🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Kia

Model:

Soul

Year:

2012

Body Style:

Compact Crossover SUV / Hatchback

Chassis Code:

AM

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Subcompact Crossover SUV

Target Audience:

Young buyers, urban commuters, small families valuing style and practicality

Key Competitors:

Nissan Juke, Mini Countryman, Honda Fit, Ford Fiesta (hatchback variants)

Design Language:

Distinctive, boxy, and youthful styling; highly customizable interior and exterior options

Interior Space:

Surprisingly spacious interior for its exterior dimensions, especially rear headroom and cargo volume

Value Proposition:

Affordable pricing, good fuel economy, and a host of available features

📋 Manual Details

Engine Options Covered:

1.6L Gamma G4FC, 2.0L Beta II G4GC, 1.6L U2 CRDi Diesel (Region Dependent)

Transmission Types Covered:

5-Speed Manual, 4-Speed Automatic, 6-Speed Automatic (with 2.0L)

Trim Levels Covered:

All Trim Levels (e.g., Base, Plus, Exclaim, ! (Exclamation), Sport, Shadow Dragon, Tempo, Rush, Hamster)

Regions Covered:

North America, Europe, Asia, Australia (Varies based on specific manual edition)

Estimated Page Count:

1500+

Type:

Workshop Repair and Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, cylinder head, block, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, lubrication system, cooling system

Engine Electrical:

Ignition system, fuel injection system, sensors, ECU (ECM) diagnostics, starting and charging system

Transmission Manual:

Clutch system, gearbox assembly, shift mechanism, internal components

Transmission Automatic:

Torque converter, valve body, planetary gear sets, transmission control module (TCM), fluid system

Drivetrain:

Front-wheel drive (FWD), axles, CV joints, differential (integrated into transaxle)

Suspension:

Front McPherson strut, rear torsion beam, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, stabilizer bars

Steering:

Power steering system (Hydraulic or Electric Power Steering - MDPS), steering column, tie rods, steering rack

Brakes:

Front disc, rear drum (standard) or disc (optional), ABS system, brake booster, master cylinder, brake lines, parking brake

Electrical Body:

Lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior), power windows, power locks, mirrors, wipers, horn, keyless entry

HVAC:

Air conditioning system, heater, ventilation, blower motor, climate controls, refrigerant system

Safety Restraints:

Airbag system (SRS), seat belts, pre-tensioners

Body And Chassis:

Frame construction, body panels, doors, hood, tailgate, interior trim, corrosion protection

Diagnostics:

OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics II) procedures, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) interpretation, diagnostic tool usage

Maintenance Tasks:

Oil changes, filter replacements (oil, air, cabin), spark plug replacement, coolant flush, brake fluid change, transmission fluid change

Repair Procedures:

Engine component replacement, transmission overhaul/rebuild, suspension component repair, brake caliper/rotor replacement, power steering pump/rack replacement, electrical component diagnosis and repair

Troubleshooting:

Systematic diagnostic flowcharts for common and complex issues, symptom-based troubleshooting guides

Component Removal Installation:

Detailed steps for removing and installing major and minor components, including torque specifications

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive electrical schematics for all vehicle systems

Depth:

Comprehensive (from routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds)

Diagnostic Capability:

Advanced diagnostics, including sensor data interpretation and ECU programming information (where applicable)

Rebuild Procedures:

Detailed instructions for engine and transmission component rebuilding, including clearances and specifications

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text content for quick information retrieval

Image Resolution:

High-resolution images and diagrams for clarity

Printability:

Printable pages for workshop use

Digital Binding:

N/A (Digital File)

Digital Paper Type:

N/A (Digital File)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1 Displacement:

1.6 Liters (1591 cc)

Engine 1 Type:

Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve

Engine 1 Codes:

Gamma G4FC

Engine 1 Horsepower:

124 hp @ 6300 RPM

Engine 1 Torque:

115 lb-ft @ 4850 RPM

Engine 2 Displacement:

2.0 Liters (1998 cc)

Engine 2 Type:

Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve

Engine 2 Codes:

Beta II G4GC

Engine 2 Horsepower:

