🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Kia

Model:

Spectra

Year:

2005

Vehicle Type:

Compact Car

👋 Introduction

Market Segment:

Compact Sedan and Hatchback

Value Proposition:

Affordable pricing, fuel efficiency, practical design, and a comprehensive set of features for its class. The Spectra aimed to offer a strong value proposition against established competitors.

Competitors:

Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cobalt

📋 Manual Details

File Format:

PDF

Manual Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Target Audience:

Dealerships, Professional Technicians, DIY Enthusiasts

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine mechanical, Engine control system (ECM), Fuel system, Ignition system, Exhaust system, Cooling system, Lubrication system, Starting system, Charging system, Clutch, Manual transmission, Automatic transmission, Driveline, Axles, Suspension (front and rear), Steering system, Brakes (front and rear), ABS system, Fuel tank and lines, Emission control system, Body electrical system, Lighting, Instrumentation, Wiper and washer system, Audio system, Air conditioning system, Heater system, Power windows, Power door locks, SRS (Supplemental Restraint System), Chassis electrical, Frame, Body panels, Interior trim, Exterior trim, Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)

Procedures Included:

Routine maintenance, Inspections, Adjustments, Component removal and installation, Troubleshooting, Diagnostic procedures, Overhaul procedures, Repair procedures, Component testing, Electrical system diagnostics, Wiring diagrams, Component specifications, Torque specifications, Fluid capacities, Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) explanations and solutions

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive, including detailed step-by-step instructions, exploded views, diagnostic flowcharts, and technical specifications for repair and maintenance. Covers everything from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission overhauls.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text for quick information retrieval

Printability:

Printable for physical reference

Illustration Quality:

Detailed illustrations, diagrams, and schematics

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

G4GC (Beta II)

Engine Type:

Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve

Displacement:

1975 cc (2.0 Liters)

Horsepower:

135 hp @ 6000 rpm (approx.)

Torque:

136 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (approx.)

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Recommended Fuel:

87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based coolant (typically a 50/50 mix with water)

Oil Type Recommendation:

API SM or higher, SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 (check owner's manual for specific climate variations)

Timing Mechanism:

Timing Belt

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-Speed Manual Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-Speed Automatic Transmission (with Overdrive)

Manual Transmission Fluid:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 (check manual for specific part numbers)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

SP-III (or equivalent ATF meeting Kia specifications)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4516 mm (177.8 in)

Width:

1720 mm (67.7 in)

Height:

1435 mm (56.5 in)

Length:

4250 mm (167.3 in)

Width:

1720 mm (67.7 in)

Height:

1470 mm (57.9 in)

Wheelbase:

2610 mm (102.8 in)

Curb Weight Sedan Manual:

1270 kg (2800 lbs) approx.

Curb Weight Sedan Automatic:

1295 kg (2855 lbs) approx.

Curb Weight Hatchback Manual:

1300 kg (2866 lbs) approx.

Curb Weight Hatchback Automatic:

1325 kg (2921 lbs) approx.

Trunk Volume:

Approximately 14.1 cu ft

Cargo Volume Seats Up:

Approximately 15.1 cu ft

Cargo Volume Seats Down:

Approximately 46.7 cu ft

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Driver Impact:

Good

NHTSA Front Passenger Impact:

Good

NHTSA Side Driver Impact:

Good

NHTSA Side Passenger Impact:

Good

NHTSA Side Rear Passenger Impact:

Good

IIHS Offset Frontal:

Acceptable

IIHS Side Impact:

Good

Airbags Front:

Standard dual front airbags

Airbags Side:

Optional front side-impact airbags

Seatbelts:

3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters

Brakes:

Front disc, Rear drum (standard); Front and rear disc (optional on some trims/models, often with ABS)

ABS:

Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Not typically available for this model year

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Standard AM/FM/CD player, available with auxiliary input or premium sound system on higher trims.

Display:

Basic digital display for radio and clock

Cruise Control:

Available on LX, EX models

Air Conditioning:

Standard manual climate control, available automatic climate control on EX models

Power Features:

Power windows, power locks, power mirrors standard on most trims, with optional power sunroof on EX models.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil And Filter Change:

Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (using conventional oil); Every 7,500 miles or 6 months if using synthetic oil (refer to manual for exact recommendation)

Engine Air Filter:

Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (typically every 30,000 miles)

Cabin Air Filter:

Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (typically every 15,000-30,000 miles)

Spark Plugs:

Replace at 60,000 - 100,000 miles (depending on plug type, typically iridium plugs are used)

Timing Belt:

Replace at 60,000 - 90,000 miles or 5-7 years (critical preventative maintenance item to avoid catastrophic engine damage)

Transmission Fluid Change Automatic:

Inspect every 30,000 miles, replace every 60,000 miles (or as per manual recommendations)

Transmission Fluid Change Manual:

Inspect every 30,000 miles, replace every 60,000 miles

Coolant Flush:

Replace every 30,000 miles or 2 years

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approximately 4.5 U.S. quarts (with filter)

Coolant Capacity:

Approximately 7.0 U.S. quarts

Common Problems:

Eccentric shaft sensor failure, idle air control (IAC) valve issues leading to rough idle, potential for ignition coil failure, front suspension component wear (e.g., control arm bushings, ball joints), power window regulator failures, ABS sensor issues, catalytic converter concerns (though less common than some competitors).

Timing Belt Risk:

Critical to replace timing belt as per schedule to prevent interference engine damage.

📚 Vehicle History

Manufacturer Origin:

South Korea

First Generation Start:

2003 (as the Kia Spectra)

Second Generation Start:

2004

Facelift:

The 2004 model year introduced the second generation, which included styling updates. The 2005 model is part of this second generation.

Production Location:

Gwangmyeong, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea (Donghee Plant)

Production Start End:

2003-2009 (Spectra nameplate, replaced by Forte/Cerato)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Consumer Reports Reliability:

Varies by year and specific component; some years showed average to below-average reliability compared to segment leaders.

Safety Awards:

Received good ratings from NHTSA and IIHS for its safety structure in crash tests for its class and era.