🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Kia Model: Spectra Year: 2004 Product Type: Service and Repair Manual Codes Chassis Code Prefix: LA 👋 Introduction Market Position Market Segment: Compact car, targeting value-conscious buyers. Competed with models like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Ford Focus. Competitive Analysis Competitive Advantage: The Kia Spectra offered a strong value proposition with competitive pricing and a good feature set for its class. This service manual provides the technical depth necessary for owners to maintain and repair their vehicles effectively, extending their lifespan and preserving resale value. Key Features Key Manual Features: Dealership-level diagnostic procedures, detailed component removal and installation instructions, torque specifications, wiring diagrams, troubleshooting flowcharts, and factory-recommended maintenance schedules. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Coverage: All domestic and international variants of the 2004 Kia Spectra, including sedan and hatchback body styles. Page Count Page Count: Estimated 2000-3000+ pages (typical for comprehensive dealership-level manuals). Exact count not specified in product description. Manual Type Manual Type: Professional Service and Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: PDF 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Covered Systems: Engine, Fuel System, Exhaust System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Ignition System, Starting System, Charging System, Clutch, Transmission (Manual & Automatic), Drivetrain, Axles, Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Brakes (Hydraulic & ABS), Body Electrical, HVAC System, Interior & Exterior Trim, Body Panels, Wiring Diagrams, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Maintenance Procedures, Troubleshooting Guides, Specifications. Procedures Included Included Procedures: Routine maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, tune-ups), engine diagnostics and repair, transmission overhaul, brake system service and repair, suspension and steering alignment, electrical system troubleshooting, HVAC system repair, bodywork and panel replacement, diagnostic procedures, component testing and replacement. Technical Depth Depth Of Coverage: Comprehensive; covers everything from basic preventative maintenance and troubleshooting to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, in-depth electrical diagnostics, and body repair procedures. Designed for professional technicians but accessible for advanced DIYers. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Format Details: Searchable PDF with high-resolution illustrations, diagrams, and schematics. Likely optimized for digital viewing and printing. Print Quality Print Quality Notes: PDF format allows for high-quality reproduction of all diagrams, schematics, and images when printed. Original manual likely printed on durable paper. Binding Type Binding Type: N/A (Digital PDF format) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital PDF format) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: Naturally Aspirated Inline-4 (I4) Engine Code: G4EC (1.8L), G4HC (2.0L) Displacement: 1.8 Liters (1799 cc) and 2.0 Liters (1998 cc) Performance Horsepower 1.8L: Approx. 125 hp @ 6000 rpm Torque 1.8L: Approx. 121 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm Horsepower 2.0L: Approx. 138 hp @ 6000 rpm Torque 2.0L: Approx. 133 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with sequential port injection Fuel Type: Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane or higher recommended) Engine Maintenance Timing Belt Replacement Interval: 75,000 miles or 5 years (whichever comes first). Crucial to prevent catastrophic engine damage. Spark Plug Replacement Interval: 60,000 miles (iridium-tipped plugs typically specified) Engine Oil Type: API Certified SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 Engine Oil Capacity: Approx. 4.0-4.5 Quarts (with filter change) 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type Standard: 5-speed Manual Transmission Optional Transmission Type Optional: 4-speed Automatic Transmission Features Automatic Transmission Features: Electronically controlled with lock-up torque converter for improved fuel efficiency. Maintenance Manual Transmission Fluid Type: API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 (check specific Kia recommendations) Automatic Transmission Fluid Type: Kia SPIII (or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon compatible fluid, verify in manual) Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity: Approx. 6.5-7.5 Quarts (for complete flush and fill) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: Sedan: Approx. 173.7 inches; Hatchback: Approx. 164.2 inches Width: Approx. 67.7 inches Height: Sedan: Approx. 56.5 inches; Hatchback: Approx. 56.5 inches Wheelbase: Approx. 101.4 inches Cargo Cargo Volume Sedan: Approx. 12.4 cubic feet Cargo Volume Hatchback: Approx. 15.4 cubic feet (seats up) Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 2700-2900 lbs (depending on trim and transmission) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr: Varies by configuration; detailed in manual. Wheels Tires Wheel Size: Typically 14-inch or 15-inch steel or alloy wheels Tire Size Standard: 185/70R14 or 195/60R15 (verify specific trim) Wheel Bolt Pattern: 4x114.3 mm (4x4.5 inches) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Impact Driver: Good (2004 model year testing) NHTSA Front Impact Passenger: Good (2004 model year testing) IIHS Frontal Offset: Acceptable (for certain model years, check specific year testing) Active Features ABS: Available, typically on higher trims or as an option. Traction Control: Not commonly available on this model year. Passive Features Airbags Front: Standard driver and front passenger airbags. Airbags Side: Optional or standard on higher trims (check specific vehicle). Seatbelts: 3-point front and rear seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters for front seats. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Standard AM/FM/CD player with optional premium audio. Aux input not standard. Display: Basic digital clock and radio display. No advanced infotainment screens. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Available on higher trim levels. Connectivity Power Windows Locks:...
Compact car, targeting value-conscious buyers. Competed with models like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Ford Focus.
Competitive Analysis
Competitive Advantage:
The Kia Spectra offered a strong value proposition with competitive pricing and a good feature set for its class. This service manual provides the technical depth necessary for owners to maintain and repair their vehicles effectively, extending their lifespan and preserving resale value.
Key Features
Key Manual Features:
Dealership-level diagnostic procedures, detailed component removal and installation instructions, torque specifications, wiring diagrams, troubleshooting flowcharts, and factory-recommended maintenance schedules.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Coverage:
All domestic and international variants of the 2004 Kia Spectra, including sedan and hatchback body styles.
Page Count
Page Count:
Estimated 2000-3000+ pages (typical for comprehensive dealership-level manuals). Exact count not specified in product description.
Routine maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, tune-ups), engine diagnostics and repair, transmission overhaul, brake system service and repair, suspension and steering alignment, electrical system troubleshooting, HVAC system repair, bodywork and panel replacement, diagnostic procedures, component testing and replacement.
Technical Depth
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive; covers everything from basic preventative maintenance and troubleshooting to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, in-depth electrical diagnostics, and body repair procedures. Designed for professional technicians but accessible for advanced DIYers.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Format Details:
Searchable PDF with high-resolution illustrations, diagrams, and schematics. Likely optimized for digital viewing and printing.
Print Quality
Print Quality Notes:
PDF format allows for high-quality reproduction of all diagrams, schematics, and images when printed. Original manual likely printed on durable paper.
Binding Type
Binding Type:
N/A (Digital PDF format)
Paper Type
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital PDF format)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Inline-4 (I4)
Engine Code:
G4EC (1.8L), G4HC (2.0L)
Displacement:
1.8 Liters (1799 cc) and 2.0 Liters (1998 cc)
Performance
Horsepower 1.8L:
Approx. 125 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque 1.8L:
Approx. 121 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
Horsepower 2.0L:
Approx. 138 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque 2.0L:
Approx. 133 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with sequential port injection
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane or higher recommended)
Engine Maintenance
Timing Belt Replacement Interval:
75,000 miles or 5 years (whichever comes first). Crucial to prevent catastrophic engine damage.
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
60,000 miles (iridium-tipped plugs typically specified)
Engine Oil Type:
API Certified SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.0-4.5 Quarts (with filter change)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type Standard:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Optional
Transmission Type Optional:
4-speed Automatic Transmission
Features
Automatic Transmission Features:
Electronically controlled with lock-up torque converter for improved fuel efficiency.
Maintenance
Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 (check specific Kia recommendations)
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
Kia SPIII (or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon compatible fluid, verify in manual)
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 6.5-7.5 Quarts (for complete flush and fill)
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles or 2 years.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 1 year.
Coolant Flush And Replace:
Every 30,000 miles or 2 years.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 30,000 miles or 2 years.
Accessory Drive Belt Inspection:
Inspect every 15,000 miles or 1 year; replace as needed.
Fluid Specifications
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant, meeting Kia specifications (typically a green coolant).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3
Known Issues
Common Problems:
Potential for ABS sensor failure, premature wear on suspension components (bushings, ball joints), occasional HVAC blower motor issues, and potential for oil leaks from valve cover gaskets or oil pan seals. Timing belt service is critical.
Diagnostics
OBD Ii Scanner Compatibility:
Fully compatible with OBD-II scanners for diagnostic code retrieval and data monitoring.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Kia Origins:
Kia Motors Corporation is a South Korean automobile manufacturer, founded in 1944. Known for its value-oriented vehicles and rapid growth in the global market.
Model Evolution
Spectra Lineage:
The Kia Spectra was introduced in 2004 as the successor to the Kia Sephia. It was available in sedan and hatchback (Spectra5) body styles. It was later replaced by the Kia Forte.
Production
Production Years:
2004-2009 (North America)
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily manufactured in South Korea (e.g., Gwangmyeong, Gyeonggi).
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Consumer Ratings:
Received mixed reviews. Generally praised for value and practicality, but often criticized for interior materials and driving dynamics compared to segment leaders. Specific awards for this model year are not widely prominent.
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