142 hp @ 6000 RPM

Engine 2 Torque:

137 lb-ft @ 4600 RPM

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI - Multi-Point Injection)

Recommended Fuel:

87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline

Emission Control:

Catalytic converter, evaporative emission control (EVAP)

🔧 Transmission

Type 1:

5-Speed Manual Transmission

Type 2:

4-Speed Automatic Transmission (with 1.6L and 2.0L engines)

Type 3:

6-Speed Automatic Transmission (with 2.0L engine and higher trims)

Transmission Fluid 1 6Mt:

GL-4 SAE 75W-90 (check manual for specific part number)

Transmission Fluid 4At:

Kia Genuine ATF SP-III or equivalent (refer to manual for exact spec and capacity)

Transmission Fluid 6At:

Kia Genuine ATF SP-IV or equivalent (refer to manual for exact spec and capacity)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

160.6 inches (4079 mm)

Width:

69.5 inches (1765 mm)

Height:

63.4 inches (1610 mm)

Wheelbase:

101.2 inches (2570 mm)

Passenger Volume:

Approximately 105.4 cubic feet

Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seats:

Approximately 19.3 cubic feet

Cargo Volume With Rear Seats Folded:

Approximately 53.1 cubic feet

Curb Weight Min:

Approximately 2800 lbs (1270 kg)

Curb Weight Max:

Approximately 3100 lbs (1406 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Approximately 3858 lbs (1750 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 stars (overall)

IIHS Top Safety Pick:

Yes (for models equipped with specific safety features)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System

Esc:

Standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

Traction Control:

Standard Traction Control System (TCS)

Brake Assist:

Standard

Airbags:

Front, front-side, and side-curtain airbags

Seatbelts:

3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters

Child Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Standard AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with auxiliary input and USB port. Optional premium audio, satellite radio.

Display:

Optional touchscreen navigation system, rearview camera.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most trims

Keyless Entry:

Standard or available keyless entry and ignition.

Bluetooth:

Available Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming.

Usb Port:

Standard or available USB port for media playback and device charging.

🔧 Maintenance

Engine Oil Change:

Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles (8,000 - 12,000 km) or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions (refer to manual for specific guidance and oil type)

Engine Air Filter:

Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles (24,000 - 48,000 km) or as needed based on inspection

Cabin Air Filter:

Every 12,000 - 15,000 miles (19,000 - 24,000 km) or annually

Spark Plugs:

100,000 miles (160,000 km) for iridium-tipped plugs (typical for this era Kia)

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (48,000 - 96,000 km) or 2-4 years (typically a long-life coolant)

Transmission Fluid Change Auto:

Every 60,000 - 100,000 miles (96,000 - 160,000 km), or more frequently under severe driving

Brake Fluid Change:

Every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles (48,000 km)

Engine Oil Viscosity:

0W-20 (preferred for fuel economy), 5W-20, or 5W-30 (check manual for specific engine recommendation)

Coolant Type:

Asian Pink Long Life (or equivalent silicate-free, OAT coolant)

Common Complaints:

Catalytic converter failure (especially with early models/certain engine variants), potential for oil consumption (check rings/PCV), some transmission shift quality issues in automatic transmissions, interior rattles and trim pieces.

Brake Wear:

Normal wear and tear on brake pads and rotors, rear drum brake adjustment may be needed periodically.

Suspension Components:

Wear on ball joints, tie rod ends, and bushings due to typical urban driving cycles.

📚 Vehicle History

Manufacturer:

Kia Motors Corporation (South Korea)

Generation:

First Generation (2009-2013)

Key Changes For 2012:

Minor styling updates, potentially revised trim levels, improved fuel efficiency on some models, introduction of available 6-speed automatic transmission on 2.0L models.

Manufacturing Location:

Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea (Primary)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Kbb Best Resale Value:

Often cited for strong resale value in its segment.

Insurance Institute For Highway Safety IIHS:

Achieved 'Top Safety Pick' status in multiple years for the first generation.

Fuel Economy Epa Est:

1.6L: ~27 MPG City / 33 MPG Highway (manual); 2.0L Auto: ~26 MPG City / 32 MPG Highway