🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Kia

Model:

Optima

Year:

2008

Product Name:

Kia Optima 2008 Factory Service Repair Manual PDF Download

Generation:

Second Generation (MH)

Chassis Code:

MH

Platform:

Hyundai-Kia YF Platform (shared with Hyundai Sonata)

👋 Introduction

Market Segment:

Mid-size sedan

Key Competitors 2008:

Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Ford Fusion, Nissan Altima, Chevrolet Malibu, Mazda6.

Vehicle Design Philosophy:

The second-generation Optima aimed to offer a more stylish, refined, and feature-rich alternative in the competitive mid-size sedan market, building on Kia's improving reputation for quality and value.

Value Proposition:

The Optima was positioned as a strong value proposition, often offering more standard features and a lower price point than its Japanese and American rivals.

📋 Manual Details

All Styles Covered:

True

Estimated Page Count:

Thousands (printable in its entirety or by section)

Manual Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Engine mechanical, cooling, lubrication, fuel delivery, ignition, emissions control, engine management (ECM/PCM), turbocharging (if applicable).

Transmission Systems:

Automatic transmission (manual and automatic), clutch, driveline, axles, CV joints, transfer case (if applicable).

Brakes Systems:

Hydraulic brake system, ABS, EBD, brake boosters, calipers, rotors, pads, parking brake.

Suspension Steering Systems:

Front suspension (struts, control arms, ball joints), rear suspension (multi-link, shock absorbers), steering gear, power steering system, wheel alignment specifications.

Electrical Electronics Systems:

Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting systems, instrument panel, power windows, locks, mirrors, audio system, infotainment, sensors, wiring diagrams, fuse/relay locations.

Body Chassis Systems:

Body structural components, exterior trim, interior trim, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, chassis, underbody protection.

HVAC Systems:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, refrigerant, components, controls.

Safety Systems:

Airbag system, seat belts, pre-tensioners, SRS module.

Maintenance Procedures:

Oil change, filter replacement, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotation, brake inspection, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement.

Repair Procedures:

Engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension component repair, steering rack replacement, electrical component diagnosis and replacement, HVAC system repair.

Diagnostic Procedures:

Troubleshooting guides for common symptoms, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) explanation, live data interpretation, component testing procedures.

Technical Specifications Data:

Torque specifications for all fasteners, fluid capacities and types, electrical specifications (voltages, resistance), engine parameters, alignment data.

Wiring Diagrams:

Detailed electrical wiring diagrams for all systems, including power distribution, grounds, and component connections.

Depth Of Coverage:

Comprehensive from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including advanced diagnostics and component-level repair.

Diagnostic Capabilities:

Includes diagnostic flowcharts, component testing procedures, and OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics II) information.

Special Tools:

Identification of required special tools for specific repair and diagnostic procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Print Quality:

High-resolution, suitable for printing all or selected pages.

Binding Type Digital:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper Type Digital:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Searchable Text:

True

Authenticity:

Official Factory Service Repair Manual

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options:

2.4L Inline-4 (G4KC), 2.7L V6 (G6BA/G6CU)

Engine Displacement 2.4L:

2.4 Liters (2359 cc)

Engine Type 2.4L:

DOHC, 16-valve Inline-4

Horsepower 2.4L:

Approx. 175 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque 2.4L:

Approx. 169 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Engine Displacement 2.7L:

2.7 Liters (2656 cc)

Engine Type 2.7L:

SOHC, 24-valve V6

Horsepower 2.7L:

Approx. 190 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque 2.7L:

Approx. 183 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI)

Recommended Fuel:

87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline

ECU Type:

Engine Control Unit (ECU) / Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with integrated diagnostics.

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

5-speed Manual Transmission (typically with 2.4L engine)

Optional Transmission:

4-speed Automatic Transmission with Sportmatic shifter (with 2.4L engine), 4-speed Automatic Transmission with Sportmatic shifter (with 2.7L V6 engine)

Transmission Control Module:

Automatic transmission controlled by a Transmission Control Module (TCM) for optimized shift points and performance.

Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:

Refer to manual for specific ATF type, typically a Dexron III/Mercon equivalent or Kia-specified fluid.

Manual Transmission Fluid Type:

Refer to manual for specific MTF, typically GL-4 gear oil.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 188.1 inches

Width:

Approx. 70.1 inches

Height:

Approx. 57.7 inches

Wheelbase:

Approx. 107.1 inches

Curb Weight Est:

3200 - 3450 lbs (depending on engine and trim)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr Est:

Approx. 4450 - 4550 lbs

Trunk Capacity Cu Ft:

Approx. 14.7 cu ft

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Crash Test Rating Est:

4 Stars (Driver), 4 Stars (Passenger)

NHTSA Side Crash Test Rating Est:

5 Stars (Driver), 5 Stars (Passenger), 5 Stars (Rear Passenger)

IIHS Frontal Offset Rating Est:

Good

Active Safety Features:

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

Passive Safety Features:

Front dual-stage airbags, front side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags (front and rear), active front head restraints, pretensioned seat belts.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System Options:

Available with AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system, optional Infinity premium audio system, auxiliary input jack. Higher trims may have integrated satellite radio.

Driver Assistance Features:

Standard cruise control. Higher trims may offer features like fog lights and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. No advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like adaptive cruise control or lane-keeping assist were available in 2008.

Connectivity Options:

Auxiliary audio input jack for connecting external music players. Bluetooth hands-free calling was not widely available or standard on most trims for 2008.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval Est:

Every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used.

Air Filter Replacement Interval Est:

Every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.

Spark Plug Replacement Interval Est 2.4L:

Approx. 60,000-100,000 miles (depending on plug type - Iridium recommended).

Spark Plug Replacement Interval Est 2.7L:

Approx. 60,000 miles (Platinum plugs).

Transmission Fluid Change Interval Est:

Every 50,000-75,000 miles for automatic transmission, consult manual for exact interval and procedure.

Engine Oil Capacity 2.4L Est:

Approx. 4.5 quarts (4.3 Liters) with filter change.

Engine Oil Capacity 2.7L Est:

Approx. 4.8 quarts (4.5 Liters) with filter change.

Engine Oil Viscosity Recommendation:

5W-20 or 5W-30 synthetic blend or full synthetic (refer to manual for specific viscosity based on climate).

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based coolant, typically orange or red Asian vehicle coolant.

Common Issues 2008 Optima:

Occasional reports of HVAC blower motor failure, wheel bearing noise, occasional engine oil leaks (valve cover gasket), and premature wear on certain suspension components. Some owners have reported minor electrical gremlins. The manual will detail diagnostic procedures for these and many other potential issues.

📚 Vehicle History

Kia Heritage Context:

Kia Motors Corporation, founded in 1944, evolved from a manufacturer of motorcycle parts and bicycles to become a significant global automotive player, known for offering value, reliability, and increasingly stylish designs.

Optima Model Line History:

The Optima (sold as Magentis in some markets) debuted globally in 2000. The 2008 model represents the second generation (MH), a significant redesign from the first generation (GD).

Production Plant 2008 Optima:

Hwaseong, South Korea (Kia Motors Manufacturing Plant).

Production Years Second Gen:

2006-2010

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Awards And Recognitions Context:

While the 2008 Optima may not have garnered major awards, it consistently received positive marks for its value, comfortable ride, and increasing refinement. Its sibling, the Hyundai Sonata, often shared in similar accolades.

Consumer Reports Reliability Rating Est:

Generally average to above-average reliability ratings from consumer organizations for this generation.