Vehicle Segment:
Mid-size sedan
Key Competitors 2004:
Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Ford Fusion, Chevrolet Malibu
Model Selling Points:
Value for money, comfortable ride, spacious interior, improving reliability, stylish design
Target Audience:
DIY mechanics, independent repair shops, Kia enthusiasts, fleet maintenance
Engine Coverage:
2.4L (G4JS), 2.7L (G6BA) gasoline engines
Transmission Coverage:
4-speed automatic transmission (F4A51), 5-speed manual transmission (M5HF2)
Chassis Coverage:
Front suspension (MacPherson strut), Rear suspension (Multi-link beam), Steering system (Hydraulic power steering), Brake system (Front ventilated discs, Rear solid discs), ABS, Traction Control System (TCS)
Electrical Coverage:
Engine control systems, Body control modules, Powertrain control modules, Climate control systems, Audio systems, Lighting systems, SRS airbag systems, Anti-theft systems, Wiring diagrams
Estimated Page Count:
1500+
Manual Type:
Official Factory Service & Repair Manual Software
Format:
Digital Software (likely PDF or proprietary application)
File Format Details:
Searchable PDF, potentially requiring specific software for access and viewing
Print Quality Suitability:
Suitable for high-quality printing of individual sections or the entire manual
Binding Type If Printed:
Not applicable for software, but factory manuals are typically perfect-bound or spiral-bound
Paper Type If Printed:
Not applicable for software, but factory manuals use durable, high-gloss paper
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel delivery, ignition, emissions control, engine diagnostics
Transmission Systems:
Automatic transmission service, manual transmission service, clutch system, driveline components
Brakes And Suspension:
Brake system overhaul, ABS diagnostics, suspension component replacement, steering system repair
Electrical And Electronics:
Instrument cluster, power windows, power locks, lighting, audio, comfort controls, advanced diagnostics for ECUs, wiring diagrams
Body And Interior:
Body panel repair, interior trim removal/installation, HVAC system service, seats, safety restraints
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and top-offs, belt inspection and replacement
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation, component testing procedures
Repair Procedures:
Engine component overhaul (e.g., cylinder head, pistons), transmission rebuilds, brake caliper replacement, suspension arm replacement, electrical component repair
Calibration And Adjustment:
Throttle body cleaning and relearn, idle speed adjustments, wheel alignment specifications
Diagnostic Depth:
Advanced diagnostic procedures including signal tracing, component testing, and ECU parameter analysis
Repair Depth:
Detailed step-by-step repair instructions, torque specifications, special tool requirements, and component tolerances for complete rebuilds
Wiring Diagrams Quality:
Comprehensive, color-coded wiring diagrams with component locations and connector pinouts
Standard Transmission:
5-speed Manual Transmission (M5HF2)
Optional Transmission:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (F4A51) with Shiftronic
Automatic Transmission Features:
Electronically controlled, adaptive shift logic, lock-up torque converter
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Kia Genuine ATF SP-III or equivalent (e.g., Dexron III/Mercon equivalent, but SP-III preferred for longevity)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
5 Stars (2004 Model Year)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
5 Stars (2004 Model Year)
IIHS Front Offset Crash Test:
Good (for vehicles with similar structure)
Active Safety Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control System (TCS - optional on some trims), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
Passive Safety Features:
Dual front airbags, front side-impact airbags, front and rear side-curtain airbags (optional), three-point seat belts with pretensioners, LATCH child seat anchors
Infotainment System:
Standard AM/FM/CD player, optional cassette player, optional premium audio system with subwoofer
Driver Assistance Features:
Cruise control
Connectivity Options:
Auxiliary power outlet, cigarette lighter
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions)
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km)
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) (NGK Iridium recommended for G4JS, Platimum for G6BA)
Timing Belt Replacement:
Not applicable (engines utilize a timing chain)
Engine Oil Capacity 2.4L:
4.5 quarts (4.3 liters) with filter change (SAE 5W-30 API SN or ILSAC GF-5 recommended)
Engine Oil Capacity 2.7L:
5.0 quarts (4.7 liters) with filter change (SAE 5W-30 API SN or ILSAC GF-5 recommended)
Coolant:
50/50 mixture of Kia Genuine Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent (ethylene glycol-based, phosphate-free) and distilled water
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid
Power Steering Fluid:
Kia Genuine Power Steering Fluid or Dexron III ATF
Common Problem 1:
CV Axle boot failure leading to joint damage
Common Problem 2:
Oil leaks from valve cover gasket or oil pan gasket
Common Problem 3:
Radiator leaks, especially at the plastic end tanks
Common Problem 4:
Automatic transmission shifting issues or 'harsh shifts'
Common Problem 5:
Front suspension noises (e.g., ball joints, sway bar links)
Kia History Context:
Kia Motors Corporation, a South Korean automotive manufacturer, established in 1944, known for its value-oriented vehicles and growing global presence.
Optima Generation 1 Years:
2001-2006 (First Generation - MS Platform)
Optima Generation 2 Years:
2007-2010 (Second Generation - MG Platform)
Manufacturing Location:
Hwaseong, South Korea (Kia's main manufacturing plant)
Model Line Notes:
The 2004 Optima represents the later part of the first generation, receiving minor updates for the model year. It shared its platform with the Hyundai Sonata.
Safety Award NHTSA:
NHTSA 5-Star frontal crash safety rating
Consumer Reports Reliability Trends:
Generally average to slightly below average reliability in its early years, with improvements noted over the generation. This manual provides critical data to maintain and enhance reliability.
Manual Certification:
Officially Licensed Service and Repair Manual Software