🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Kia

Model:

Sorento

Generation Code:

BL

Model Year:

2009

Engine Code:

3.8L DOHC V6

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Mid-size SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle), positioned as a versatile family vehicle.

Target Audience:

Families and individuals seeking a spacious, capable, and often value-oriented SUV.

Key Competitors 2009:

Ford Edge, Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Nissan Murano, Chevrolet Equinox, Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Body Styles Available:

Available as a 5-door SUV with three rows of seating.

Powertrain Options:

Primarily offered with a 3.8L V6 gasoline engine and automatic transmission.

Drivetrain Options:

Available in Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) and All-Wheel Drive (AWD) configurations.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Complete Official Factory Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Printable Pages (implies digital origin)

Estimated Page Count:

Hundreds of pages (specific count not provided in product description)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Detailed procedures for engine assembly, disassembly, timing, cooling system, lubrication system, fuel system, intake, and exhaust.

Engine Electrical:

Ignition system, starting system, charging system, engine control module (ECM) diagnostics and repair, sensors, actuators, and wiring diagrams.

Transmission Automatic:

Diagnosis, repair, overhaul procedures, component identification, torque converter, valve body, shift solenoids, and fluid service.

Drivetrain:

Front and rear drive axles, differential, driveshafts, universal joints, and CV joints.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension systems, components (struts, shock absorbers, control arms, ball joints, bushings), alignment specifications, and troubleshooting.

Brakes:

Disc brake systems (front and rear), hydraulic system components (master cylinder, brake lines, calipers, wheel cylinders), ABS system diagnosis, parking brake system, and brake fluid specifications.

Steering:

Power steering system components (pump, rack and pinion), steering column, linkage, diagnosis, and repair procedures.

HVAC:

Air conditioning system diagnosis, refrigerant handling, compressor, condenser, evaporator, heater core, climate control unit, and blower motor.

Electrical System Chassis:

Lighting systems (headlamps, taillamps, interior), wipers and washers, horn, power windows, power locks, mirrors, seats, and body control module (BCM).

Body And Frame:

Body panel repair, interior trim removal and installation, exterior trim, doors, hood, liftgate, glass, and structural components.

Restraints:

Airbag system components, SRS module, seat belts, and diagnostic procedures.

Preventive Maintenance:

Detailed maintenance schedules, oil change procedures, filter replacement, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement.

Diagnostic Troubleshooting:

System-specific diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, common fault codes and their resolutions, wiring diagrams for diagnostic purposes.

Repair And Rebuild:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, reassembly, and installation for all major vehicle systems.

Component Replacement:

Specific guidance on replacing wear items and major components such as alternators, starters, radiators, water pumps, fuel pumps, and brake pads/rotors.

Torque Specifications:

Precise torque values for all critical fasteners, including engine components, suspension parts, wheel lug nuts, and brake assembly.

Diagnostic Capabilities:

Advanced diagnostic procedures requiring specialized scan tools and knowledge of vehicle electrical systems and CAN bus communication.

Rebuilding Procedures:

Comprehensive instructions for complete engine and transmission overhauls, including part specifications and tolerances.

Electrical Schematics:

Detailed and accurate wiring diagrams for all electrical circuits, allowing for precise troubleshooting of complex electronic systems.

Special Tools:

Identification and usage instructions for any specialized tools required for specific repair or maintenance procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

Likely PDF, ensuring searchability and printable capabilities.

Print Readability:

Designed for high-quality printing, ensuring clear diagrams, text, and illustrations.

Binding Style:

If printed, likely comb-bound or perfect-bound for ease of use and durability in a workshop environment.

Paper Quality:

Typically printed on durable, matte paper stock to reduce glare and withstand handling.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Name:

Lambda V6

Engine Displacement:

3.8 Liters (3778 cc)

Engine Configuration:

V6 (60-degree bank angle)

Valvetrain:

DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshafts), 24 valves (4 per cylinder)

Bore X Stroke:

96.0 mm x 87.0 mm (approximate)

Compression Ratio:

10.0:1 (approximate)

Horsepower Rating:

242 hp @ 6000 rpm (approximate)

Torque Rating:

251 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (approximate)

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point fuel injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended)

Engine Control Module:

ECM with OBD-II diagnostics.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-Speed Automatic Transmission

Transmission Options:

The 3.8L V6 was exclusively paired with the 5-speed automatic in North America for this generation.

Transmission Control:

Electronically controlled with adaptive shift logic.

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Kia Genuine ATF SP-III or equivalent (refer to manual for exact specification and capacity).

