🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Kia Model: Soul Year: 2012 Market Segment: Subcompact Crossover/Hatchback Codes Chassis Code: AM 👋 Introduction Market Position Vehicle Segment Placement: Kia Soul occupies a unique niche as a subcompact crossover/hatchback known for its distinctive styling and practical interior, appealing to younger buyers and those seeking versatility. Competitive Analysis Key Competitors 2012: Scion xB, Nissan Cube, Honda Fit, Ford Fiesta. Key Features Design Philosophy: Bold, boxy, and unconventional styling that prioritized interior space and a unique visual identity. Versatility: Spacious and flexible interior for its class, with folding rear seats enhancing cargo capacity. Value Proposition: Offered a strong balance of features, space, and affordability, often with competitive pricing. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Manual Type: Workshop Service Repair Manual Language: English Format: PDF Download Page Count Estimated Page Count: Hundreds of pages (specific count not provided, but implies comprehensive coverage) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: Detailed diagnostics, repair, and overhaul procedures for all available engine variants, including timing system, lubrication, cooling, and emissions control. Transmission: Coverage for both manual and automatic transmissions, including clutch, gearbox overhaul, torque converter operation, and fluid servicing. Brakes: Diagnosis and repair of hydraulic systems, ABS, EBD, brake pad/rotor replacement, caliper service, and parking brake. Suspension: Front and rear suspension component replacement, alignment specifications, shock absorber/strut service, and wheel bearing replacement. Steering: Power steering system diagnosis, hydraulic pump and rack repair, and steering column service. Electrical: Comprehensive wiring diagrams, fuse box layouts, starter, alternator, battery service, lighting systems, instrument cluster, and body control module troubleshooting. HVAC: Air conditioning system servicing, refrigerant handling, compressor, evaporator, condenser, and heater core replacement. Body And Frame: Body panel alignment, door, hood, and tailgate repair, interior trim removal, and basic structural repair information. Safety Systems: Airbag system diagnosis and replacement, seatbelt service, and SRS module troubleshooting. Procedures Included Routine Maintenance: Oil change procedures, filter replacement (oil, air, cabin), spark plug replacement, fluid level checks and top-offs. Troubleshooting: Diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting guides for common and complex issues. Repair And Overhaul: Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and rebuilding procedures. Diagnostics: OBD-II code explanations, diagnostic tool usage, and sensor testing procedures. Specifications And Tolerances: Torque specifications for all fasteners, critical clearance measurements, and performance data. Technical Depth Depth Of Coverage: Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, electrical system diagnostics, and bodywork. Target Audience: Professional automotive technicians and experienced DIY mechanics. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Digital Format: PDF (Portable Document Format) Print Quality Printability: High-resolution, printable pages allowing for full manual or selective page printing. Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital Download) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital Download) Searchability Text Searchability: Likely text-searchable PDF, enabling quick navigation to specific topics. ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code 1.6L: G4FC ('Gamma') Displacement 1.6L: 1.6 Liters (1591 cc) Configuration 1.6L: Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16 valves Horsepower 1.6L: 128 hp @ 6300 rpm Torque 1.6L: 113 lb-ft @ 4850 rpm Optional Engine Engine Code 2.0L: G4KD ('Theta II') Displacement 2.0L: 2.0 Liters (1998 cc) Configuration 2.0L: Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16 valves Horsepower 2.0L: 164 hp @ 6200 rpm Torque 2.0L: 147 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI) Fuel Type: Unleaded Gasoline (87 Octane Recommended) 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Standard Transmission Type: 5-speed Manual Transmission (MT) Optional Transmission Optional Transmission Type: 4-speed Automatic Transmission (AT) Features Transmission Control: Electronic control for automatic transmission. Fluid Specification Automatic Transmission Fluid Type: Kia Genuine ATF SP-III or equivalent (check manual for exact part number/specification). 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: 160.6 inches (4079 mm) Width: 69.5 inches (1765 mm) Height: 63.4 inches (1610 mm) Wheelbase: 101.2 inches (2570 mm) Cargo Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat: 18.0 cu ft Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded: 49.4 cu ft Weights Curb Weight 1.6L: 2775 lbs (1259 kg) Curb Weight 2.0L: 2970 lbs (1347 kg) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 stars (for 2012 model year) Active Features ABS: Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) Ebd: Standard Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) Esc: Standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Traction Control: Standard Traction Control System (TCS) Passive Features Airbags Front: Driver and front-passenger airbags Airbags Side: Front side-mounted airbags Airbags Curtain: Front and rear side curtain airbags Seatbelt Pretensioners: Front seatbelt pretensioners 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Available Audio Systems: Base models featured a standard 4-speaker audio system, with upgrades available including a 6-speaker system and an AM/FM/CD/MP3 player with SiriusXM Satellite Radio. Infotainment Features Optional: Optional USB and auxiliary input jacks, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity. Driver Assistance Rearview Camera: Available rearview camera system with display integrated into rearview mirror or infotainment screen on higher trims. Connectivity Connectivity Options: USB port for charging and media playback, auxiliary audio input. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes...
Kia Soul occupies a unique niche as a subcompact crossover/hatchback known for its distinctive styling and practical interior, appealing to younger buyers and those seeking versatility.
Competitive Analysis
Key Competitors 2012:
Scion xB, Nissan Cube, Honda Fit, Ford Fiesta.
Key Features
Design Philosophy:
Bold, boxy, and unconventional styling that prioritized interior space and a unique visual identity.
Versatility:
Spacious and flexible interior for its class, with folding rear seats enhancing cargo capacity.
