🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

KIA

Model:

Sorento

Year:

2008

Engine Variant:

V6 3.8L

Model Generation:

Second Generation (XM)

Engine Code:

G6DA (3.8L Lambda)

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Mid-size Crossover SUV, competing in a segment with vehicles like the Toyota Highlander, Ford Edge, and Honda Pilot.

Key Selling Points:

The 2008 Sorento offered a powerful V6 engine, a comfortable ride, and available third-row seating, positioning it as a value-oriented family SUV.

Manual Value Proposition:

Provides technicians and DIY enthusiasts with the same authoritative information used by dealership service departments for accurate diagnosis and repair.

Audience:

Professional mechanics, DIY car owners, automotive students, and repair shops.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Scope:

Bumper-to-bumper repair and maintenance

Estimated Page Count:

Detailed and extensive (specific number not provided, but described as comprehensive)

Manual Type:

OEM Factory Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

File Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine System:

Detailed repair, diagnosis, and specifications for the 3.8L V6 Lambda engine (G6DA), including timing, cooling, lubrication, fuel, ignition, and emission control systems.

Transmission System:

Service and repair procedures for the automatic transmission, including fluid changes, diagnostics, and component replacement.

Drivetrain System:

Covers front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) systems, including differentials, drive axles, and transfer case.

Suspension System:

Detailed information on front and rear suspension components, alignment specifications, and shock/strut replacement.

Braking System:

Procedures for brake system maintenance, including rotor and pad replacement, hydraulic system service, and ABS diagnostics.

Steering System:

Service and repair for power steering system, including pump, rack, and tie rod ends.

Electrical System:

Comprehensive coverage of the 12V electrical system, including battery, charging system, starter, lighting, fuses, relays, and wiring diagrams.

HVAC System:

Diagnosis and repair of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, including refrigerant handling and component replacement.

Body And Interior:

Information on interior trim, seats, doors, windows, body panels, and exterior trim.

Body Control Module Bcm:

Diagnosis and troubleshooting of the Body Control Module and related functions.

Safety Systems:

Information on airbag system, seatbelt pre-tensioners, and related diagnostics.

Diagnostic Trouble Codes:

Troubleshooting guides based on Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs).

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotations, and inspection points.

Tune Up Procedures:

Spark plug replacement, ignition coil testing, and fuel system cleaning.

Brake Service:

Brake pad and rotor replacement, caliper service, brake fluid flush and bleeding.

Engine Repair:

Engine disassembly and reassembly, gasket replacement, piston and ring service, cylinder head repair.

Transmission Repair:

Transmission fluid and filter change, solenoid replacement, valve body service, torque converter replacement.

Drivetrain Repair:

CV axle replacement, differential fluid service, transfer case maintenance.

Suspension Replacement:

Strut and shock absorber replacement, ball joint service, control arm replacement.

Steering Component Replacement:

Power steering pump replacement, steering rack and pinion repair/replacement.

Electrical Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting using wiring diagrams, component testing, and multimeter usage.

HVAC Repair:

Refrigerant system evacuation and recharge, compressor replacement, evaporator/condenser service.

Body Panel Replacement:

Front/rear bumper covers, fenders, doors, and hood replacement and adjustment.

Lighting System Repair:

Headlight, taillight, and interior lighting replacement and troubleshooting.

Troubleshooting Guides:

Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults.

Depth Of Information:

Comprehensive, from routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhaul.

Diagnostic Capabilities:

Advanced diagnostics, including scan tool data interpretation and component testing.

Specifications Detail:

Includes torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical resistance, and diagnostic parameters.

Diagrams Illustrations:

Accurate and clear diagrams, in-depth illustrations, and detailed schematics (including wiring diagrams).

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text within the PDF document.

Indexing:

Includes an index for easy navigation.

Printability:

Printable pages for physical reference.

Image Resolution:

High resolution for clear viewing of diagrams and images.

Binding:

Not applicable (digital PDF format)

Paper:

Not applicable (digital PDF format)

Operating Systems:

Windows (95-98-ME-XP-7), MAC, iPhone, iPad, iPod, Linux.

Dependencies:

No ZIP files or additional software required; runs standalone.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated V6

Displacement:

3.8 Liters (3778 cc)

Valvetrain:

DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshafts), 24 Valves

Bore X Stroke:

96.0 mm x 87.0 mm (approximate)

Compression Ratio:

10.0:1 (approximate)

Engine Block Material:

Aluminum Alloy

Cylinder Head Material:

Aluminum Alloy

Horsepower:

242 hp @ 6000 rpm (approximate, US spec)

Torque:

250 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approximate, US spec)

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

Fuel Octane Rating:

87 octane recommended (91 octane for optimal performance)

Ignition Type:

Electronic ignition with coil-on-plug (COP) system.

