🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Kia

Model:

Sedona

Generation Codes:

VQ

Model Year:

2012

Engine Variant:

3.5 DOHC

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Full-size Minivan

Target Audience:

Families, individuals requiring ample passenger and cargo space.

Key Competitors:

Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, Chrysler Town & Country/Dodge Grand Caravan, Ford Freestar.

Vehicle Type:

Minivan

Seating Capacity:

Typically 7 or 8 passengers.

📋 Manual Details

General Coverage:

Comprehensive service and repair procedures for the 2012 Kia Sedona VQ with the 3.5 DOHC engine.

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 2000+ pages (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals).

Type:

Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine System:

Complete engine overhaul, diagnosis, timing, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, emissions.

Transmission System:

Service and repair of automatic transmission, fluid, torque converter, internal components, electronic controls.

Drivetrain System:

Front-wheel drive system, axles, CV joints, differential.

Suspension System:

Front and rear suspension, shock absorbers, struts, springs, control arms, bushings, alignment procedures.

Steering System:

Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, alignment.

Brake System:

Front and rear brakes, disc brakes, ABS, EBD, brake fluid, bleeding procedures.

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams.

HVAC System:

Air conditioning, heating, ventilation, climate control system, refrigerant.

Body And Frame:

Body panels, doors, hood, tailgate, interior trim, chassis components.

Safety Systems:

Airbag system, seat belts, SRS.

Maintenance:

Routine maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, tune-ups.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures, symptom-based troubleshooting, common fault codes.

Repair:

Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for all major systems.

Disassembly And Assembly:

Complete instructions for dismantling and reassembling components and sub-assemblies.

Torque Specifications:

Critical torque values for fasteners across all vehicle systems.

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive electrical wiring diagrams for all circuits.

Special Tools:

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

Depth:

Advanced diagnostic and repair procedures suitable for professional technicians and experienced DIYers.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text content for quick information retrieval.

Printability:

Printable pages for convenient workshop use.

Image Resolution:

High-resolution images and diagrams for clarity.

Binding:

Not applicable (Digital PDF).

Paper Quality:

Not applicable (Digital PDF).

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

Lambda II (G6DH)

Engine Type:

3.5L V6 DOHC MPI

Bore X Stroke:

96.0 mm x 87.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.4 : 1

Horsepower:

276 hp @ 6300 rpm (approx.)

Torque:

248 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm (approx.)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Recommended Octane:

87 (Octane Rating - R+M/2)

Engine Oil Capacity:

6.0 US quarts (5.7 Liters) with filter (check manual for exact specification).

Engine Oil Specification:

SAE 5W-30, API SN (ILSAC GF-5) or equivalent.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

6-Speed Automatic Transmission (F6AELA)

Optional Transmission:

N/A for this engine variant and model year.

Transmission Features:

Electronically controlled, Sequential Shift Control.

Transmission Fluid Type:

SP-IV (Kia genuine automatic transmission fluid) or equivalent.

Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Approximately 8.8 US quarts (8.3 Liters) (check manual for exact specification).

📐 Dimensions

Length:

200.6 inches (5095 mm)

Width:

78.1 inches (1984 mm)

Height:

69.1 inches (1755 mm)

Wheelbase:

118.1 inches (3000 mm)

Passenger Volume:

Approx. 160.1 cubic feet (depending on configuration).

Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:

Approx. 33.0 cubic feet.

Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:

Approx. 77.1 cubic feet.

Cargo Volume Behind 1St Row:

Approx. 141.5 cubic feet.

Curb Weight:

Approx. 4500 - 4700 lbs (depending on trim and options).

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Approx. 6393 lbs (check VIN plate for exact rating).

Standard Wheel Size:

17-inch alloy wheels.

Optional Wheel Size:

18-inch alloy wheels.

Standard Tire Size:

P235/65R17 (check VIN plate for exact specification).

Optional Tire Size:

P235/60R18 (check VIN plate for exact specification).

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5 x 114.3 mm (5 x 4.5 inches)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Overall Safety Rating:

5-Star (for 2012 model year, check specific crash test data for nuances).

IIHS Top Safety Pick:

Often achieved by the Sedona in this generation, dependent on specific test criteria.

Electronic Stability Control Esc:

Standard

Traction Control System TCS:

Standard

Anti-Lock Braking System ABS:

Standard

Electronic Brake-Force Distribution Ebd:

Standard

Brake Assist Ba:

Standard

Airbags:

Front dual-stage airbags, front side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags (all rows).

Seat Belts:

3-point seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters.

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Optional navigation system, AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with USB input, auxiliary audio jack, Bluetooth connectivity.

Display Screen:

Typically a 6.5-inch touchscreen display for navigation and audio functions.

Rear Parking Sensors:

Optional

Backup Camera:

Optional, integrated with infotainment display.

Bluetooth Hands-Free:

Standard on most trims.

Power Sliding Doors:

Standard on most trims.

Power Tailgate:

Optional on higher trims.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions). Refer to manual for severe conditions.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as needed.

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or as needed.

Transmission Fluid Change Interval:

Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or as per manual inspection.

Coolant Replacement:

Initial replacement at 100,000 miles (160,000 km), then every 50,000 miles (80,000 km).

Spark Plug Replacement:

Iridium-tipped spark plugs typically last up to 100,000 miles (160,000 km).

Coolant Type:

Kia Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (Blue) or equivalent, meeting specification MS-591-08. Typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Common Issues:

Potential for transmission shift quality issues, some electrical system glitches (e.g., power window regulators), HVAC blower motor failures, and occasional suspension component wear (e.g., control arm bushings) with higher mileage.

Engine Specific Issues:

While the 3.5L Lambda II is generally robust, some owners have reported intake manifold runner issues or occasional thermostat problems. Refer to the manual for specific diagnostic procedures.

📚 Vehicle History

Manufacturer:

Kia Motors Corporation, South Korea.

Sedona History:

The Sedona (also known as Carnival in some markets) is Kia's long-standing minivan offering, designed to compete in the family transport segment. The VQ generation, introduced for the 2006 model year, represented a significant step up in design, refinement, and available features.

2012 Model Year Updates:

The 2012 model year often saw minor enhancements, potentially including updated features or packaging, but the core VQ platform remained consistent with earlier years of this generation. The introduction of the 3.5L V6 engine was a key update in recent years for this generation.

Production Location:

Primarily produced at Kia's Hwasung Plant in South Korea, and potentially other global assembly sites.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Safety Awards General:

The Kia Sedona, particularly in this generation, has historically received good safety ratings from organizations like the NHTSA and IIHS, making it a competitive choice for safety-conscious buyers.

Value Awards:

Often recognized for its competitive pricing and strong value proposition within the minivan segment.