🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Kia

Model:

Sorento

Year:

2004

Platform:

JC (First Generation)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Mid-size SUV

Target Audience:

Families, individuals seeking utility and capacity, budget-conscious buyers looking for value.

Key Competitors:

Ford Explorer, Toyota 4Runner, Honda Pilot, Nissan Pathfinder, Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Vehicle Strengths:

Spacious interior, available V6 engine, 4WD capability, strong value proposition, decent towing capacity for its class.

Manual Value Proposition:

Empowers owners and technicians to perform comprehensive maintenance and repairs, saving money on labor and diagnosing issues effectively.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

North America

Secondary Coverage:

Global markets (with regional variations noted where applicable)

Estimated Page Count:

1500+

Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital PDF (Instant Download)

File Format:

PDF

Print Quality:

High-resolution, fully printable

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital format)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, engine control systems (ECU, sensors, actuators), manual transmission, automatic transmission, transfer case, driveline, axles, drive shafts.

Chassis:

Suspension (front and rear), steering system, brakes (hydraulic, ABS, EBD), wheels and tires, chassis frame.

Electrical:

12V battery system, charging system, starting system, lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior), instrument cluster, gauges, warning lamps, power windows, power locks, mirrors, audio system, HVAC controls, anti-theft system, SRS (airbag) system, fuse box and relay locations.

Body:

Exterior body panels, interior trim, doors, hood, tailgate, bumpers, glass, seals, weatherstripping, paint and corrosion protection.

Maintenance:

Routine maintenance checks, oil change procedures, filter replacement (oil, air, fuel, cabin), spark plug replacement, fluid checks and changes (coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, transmission fluid), tire rotation, battery maintenance.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides based on symptoms, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation, circuit testing, component testing, scan tool usage and data interpretation.

Repair:

Component removal and installation, engine overhaul (minor and major), transmission overhaul and repair, brake system repair, suspension component replacement, steering system repair, electrical component repair/replacement, body panel repair and replacement.

Adjustment And Calibration:

Wheel alignment, headlight aiming, brake adjustment, throttle cable adjustment (if applicable), transmission shift linkage adjustment.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering from basic scheduled maintenance to advanced engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical system diagnostics and body repairs.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

G6CU (for 3.5L V6)

Engine Type:

V6 SOHC

Displacement:

3.5 Liters (3497 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

91.0 mm x 88.1 mm

Compression Ratio:

9.4:1

Horsepower:

192 hp @ 5500 rpm

Torque:

217 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm

Fuel System:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Recommended Fuel:

87 Octane (Regular Unleaded)

Engine Management:

ECU controlled, distributorless ignition system (DIS)

Timing Drive:

Timing Belt

Base Engine Variant:

2.5L 4-cylinder (Gasoline, 139 hp - less common in some markets, primarily for base models)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-Speed Manual Transmission (Optional)

Transmission Type:

4-Speed Automatic Transmission (Standard on most trims)

Automatic Transmission Model:

45RFE (or similar Chrysler-derived unit)

Drivetrain:

Rear-wheel drive (RWD) or Part-time 4-wheel drive (4WD)

Transfer Case:

Electronically controlled part-time 4WD system (2H, 4H, 4L modes)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

ATF+4 (Chrysler)

Manual Transmission Fluid:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil (Specific part number may vary, refer to manual for precision)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

186.4 inches

Width:

74.0 inches

Height:

67.7 inches

Wheelbase:

106.5 inches

Ground Clearance:

8.1 inches

Seating Capacity:

5 or 7 (optional third row)

Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:

35.9 cu ft

Cargo Volume Max:

75.1 cu ft (with 2nd and 3rd rows folded)

Curb Weight:

4,200 - 4,500 lbs (approx., depending on configuration)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvw:

5,700 - 6,000 lbs (approx.)

Towing Capacity:

Up to 5,000 lbs (with proper equipment)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

4 stars (driver), 4 stars (passenger)

NHTSA Side Impact:

5 stars (front), 4 stars (rear)

IIHS Frontal Offset:

Good (for most comparable models of the era)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Ebd:

Standard Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)

Traction Control:

Optional Traction Control System (TCS)

Airbags:

Frontal airbags for driver and front passenger; Optional side-impact airbags

Seatbelts:

3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters for front seats; 3-point seatbelts for rear seats.

Rollover Protection:

Reinforced chassis and body structure designed to mitigate rollover risks.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional premium audio system with more speakers.

Display:

Basic dashboard display for audio, climate, and vehicle information. No integrated navigation or large touchscreens in base models.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control system.

Parking Assist:

Optional rear parking assist sensors.

Auxiliary Input:

Standard auxiliary audio input jack (may be present on some higher trims).

Bluetooth:

Not available on this model year.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,750 miles or 3 months (whichever comes first) under severe driving conditions; 7,500 miles or 6 months for normal driving.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles, or as needed based on inspection.

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles or annually.

Spark Plug Replacement:

100,000 miles (Platinum/Iridium plugs)

Timing Belt Replacement:

60,000 miles (critical maintenance item, failure can cause severe engine damage)

Engine Oil Type:

API SL or SM, SAE 5W-30 (check owner's manual for specific viscosity and certification)

Engine Oil Capacity:

5.8 US quarts (with filter) for 3.5L V6

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based, SAE J1034, Orange or Pink color (Type M coolant)

Coolant Capacity:

Approx. 8.2 US quarts

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Power Steering Fluid Type:

Power Steering Fluid (Specific Kia/Hyundai fluid recommended, or equivalent Dexron III)

Timing Belt Wear:

Premature wear or failure of the timing belt and tensioner/idlers, leading to engine damage if not replaced on schedule.

Oil Cooler Leaks:

Leaking oil cooler lines, particularly around the fittings.

ABS Sensor Failure:

Wheel speed sensor failures leading to ABS and Traction Control warning lights.

Exhaust Manifold Cracks:

Cracks in the exhaust manifold can cause exhaust leaks and ticking noises.

Radiator Leaks:

Cracks or leaks in the plastic end tanks of the radiator.

📚 Vehicle History

Manufacturer Origin:

South Korea

Brand Growth:

Kia's emergence as a global automotive manufacturer known for value and increasingly sophisticated vehicles.

First Generation Launch:

Introduced in 2001 globally, 2004 model year marks its availability in North America.

Platform Shared:

Shares platform components with Kia Carnival minivan and certain Hyundai models, but with a body-on-frame construction (for the first generation). Note: Later generations moved to unibody construction.

Production Years:

2001-2006 (First Generation)

Manufacturing Locations:

Hwaseong, South Korea

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Industry Awards:

While specific awards for the 2004 model are not prominently documented, the Sorento as a model generally received positive attention for its value and capability in the mid-size SUV segment during its initial launch years.

Consumer Reports Reliability:

Varies by year and specific components, but generally rated as average to below average for its class in its early years, with some specific mechanical components noted for potential issues.