Spark plug replacement, Belt inspection and replacement.

Repair:

Engine overhaul, Transmission repair, Brake caliper replacement, Suspension component replacement, Electrical component troubleshooting and repair, Body panel repair, Climate control system repair.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides, Symptom-based diagnosis, Diagnostic trouble code (DTC) interpretation and resolution, Wiring diagrams, Component testing procedures.

Special Procedures:

Torque specifications, Alignment procedures, Component removal and installation steps, Special tool requirements, Reassembly instructions.

Depth:

Comprehensive diagnostic and repair procedures suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts. Covers everything from routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text content allowing for quick access to specific information.

Image Resolution:

High-resolution diagrams and illustrations for clarity.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1 Displacement:

1.6L (1591 cc)

Engine 1 Type:

Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve

Engine 1 Horsepower:

Approx. 122 hp @ 6300 rpm

Engine 1 Torque:

Approx. 117 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm

Engine 2 Displacement:

2.0L (1998 cc)

Engine 2 Type:

Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve

Engine 2 Horsepower:

Approx. 156 hp @ 6200 rpm

Engine 2 Torque:

Approx. 144 lb-ft @ 4300 rpm

Engine 3 Displacement:

2.4L (2359 cc)

Engine 3 Type:

Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve (Theta II GDI for later models, check specific year/trim)

Engine 3 Horsepower:

Approx. 173 hp @ 6000 rpm

Engine 3 Torque:

Approx. 167 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Engine Management:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Fuel Tank Capacity:

Approx. 13.0 gallons (49 Liters)

Block Material:

Aluminum Alloy

Cylinder Head Material:

Aluminum Alloy

🔧 Transmission

Transmission 1 Type:

5-speed Manual Transmission

Transmission 2 Type:

4-speed Automatic Transmission (with Overdrive)

Transmission 3 Type:

6-speed Automatic Transmission (on some 2.0L/2.4L models)

Clutch Type:

Hydraulically operated, Dry single plate (Manual)

Automatic Transmission Features:

Sequential Sportmatic shifter (select models), Electronic control.

Manual Transmission Fluid:

GL-4 SAE 75W-85 or equivalent (refer to specific manual for exact spec)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

SP-III or SP-IV ATF (check manual for exact fluid type based on transmission)

📐 Dimensions

Length Sedan:

Approx. 178.7 inches (4539 mm)

Length Koup:

Approx. 171.3 inches (4351 mm)

Width:

Approx. 70.1 inches (1781 mm)

Height Sedan:

Approx. 56.7 inches (1440 mm)

Height Koup:

Approx. 55.1 inches (1400 mm)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 104.3 inches (2650 mm)

Cargo Volume Sedan:

Approx. 14.7 cu ft (416 Liters)

Cargo Volume Koup:

Approx. 13.0 cu ft (368 Liters)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 2800 - 3100 lbs (1270 - 1406 kg) depending on engine and trim.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Refer to vehicle VIN plate or manual.

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

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

Standard Tire Size:

P205/55R16, P215/45R17, P225/40R18 (depending on trim)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Crash Rating:

5-Star (check specific year/test for detailed breakdown)

IIHS Top Safety Pick:

Yes (for some model years/configurations, check specific IIHS reports)

Traction Control:

Standard (TCS)

Electronic Stability:

Standard (ESC / VSM - Vehicle Stability Management)

Antilock Brakes:

Standard (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BAS).

Airbags:

Front airbags, Side curtain airbags, Front side airbags.

Seatbelts:

3-point active front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters, 3-point rear seatbelts.

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Standard AM/FM/CD/MP3 player with auxiliary input and USB port. Optional SiriusXM Satellite Radio.

Display Screen:

Optional touch-screen display available on higher trims, providing access to audio, climate, and optional navigation.

Backup Camera:

Optional on some trims.

Cruise Control:

Standard on all models.

Bluetooth:

Optional hands-free Bluetooth connectivity for phone calls.

Headlights:

Halogen headlights, with projector-beam headlights and LED accent lighting on some trims.

Climate Control:

Manual air conditioning standard, optional automatic climate control.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions. Severe conditions: 3,750 miles (6,000 km).

Air Filter Replacement:

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

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

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

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for standard plugs, 105,000 miles (168,000 km) for Iridium plugs (check specific engine).

Coolant Flush:

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

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-20 (API SM or higher).

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 4.2 US quarts (4.0 Liters) for 1.6L/2.0L, 4.6 US quarts (4.4 Liters) for 2.4L (with filter change). Confirm in manual.

Coolant Type:

Antifreeze/Coolant (Ethylene Glycol) - consult manual for specific color/type (often Asian Red).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4.

Engine Issues:

Occasional reports of piston ring wear leading to oil consumption in some 2.0L Theta II engines. Knock sensor issues. Fuel injector issues.

Transmission Issues:

Some early 4-speed automatics could experience shifting problems or premature wear. Clutch wear in manual transmissions is typical with high mileage.

Suspension Steering:

Worn ball joints or tie rod ends can develop noise over time. Some models may have premature strut failure.

Electrical Issues:

Power window motor failures, issues with infotainment system connectivity, battery drain problems (less common).

Brake Pads Rotors:

Standard wear item, replacement required at typical intervals based on driving.

Exhaust System Components:

Catalytic converter, muffler, and pipe corrosion/failure can occur over time, especially in rust-prone climates.

📚 Vehicle History

Manufacturer:

Kia Motors Corporation

Origin:

South Korea

Introduction Year:

2008 (globally as Forte), 2009 (North America).

Generation Covered:

First Generation (2009-2013).

Facelift:

Minor styling updates for 2011 model year.

Production Locations:

South Korea (Donghee Plant).

Production Period:

2009-2013 for this generation.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

IIHS Award:

Often received 'Good' ratings in IIHS crash tests, with some years earning Top Safety Pick status.

Konsumen Report Rating:

Mixed reliability ratings and owner satisfaction scores in initial years, improved over time. Refer to specific year reviews.

Safety Certification:

Compliant with US Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS).