🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Kia Model: Soul Year: 2011 Market Segment: Subcompact Crossover / Urban Utility Vehicle Codes Chassis Code: AM (First Generation) 👋 Introduction Market Position Positioning: The Kia Soul, launched in 2008, carved a unique niche as a stylish and practical urban crossover, appealing to younger demographics and those seeking an alternative to traditional sedans and SUVs. Its boxy, distinctive design set it apart. Competitive Analysis Competitors: Key competitors included the Nissan Cube, Scion xB, and to a lesser extent, the Mini Cooper, Honda Fit, and Ford Fiesta due to their practicality and compact size. Key Features Design Philosophy: Focus on bold, distinctive styling, spacious interior for its class, and a range of customization options. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Coverage: All Models, Engines, Trim Levels, and Transmission Types Page Count Estimated Pages: 1500+ Manual Type Type: Workshop Repair and Service Manual Language Language: English Format Format: PDF Download 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine Mechanical, Engine Control System (ECM), Fuel System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Transmission (Manual & Automatic), Drivetrain (FWD) Chassis: Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Brake System (Front & Rear), Wheels and Tires Body & Electrical: Body Exterior, Body Interior, HVAC System, Restraints System (Airbags), Lighting System, Instrument Cluster, Audio System, Body Control Modules (BCM), Power Accessories (Windows, Locks, Mirrors), Wiper & Washer System, Exterior & Interior Trim Procedures Included Maintenance: Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks and Changes, Spark Plug Replacement, Belt Inspection and Replacement Repair: Engine Overhaul, Transmission Repair, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake Caliper and Rotor Replacement, Steering Rack Replacement, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Repair, Body Panel Repair and Replacement, HVAC Component Repair Troubleshooting: Diagnostic Procedures, Symptom-Based Troubleshooting Guides, Error Code Explanations, Electrical Circuit Diagrams Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive: Covers from basic maintenance to in-depth diagnostics and complete component rebuilds, including detailed torque specifications, wiring diagrams, and component removal/installation procedures. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Quality: High-Resolution PDF, Searchable Text, Printable Pages Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital PDF) Paper Type Paper: N/A (Digital PDF) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine 1 Displacement: 1.6 Liters (1591 cc) Engine 1 Configuration: Inline 4-Cylinder, DOHC, CVVT Engine 1 Power: Approx. 124 hp @ 6300 rpm Engine 1 Torque: Approx. 115 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm Engine 1 Fuel System: Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) Optional Engine Engine 2 Displacement: 2.0 Liters (1998 cc) Engine 2 Configuration: Inline 4-Cylinder, DOHC, CVVT Engine 2 Power: Approx. 142 hp @ 6000 rpm Engine 2 Torque: Approx. 137 lb-ft @ 4600 rpm Engine 2 Fuel System: Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) Performance Emission Standards: Meets EPA standards for its model year. Fuel System Fuel Type: Unleaded Gasoline 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type 1: 5-Speed Manual Transmission Optional Transmission Type 2: 4-Speed Automatic Transmission (with Sportmatic Shifting) Features Drivetrain: Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: Approx. 160.6 inches Width: Approx. 69.5 inches Height: Approx. 63.4 inches Wheelbase: Approx. 98.4 inches Interior Passenger Volume: Approx. 97.1 cu ft Cargo Cargo Volume Rear Seats Up: Approx. 19.3 cu ft Cargo Volume Rear Seats Down: Approx. 53.4 cu ft Weights Curb Weight Min: Approx. 2760 lbs Curb Weight Max: Approx. 3000 lbs 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 stars (for 2011 models) Active Features Electronic Stability Control: Standard Traction Control: Standard Anti Lock Brakes: Standard Brake Assist: Standard Passive Features Airbags: Front, Front Side, Full-Length Side Curtain Airbags Seat Belts: 3-point front and rear seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters Child Seat Anchors: LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Standard AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo with auxiliary input. Optional SiriusXM Satellite Radio, USB port, Bluetooth connectivity. Navigation: Optional factory navigation system on higher trim levels. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard on most trims. Parking Sensors: Optional rear parking assist sensors. Connectivity Bluetooth: Available on select trims for hands-free calling and audio streaming. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval Gasoline: Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions). Check manual for severe driving conditions. Engine Air Filter Replacement: Every 15,000 miles or 12 months (under normal driving conditions). Inspect more frequently if driving in dusty environments. Cabin Air Filter Replacement: Every 15,000 miles or 12 months. Spark Plug Replacement: 60,000 miles (for standard spark plugs); Check manual for specific plug type. Transmission Fluid Change Automatic: Check manual. Kia typically recommends inspection, with changes based on driving conditions, often around 60,000-100,000 miles for severe use. Coolant Replacement: Initial change at 105,000 miles, then every 30,000-50,000 miles thereafter. Refer to specific coolant type. Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Viscosity: SAE 5W-20 (API SM or higher) Engine Oil Capacity 1.6L: Approx. 3.8 US quarts (with filter) Engine Oil Capacity 2.0L: Approx. 4.5 US quarts (with filter) Automatic Transmission Fluid: Kia Genuine ATF SP-III or equivalent Manual Transmission Fluid: API...
