Positioning:
A capable and versatile minivan offering practical family transportation. Competed in a segment with established players like the Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey, and Chrysler Town & Country.
Competitors:
Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey, Chrysler Pacifica/Town & Country, Ford Freestar/Windstar, Chevrolet Venture/Uplander
Seating Capacity:
Available in 7 or 8-passenger configurations.
Engine Option:
Featured a powerful 3.8L V6 engine as a primary option for 2006, offering a good balance of power for hauling families and cargo.
Value Proposition:
Often positioned as a value-oriented alternative to more expensive rivals, providing a good feature set for the price.
Engine:
3.8L DOHC V6 (G6CU) - including lubrication, cooling, fuel delivery, ignition, emission controls, timing, cylinder head, block assembly, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts
Transmission:
Automatic Transmission (e.g., F5A51) - including overhaul, diagnostics, fluid specifications, and torque converter
Drivetrain:
Front Wheel Drive (FWD) - including drive axles, CV joints, differential assembly
Suspension:
Front and Rear Suspension - including struts, shock absorbers, control arms, bushings, springs, wheel bearings
Brakes:
Hydraulic Brake System - including master cylinder, brake booster, calipers, pads, rotors, brake lines, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) components
Steering:
Power Steering System - including pump, rack and pinion, steering column, tie rods
Electrical:
Complete Electrical System - including battery, charging system, starter, lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), fuses, relays, wiring diagrams, body control module (BCM), engine control module (ECM)
Climate Control:
HVAC System (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) - including compressor, condenser, evaporator, heater core, blower motor, refrigerant handling
Body:
Body and Chassis - including doors, hood, tailgate, bumpers, interior trim, seats, glass, structural components
Exhaust:
Exhaust System - including manifold, catalytic converter, muffler, pipes
Fuel:
Fuel System - including fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel injectors, fuel tank
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspections and replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides for common problems, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based diagnostics
Repair:
Step-by-step repair procedures for all major systems, component removal and installation, adjustment procedures
Rebuild:
Engine and transmission overhaul procedures, including disassembly, inspection, and reassembly
Calibration:
Component calibration and alignment procedures, e.g., wheel alignment
Wiring:
Detailed electrical wiring diagrams for all circuits, component location charts
Depth:
Comprehensive - covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and specifications
Target Audience:
Professional technicians and experienced DIY mechanics
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated V6
Displacement:
3.8 Liters (3778 cc)
Valvetrain:
DOHC (Double Overhead Camshafts), 24 Valves (4 per cylinder)
Bore X Stroke:
95.0 mm x 89.0 mm (approx.)
Compression Ratio:
9.6:1 (approx.)
Horsepower:
240 hp @ 6000 rpm (approx.)
Torque:
255 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Regular Gasoline (87 Octane Recommended)
ECM:
Engine Control Module (ECM) controlling fuel, ignition, and emissions
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
5 Stars (for 2006 model)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
5 Stars (for 2006 model)
NHTSA Side Impact Front Seat:
5 Stars (for 2006 model)
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Seat:
4 Stars (for 2006 model)
IIHS Front Offset:
Good (for 2006 model)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS)
Electronic Stability Control:
Likely not standard, check specific trim/options
Airbags Front:
Dual Front Airbags
Airbags Side:
Available Front Side-Impact Airbags
Airbags Curtain:
Available Side Curtain Airbags (for 1st and 2nd rows)
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners for all occupants
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions (refer to manual for exact schedule).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically around 60,000 - 100,000 miles for iridium-tipped plugs (refer to manual for specific plug type and interval).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles for normal use, sooner for severe use.
Coolant Replacement:
Initial change at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000 miles.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 (API SM or higher)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 6.0 US quarts (with filter)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze (OAT - Organic Acid Technology), usually pink or orange color
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Dexron III or equivalent ATF (check manual for exact specification)
Common Problems Engine:
While the 3.8L is generally robust, some potential issues could include oil leaks (valve cover gaskets, oil pan gaskets), or occasional ignition coil failures.
Common Problems Transmission:
Early models of this transmission (F5A51) could sometimes exhibit issues related to solenoid performance or torque converter shudder, especially if maintenance was neglected.
Common Problems Suspension:
Wear in control arm bushings, ball joints, and sway bar links can occur due to the vehicle's weight and typical use. Strut mounts can also be a point of failure.
Common Problems Electrical:
Potential for HVAC blower motor resistor failure, power window motor issues, and occasional faulty door lock actuators.
Brand Origin:
Kia Motors Corporation, South Korea
First Generation:
Introduced in 1998 (as Kia Carnival in many markets), later rebranded as Sedona in North America.
Second Generation Launch:
The 2006 model represents a significant redesign for the second generation (UN platform) which debuted for the 2006 model year.
Platform:
UN platform (shared with Hyundai Entourage)
Manufacturing Location:
Hwasung Plant, South Korea
Production Years Gen2:
2006-2014 (for the UN platform Sedona/Carnival)