Vehicle Segment:
Compact Car / Economy Sedan
Key Competitors 2002:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cavalier, Nissan Sentra.
Spectras Value Proposition:
Affordability, practicality, and a reasonable feature set for its price point.
Engine:
Complete engine service, diagnosis, overhaul, including DOHC engine specific components.
Transmission:
Manual and Automatic transmission service, repair, and diagnosis.
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS diagnosis and repair, parking brake, brake component replacement.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, alignment procedures, shock absorbers, springs.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, tie rod ends, steering column.
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, fuse box locations, lighting systems, charging system, starting system, battery.
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system diagnosis, refrigerant handling, component replacement.
Body:
Body panels, doors, bumpers, interior trim, glass replacement.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting charts, OBD-II codes, diagnostic procedures for various systems.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes.
Repair:
Component replacement, system repair, troubleshooting and corrective actions.
Overhaul:
Engine and transmission overhaul procedures, including disassembly and reassembly.
Installation:
Component installation and replacement guidance.
Depth Level:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to major component overhaul and diagnostics)
PDF Quality:
High resolution, searchable text, printable pages.
Print Readability:
Optimized for printing, clear diagrams and text.
Digital Binding:
N/A (Digital PDF format)
Digital Paper Simulation:
N/A (Digital PDF format)
Transmission Type Standard:
5-Speed Manual
Transmission Type Optional:
4-Speed Automatic
Automatic Transmission Features:
Electronically controlled, adaptive shift logic.
NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:
4 Stars
NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:
4 Stars
IIHS Moderate Overlap Frontal Offset:
Acceptable
ABS:
Standard on most trims
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags; available side airbags on some trims.
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts, pretensioners for front seats.
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM/CD player, optional premium audio system with more speakers.
Display:
Basic digital clock and radio display.
Cruise Control:
Available on higher trim levels.
Auxiliary Input:
Not standard; may be available as an aftermarket option.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles (Iridium type recommended).
Engine Oil Type:
API Service SN/SM/SL or ILSAC GF-5/GF-4/GF-3, SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30.
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 US quarts (4.3 liters) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based, Asian vehicle specific coolant (e.g., HOAT - Hybrid Organic Acid Technology).
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 gear oil.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
SP-III (or equivalent ATF specification).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Common Wear Items:
Front suspension components (ball joints, control arm bushings), catalytic converter (can be prone to failure), oxygen sensors, interior trim rattles.
Engine Performance Notes:
Can experience occasional rough idle or minor power loss if maintenance is neglected, particularly related to ignition system or fuel injectors.
Manufacturer Origin:
South Korea
First Generation Introduction:
The Kia Spectra was introduced globally in 2000, replacing the Kia Sephia. The LD generation, covered by this manual, debuted for the 2004 model year in North America, but this manual specifically covers the 2002 model year which was part of the prior generation transition. Kia's global strategy meant earlier introductions in other markets.
Production Period:
The first generation Spectra (LD) was produced from 2000 to 2004. This manual covers a specific early model year of this platform.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily manufactured in South Korea.