Value Proposition:
Offered a strong balance of features, space, and affordability, often with competitive pricing.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Manual Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
Language:
English
Format:
PDF Download
Page Count
Estimated Page Count:
Hundreds of pages (specific count not provided, but implies comprehensive coverage)
📖 Manual Coverage
Systems Covered
Engine:
Detailed diagnostics, repair, and overhaul procedures for all available engine variants, including timing system, lubrication, cooling, and emissions control.
Transmission:
Coverage for both manual and automatic transmissions, including clutch, gearbox overhaul, torque converter operation, and fluid servicing.
Brakes:
Diagnosis and repair of hydraulic systems, ABS, EBD, brake pad/rotor replacement, caliper service, and parking brake.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension component replacement, alignment specifications, shock absorber/strut service, and wheel bearing replacement.
Steering:
Power steering system diagnosis, hydraulic pump and rack repair, and steering column service.
Electrical:
Comprehensive wiring diagrams, fuse box layouts, starter, alternator, battery service, lighting systems, instrument cluster, and body control module troubleshooting.
HVAC:
Air conditioning system servicing, refrigerant handling, compressor, evaporator, condenser, and heater core replacement.
Body And Frame:
Body panel alignment, door, hood, and tailgate repair, interior trim removal, and basic structural repair information.
Safety Systems:
Airbag system diagnosis and replacement, seatbelt service, and SRS module troubleshooting.
Diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting guides for common and complex issues.
Repair And Overhaul:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and rebuilding procedures.
Diagnostics:
OBD-II code explanations, diagnostic tool usage, and sensor testing procedures.
Specifications And Tolerances:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, critical clearance measurements, and performance data.
Technical Depth
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, electrical system diagnostics, and bodywork.
Target Audience:
Professional automotive technicians and experienced DIY mechanics.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Digital Format:
PDF (Portable Document Format)
Print Quality
Printability:
High-resolution, printable pages allowing for full manual or selective page printing.
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (Digital Download)
Paper Type
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital Download)
Searchability
Text Searchability:
Likely text-searchable PDF, enabling quick navigation to specific topics.
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Code 1.6L:
G4FC ('Gamma')
Displacement 1.6L:
1.6 Liters (1591 cc)
Configuration 1.6L:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16 valves
Horsepower 1.6L:
128 hp @ 6300 rpm
Torque 1.6L:
113 lb-ft @ 4850 rpm
Optional Engine
Engine Code 2.0L:
G4KD ('Theta II')
Displacement 2.0L:
2.0 Liters (1998 cc)
Configuration 2.0L:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16 valves
Horsepower 2.0L:
164 hp @ 6200 rpm
Torque 2.0L:
147 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 Octane Recommended)
🔧 Transmission
Standard Transmission
Standard Transmission Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission (MT)
Optional Transmission
Optional Transmission Type:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (AT)
Features
Transmission Control:
Electronic control for automatic transmission.
Fluid Specification
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
Kia Genuine ATF SP-III or equivalent (check manual for exact part number/specification).
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
160.6 inches (4079 mm)
Width:
69.5 inches (1765 mm)
Height:
63.4 inches (1610 mm)
Wheelbase:
101.2 inches (2570 mm)
Cargo
Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:
18.0 cu ft
Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded:
49.4 cu ft
Weights
Curb Weight 1.6L:
2775 lbs (1259 kg)
Curb Weight 2.0L:
2970 lbs (1347 kg)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 stars (for 2012 model year)
Active Features
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Ebd:
Standard Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
Esc:
Standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (TCS)
Passive Features
Airbags Front:
Driver and front-passenger airbags
Airbags Side:
Front side-mounted airbags
Airbags Curtain:
Front and rear side curtain airbags
Seatbelt Pretensioners:
Front seatbelt pretensioners
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Available Audio Systems:
Base models featured a standard 4-speaker audio system, with upgrades available including a 6-speaker system and an AM/FM/CD/MP3 player with SiriusXM Satellite Radio.
Infotainment Features Optional:
Optional USB and auxiliary input jacks, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity.
Driver Assistance
Rearview Camera:
Available rearview camera system with display integrated into rearview mirror or infotainment screen on higher trims.
Connectivity
Connectivity Options:
USB port for charging and media playback, auxiliary audio input.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions, refer to manual for severe conditions).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 24 months.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.
Spark Plug Replacement 1.6L:
Every 105,000 miles (168,000 km)
Spark Plug Replacement 2.0L:
Every 105,000 miles (168,000 km)
Coolant Replacement:
First replacement at 105,000 miles (168,000 km), then every 45,000 miles (72,000 km) thereafter.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 0W-20 API SM or higher (check manual for exact specification and capacity).
Coolant Type:
Korean specification antifreeze (e.g., ethylene glycol-based, HOAT - consult manual for part number or type).
Known Issues
Common Complaints 2012:
Some owners have reported issues with excessive oil consumption in certain engines, potential brake wear, and occasional electrical gremlins (refer to manual for diagnosis).
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Kia Founding:
Founded in 1944 as a manufacturer of steel tubing and bicycle parts, Kia Motors Corporation entered the automotive industry in the 1960s.
Model Evolution
First Generation Start:
The first generation Kia Soul debuted for the 2010 model year.
Generation For 2012:
The 2012 model year represents the first generation of the Kia Soul, with minor styling updates and feature enhancements over the initial launch.
Production
Assembly Location:
Gwangmyeong, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Kbb Best Resale Value:
Kia Soul has historically received recognition from Kelley Blue Book for good resale value in its segment.
Ratings
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
The Kia Soul has achieved 'Top Safety Pick' ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in various years, indicating strong crashworthiness.