🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Kia Model: Sportage Year: 1995 Generation: First Generation (JA) Codes Chassis Code: JA 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Compact SUV / Crossover Initial Release: 1997 (for the 1995 model year designation is common for manufacturing dates) Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Explorer (early models), Nissan Pathfinder (early models). Key Features Body Styles: 2-door convertible, 4-door SUV. Drivetrain Options: Available in Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) and Four-Wheel Drive (4WD). Powertrain Focus: Known for its rugged, truck-like construction and off-road capability, especially in 4WD variants. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Manual Type: Repair Service Manual Language: English Format: PDF Download Target Audience: Professional Technicians and Enthusiast DIYers 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: Complete engine overhauls, diagnostics, tuning, fuel injection, cooling system, lubrication system, ignition system, emissions control. Transmission: Manual and automatic transmission repair, rebuilding, adjustments, fluid specifications, and troubleshooting. Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive (FWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD/AWD) systems, differentials, driveshafts, CV joints, transfer case. Brakes: Hydraulic brake system, disc and drum brake service, ABS system diagnostics (if equipped), parking brake, brake fluid specifications. Suspension: Front and rear suspension components, struts, shock absorbers, control arms, ball joints, bushings, wheel alignment procedures. Steering: Power steering system, steering gearbox, tie rods, steering column, troubleshooting. Electrical: Complete electrical system schematics, battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrument cluster, wiring diagrams, power windows, locks, mirrors. Body: Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, glass replacement, interior trim, bumper service, body repair techniques. HVAC: Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system diagnostics and repair, refrigerant charging, component replacement. Diagnostics: Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation, common fault diagnosis. Procedures Included Maintenance: Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement, fluid checks and top-offs. Repair: Step-by-step repair procedures for all major vehicle systems, including engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, brake component replacement, and electrical system repairs. Troubleshooting: Systematic approach to diagnosing and resolving common and uncommon vehicle problems, including symptom-based diagnostics. Specifications: Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, pressure readings, and other critical technical data required for accurate repairs. Disassembly Reassembly: Detailed instructions for the removal and installation of components, with emphasis on correct procedures to prevent damage. Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive coverage from basic maintenance to complex engine and transmission rebuilds, suitable for professional diagnostics and major repairs. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF Searchability: Text-searchable PDF for quick information retrieval. Printability: Printable pages for easy on-site reference. Print Quality Image Resolution: High-resolution diagrams and illustrations for clarity. Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital Download) Paper Type Paper: N/A (Digital Download) Completeness Content Scope: Full repair and service manual covering all aspects of the vehicle. ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code: FE-II (also known as G4CP) Engine Type: Inline 4-cylinder, SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) Displacement Liters: 2.0 Displacement Cc: 1998 Bore X Stroke: 82.0 mm x 93.5 mm Compression Ratio: 8.3:1 Horsepower Net: 122 hp @ 5500 rpm (approx.) Torque Net: 173 Nm (128 lb-ft) @ 3000 rpm (approx.) Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) Fuel Type: Unleaded Gasoline Recommended Octane: 87 AKI (or as per local regulations) Cooling System Coolant Type: Ethylene Glycol based coolant (typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water) Coolant Capacity: Approx. 6.3 Liters (6.7 US Quarts) Lubrication System Oil Type Recommendation: API SG or SH, SAE 10W-30 or 5W-30 (depending on climate) Oil Capacity W Filter: Approx. 4.0 Liters (4.2 US Quarts) Ignition System Spark Plug Type: NGK BKR5ES-11 or equivalent Spark Plug Gap: 1.0-1.1 mm (0.039-0.043 in) 🔧 Transmission Standard Type: 5-speed Manual Transmission Optional Type: 4-speed Automatic Transmission Features Manual Fluid Type: API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil Automatic Fluid Type: Dexron III or equivalent automatic transmission fluid (ATF) Transfer Case Fluid: API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length 4Dr SUV: Approx. 4,465 mm (175.8 in) Width 4Dr SUV: Approx. 1,790 mm (70.5 in) Height 4Dr SUV: Approx. 1,650 mm (65.0 in) Wheelbase: Approx. 2,650 mm (104.3 in) Ground Clearance: Approx. 200 mm (7.9 in) (4WD models) Weights Curb Weight 4Dr SUV Manual: Approx. 1,500 kg (3,307 lbs) Curb Weight 4Dr SUV Automatic: Approx. 1,550 kg (3,417 lbs) Cargo Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat: Approx. 700-800 Liters (24.7-28.3 cu ft) (Varies by configuration) Max Cargo Volume Seats Folded: Approx. 1,800-2,000 Liters (63.6-70.6 cu ft) (Varies by configuration) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Crash Test: Data not readily available for this specific model year and region; early SUVs often had fewer standardized ratings. Active Features ABS: Available on some trim levels/options. Passive Features Airbags: Driver and passenger airbags standard on most models. Seat Belts: 3-point seat belts for all occupants, pretensioners for front seats. Rollover Protection: Reinforced body structure, particularly for the 4-door models. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Basic AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player. Speaker configuration typically...
Manual and automatic transmission repair, rebuilding, adjustments, fluid specifications, and troubleshooting.
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive (FWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD/AWD) systems, differentials, driveshafts, CV joints, transfer case.
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system, disc and drum brake service, ABS system diagnostics (if equipped), parking brake, brake fluid specifications.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, struts, shock absorbers, control arms, ball joints, bushings, wheel alignment procedures.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering gearbox, tie rods, steering column, troubleshooting.
