🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Kia Model: Carnival Year: 2012 Product Name: Kia Carnival 2012 Service Repair Manual PDF 👋 Introduction Market Position Vehicle Segment: Full-size minivan / MPV Target Audience: Families, fleet operators, commercial use Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey, Chrysler Town & Country/Dodge Grand Caravan, Ford Freestar/Windstar Key Features Vehicle Attributes: Spacious interior, flexible seating configurations, comfortable ride, robust powertrain, family-friendly features 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Manual Type: Service and Repair Manual Language: English Format: PDF Page Count Estimated Pages: Thousands (comprehensive factory documentation) File Format File Type: Searchable PDF Printability: Printable pages for workshop use Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital PDF) Paper Type Paper Quality: N/A (Digital PDF) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine (3.5L V6 Lambda II GDI/MPI), Transmission (6-speed automatic) Chassis: Suspension (front McPherson strut, rear multi-link), Steering (hydraulic power steering), Brakes (front ventilated discs, rear solid discs, ABS, EBD, ESC) Electrical: Engine Control Module (ECM), Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Body Control Module (BCM), lighting, power accessories, infotainment, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) Body And Interior: Body panels, doors, windows, seats, HVAC system, interior trim, safety restraints (airbags, seatbelts) Exhaust System: Component identification, removal and installation procedures, and torque specifications for exhaust system components. Fuel System: Fuel pump testing, fuel injector cleaning and replacement, fuel pressure testing, and fuel tank removal/installation. Cooling System: Radiator inspection and replacement, water pump removal and installation, thermostat testing and replacement, cooling fan operation, and coolant leak diagnosis. Climate Control HVAC: Refrigerant system diagnosis, A/C compressor testing, blower motor replacement, cabin air filter replacement, and HVAC control module troubleshooting. Procedures Included Routine Maintenance: Oil and filter change, air filter replacement, cabin air filter replacement, spark plug replacement, coolant flush and fill, brake fluid flush and fill, transmission fluid and filter change Repair And Rebuild: Engine overhaul, transmission overhaul, brake system repair, suspension component replacement, steering system repair, exhaust system repair, cooling system repair, fuel system repair Diagnostics And Troubleshooting: Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) interpretation and resolution, circuit testing, component testing, symptom-based troubleshooting guides Wheel Alignment: Specifications for front and rear wheel alignment (camber, caster, toe) and adjustment procedures. Tire And Wheel: Tire pressure specifications, recommended tire sizes, wheel torque specifications, and lug nut tightening sequence. Body Repair: Procedures for body panel removal and installation, door and window glass replacement, and bumper cover repair. Technical Depth Diagnostic Level: Advanced diagnostic procedures, wiring diagrams, component testing specifications, scan tool data interpretation Repair Level: Complete repair procedures from minor adjustments to major component overhauls, torque specifications, clearances, special tool requirements Wiring Diagrams: Detailed electrical circuit diagrams for all vehicle systems, including power distribution, grounds, and signal pathways. ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: Naturally Aspirated V6 Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) / Multi-Point Injection (MPI) (market dependent) Engine Code: Lambda II 3.5L (e.g., G6CU) Performance Horsepower: Approximately 276 hp @ 6300 rpm (may vary slightly by market and fuel type) Torque: Approximately 245 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm (may vary slightly by market and fuel type) Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with GDI/MPI Recommended Fuel: 87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline Capacities Oil Capacity: Approximately 6.9 quarts (6.5 liters) with filter. Specific API SN or ILSAC GF-5 5W-20 or 0W-20 synthetic blend or full synthetic oil recommended. Components Timing System: Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), Four valves per cylinder, timing chain 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type: 6-speed Automatic Transmission with Shiftronic (manual shift mode) Transmission Model: A6LF1 / A6LF2 Features Transmission Control: Electronically controlled with adaptive shift logic Capacities Transmission Fluid Capacity: Approximately 9.1 quarts (8.6 liters) for fluid change. SPIII or SP-IV ATF recommended. 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: Approximately 200.6 inches (5095 mm) Width: Approximately 78.1 inches (1984 mm) Height: Approximately 68.5 inches (1740 mm) Wheelbase: Approximately 118.1 inches (3000 mm) Interior Seating Capacity: 7 or 8 passengers (depending on configuration) Cargo Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row: Approximately 30.1 cu. ft. (852 liters) Weights Curb Weight: Approximately 4,500 - 4,700 lbs (2041 - 2132 kg) (varies by trim and options) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Overall Rating: Generally rated well, specific ratings vary by model year and testing protocols. Expect 4 or 5-star ratings in key categories. Active Features Braking Systems: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA) Stability Control: Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS) Passive Features Airbags: Front driver and passenger airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-curtain airbags (for all rows) Seatbelts: Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters for all seating positions, LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: AM/FM/CD/MP3/Satellite Radio with auxiliary input, USB port, Bluetooth connectivity. Optional premium sound systems available. Navigation: Optional touchscreen navigation system with voice recognition Driver Assistance Parking Aids: Rearview camera, rear parking assist sensors Lighting Systems: Projector-beam headlights, available fog lights, LED tail lights Connectivity Bluetooth: Standard...
