Market Segment:
Compact Electric Vehicle (EV) crossover.
Key Competitors:
Nissan Leaf, Chevrolet Bolt EV, Fiat 500e, Ford Focus Electric.
Unique Selling Points:
Distinctive boxy styling, spacious interior for its class, strong value proposition, and a growing reputation for reliability in the EV segment.
Manual Purpose:
To provide comprehensive guidance for the maintenance, diagnosis, and repair of the 2016 Kia Soul EV, mirroring the information used by authorized Kia service centers.
Systems Covered:
Engine (Electric Motor), Transmission, Battery System, Charging System, Powertrain Control, Chassis, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Electrical System, Body, HVAC, Safety Systems, Diagnostics, Troubleshooting
Approximate Page Count:
Over 1500
Manual Type:
Service Repair Workshop Manual
Powertrain:
Detailed coverage of the electric motor, power inverter, onboard charger, battery pack (including thermal management and safety systems), DC-DC converter, and related control modules.
Chassis And Suspension:
Front and rear suspension systems, steering system (electric power steering), wheel alignment specifications, shock absorbers, springs, and control arms.
Braking System:
Front and rear brake components, ABS, EBD, regenerative braking integration, brake fluid specifications, bleeding procedures, and parking brake system.
Electrical And Electronics:
Complete wiring diagrams, fuse box locations and descriptions, component testing, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), lighting systems, power windows, infotainment, and instrument cluster diagnostics.
Body And Interior:
Body panel removal and installation, interior trim, door mechanisms, seat adjustment, HVAC system operation and repair, and exterior lighting.
Maintenance Tasks:
Scheduled maintenance, battery coolant checks, cabin air filter replacement, brake fluid replacement, tire rotation, and general inspection procedures.
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major components, including electric motor replacement, battery pack servicing (where permitted by safety protocols), power inverter repair, charging port diagnostics, suspension component replacement, brake caliper service, and steering rack repair.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting guides for common issues, diagnostic flowcharts, interpretation of diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), and component testing methods using diagnostic tools.
Specifications And Data:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, fluid capacities and types, electrical component resistance values, alignment angles, and system operating parameters.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic preventive maintenance to advanced component-level diagnostics and repair, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts.
Motor Type:
AC Synchronous Electric Motor
Peak Horsepower:
109 hp @ 2730 rpm
Peak Torque:
210 lb-ft @ 0-2000 rpm
Battery Type:
Lithium-ion Polymer Battery Pack
Onboard Charger Capacity:
6.6 kW
Charging Connector Type:
J1772 (Type 1) for Level 1 & 2, CHAdeMO for DC Fast Charging
Inverter Type:
Power Inverter Module (PIM)
Length:
163.0 inches (4,140 mm)
Width:
69.5 inches (1,765 mm)
Height:
63.0 inches (1,600 mm)
Wheelbase:
101.2 inches (2,570 mm)
Passenger Volume:
Approximately 97.9 cu ft
Cargo Volume Rear Seats Up:
Approx. 23.2 cu ft
Cargo Volume Rear Seats Down:
Approx. 66.0 cu ft
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3,631 lbs (1,647 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 4,431 lbs (2,009 kg)
NHTSA Overall Rating:
4-Star (2016 Model Year)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Good ratings in crashworthiness tests, but not a 'Top Safety Pick' designation in 2016.
Esc:
Yes (Electronic Stability Control)
Traction Control:
Yes (Traction Control System - TCS)
Airbags:
Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, driver's knee airbag.
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters for all seating positions.
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system.
Infotainment System:
UVO eServices infotainment system, featuring a touchscreen display, navigation (optional), Bluetooth connectivity, and voice recognition.
Audio System:
Available premium audio system (e.g., Harman Kardon) and USB/AUX inputs.
Driver Assistance Features:
Rearview camera, parking sensors (available), cruise control, battery charge status indicator, and range estimation.
Connectivity Features:
Bluetooth for hands-free calling and audio streaming, UVO eServices mobile app integration for remote vehicle monitoring and control.
Preconditioning System:
Ability to precondition cabin temperature and battery while plugged in to maximize range.
Energy Monitoring:
Display of energy consumption, regenerative braking efficiency, and estimated range.
Cabin Air Filter:
Replace every 15,000 miles or 12 months.
Brake Fluid:
Inspect every 15,000 miles or 12 months; replace as needed or per Kia recommendations (typically every 2-3 years).
Coolant Battery System:
Inspect for leaks and level at each service interval; specific replacement interval per manual, usually at higher mileage (e.g., 100,000 miles or 5 years).
Tire Rotation:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 approved brake fluid.
Battery Coolant Type:
Proprietary Kia EV coolant (refer to manual for exact specifications, typically a 50/50 mix of distilled water and ethylene glycol-based coolant).
Battery Degradation:
As with many early EVs, some owners may experience gradual battery capacity degradation over time. The manual would cover diagnostic procedures for battery health.
Charging System Faults:
Occasional reports of issues with the onboard charger or charging port connections. The manual provides detailed troubleshooting.
HVAC System Performance:
Some users have reported less-than-optimal heating performance in extreme cold, which is common for EVs. Manual covers HVAC component diagnostics.
Kia History:
Kia Motors Corporation, a South Korean automotive manufacturer, has a history dating back to 1944, evolving from a bicycle manufacturer to a global automotive player known for value and design.
Soul History:
The Kia Soul was first introduced in 2008 as a compact crossover with a distinctive, urban-friendly design. The Soul EV variant was launched in 2014, making it one of Kia's pioneering all-electric vehicles.
Production Location:
Gwangmyeong, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea.
Generation Details:
The 2016 model year represents the first generation (2014-2019) of the Kia Soul EV.
Green Car Awards:
The Kia Soul EV has received recognition in various 'Green Car of the Year' lists and EV-specific awards for its practicality and affordability.
Design Awards:
The distinctive design of the Kia Soul has often been praised, contributing to its market appeal.
California Air Resources Board:
Certified as a Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) by regulatory bodies like CARB.