🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Kia

Model:

Sorento

Year:

2008

Engine:

3.8L V6

Engine Code:

G6DA

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The 2008 Kia Sorento was positioned as a mid-size SUV, offering a balance of capability, comfort, and value, often competing with models like the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, and Ford Explorer.

Key Competitors:

Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Ford Explorer, Nissan Pathfinder, Chevrolet Trailblazer.

Engine Option:

The 3.8L V6 engine provided robust performance for its class.

Body Style:

Available as a body-on-frame SUV, offering towing capability and a more traditional SUV feel.

Seating Capacity:

Typically offered in a 7-passenger configuration.

📋 Manual Details

Engine:

Yes

Transmission:

Yes

Suspension:

Yes

Brakes:

Yes

Electrical System:

Yes

Body And Chassis:

Yes

HVAC:

Yes

Fuel System:

Yes

Exhaust System:

Yes

Steering:

Yes

Cooling System:

Yes

Troubleshooting:

Yes

Estimated Pages:

Over 1500

Type:

Full Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Detailed coverage of the 3.8L V6 engine, including disassembly, reassembly, diagnosis, and repair of all major components. Transmission service for the automatic transmission.

Drivetrain:

Coverage of the front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive systems, including differentials, axles, and driveshafts.

Suspension And Steering:

Complete information on front and rear suspension components, alignment procedures, and steering system diagnostics and repair.

Braking System:

Detailed instructions for brake pad replacement, rotor service, hydraulic system bleeding, ABS system diagnosis, and parking brake adjustments.

Electrical System:

Comprehensive wiring diagrams, fuse and relay locations, diagnostic procedures for starting and charging systems, lighting, instrumentation, and power accessories.

Body And Exterior:

Repair procedures for body panels, doors, glass, bumpers, and exterior trim. Includes information on door lock mechanisms and exterior lighting.

Interior Systems:

Covers dashboard removal, seat adjustments, HVAC system diagnosis and repair, audio system, and interior trim components.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, spark plug replacement, fluid level checks and top-offs, tire rotation, and brake inspections.

Engine Repair:

Cylinder head service, piston and connecting rod replacement, crankshaft service, timing belt/chain replacement, and oil pump service.

Transmission Repair:

Automatic transmission fluid and filter changes, torque converter replacement, valve body service, and transmission control module (TCM) diagnostics.

Suspension And Steering Repair:

Strut and shock absorber replacement, ball joint and tie rod end replacement, power steering pump and rack replacement.

Brake System Repair:

Brake caliper and master cylinder replacement, brake line repair, ABS sensor replacement, and brake fluid flush.

Electrical Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting starter motor issues, alternator faults, battery drain problems, power window and lock malfunctions, and lighting system faults.

Troubleshooting Guides:

Step-by-step diagnostic flowcharts for common and uncommon problems, including engine performance issues, transmission shifting problems, and electrical gremlins.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes detailed diagnostic procedures and specifications for professional technicians.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchable:

Yes

Printable:

Yes

Quality:

High-resolution scans ensuring clarity of diagrams and text.

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

60-degree V6, DOHC, 24-valve

Displacement:

3.8 Liters (3778 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

96.0 mm x 87.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.0:1

Horsepower:

262 hp @ 6000 rpm (approximate)

Torque:

260 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approximate)

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Recommended Octane:

87 Octane

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed Automatic

Availability:

N/A for 3.8L model, 5-speed auto was standard.

Transmission Fluid Type:

SP-III (Kia Genuine Automatic Transmission Fluid)

Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Approximately 8.0 - 9.5 liters (dry fill)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4800 mm / 189.0 in

Width:

1870 mm / 73.6 in

Height:

1780 mm / 70.1 in

Wheelbase:

2800 mm / 110.2 in

Ground Clearance:

Approx. 8.1 inches (206 mm)

Cargo Volume Seats Up:

Approx. 34.0 cu ft

Cargo Volume Seats Down:

Approx. 76.5 cu ft

Curb Weight:

Approx. 4400 - 4600 lbs (2000 - 2100 kg)

Towing Capacity:

Up to 5,000 lbs (2268 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Crash Test:

5-Star Driver, 4-Star Passenger (may vary slightly by specific test)

IIHS Side Impact Test:

Good (for models equipped with side airbags)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System

Esc:

Standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

Traction Control:

Standard Traction Control System (TCS)

Airbags:

Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, and available side curtain airbags.

Seatbelts:

3-point seatbelts with pretensioners for all occupants.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Standard AM/FM/CD player with multiple speakers. Higher trims may include an auxiliary input, MP3 compatibility, and a premium audio system.

Navigation:

Optional navigation system available on higher trim levels.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control system.

Parking Sensors:

Optional rear parking assist sensors available.

Auxiliary Input:

Standard on most models for connecting external audio devices.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil And Filter Change:

Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first. Severe driving conditions may require more frequent changes.

Engine Air Filter:

Replace every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as needed based on inspection.

Spark Plugs:

Replace every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) with Iridium type plugs.

Cabin Air Filter:

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

Transmission Fluid Change:

Inspect every 30,000 miles (48,000 km); replace fluid and filter at 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or every 4 years, whichever comes first, especially under severe use.

Engine Oil:

SAE 5W-30 Synthetic or Semi-Synthetic, API SN or higher.

Engine Oil Capacity:

5.7 US Quarts (5.4 Liters)

Coolant:

Ethylene Glycol based coolant, OAT (Organic Acid Technology) type, meeting Kia specification.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Engine Mounts:

Premature wear or failure of engine mounts, leading to vibrations.

Rear Differential Leaks:

Potential for leaks from the rear differential seals.

Window Regulators:

Failure of power window regulators, leading to windows not operating.

ABS Sensor Faults:

Occasional issues with ABS wheel speed sensors causing ABS warning lights.

📚 Vehicle History

Kia History:

Kia Motors Corporation is a South Korean automobile manufacturer founded in 1944. It is now part of the Hyundai Motor Group and is known for producing a wide range of vehicles, from economy cars to SUVs and minivans, often emphasizing value and warranty.

Sorento Generations:

The 2008 Sorento is part of the first generation (2002-2009), which was a body-on-frame SUV. It was later redesigned as a unibody crossover for the second generation starting in 2010.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily manufactured in South Korea. Assembly also took place in other locations for specific markets.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Safety Awards:

Earned good safety ratings in frontal and side-impact crash tests from NHTSA and IIHS, reflecting its design for occupant protection.

Value Proposition:

Often recognized for offering a strong value proposition in the mid-size SUV segment, providing a good balance of features, space, and capability for its price point.