🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Kia Model: Sportage Year: 1996 Codes Platform Code: NB-1 (Mazda B-Series based) 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Compact SUV / Crossover Positioning: Affordable, practical, and rugged SUV, often seen as an entry-level option in the segment. Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Jeep Cherokee (XJ), Ford Explorer (early models), Nissan Pathfinder (early models) Key Features Design Basis: Based on the chassis of the Mazda B-Series pickup truck, lending it a body-on-frame construction and robust capabilities. Body Styles: Available in 2-door (soft top or hard top) and 4-door configurations. Drivetrain Options: Available in 2WD (rear-wheel drive) and 4WD (part-time 4WD system). 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Coverage: North America Secondary Coverage: Global markets with similar configurations Page Count Estimated Page Count: Approx. 1000+ pages (typical for comprehensive factory-level manual) Manual Type Type: Full Service and Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Digital (likely PDF, potentially printable) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine mechanical, engine management, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system Drivetrain: Transmission (manual and automatic), transfer case, driveshafts, differentials, axles Chassis: Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (including ABS if equipped) Electrical: Wiring diagrams, charging system, starting system, lighting, instruments, body electricals, power accessories Body: Body construction, exterior panels, interior trim, HVAC system, seats, safety restraints Procedures Included Maintenance: Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, belt inspections Troubleshooting: Diagnostic procedures, symptom-based troubleshooting, fault code interpretation (if applicable for the era) Repair: Component removal and installation, overhaul procedures, adjustments, component testing Diagnostics: Engine performance diagnostics, electrical system testing, brake system diagnostics Technical Depth Depth: Factory-level detail, suitable for professional technicians and experienced DIY enthusiasts Special Tools: Identification of required special tools for specific procedures Torque Specifications: Comprehensive torque specifications for all fasteners Alignment Data: Wheel alignment specifications 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Digital Format: PDF (Portable Document Format) Searchability: Likely text-searchable for efficient information retrieval Printability: Printable pages for hands-on use in a workshop environment Print Quality Image Resolution: High-resolution diagrams and illustrations (typical for factory manuals) Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital Format) Paper Type Paper Quality: N/A (Digital Format) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code: FE-DOHC (or similar Mazda-derived engine codes like G6) Engine Type: 2.0L Inline 4-cylinder, SOHC/DOHC (likely DOHC for performance) Displacement: 1998 cc Performance Horsepower Est: 122-130 hp @ 5500-6000 rpm (depending on specific market tune) Torque Est: 127-135 lb-ft @ 3000-4000 rpm (depending on specific market tune) Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) Fuel Type: Unleaded Gasoline Engine Management ECU Type: Engine Control Unit (ECU) for fuel and ignition timing 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type: 5-speed Manual Transmission Optional Transmission Type: 4-speed Automatic Transmission Features Transfer Case: Part-time 4WD system with manual or electronic engagement (depending on trim). Gear Ratios: Specific gear ratios for manual and automatic transmissions and transfer case will be detailed in the manual. 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length Est: Approx. 4060 - 4200 mm (depending on body style) Width Est: Approx. 1700 - 1750 mm Height Est: Approx. 1600 - 1650 mm Wheelbase Est: Approx. 2650 mm Weights Curb Weight Est: Approx. 1400 - 1600 kg Towing Capacity Est: Varies by market and configuration, typically around 1000-1500 kg 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Rating: Limited data available for this era and model, likely not rated by NHTSA in early iterations. Active Features ABS: Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) may be equipped on higher trims. Traction Control: Not commonly found on this generation. Passive Features Airbags: Driver and passenger airbags standard on most models from this year. Seatbelts: Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners (front). Rollover Protection: Body-on-frame construction offers some inherent rigidity, but rollover risk is a consideration for SUVs of this era. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Head Unit: Basic AM/FM/Cassette or CD player, often with a digital display. Optional premium sound systems may exist. Speakers: Typically 4 or 6 speaker configurations. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Available on higher trim levels. Power Windows: Available on higher trim levels, manual crank windows on base models. Connectivity Aux Input: Not typically equipped with factory aux input; aftermarket solutions available. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (consult manual for precise recommendation). Engine Oil Filter Replacement: At every oil change. Air Filter Replacement: Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or annually. Spark Plug Replacement: Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (depending on plug type and material). Timing Belt Replacement: Crucial for this engine. Typically every 60,000 - 90,000 miles or 5-7 years. Failure can cause severe engine damage (interference engine likely). Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Type: API SG/SH or higher, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (consult manual for exact viscosity based on temperature). Coolant Type: Ethylene Glycol based coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Specific...