Engine Control Module (ECM), Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Body Control Module (BCM), lighting, power accessories, infotainment, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)
Component identification, removal and installation procedures, and torque specifications for exhaust system components.
Fuel System:
Fuel pump testing, fuel injector cleaning and replacement, fuel pressure testing, and fuel tank removal/installation.
Cooling System:
Radiator inspection and replacement, water pump removal and installation, thermostat testing and replacement, cooling fan operation, and coolant leak diagnosis.
Climate Control HVAC:
Refrigerant system diagnosis, A/C compressor testing, blower motor replacement, cabin air filter replacement, and HVAC control module troubleshooting.
Procedures Included
Routine Maintenance:
Oil and filter change, air filter replacement, cabin air filter replacement, spark plug replacement, coolant flush and fill, brake fluid flush and fill, transmission fluid and filter change
Repair And Rebuild:
Engine overhaul, transmission overhaul, brake system repair, suspension component replacement, steering system repair, exhaust system repair, cooling system repair, fuel system repair
Approximately 276 hp @ 6300 rpm (may vary slightly by market and fuel type)
Torque:
Approximately 245 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm (may vary slightly by market and fuel type)
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with GDI/MPI
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline
Capacities
Oil Capacity:
Approximately 6.9 quarts (6.5 liters) with filter. Specific API SN or ILSAC GF-5 5W-20 or 0W-20 synthetic blend or full synthetic oil recommended.
Components
Timing System:
Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), Four valves per cylinder, timing chain
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type:
6-speed Automatic Transmission with Shiftronic (manual shift mode)
Transmission Model:
A6LF1 / A6LF2
Features
Transmission Control:
Electronically controlled with adaptive shift logic
Capacities
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 9.1 quarts (8.6 liters) for fluid change. SPIII or SP-IV ATF recommended.
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
Approximately 200.6 inches (5095 mm)
Width:
Approximately 78.1 inches (1984 mm)
Height:
Approximately 68.5 inches (1740 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approximately 118.1 inches (3000 mm)
Interior
Seating Capacity:
7 or 8 passengers (depending on configuration)
Cargo
Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:
Approximately 30.1 cu. ft. (852 liters)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approximately 4,500 - 4,700 lbs (2041 - 2132 kg) (varies by trim and options)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Overall Rating:
Generally rated well, specific ratings vary by model year and testing protocols. Expect 4 or 5-star ratings in key categories.
Active Features
Braking Systems:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA)
Stability Control:
Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS)
Passive Features
Airbags:
Front driver and passenger airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-curtain airbags (for all rows)
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters for all seating positions, LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
AM/FM/CD/MP3/Satellite Radio with auxiliary input, USB port, Bluetooth connectivity. Optional premium sound systems available.
Navigation:
Optional touchscreen navigation system with voice recognition
Driver Assistance
Parking Aids:
Rearview camera, rear parking assist sensors
Lighting Systems:
Projector-beam headlights, available fog lights, LED tail lights
Connectivity
Bluetooth:
Standard Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming
Comfort And Convenience
Climate Control:
Dual-zone automatic climate control, rear-cabin climate control
Seating Features:
Heated front seats, power-adjustable driver's seat, available leather upholstery
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first. Severe driving conditions may require more frequent changes.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Recommended every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or every 48 months. Inspect for condition at shorter intervals.
Coolant Replacement:
Initial replacement at 100,000 miles (160,000 km), then every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months thereafter. Use of Kia Super Long Life Coolant (or equivalent) is crucial.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Spec:
API SN / ILSAC GF-5, SAE 5W-20 or 0W-20 synthetic blend or full synthetic
Transmission Fluid Spec:
Hyundai/Kia Genuine ATF SP-III or SP-IV
Coolant Spec:
Kia Super Long Life Coolant (Blue) - Ethylene Glycol based (50/50 mix with distilled water)
Known Issues
Engine Performance:
Occasional reports of carbon buildup in GDI engines requiring cleaning. Some instances of oil consumption in early GDI variants.
Transmission Reliability:
Generally reliable, but fluid changes are critical to prevent premature wear. Torque converter shudder has been reported in some cases.
Suspension And Steering:
Front suspension components (struts, ball joints) can wear over time, especially with heavy use. Power steering fluid leaks are uncommon but possible.
Electrical Systems:
Battery drain issues or sensor failures are possible as with any vehicle of this age. Keyless entry system malfunctions have been noted.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Manufacturer Origin:
South Korea
Model Evolution
Generation:
Second Generation (VQ Carnival) - Launched in 2005, facelifted in 2010. 2012 model falls within this generation.
Production
Production Years:
2006-2013 (Second Generation)
Manufacturing Location:
Hwaseong, South Korea
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Safety Awards:
The Kia Carnival has consistently received good safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA for its respective model years. Specific awards may vary.
Ratings
Consumer Reports:
Consumer Reports typically rates the Carnival well for practicality and value, with mixed reviews on reliability for some model years.
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