Vehicle Segment:
Mid-size SUV
Target Audience:
Owners, independent repair shops, automotive parts suppliers, enthusiasts seeking precise part information.
Key Competitors:
Toyota Highlander, Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, Nissan Pathfinder, Chevrolet TrailBlazer
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides definitive OEM part identification and sourcing information, crucial for accurate repairs and parts inventory management.
Product Origin:
Extracted from a larger, comprehensive catalog used by automotive professionals (dealerships, repair shops, parts distributors).
Primary Coverage:
Genuine Manufacturer Parts Catalog
Secondary Coverage:
Parts Identification, Part Numbers, Diagrams, Pricing Estimates, Labor Time Estimates
Estimated Pages:
Extensive (derived from a much larger catalog, exact count not specified but implies significant volume)
Type:
Parts Manual / Parts Catalog
Format:
Digital (implied by 'catalog', likely PDF or similar database extract)
Engine And Powertrain:
Engine components, fuel system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, intake system, transmission (automatic & manual where applicable), drivetrain components (differentials, axles, driveshafts).
Chassis And Suspension:
Frame, suspension components (struts, shocks, springs, control arms, bushings), steering system components, wheel bearings, braking system components (calipers, rotors, pads, lines, master cylinder, ABS components).
Electrical System:
Wiring harnesses, lighting components (headlights, taillights, interior lights), batteries, alternators, starters, fuse boxes, relays, switches, sensors, ECUs (Electronic Control Units), entertainment system components.
Body And Interior:
Body panels (fenders, doors, hood, trunk lid), bumpers, grilles, mirrors, glass, seals, weatherstripping, interior trim panels, seats, airbags, seat belts, HVAC system components (dashboards, vents, controls).
Part Identification:
Detailed diagrams with exploded views and callouts for precise part identification.
Part Number Lookup:
Provides genuine manufacturer part numbers for ordering and cross-referencing.
Pricing Estimation:
Offers approximate pricing for individual parts, aiding in budgeting for repairs or parts acquisition.
Labor Time Estimation:
Includes estimated labor times for replacing specific parts, valuable for mechanics and DIYers assessing repair complexity and cost.
Depth:
Highly detailed for part specifics and interchangeability, not a repair or diagnostic manual. Focus is on what parts are used and how they are identified/sequenced within assemblies.
Engine Options:
2.5L (G4CS) 4-cylinder, 3.5L (G6CU) V6
2.5L Horsepower:
105 hp @ 4500 rpm (approximate for diesel variant common in some markets)
2.5L Torque:
155 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm (approximate for diesel variant)
3.5L Horsepower:
192 hp @ 5000 rpm
3.5L Torque:
217 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Fuel Delivery Gasoline:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended), Diesel (for 2.5L CRDI variant)
Diesel 4Cyl:
G4CS (2.5L CRDI - Common Rail Direct Injection)
Transmission Type V6:
4-speed Automatic (4-speed H-matic)
Transmission Type 4Cyl:
5-speed Manual (for diesel models)
Drivetrain:
Available in 2WD (Rear-Wheel Drive) and 4WD (Four-Wheel Drive) configurations.
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
KIA ATF SP-III or equivalent
Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
GL-4 SAE 75W-90 gear oil
Length:
4,650 mm (183.1 in)
Width:
1,820 mm (71.7 in)
Height:
1,740 mm (68.5 in)
Wheelbase:
2,710 mm (106.7 in)
Cargo Volume Seats Up:
Approx. 390 liters (13.8 cu ft) (with 7 seats configuration)
Cargo Volume Seats Folded:
Approx. 1150 liters (40.6 cu ft) (with 3rd row folded)
Curb Weight Range:
Approx. 1,800 kg - 2,100 kg (3,968 lbs - 4,630 lbs) depending on configuration.
Towing Capacity:
Up to 2,000 kg (4,409 lbs) with trailer brakes (market dependent).
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
4 Stars (2003 model)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
4 Stars (2003 model)
IIHS Front Offset Compatibility:
Acceptable (2003 model - structure was rated Good, restraint system was rated Acceptable)
ABS:
Standard on most trims (Anti-lock Braking System)
Traction Control:
Optional on some trims
Electronic Stability Control:
Not widely available on early models, may be present on later trims or optional.
Airbags:
Front driver and passenger airbags standard. Side curtain airbags optional on higher trims.
Seat Belts:
3-point seat belts with pretensioners for front seats.
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM/CD player. Optional cassette player and premium sound systems available on higher trims.
Navigation:
Optional GPS navigation system available on top-tier trims, often with a touchscreen interface.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most models.
Parking Sensors:
Rarely available, typically not offered on this generation.
Auxiliary Input:
Not commonly available; some later models might have an auxiliary input or pre-wiring for aftermarket integration.
Bluetooth:
Not available on factory systems for this model year range.
Oil Change Interval Gasoline:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Oil Change Interval Diesel:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Recommended every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for gasoline engines.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) for automatic, and 50,000 miles (80,000 km) for manual.
Engine Oil Spec:
SAE 5W-30 (API SJ or higher) for gasoline; SAE 15W-40 (API CF or higher) for diesel.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze/coolant (e.g., Hyundai/Kia Long Life Coolant).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Engine Mounts:
Premature wear and cracking of engine mounts, leading to vibration and noise.
Power Window Motors:
Failure of power window regulators and motors.
Cv Axles:
Wear and tear on front CV axles, especially in 4WD models, leading to clicking noises during turns.
Diesel Glow Plugs:
Issues with glow plug operation in colder climates for the 2.5L CRDI engine.
Oil Filter Part Number Example:
26300-35050 (example, actual number may vary by specific engine/market)
Air Filter Part Number Example:
28113-3E100 (example, actual number may vary by specific engine/market)
Kia Heritage:
Kia Motors Corporation, established in 1944, is South Korea's oldest manufacturer of motor vehicles.
Generation:
First Generation Kia Sorento (model code JC).
Introduction Year:
2002 (North American market)
Design Philosophy:
Body-on-frame SUV, offering robust construction and towing capability, positioning it as a more traditional SUV compared to unibody crossovers.
Manufacturing Location:
Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea
Production Period:
2002-2006 (for this specific manual's coverage)
Initial Reception:
The first-generation Sorento was generally well-received for its robust body-on-frame construction and value proposition, competing well against more established SUVs.
Safety Awards:
Received mixed safety ratings, as noted in NHTSA and IIHS evaluations for the early years. Later models saw some improvements.
Emissions Certification:
Compliant with EPA emissions standards for its respective model years.
