🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Kia

Model:

Optima

Model Generation Code:

TF

Model Year:

2012

Platform Code:

TF

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Mid-size Sedan

Key Selling Points:

Stylish design, spacious interior, good value, improving reliability.

Direct Competitors:

Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Hyundai Sonata, Ford Fusion, Chevrolet Malibu.

Vehicle Highlights:

Sleek aerodynamic styling, comfortable ride, available panoramic sunroof, good fuel economy.

📋 Manual Details

General Coverage:

Complete service, maintenance, and repair for the Kia Optima TF 2012.

Specific Systems Covered:

Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, HVAC, Electrical System, Body & Chassis, Fuel System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Restraint Systems, Diagnostics, Troubleshooting.

Estimated Pages:

1500+

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, valve train, timing belt/chain, lubrication system.

Engine Management:

Fuel injection, ignition system, emissions control, engine control module (ECM) diagnostics and repair.

Transmission Manual:

Clutch, gear shifting mechanisms, transmission internal components, bearings, seals, maintenance.

Transmission Automatic:

Torque converter, planetary gear sets, valve body, hydraulic control system, electronic control module (TCM), fluid service, rebuild procedures.

Drivetrain:

Front-wheel drive (FWD) axles, CV joints, differential (if applicable), rear axle components (if AWD option available).

Suspension:

Front MacPherson struts, rear multi-link suspension, springs, shock absorbers, control arms, bushings, wheel alignment specifications.

Steering:

Power steering system (hydraulic or electric), steering rack, tie rods, steering column, wheel balancing.

Brakes:

Front and rear disc brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), brake fluid specifications, bleeding procedures, pad and rotor replacement.

Electrical System Basic:

Battery, charging system (alternator, starter), lighting systems (headlights, taillights, interior), fuses, relays.

Electrical System Advanced:

Wiring diagrams, body control module (BCM), power windows, power locks, mirrors, wipers, horn, sensors, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).

HVAC:

Air conditioning (compressor, refrigerant, condenser, evaporator), heating system, blower motor, climate control unit, cabin air filter replacement.

Fuel System:

Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel lines, injectors, evaporative emissions control (EVAP) system.

Cooling System:

Radiator, coolant types, thermostat, water pump, cooling fan, hoses, bleeding procedures.

Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, muffler, oxygen sensors, exhaust hangers.

Body And Chassis:

Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, glass replacement, interior trim, underbody coatings.

Restraint Systems:

Airbag system (SRS), seat belts, pretensioners, diagnostic procedures for airbag faults.

Maintenance Tasks:

Oil changes, filter replacements (oil, air, cabin), fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, battery service, brake inspections, tire rotations.

Diagnostic Procedures:

Troubleshooting guides for common symptoms, reading DTCs with scan tools, sensor testing, circuit testing.

Repair Procedures:

Step-by-step instructions for component replacement and repair, including exploded views and torque specifications.

Rebuild Procedures:

Detailed instructions for engine and transmission overhauls/rebuilds.

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive electrical schematics for all vehicle systems.

Torque Specifications:

Precise torque values for all fasteners, critical for ensuring proper assembly and safety.

Exploded Views:

Detailed illustrations showing component relationships and disassembly sequences.

Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic maintenance to complex system diagnostics and complete component overhauls.

📊 Manual Specifications

Quality:

High-resolution PDF, searchable text, bookmarked for easy navigation.

Printability:

Printable pages for in-garage use.

Physical Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Physical Paper:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

G4KH (2.4L Theta II GDI)

Engine Type:

Inline 4-Cylinder, Naturally Aspirated, Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI)

Displacement:

2359 cc (2.4 Liters)

Horsepower:

200 hp @ 6300 rpm

Torque:

186 lb-ft (252 Nm) @ 4250 rpm

Bore X Stroke:

88.0 mm x 97.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

11.3:1

Redline:

6700 rpm

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Fuel Delivery:

Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI)

Recommended Octane:

87 AKI (Octane Rating)

Cooling System Capacity:

Approximately 7.5 Liters (7.9 US Quarts)

Coolant Type:

Asian Red Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (50/50 mixture with distilled water)

Oil Capacity:

Approximately 4.4 Liters (4.7 US Quarts) with filter change

Recommended Oil Viscosity:

SAE 0W-20

Oil Specification:

API SN, ILSAC GF-5 or equivalent

Oil Filter Part Number:

Kia Genuine Part: 26300-35503 (or equivalent aftermarket)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

6-Speed Automatic (A6GF1)

Gear Ratios:

1st: 3.548, 2nd: 2.188, 3rd: 1.449, 4th: 1.000, 5th: 0.702, 6th: 0.592, Reverse: 3.030

Final Drive Ratio:

3.506

Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Approximately 7.1 Liters (7.5 US Quarts) for a fill

Transmission Fluid Type:

Kia Genuine ATF SP-IV (or equivalent)

Optional Transmission:

No manual transmission option for this specific model year in most markets. Some markets might have had a 6-speed manual, but the 6-speed automatic was predominant.

