🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Kia

Model:

Sportage

Model Code:

AL

Production Years Covered:

1995-2001

Engine Variant Covered:

2.0 DOHC

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact SUV / Crossover

Value Proposition:

Affordable, rugged SUV offering utility and off-road capability (for its class)

Key Competitors:

Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Jeep Cherokee (XJ)

Body Styles:

Likely available in 3-door and 5-door configurations

Drivetrain Options:

Available in 2WD (Rear-Wheel Drive) and 4WD (Four-Wheel Drive) with optional low-range gearing

Platform Shared With:

Shared platform with Mazda B-Series pickup and Ford Courier (first generation)

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Factory Service and Repair

Scope:

Complete vehicle service and repair procedures

Estimated Pages:

Estimated 1000+ pages (typical for comprehensive factory manuals of this era)

Type:

Factory Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF, potentially searchable)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, disassembly, cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, timing system, lubrication system, cooling system

Engine Electrical:

Ignition system, starting system, charging system, ECU diagnosis and component testing

Fuel System:

Fuel injection system (MPI), fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel lines, injectors, EVAP system

Transmission Manual:

Clutch system, manual transmission assembly, disassembly, gears, bearings, synchronizers

Transmission Automatic:

Automatic transmission (if applicable to specific models covered), hydraulic control, valve body, torque converter, shift control

Drivetrain:

Driveshafts, CV joints, differentials, transfer case (4WD models)

Suspension:

Front suspension (independent), rear suspension (multi-link or solid axle), shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings

Steering:

Power steering system, steering gear, steering column, linkages

Brakes:

Front disc brakes, rear drum or disc brakes, ABS system (if equipped), brake hydraulics, parking brake

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, lighting system, power distribution, fuses, relays, battery, starter, alternator

Body And Interior:

Body panels, doors, latches, glass, seats, trim, HVAC system controls

Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning HVAC:

HVAC system operation, components, refrigerant, diagnosis and repair

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes (oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid), filter replacements, lubrication points

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnosis, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) interpretation and procedures

Repair:

Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for all major vehicle systems

Overhaul:

Complete engine and transmission overhaul procedures

Installation:

Component removal and installation procedures

Adjustment:

Component adjustments (e.g., valve clearance, clutch pedal, parking brake)

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from routine maintenance to major component rebuilds and electrical diagnostics

Target Audience:

Professional technicians and experienced DIY enthusiasts

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format) - typically optimized for digital viewing and printing

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable if OCR processed, enabling quick information retrieval

Diagrams:

High-quality, clear, and detailed diagrams and illustrations

Text Readability:

Easy-to-read text with professional formatting

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshaft)

Displacement:

1998 cc (2.0 Liters)

Bore X Stroke:

82.0 mm x 93.5 mm

Compression Ratio:

Typical 9.5:1 to 10.0:1 (depending on specific market tune)

Horsepower Gross Hp:

Approximately 126-130 hp @ 5600 rpm (varies by market and emissions regulations)

Torque Lb-Ft:

Approximately 129-133 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (varies by market)

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

ECU Type:

Proprietary Kia ECU, specific model number required for exact identification

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

5-speed Manual Transmission

Transmission Type Optional:

4-speed Automatic Transmission

Transfer Case 4Wd:

Part-time 4WD system with 2WD/4WD High/4WD Low selector (on 4WD models)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approximately 2600 mm (102.4 inches) for 5-door models

Length:

Approximately 4200-4260 mm (165.4-167.7 inches) for 5-door models

Width:

Approximately 1770-1790 mm (69.7-70.5 inches)

Height:

Approximately 1700-1730 mm (66.9-68.1 inches)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 1500-1700 kg (3300-3750 lbs), varies by configuration

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Typically around 2100-2300 kg (4630-5070 lbs)

Towing Capacity:

Check local regulations and vehicle specifics; typically rated for moderate towing

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Crash Rating:

Likely 3-star or 4-star rating (based on contemporary testing standards)

ABS:

Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on some trims

Airbags:

Driver and passenger airbags as standard or optional depending on year and market

Seatbelts:

3-point seatbelts with pretensioners

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH/ISOFIX system not standard on early models, may vary by market

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM/Cassette player, with optional CD player available on higher trims or later models.

Speaker Configuration:

Typically 4 or 6 speakers

Cruise Control:

Available on higher trim levels

Traction Control:

Generally not available on this generation

Auxiliary Input:

Not standard; aftermarket adapters may be available

Air Conditioning:

Standard or optional depending on trim level

Power Windows Locks:

Optional on lower trims, standard on higher trims

🔧 Maintenance

Engine Oil Change:

Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions); consult manual for severe conditions.

Engine Oil Filter Replacement:

With every oil change

Engine Coolant Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles or 24 months

Transmission Fluid Change Manual:

Check fluid level regularly; replacement interval typically 60,000-100,000 miles or as per manual, depending on usage.

Transmission Fluid Change Automatic:

Every 45,000 miles or 36 months

Spark Plug Replacement:

Typically every 60,000-100,000 miles for iridium or platinum plugs, 30,000 miles for standard copper plugs.

Engine Oil Type:

API SJ or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (refer to manual for specific viscosity based on temperature)

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approximately 4.5 Liters (4.8 Quarts) with filter change

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol-based coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Power Steering Fluid:

Dexron II or equivalent ATF

Manual Transmission Fluid:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 gear oil

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Dexron IIE or Dexron III ATF

Engine Seizing:

Potential for engine seizing due to insufficient oil or coolant, especially if maintenance is neglected. Overheating is a common concern.

Timing Belt Failure:

The 2.0 DOHC engine is an interference engine. Timing belt replacement at recommended intervals (typically 60,000 miles) is critical to prevent catastrophic engine damage.

Suspension Wear:

Front suspension bushings, ball joints, and tie rod ends can wear over time, leading to steering looseness and clunking noises.

Cv Joint Failure:

Front CV joints are prone to wear, especially if boots are torn, leading to clicking noises during turns.

Rear Main Seal Leaks:

Common issue for oil leaks from the rear main crankshaft seal.

Radiator And Thermostat Issues:

Radiator can develop leaks, and thermostats can fail, leading to cooling system inefficiencies.

📚 Vehicle History

Kia Origins:

Kia Corporation, a South Korean automobile manufacturer founded in 1944, initially producing steel tubing and bicycle parts, later entering automotive manufacturing.

First Generation Launch:

The Kia Sportage (AL) was Kia's first entry into the compact SUV segment, launched globally in 1993, with this manual covering the first generation's production run.

Design Influence:

Based on the Kia Elan sportscar platform, later evolving to share components with Mazda and Ford

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily manufactured in South Korea. Some models may have been assembled in other regions.

Platform Development:

Initially developed on a body-on-frame chassis, transitioning to unibody construction for the second generation.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Consumer Reports:

While specific awards are not widely publicized for this model's early years, it was generally positioned as a budget-friendly and capable SUV. Consumer Reports ratings from the era often cited reliability concerns for Kia vehicles.

Jdpower Initial Quality:

First-generation Kia models generally scored lower in initial quality surveys compared to established Japanese competitors.