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, belt inspections
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures, symptom-based troubleshooting, fault code interpretation (if applicable for the era)
Repair:
Component removal and installation, overhaul procedures, adjustments, component testing
Diagnostics:
Engine performance diagnostics, electrical system testing, brake system diagnostics
Technical Depth
Depth:
Factory-level detail, suitable for professional technicians and experienced DIY enthusiasts
Special Tools:
Identification of required special tools for specific procedures
Torque Specifications:
Comprehensive torque specifications for all fasteners
Alignment Data:
Wheel alignment specifications
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Digital Format:
PDF (Portable Document Format)
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable for efficient information retrieval
Printability:
Printable pages for hands-on use in a workshop environment
Print Quality
Image Resolution:
High-resolution diagrams and illustrations (typical for factory manuals)
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (Digital Format)
Paper Type
Paper Quality:
N/A (Digital Format)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Code:
FE-DOHC (or similar Mazda-derived engine codes like G6)
Engine Type:
2.0L Inline 4-cylinder, SOHC/DOHC (likely DOHC for performance)
Displacement:
1998 cc
Performance
Horsepower Est:
122-130 hp @ 5500-6000 rpm (depending on specific market tune)
Torque Est:
127-135 lb-ft @ 3000-4000 rpm (depending on specific market tune)
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Engine Management
ECU Type:
Engine Control Unit (ECU) for fuel and ignition timing
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Optional
Transmission Type:
4-speed Automatic Transmission
Features
Transfer Case:
Part-time 4WD system with manual or electronic engagement (depending on trim).
Gear Ratios:
Specific gear ratios for manual and automatic transmissions and transfer case will be detailed in the manual.
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length Est:
Approx. 4060 - 4200 mm (depending on body style)
Width Est:
Approx. 1700 - 1750 mm
Height Est:
Approx. 1600 - 1650 mm
Wheelbase Est:
Approx. 2650 mm
Weights
Curb Weight Est:
Approx. 1400 - 1600 kg
Towing Capacity Est:
Varies by market and configuration, typically around 1000-1500 kg
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Rating:
Limited data available for this era and model, likely not rated by NHTSA in early iterations.
Active Features
ABS:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) may be equipped on higher trims.
Traction Control:
Not commonly found on this generation.
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver and passenger airbags standard on most models from this year.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners (front).
Rollover Protection:
Body-on-frame construction offers some inherent rigidity, but rollover risk is a consideration for SUVs of this era.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Head Unit:
Basic AM/FM/Cassette or CD player, often with a digital display. Optional premium sound systems may exist.
Speakers:
Typically 4 or 6 speaker configurations.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Available on higher trim levels.
Power Windows:
Available on higher trim levels, manual crank windows on base models.
Connectivity
Aux Input:
Not typically equipped with factory aux input; aftermarket solutions available.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (consult manual for precise recommendation).
Engine Oil Filter Replacement:
At every oil change.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (depending on plug type and material).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial for this engine. Typically every 60,000 - 90,000 miles or 5-7 years. Failure can cause severe engine damage (interference engine likely).
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
API SG/SH or higher, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (consult manual for exact viscosity based on temperature).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Specific Kia/Hyundai coolant may be recommended.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-4 Gear Oil, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron III/Mercon or equivalent ATF.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 Hydraulic Brake Fluid.
Known Issues
Engine Oil Leaks:
Common leaks from valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, and crankshaft seals.
Suspension Wear:
Ball joints, tie rod ends, and bushings can wear due to age and off-road use.
Exhaust Rust:
Prone to rust, especially in areas with salt exposure.
Electrical Gremlins:
Older wiring can degrade, leading to intermittent issues with lights, sensors, or power accessories.
Cooling System:
Radiator leaks, hose degradation, and water pump failures are common with age.
Part Numbers
Oil Filter Example:
Part Number examples: Fram PH3600, Wix 51354, Purolator L14000 (verify exact fitment in manual).
Air Filter Example:
Part Number examples: Fram CA3214, Wix 42162 (verify exact fitment in manual).
Timing Belt Kit Example:
Includes timing belt, tensioner, idler pulleys, and water pump. Example: Gates TCKWP307 (verify exact fitment).
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Kia Positioning 1990S:
Kia was a growing manufacturer in the 1990s, establishing its presence in international markets with budget-friendly and practical vehicles.
Model Evolution
Generation 1:
The 1996 model marks the debut of the first generation Sportage (index NB-1), designed as a monocoque SUV initially, but later adapted to the Mazda B-Series platform for many markets due to cost and tooling considerations.
Platform Sharing:
Shared platform and components with the Mazda B-Series pickup truck, influencing its robust yet truck-like driving characteristics.
Production
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily South Korea, with potential assembly in other regions.