Shift Modes:

Driver-selectable manual mode ('Sportmatic')

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4840 mm (190.6 inches)

Width:

1830 mm (72.0 inches)

Height:

1455 mm (57.3 inches)

Wheelbase:

2795 mm (110.0 inches)

Front Track:

1580 mm (62.2 inches)

Rear Track:

1576 mm (62.0 inches)

Ground Clearance:

Approximately 135 mm (5.3 inches)

Front Headroom:

1015 mm (40.0 inches)

Rear Headroom:

970 mm (38.2 inches)

Front Legroom:

1123 mm (44.2 inches)

Rear Legroom:

894 mm (35.2 inches)

Trunk Volume:

450 Liters (15.9 cubic feet)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 1470-1510 kg (3240-3330 lbs), depending on trim and options.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Not explicitly listed, but typically around 2000 kg (4400 lbs).

Towing Capacity:

Not recommended for towing.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Crash Test:

5-Star (Overall)

NHTSA Side Crash Test:

5-Star (Front and Rear Passengers)

NHTSA Rollover Rating:

4-Star

IIHS Top Safety Pick:

Yes

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System

Ebd:

Standard Electronic Brakeforce Distribution

Esc:

Standard Electronic Stability Control

Traction Control:

Standard Traction Control System (TCS)

Brake Assist:

Standard Brake Assist System (BAS)

Airbags:

Dual front, front side-impact, full-length side curtain airbags.

Seatbelts:

3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system.

💡 Technology Features

Standard Audio:

AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with 6 speakers.

Optional Infotainment:

Available UVO infotainment system with voice recognition, navigation, and a 8-inch touchscreen display (optional on higher trims).

Connectivity:

Standard auxiliary audio input, USB port, Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming.

Backup Camera:

Available rear-view camera.

Parking Sensors:

Available rear parking sensors.

Keyless Entry Start:

Available push-button start with smart key.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control.

Climate Control:

Available dual-zone automatic climate control.

Lighting:

Available HID (High-Intensity Discharge) headlights, LED taillights.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil And Filter Change:

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

Air Cleaner Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles or 12 months.

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles or 12 months.

Engine Coolant Replacement:

First replacement at 105,000 miles or 7 years, then every 52,500 miles or 3 years thereafter.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Inspect every 30,000 miles. Replacement recommended every 60,000 miles or 4 years.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Iridium-tipped spark plugs: Every 105,000 miles.

Brake Fluid Replacement:

Inspect every 15,000 miles. Replace every 30,000 miles or 2 years.

Drive Belt Inspection:

Inspect every 15,000 miles. Replace as needed.

Power Steering Fluid:

Use genuine Kia power steering fluid or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon compatible ATF.

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Engine Issues:

Some Theta II engines have experienced issues with oil consumption and potential bearing failures. Proper and timely oil changes are crucial. GDI systems can be prone to carbon buildup on intake valves.

Transmission Issues:

Occasional reports of rough shifting or hesitation, often resolved with fluid service or software updates.

Electrical Issues:

Infrequent reports of battery drain or minor electrical gremlins, often tied to specific modules or software glitches.

Suspension Issues:

Some owners report premature wear of suspension components like control arm bushings or ball joints, particularly in harsher climates or with aggressive driving.

📚 Vehicle History

Manufacturer:

Kia Motors Corporation

Founding Year:

1944

First Generation Release:

The Kia Optima (first generation, MS) was introduced in 2000.

Second Generation Release:

The second generation (MG) ran from 2005-2010.

Third Generation Release:

The third generation (TF) was launched for the 2011 model year.

Tf Generation Updates:

The 2012 model year represents the second year of the TF generation, which featured a significant redesign with Peter Schreyer's 'Tiger Nose' grille and a more European-inspired aesthetic.

Mid-Cycle Refresh:

A minor refresh occurred for the 2014 model year, with more significant updates for the fourth generation (JF) starting in 2016.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily manufactured at the Hwaseong plant in South Korea, with potential assembly in other global locations.

Production Period:

2010-2015 (TF Generation)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

IIHS Award:

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick.

Kbb Awards:

Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com praised the Optima's styling and value proposition.

Consumer Reports:

Received mixed to average ratings from Consumer Reports in its initial years, with improvements noted in later model years of the TF generation regarding reliability.