Electrical:
Complete electrical system schematics, battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrument cluster, wiring diagrams, power windows, locks, mirrors.
Body:
Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, glass replacement, interior trim, bumper service, body repair techniques.
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system diagnostics and repair, refrigerant charging, component replacement.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation, common fault diagnosis.
Procedures Included
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement, fluid checks and top-offs.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair procedures for all major vehicle systems, including engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, brake component replacement, and electrical system repairs.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic approach to diagnosing and resolving common and uncommon vehicle problems, including symptom-based diagnostics.
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, pressure readings, and other critical technical data required for accurate repairs.
Disassembly Reassembly:
Detailed instructions for the removal and installation of components, with emphasis on correct procedures to prevent damage.
Technical Depth
Depth:
Comprehensive coverage from basic maintenance to complex engine and transmission rebuilds, suitable for professional diagnostics and major repairs.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Type:
PDF
Searchability:
Text-searchable PDF for quick information retrieval.
Printability:
Printable pages for easy on-site reference.
Print Quality
Image Resolution:
High-resolution diagrams and illustrations for clarity.
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (Digital Download)
Paper Type
Paper:
N/A (Digital Download)
Completeness
Content Scope:
Full repair and service manual covering all aspects of the vehicle.
Ethylene Glycol based coolant (typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water)
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 6.3 Liters (6.7 US Quarts)
Lubrication System
Oil Type Recommendation:
API SG or SH, SAE 10W-30 or 5W-30 (depending on climate)
Oil Capacity W Filter:
Approx. 4.0 Liters (4.2 US Quarts)
Ignition System
Spark Plug Type:
NGK BKR5ES-11 or equivalent
Spark Plug Gap:
1.0-1.1 mm (0.039-0.043 in)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Optional
Type:
4-speed Automatic Transmission
Features
Manual Fluid Type:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil
Automatic Fluid Type:
Dexron III or equivalent automatic transmission fluid (ATF)
Transfer Case Fluid:
API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length 4Dr SUV:
Approx. 4,465 mm (175.8 in)
Width 4Dr SUV:
Approx. 1,790 mm (70.5 in)
Height 4Dr SUV:
Approx. 1,650 mm (65.0 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2,650 mm (104.3 in)
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 200 mm (7.9 in) (4WD models)
Weights
Curb Weight 4Dr SUV Manual:
Approx. 1,500 kg (3,307 lbs)
Curb Weight 4Dr SUV Automatic:
Approx. 1,550 kg (3,417 lbs)
Cargo
Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:
Approx. 700-800 Liters (24.7-28.3 cu ft) (Varies by configuration)
Max Cargo Volume Seats Folded:
Approx. 1,800-2,000 Liters (63.6-70.6 cu ft) (Varies by configuration)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Crash Test:
Data not readily available for this specific model year and region; early SUVs often had fewer standardized ratings.
Active Features
ABS:
Available on some trim levels/options.
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver and passenger airbags standard on most models.
Seat Belts:
3-point seat belts for all occupants, pretensioners for front seats.
Rollover Protection:
Reinforced body structure, particularly for the 4-door models.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Basic AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player. Speaker configuration typically 4-6 speakers.
Display Technology:
Analog gauges for speed, tachometer, fuel, and temperature. Minimal digital display (e.g., odometer).
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Optional on some trim levels.
Parking Assist:
Not available.
Connectivity
Bluetooth:
Not available.
Usb Ports:
Not available.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Engine Oil And Filter Change:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for specific conditions).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months, inspect more frequently.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months.
Coolant Flush And Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months.
Transmission Fluid Change Automatic:
Every 45,000 miles (72,000 km) or 36 months.
Transmission Fluid Change Manual:
Every 45,000 miles (72,000 km) or 36 months.
Timing Belt Replacement:
This engine uses a timing chain, not a belt, which generally does not require periodic replacement unless issues arise. (Verify if specific model/engine variation uses a belt).
Fluid Specifications
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check manual for exact specification)
Power Steering Fluid:
Power steering fluid or Dexron II/III ATF (check manual for exact specification)
Known Issues
Engine Performance:
Some reports of carburetor issues (on earlier export models) or minor oil leaks from valve cover gaskets.
Drivetrain Durability:
CV joint wear, especially on 4WD models used off-road; transfer case seals can be a point of leakage.
Suspension Wear:
Bushings in control arms and sway bars can wear over time, leading to clunks or poor handling.
Electrical Gremlins:
Older wiring harnesses can develop issues; check grounds and connections, especially for intermittent problems with lights or accessories.
Body Corrosion:
As with many vehicles of this era, rust can be a concern, particularly in areas with road salt exposure. Check wheel wells, rocker panels, and tailgate.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Manufacturer:
Kia Motors Corporation
Model Evolution
Introduction Year:
Introduced in 1997 for the 1998 model year in North America, but production often starts earlier for a given model year. The 1995 designation likely refers to an early production model or an international market launch.
Platform Development:
Originally developed with Mazda under a technology-sharing agreement, sharing components and design elements with the Mazda Proceed Levante.
Production
Manufacturing Location:
South Korea
Production Period:
1997-2006 (First Generation)
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Early Impressions:
The first-generation Sportage was positioned as an affordable, capable compact SUV, often praised for its value and off-road ability relative to its price point, though not typically a recipient of major automotive awards.