🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Kia

Model:

Soul

Year:

2011

First Generation Start:

2008

First Generation End:

2013

Vehicle Code:

AM

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The Kia Soul 2011 Service Repair Workshop Manual is positioned as an essential resource for owners and independent repair professionals seeking factory-level diagnostic and repair information.

Advantage:

This manual offers vehicle-specific, manufacturer-approved procedures, unlike generic online resources, ensuring accuracy and safety. It provides the same information used by authorized Kia dealerships.

Authenticity:

Written by the manufacturer, Kia, ensuring the highest level of accuracy and detail.

Visuals:

Includes diagrams, illustrations, and wiring schematics to aid understanding.

Cost Savings:

Empowers users to perform maintenance and repairs themselves, leading to significant cost savings.

User Friendliness:

Designed for ease of use with clear, concise text and step-by-step instructions, suitable for various skill levels.

📋 Manual Details

Engine Mechanical:

Complete Engine Mechanical System (including teardown, assembly, and diagnostics)

Engine Electrical:

Complete Engine Electrical System (including ignition, starting, charging, sensors, and ECUs)

Emission Control:

Complete Emission Control System (including diagnostics and repair of related components)

Fuel System:

Complete Fuel System (including fuel delivery, injection, and evaporative emission controls)

Clutch System:

Complete Clutch System (for manual transmission models)

Manual Transaxle:

Complete Manual Transaxle System (including removal, installation, and internal repairs)

Automatic Transaxle:

Complete Automatic Transaxle System (including removal, installation, and internal repairs)

Driveshaft Axle:

Complete Driveshaft and Axle Systems (including CV joints, boots, and differentials)

Suspension System:

Complete Suspension System (including struts, shocks, control arms, and alignment procedures)

Steering System:

Complete Steering System (including power steering, rack and pinion, and steering column)

Restraint System:

Complete Restraint System (including airbags, seat belts, and related sensors)

Brake System:

Complete Brake System (including disc brakes, ABS, and hydraulic components)

Body Interior Exterior:

Complete Body (Interior and Exterior) (including panels, trim, glass, and body repair)

Body Electrical:

Complete Body Electrical System (including lighting, power accessories, and body control modules)

HVAC:

Complete Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) System

Estimated Pages:

Over 1500 pages (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals)

Type:

Service and Repair Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine, Fuel, Emissions, Clutch, Transaxle, Driveshaft, Axles

Chassis:

Suspension, Steering, Brakes

Electrical:

Engine Electrical, Body Electrical, HVAC Electrical

Body:

Interior, Exterior, Body Repair

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and changes, tire rotation

Diagnostic Troubleshooting:

Step-by-step troubleshooting guides for various systems, fault code interpretation

Repair And Rebuild:

Detailed procedures for component removal, installation, and overhaul (e.g., engine rebuild, transaxle overhaul, brake caliper replacement)

Special Procedures:

Air conditioning service, airbag system diagnostics and replacement, wheel alignment

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to advanced diagnostics and component-level repairs.

Target Audience:

Professional mechanics, experienced DIY enthusiasts, and informed vehicle owners.

📊 Manual Specifications

Compatibility:

All Versions of Windows and Mac OS

Reader Requirement:

Adobe PDF Reader (Free Download)

Printability:

Yes, all pages are printable.

Digital Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Digital Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Inline 4-cylinder Gasoline

Displacement:

1.6L GDI (Gamma G4FC) and 2.0L DOHC (Beta II G4GC) / CVVT (Theta II G4KD) options, depending on market and trim.

Horsepower:

Approximately 122 hp (1.6L) to 142 hp (2.0L).

Torque:

Approximately 115 lb-ft (1.6L) to 135 lb-ft (2.0L).

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) or Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) on some variants.

Recommended Fuel:

Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane (AKI) or higher, depending on manufacturer recommendation.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed Manual Transaxle

Transmission Type:

4-speed Automatic Transaxle

Automatic Features:

Electronically controlled, with lock-up torque converter for improved fuel efficiency.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approximately 160.6 inches (4080 mm)

Width:

Approximately 69.5 inches (1765 mm)

Height:

Approximately 63.2 inches (1605 mm)

Wheelbase:

Approximately 98.4 inches (2500 mm)

Curb Weight:

Varies by engine and transmission, typically 2,800 - 3,000 lbs.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Crash Rating:

5-Star (for driver and passenger in frontal crash tests)

IIHS Top Safety Pick:

The 2011 Kia Soul was a Top Safety Pick by IIHS.

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Available Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Traction Control System (TCS)

Airbags:

Standard front-seat airbags, front side-impact airbags, and side-curtain airbags.

Seat Belts:

Three-point seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters for all seating positions.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Standard AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with auxiliary input. Optional upgraded systems with SiriusXM satellite radio and Bluetooth connectivity available on higher trims.

Cruise Control:

Available cruise control system.

Parking Assistance:

Available rear parking assist sensors on certain trims.

Bluetooth:

Optional Bluetooth hands-free phone system and audio streaming.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, or 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months with synthetic oil, whichever comes first (refer to manual for specific engine oil type and capacity).

Air Filter Replacement:

Recommended every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km), or as needed based on driving conditions.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Typically around 60,000-100,000 miles (96,000-160,000 km) depending on spark plug type (e.g., iridium).

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil (API SM or higher, ILSAC GF-4 or higher - refer to manual for precise specification)

Transmission Fluid Manual:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil (for manual transaxle)

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Kia Genuine ATF (or equivalent specifications as per manual) for automatic transaxle

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol-based coolant, Asian Pink or equivalent (50/50 mix with distilled water)

Potential Issues:

Occasional reports of minor interior rattles, early wear on some suspension components, and potential issues with certain sensors in higher mileage vehicles. Manual provides diagnostic steps for these.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Origin:

Kia Motors Corporation, South Korean automotive manufacturer.

First Generation Launch:

The first-generation Kia Soul was introduced in 2008 in South Korea and later in international markets.

Design Philosophy:

Known for its distinctive, boxy styling and youthful, urban-focused design.

Manufacturing Plant:

Gwangmyeong, South Korea (Kia Motors Plant)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

IIHS Recognition:

Recognized as a 'Top Safety Pick' by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Design Awards:

Recipient of various design accolades for its distinctive and polarizing styling.