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4675 mm (184.1 inches)

Width:

1890 mm (74.4 inches)

Height:

1745 mm (68.7 inches)

Wheelbase:

2700 mm (106.3 inches)

Seating Capacity:

7 Passengers (standard 3-row configuration)

Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:

Approx. 14.1 cu ft (399 liters)

Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:

Approx. 47.0 cu ft (1331 liters)

Cargo Volume Behind 1St Row:

Approx. 78.1 cu ft (2211 liters)

Curb Weight FWD:

Approx. 4328 lbs (1963 kg)

Curb Weight AWD:

Approx. 4540 lbs (2059 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Approx. 5787 lbs (2625 kg) for AWD models.

Towing Capacity:

Up to 3,500 lbs (1,588 kg) when properly equipped.

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5 x 114.3 mm (5 x 4.5 inches)

Standard Wheel Size:

17-inch alloy wheels

Standard Tire Size:

235/65R17

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Crash Test Rating:

5 Stars (Driver and Passenger)

NHTSA Side Impact Crash Test Rating:

5 Stars (Front and Rear Seat Passengers)

IIHS Front Offset Crash Test Rating:

Good (for models tested, confirm for 2009)

Antilock Braking System ABS:

Standard, 4-wheel disc ABS.

Electronic Stability Control Esc:

Standard, often branded as Electronic Stability Control (ESC) or Electronic Stability Program (ESP).

Traction Control:

Standard, works in conjunction with ESC.

Airbags:

Frontal airbags (driver and passenger), front side-impact airbags, and side curtain airbags for all three rows.

Seat Belts:

3-point seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters for front occupants, 3-point seat belts for rear occupants.

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Standard AM/FM/CD audio system with auxiliary input. Higher trims may feature upgraded Infinity audio systems, SiriusXM satellite radio capability.

Navigation System:

Optional factory-installed navigation system available on higher trim levels.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control system.

Rear Parking Sensors:

Optional rear parking assist sensors.

Bluetooth:

Available Bluetooth hands-free calling system on some trims and model years.

Keyless Entry:

Standard keyless entry system.

Power Tailgate:

Not commonly available on this generation.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, for severe driving conditions. Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months for normal conditions (refer to manual for exact definition of severe vs. normal).

Engine Air Filter Replacement:

Approximately every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km), depending on driving conditions.

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Approximately every 12,000-15,000 miles (19,000-24,000 km) or annually.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Approximately every 60,000-100,000 miles (96,000-160,000 km) for iridium-tipped plugs (specific interval depends on plug type).

Timing Belt Or Chain:

The 3.8L V6 Lambda engine uses a timing chain, which is generally designed to last the life of the engine and does not have a scheduled replacement interval, but requires inspection.

Engine Oil Type Capacity:

SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 Synthetic Blend or Full Synthetic Oil. Capacity approx. 6.5 US quarts (6.2 liters) with filter change (verify with manual).

Coolant Type:

Kia Engine Coolant (OAT - Organic Acid Technology) - Typically a pink or red long-life coolant. Capacity approx. 9.1 US quarts (8.6 liters) (verify with manual).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid (verify with manual).

Power Steering Fluid:

Kia Power Steering Fluid or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon ATF (verify with manual).

Engine Oil Sludge:

Some earlier Kia/Hyundai Lambda V6 engines experienced oil sludge buildup if oil changes were neglected. Regular maintenance is crucial.

Exhaust Manifold Cracks:

Reports of exhaust manifold cracks, particularly on the passenger side, leading to exhaust leaks and ticking noises.

Ac Compressor Issues:

Occasional reports of AC compressor failures.

Cv Joint Wear:

Front CV joints can experience wear over time, especially with AWD models and under heavy use.

📚 Vehicle History

Kia Reputation:

Kia Motors Corporation, a South Korean automotive manufacturer known for offering value and improving quality significantly over the years.

Sorento Generation 1 Code:

JC (1998-2002) - Body-on-frame, RWD-biased SUV.

Sorento Generation 2 Code:

XM (2009-2015) - Unibody construction, shared platform with Hyundai Santa Fe, this is the generation the BL falls into, although sometimes referred to as a late first-gen/early second-gen transition or a major redesign of the first generation.

Sorento Generation 3 Code:

UM (2015-2020)

Sorento Generation 4 Code:

MQ4 (2020-Present)

Production Years Bl Generation:

2002-2009 (globally, with significant facelift in 2006 for the BL codename).

Manufacturing Locations:

Primary manufacturing in South Korea (Hwaseong), with potential assembly in other Kia/Hyundai plants globally.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

IIHS Top Safety Pick:

The 2009 Kia Sorento was a recipient of the IIHS Top Safety Pick award.

Consumer Reports Reliability:

Reliability ratings from Consumer Reports for this model year generally placed it as average to below average, highlighting the importance of comprehensive service manuals for maintenance.