Generation:
Unspecified (First Generation, often referred to as XM or BL platform depending on market and specific model year breakdown, though manual covers 2003-2009)
Model Years Covered:
2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009
Platform Code:
Unspecified (Likely relates to the BL platform for many markets)
Target Audience:
Families, individuals seeking utility and off-road capability (mild)
Key Competitors:
Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Ford Explorer, Nissan Pathfinder, Chevrolet Trailblazer
Value Proposition:
Affordable pricing, strong feature set for the segment, comfortable ride, available V6 engine
Manual Advantage:
Provides in-depth technical knowledge equivalent to dealership service departments, enabling DIY repairs and informed maintenance decisions.
Primary Markets:
North America (implied by dealer technician reference), Global (typical for factory manuals)
Content Scope:
Comprehensive Factory Service Workshop Manual
Estimated Pages:
Extensive (Typically 1000+ pages for a full factory service manual, exact count not specified)
Type:
Factory Service/Workshop Manual
Purpose:
For use by certified Kia dealership technicians
Format:
Digital Download (PDF implied by 'FREE DOWNLOAD!!!')
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, engine management, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, exhaust system, transmission (automatic and manual), drivetrain components (axles, driveshafts)
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, brake system (hydraulic, ABS, EBD), wheels and tires
Electrical:
Body electrical systems, instrument cluster, lighting, power accessories, HVAC electrical, audio system, diagnostic connectors (OBD-II), wiring diagrams, fuse and relay locations
Body:
Body construction, interior trim, exterior trim, doors, windows, glass, bumpers, HVAC (mechanical components), emissions control
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting charts, symptom-based diagnostics, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), testing procedures for components
Repair:
Step-by-step repair procedures for all major systems, component removal and installation, torque specifications, alignment procedures
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repairs
Depth:
Deep and comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, complex electrical diagnostics, and body repair
Engine Code Example:
G6A (2.5L Diesel - some markets), G4JS (2.7L V6), G4CP (3.5L V6)
Engine Type:
Inline-4 (Diesel), V6 (Gasoline)
Displacement 2 7L:
2656 cc (162.1 cu. in.)
Displacement 3 5L:
3497 cc (213.4 cu. in.)
Bore X Stroke 3 5L:
93.0 mm x 85.0 mm (3.66 in x 3.35 in)
Horsepower 2 7L V6:
Approx. 175-185 hp (130-138 kW)
Torque 2 7L V6:
Approx. 217-225 lb-ft (294-305 Nm)
Horsepower 3 5L V6:
Approx. 195-205 hp (145-153 kW)
Torque 3 5L V6:
Approx. 217-225 lb-ft (294-305 Nm)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended for North America)
Emission Control:
Catalytic converter, oxygen sensors, evaporative emission control system
Transmission Type Early Models:
4-speed Automatic (e.g., V6 models)
Transmission Type Later Models Or 4Cyl:
5-speed Manual (for some 4-cylinder or base models in certain markets), 4-speed Automatic
Optional Transmission:
5-speed Automatic (introduced later in the generation for some variants)
Drive Type:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) or All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
Transmission Fluid Spec 4Spd Auto:
Kia Genuine ATF SP-III or equivalent (refer to manual for specific part number)
Transmission Fluid Capacity 4Spd Auto:
Approx. 7.0-7.5 liters (7.4-7.9 US quarts) for drain and fill
Length:
Approx. 4675 mm (184.1 in)
Width:
Approx. 1890 mm (74.4 in)
Height:
Approx. 1745 mm (68.7 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2710 mm (106.7 in)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1800-2000 kg (3968-4409 lbs) depending on configuration
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 2500-2700 kg (5511-5952 lbs)
Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
Approx. 0.9-1.0 m³ (32-35 cu ft)
Cargo Volume Max:
Approx. 2.0-2.1 m³ (70-75 cu ft) with 2nd-row folded
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
4 Stars (for 2003-2004 models)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
5 Stars (for 2003-2004 models)
IIHS Side Impact Rating:
Acceptable (for some models, can vary)
ABS:
Standard on most trims
Electronic Brake Force Distribution Ebd:
Often paired with ABS
Traction Control System TCS:
Optional or standard on higher trims/later models
Airbags Front:
Standard dual front airbags
Airbags Side:
Optional or standard side curtain airbags on later models or higher trims
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts, driver and front passenger pretensioners
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo with CD player, often with auxiliary input or premium Infinity audio system on higher trims.
Navigation:
Optional or dealer-installed GPS navigation systems available on some models.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most models
Parking Assist:
Rear parking sensors optional on some later models
Usb Aux Input:
Auxiliary audio jack standard on most, USB ports became more common in later years or with updated head units.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for specific engine)
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km) or as needed based on driving conditions
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km) or annually
Spark Plug Replacement:
V6 engines: 60,000-100,000 miles (96,000-160,000 km) depending on plug type (refer to manual)
Timing Belt Replacement:
If equipped with a timing belt (check engine code, some V6s used chains), typically 60,000-90,000 miles (96,000-145,000 km)
Engine Oil Spec:
SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 (API SM or higher, ILSAC GF-4 or higher - consult manual)
Engine Oil Capacity 3 5L V6:
Approx. 4.5-5.0 liters (4.8-5.3 US quarts) with filter change
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based coolant (Asian Red or equivalent, long-life, 50/50 mix)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (consult manual for specific recommendation)
Common Problems Engine:
Occasional oil leaks from valve cover gaskets or oil pan, potential for misfires on older V6 engines due to ignition coil or spark plug issues.
Common Problems Transmission:
Some reports of hard shifting or transmission slipping, often related to fluid level/condition or valve body issues.
Common Problems Suspension Steering:
Wear in ball joints, tie rod ends, and bushings can lead to clunking noises or imprecise steering; rear trailing arm bushings are a known wear item.
Common Problems Electrical:
Window regulator failures, HVAC blower motor resistor failure, intermittent power issues in certain modules.
Common Problems Body Interior:
Rear hatch lift supports weakening, potential for interior trim rattles.
Kia History:
Kia Motors Corporation, a South Korean automobile manufacturer, known for producing affordable and increasingly feature-rich vehicles.
First Generation Launch:
Launched globally starting in 2004 (as a 2004 model year in many markets), based on the Kia KMS-5 platform.
Mid-Cycle Refresh:
Received a minor facelift around 2007, with updated styling and some feature enhancements.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily South Korea (Hwaseong plant)
Production Period:
2003-2009
Initial Reception:
Generally well-received for its value proposition and practicality at launch. Ranked well in initial segment comparisons.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Varied over the model years, with some years rated average to below average, highlighting the importance of the service manual for proactive maintenance.
Manual Certification:
Factory Certified (indicates it's the official documentation from the manufacturer)