The Kia Soul, launched in 2008, carved a unique niche as a stylish and practical urban crossover, appealing to younger demographics and those seeking an alternative to traditional sedans and SUVs. Its boxy, distinctive design set it apart.
Competitive Analysis
Competitors:
Key competitors included the Nissan Cube, Scion xB, and to a lesser extent, the Mini Cooper, Honda Fit, and Ford Fiesta due to their practicality and compact size.
Key Features
Design Philosophy:
Focus on bold, distinctive styling, spacious interior for its class, and a range of customization options.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Coverage:
All Models, Engines, Trim Levels, and Transmission Types
Page Count
Estimated Pages:
1500+
Manual Type
Type:
Workshop Repair and Service Manual
Language
Language:
English
Format
Format:
PDF Download
📖 Manual Coverage
Systems Covered
Powertrain:
Engine Mechanical, Engine Control System (ECM), Fuel System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Transmission (Manual & Automatic), Drivetrain (FWD)
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Brake System (Front & Rear), Wheels and Tires
Body & Electrical:
Body Exterior, Body Interior, HVAC System, Restraints System (Airbags), Lighting System, Instrument Cluster, Audio System, Body Control Modules (BCM), Power Accessories (Windows, Locks, Mirrors), Wiper & Washer System, Exterior & Interior Trim
Procedures Included
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks and Changes, Spark Plug Replacement, Belt Inspection and Replacement
Repair:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Repair, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake Caliper and Rotor Replacement, Steering Rack Replacement, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Repair, Body Panel Repair and Replacement, HVAC Component Repair
Comprehensive: Covers from basic maintenance to in-depth diagnostics and complete component rebuilds, including detailed torque specifications, wiring diagrams, and component removal/installation procedures.
Front, Front Side, Full-Length Side Curtain Airbags
Seat Belts:
3-point front and rear seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo with auxiliary input. Optional SiriusXM Satellite Radio, USB port, Bluetooth connectivity.
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system on higher trim levels.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims.
Parking Sensors:
Optional rear parking assist sensors.
Connectivity
Bluetooth:
Available on select trims for hands-free calling and audio streaming.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval Gasoline:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions). Check manual for severe driving conditions.
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months (under normal driving conditions). Inspect more frequently if driving in dusty environments.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months.
Spark Plug Replacement:
60,000 miles (for standard spark plugs); Check manual for specific plug type.
Transmission Fluid Change Automatic:
Check manual. Kia typically recommends inspection, with changes based on driving conditions, often around 60,000-100,000 miles for severe use.
Coolant Replacement:
Initial change at 105,000 miles, then every 30,000-50,000 miles thereafter. Refer to specific coolant type.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Viscosity:
SAE 5W-20 (API SM or higher)
Engine Oil Capacity 1.6L:
Approx. 3.8 US quarts (with filter)
Engine Oil Capacity 2.0L:
Approx. 4.5 US quarts (with filter)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Kia Genuine ATF SP-III or equivalent
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W/80 or 75W-90
Coolant:
Ethylene Glycol Base, 50/50 mixture with distilled water (typically orange or pink colored for Kia)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Known Issues
Common Complaint 1:
Minor oil leaks from valve cover gasket or oil pan gasket.
Common Complaint 2:
Check engine light due to various sensor issues (e.g., crankshaft position sensor, O2 sensors).
Common Complaint 3:
Brake wear, particularly front pads and rotors, due to typical urban driving cycles.
Common Complaint 4:
HVAC system issues, such as blower motor failures or AC refrigerant leaks.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Parent Company:
Kia Motors Corporation, part of the Hyundai Motor Group.
Model Evolution
Generation:
First Generation (2008-2013)
Introduction Year:
2008 (for model year 2009 in most markets), 2010 in North America.
Production
Assembly Location:
Gwangmyeong, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Safety Award Example:
Received Good ratings in front-offset, side-impact, and rear-impact crash tests from the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) for earlier models, though specific 2011 ratings should be verified.
Ratings
Fuel Economy Rating:
EPA estimates varied by engine and transmission, typically in the range of 24-26 MPG city and 31-33 MPG highway.
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