🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Kia

Model:

Sorento

Model Generation:

BL

Model Year:

2006

Engine Code:

G 3.5 DOHC

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Mid-size SUV

Target Audience:

Families, individuals seeking versatile and capable transportation.

Key Competitors 2006:

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

Platform:

Body-on-frame construction (typical for BL generation, offering robust towing and off-road capability).

Engine Availability:

Focus on the 3.5L DOHC V6 gasoline engine, known for its power and refinement.

Powertrain Options:

Likely offered with both 2WD and 4WD drivetrains.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF, searchable)

Primary Focus:

Engine Service and Repair Procedures

Estimated Page Count:

High (typical for engine-specific service manuals, often 500+ pages)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Detailed procedures for disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly of engine components.

Engine Electrical:

Wiring diagrams, diagnostic procedures for engine sensors, actuators, and control modules.

Fuel System:

Fuel injection system, injectors, fuel pump, fuel pressure testing, and related components.

Ignition System:

Spark plugs, ignition coils, ignition timing, and related diagnostic procedures.

Cooling System:

Radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, coolant specifications, and troubleshooting.

Lubrication System:

Oil pump, oil filter, oil specifications, lubrication passages, and troubleshooting.

Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, mufflers, and emissions control components related to engine operation.

Engine Control System:

ECM/ECU operation, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), sensor data interpretation.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and top-offs.

Troubleshooting:

Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common engine problems, symptom-based troubleshooting.

Component Repair:

Detailed instructions for repairing or replacing specific engine parts like cylinder heads, pistons, connecting rods, crankshaft.

Rebuilding:

Procedures for complete engine rebuilds, including honing cylinders, ring installation, bearing clearance checks.

Timing Belt Or Chain:

If applicable, procedures for inspection, replacement, and timing adjustment of the timing system.

Torque Specifications:

Precise torque values for all critical fasteners during assembly and repair.

Diagnostic Capabilities:

Advanced diagnostic information, including sensor specifications, signal types, and expected voltage/resistance readings.

Rebuild Level:

Comprehensive enough for a full engine overhaul or a major component replacement.

Information Source:

Derived from OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) specifications and factory service data.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Fully searchable text for quick access to specific topics.

Image Quality:

High-resolution diagrams, illustrations, and photographs.

Printability:

Printable pages for convenient use in a workshop environment.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Name:

3.5L DOHC V6 Lambda

Displacement:

3.5 Liters (3497 cc)

Configuration:

V6

Valve Train:

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

Horsepower Approx:

Approximately 235-245 hp (varies slightly by market and tuning)

Torque Approx:

Approximately 230-240 lb-ft (varies slightly by market and tuning)

Redline Rpm Approx:

Around 6,500 RPM

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane minimum recommended)

Fuel Tank Capacity Approx:

Approximately 17 gallons (64.4 Liters)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

5-speed Automatic Transmission (H-Matic)

Transmission Type Optional:

N/A for this specific engine/model combination in most markets (primarily automatic).

Transmission Features:

Sequential shift mode (often labeled 'Sport' or manual selection), Electronically controlled, Overdrive gears.

📐 Dimensions

Length Approx:

Approximately 189.8 inches (4820 mm)

Width Approx:

Approximately 74.4 inches (1890 mm)

Height Approx:

Approximately 67.7 inches (1720 mm)

Wheelbase Approx:

Approximately 112.2 inches (2850 mm)

Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row Approx:

Approximately 10.6 cubic feet (299 liters)

Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row Approx:

Approximately 34.0 cubic feet (963 liters)

Cargo Volume Behind 1St Row Approx:

Approximately 77.0 cubic feet (2181 liters)

Curb Weight Approx 2Wd:

Approximately 4,400 - 4,500 lbs (2000 - 2040 kg)

Curb Weight Approx 4Wd:

Approximately 4,500 - 4,700 lbs (2040 - 2130 kg)

Towing Capacity Approx:

Up to 5,000 lbs (2268 kg) when properly equipped.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

5-Star (for models equipped with side airbags)

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

5-Star (for models equipped with side airbags)

NHTSA Side Impact Front Seat Passenger:

5-Star

NHTSA Side Impact Rear Seat Passenger:

4-Star

IIHS Front Crashworthiness:

Good (for models with specific safety features)

Traction Control:

Standard on most models.

Electronic Stability Control:

Standard on most models.

ABS Brakes:

Standard (4-wheel disc brakes with ABS).

Airbags Front:

Driver and front passenger airbags.

Airbags Side:

Optional or standard on higher trims (front side-impact airbags and side-curtain airbags).

Rollover System:

Active Rollover Protection (ARP) systems were often included.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System Type:

Base models featured a basic AM/FM/CD stereo. Higher trims offered optional premium audio systems, often with an in-dash CD changer and auxiliary input.

Display Type:

Varies by trim; may include simple LED displays or larger LCD screens for climate control and audio.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most models.

Parking Assistance:

Rear parking sensors were an available option on some trims.

Auxiliary Input:

Available on some audio systems for connecting external media players.

Usb Port:

Not commonly found on 2006 models; primarily relied on auxiliary inputs.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 5,000 - 7,500 miles (8,000 - 12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first. Refer to manual for exact interval.

Air Filter Replacement Interval:

Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles (24,000 - 48,000 km) or annually.

Cabin Air Filter Replacement Interval:

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

Spark Plug Replacement Interval:

Platinum or Iridium plugs typically last 60,000 - 100,000 miles (96,000 - 160,000 km). Check manual for specific type.

Engine Oil Type:

API SM or higher, SAE 5W-30 is generally recommended for the 3.5L V6. Check owner's manual for specific viscosity based on climate.

Engine Oil Capacity Approx:

Approximately 5.5 quarts (5.2 Liters) with filter change.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol-based Antifreeze/Coolant, typically OAT (Organic Acid Technology) or HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) formulation. Refer to manual for specific color/specification.

Transmission Fluid Type:

Kia Genuine ATF SP-III or equivalent. Refer to manual for confirmation.

Engine Performance Issues:

Occasional reports of oil leaks from valve cover gaskets or oil pan. Some models may experience minor oil consumption.

Electrical Issues:

Infrequent reports of sensor failures or minor electrical gremlins, but generally robust.

Transmission Reliability:

Generally reliable 5-speed automatic, but proper fluid maintenance is crucial to prevent issues.

Suspension And Steering:

Front ball joints and tie rod ends can wear over time, especially on higher mileage vehicles.

📚 Vehicle History

Kia Heritage:

Kia Motors Corporation, a South Korean manufacturer, has a history dating back to 1944, initially producing bicycle parts and later expanding into motorcycles, trucks, and passenger vehicles.

Sorento Generation Bl:

The BL generation Sorento, produced from 2002 to 2009 (facelifted in 2006), represented Kia's entry into the mid-size SUV segment with a body-on-frame design, offering robust performance and utility.

Production Locations:

Primarily manufactured in South Korea by Kia Motors.

Facelift 2006:

The 2006 model year saw a significant facelift, introducing updated styling, improved interior features, and revisions to powertrains, including the widely adopted 3.5L V6 engine.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

IIHS Awards:

The Kia Sorento (BL) received 'Good' ratings in front and side impact crash tests from the IIHS in certain configurations, indicating good structural integrity and occupant protection.

Consumer Reports Reliability:

Reliability ratings from sources like Consumer Reports varied by year and specific components, but the 3.5L V6 engine itself was generally considered reasonably reliable with proper maintenance.