Cooling Method:

Liquid-cooled, pressurized system with thermostatic control.

Oil Type:

SAE 5W-20, API SM or higher.

Oil Capacity:

5.5 US quarts (5.2 liters) with filter change (verify in manual).

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

6-speed automatic with Sportmatic manual shifting mode.

Optional Transmission:

No manual transmission option listed for this specific engine/year combination.

Transmission Fluid:

SP-III (or equivalent approved fluid, verify in manual).

Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Approximately 7.4 US quarts (7.0 liters) for a dry fill (verify in manual).

📐 Dimensions

Length:

187.9 inches (4773 mm)

Width:

74.4 inches (1890 mm)

Height:

67.1 inches (1704 mm)

Wheelbase:

108.5 inches (2756 mm)

Ground Clearance:

7.1 inches (180 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 4,300 - 4,500 lbs (1950 - 2041 kg) depending on drivetrain and trim.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Approximately 5,800 lbs (2630 kg) (verify in manual).

Towing Capacity:

Up to 5,000 lbs (2268 kg) with appropriate towing package (verify in manual).

Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:

Approximately 10.5 cu ft

Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:

Approximately 46.0 cu ft

Cargo Volume Behind 1St Row:

Approximately 74.0 cu ft

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Rating:

5 Stars (for driver and front passenger)

NHTSA Side Impact Rating:

5 Stars (for front and rear passengers)

IIHS Top Safety Pick:

Not awarded for this model year.

Antilock Braking System ABS:

Standard

Electronic Stability Control Esc:

Standard

Traction Control System TCS:

Standard

Electronic Brake Force Distribution Ebd:

Standard

Brake Assist Bas:

Standard

Airbags:

Front dual-stage airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-curtain airbags for all rows.

Seatbelts:

3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters for front seats, 3-point seatbelts for all rear seating positions.

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Standard AM/FM/CD/MP3 player with 6 speakers. Available upgraded Infinity audio system with subwoofer.

Navigation System:

Optional factory-installed navigation system available on higher trims.

Climate Control:

Manual or automatic climate control depending on trim level.

Cruise Control:

Standard

Rear Parking Sensors:

Optional

Backup Camera:

Optional, integrated with navigation system.

Auxiliary Input:

Standard auxiliary audio input jack.

Usb Port:

Not typically standard on this model year.

Bluetooth:

Optional hands-free Bluetooth connectivity on higher trims.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil And Filter Change:

Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions. Severe driving conditions may require more frequent changes (refer to manual for specifics).

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months, or more frequently in dusty conditions.

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Iridium spark plugs typically have a longer service life, often around 60,000 - 100,000 miles (verify in manual).

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or as per severe service schedule. Critical for transmission longevity.

Coolant Flush And Replacement:

Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 4 years.

Brake Fluid Flush:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years.

Engine Oil:

SAE 5W-20, API SM or higher.

Transmission Fluid:

DIA Queen ATF SP-III or equivalent.

Coolant:

Ethylene Glycol based coolant, typically pink or red long-life coolant. Refer to manual for specific type and mixture ratio.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 (verify in manual).

Power Steering Fluid:

Refer to manual for specific type (often ATF or dedicated power steering fluid).

Engine Misfires:

Some owners have reported issues with ignition coils and spark plugs leading to misfires, particularly at higher mileage. Proper diagnosis is key.

Transmission Shifting Issues:

Occasional reports of rough shifting or hesitation, often addressed by a transmission fluid and filter change, or solenoid replacement.

Suspension Noises:

Worn suspension components like sway bar links or bushings can lead to clunking or rattling noises.

HVAC Performance:

Potential for AC compressor issues or leaks in the refrigerant system.

📚 Vehicle History

Kia Heritage:

KIA Motors Corporation is South Korea's second-largest automobile manufacturer, known for its diverse range of vehicles and its rapid growth in global markets since its inception in 1944.

Sorento First Generation:

Introduced in 2002 as a body-on-frame SUV, offering robust capability and a traditional truck-like experience.

Sorento Second Generation Launch:

The 2008 model year falls within the transition period leading up to the second-generation (XM) Sorento, which debuted for the 2010 model year. The 2008 model is the final year of the first generation, which underwent a significant refresh for the 2007 model year.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily manufactured at KIA's Hwaseong plant in South Korea. Some models may have also been assembled in other global locations.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Safety Awards:

Achieved 5-star ratings from NHTSA in front and side impact crash tests.

Fuel Economy Ratings:

EPA estimated: 16 MPG city / 22 MPG highway (FWD V6 3.8L).

Emission Standards:

Meets applicable US EPA emission standards for its model year. Specific compliance details are within the manual.