🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Kia Model: Spectra Year: 2008 Body Style: Sedan and Hatchback (model dependent, generally) Codes Vin Position 10: Model Year (8 for 2008) 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Compact Car, Economy Segment Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cobalt, Hyundai Elantra Key Features Value Proposition: Affordable transportation, practical design, decent fuel economy for its class. Target Audience Primary Users: DIY car owners, independent repair shops, aspiring automotive technicians. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Market: Global (primarily North America based on general product distribution) Model Variants Covered: All 2008 Kia Spectra gasoline engine variants Page Count Estimated Page Count: Not explicitly stated, but typical comprehensive workshop manuals are 1500-3000+ pages. Manual Type Type: Workshop Repair Service Manual Language Language: English Format Format: PDF 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain (including removal, installation, overhaul, diagnostics) Chassis: Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Wheels, Tires Electrical: Lighting, Instrumentation, Power Accessories, Engine Control Module (ECM), Body Control Module (BCM), Audio System, HVAC Controls Body: Exterior Panels, Interior Trim, Doors, Windows, Seats, Glass, Bumpers Comfort And Convenience: HVAC System, Power Locks, Power Windows, Cruise Control Procedures Included Routine Maintenance: Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, air filter replacement Diagnostics: Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, OBD-II code interpretation and resolution Repair And Overhaul: Engine rebuild, transmission service, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair Removal And Installation: Components like engines, transmissions, alternators, starters, radiators, fuel pumps, body panels Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive, covering routine maintenance to major component overhaul and diagnostics. Assumes basic automotive knowledge and specialized tools. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Format: PDF Searchability: Likely searchable text within the PDF, enabling quick access to specific topics. Print Quality Printability: Printable. Designed for users to print individual sections or the entire manual. Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital PDF) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital PDF) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Family: Beta II (often found in Kia/Hyundai models of this era) Engine Code Example: G4GC (2.0L) Performance Displacement Liter: 1.6L (often G4ED) and 2.0L (often G4GC) Horsepower 1.6L: Approx. 106 hp @ 6000 rpm (specific to market and tune) Torque 1.6L: Approx. 105 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (specific to market and tune) Horsepower 2.0L: Approx. 138 hp @ 6000 rpm (specific to market and tune) Torque 2.0L: Approx. 133 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (specific to market and tune) Fuel System Injection Type: Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI) Fuel Type Fuel Requirement: Unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum recommended) 🔧 Transmission Standard Type: 5-speed Manual Transmission Optional Type: 4-speed Automatic Transmission Features Automatic Control: Electronically controlled with lock-up torque converter 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: Approx. 174.1 inches (Sedan) / 168.5 inches (Hatchback) Width: Approx. 68.3 inches Height: Approx. 56.1 inches (Sedan) / 55.7 inches (Hatchback) Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 2600-2800 lbs (varies by trim and transmission) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Not explicitly stated, but typical for segment (e.g., 3600-3800 lbs) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Driver: Good (for models tested) NHTSA Front Passenger: Good (for models tested) IIHS Side Impact: Acceptable (for models tested) Active Features ABS: Standard on some trims, optional on others Electronic Stability Control: Rarely standard or available on this model year and segment. Passive Features Airbags Front: Standard dual front airbags Airbags Side: Optional or standard on higher trims (front side airbags) Seatbelts: 3-point seatbelts with pretensioners for front occupants 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Standard AM/FM/CD player, optional MP3 capability, auxiliary input jack on higher trims. Navigation: Not available from factory. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Available on most trims. Connectivity Bluetooth: Not typically available from factory on this model year. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Typically every 5,000 to 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for exact specification) Engine Air Filter Replacement: Every 15,000 to 30,000 miles or as needed based on driving conditions. Cabin Air Filter Replacement: Every 15,000 to 30,000 miles or annually. Spark Plug Replacement: Typically 60,000 to 100,000 miles depending on plug type (copper vs. iridium). Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Type: API SM or higher, SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 (verify with manual for specific engine) Coolant Type: Ethylene Glycol based coolant, typically Asian vehicle specific pink or red long-life coolant. Transmission Fluid Manual: API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 (verify with manual) Transmission Fluid Automatic: SP-III (or equivalent ATF) Brake Fluid Type: DOT 3 or DOT 4 Known Issues Engine: Occasional oil consumption, minor oil leaks from valve cover gasket, timing belt replacement is crucial (if applicable to the specific engine variant, though many Beta IIs are timing chain driven). Transmission: Automatic transmission can sometimes exhibit delayed shifting or solenoid issues. Clutch wear on manual transmissions. Suspension Steering: Worn sway bar links, strut mounts, and ball joints are common wear items. Electrical:...
Approx. 2600-2800 lbs (varies by trim and transmission)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Not explicitly stated, but typical for segment (e.g., 3600-3800 lbs)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Driver:
Good (for models tested)
NHTSA Front Passenger:
Good (for models tested)
IIHS Side Impact:
Acceptable (for models tested)
Active Features
ABS:
Standard on some trims, optional on others
Electronic Stability Control:
Rarely standard or available on this model year and segment.
Passive Features
Airbags Front:
Standard dual front airbags
Airbags Side:
Optional or standard on higher trims (front side airbags)
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners for front occupants
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM/CD player, optional MP3 capability, auxiliary input jack on higher trims.
Navigation:
Not available from factory.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Available on most trims.
Connectivity
Bluetooth:
Not typically available from factory on this model year.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000 to 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for exact specification)
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 to 30,000 miles or as needed based on driving conditions.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 to 30,000 miles or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically 60,000 to 100,000 miles depending on plug type (copper vs. iridium).
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
API SM or higher, SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 (verify with manual for specific engine)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant, typically Asian vehicle specific pink or red long-life coolant.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 (verify with manual)
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
SP-III (or equivalent ATF)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Known Issues
Engine:
Occasional oil consumption, minor oil leaks from valve cover gasket, timing belt replacement is crucial (if applicable to the specific engine variant, though many Beta IIs are timing chain driven).
Transmission:
Automatic transmission can sometimes exhibit delayed shifting or solenoid issues. Clutch wear on manual transmissions.
Suspension Steering:
Worn sway bar links, strut mounts, and ball joints are common wear items.
Electrical:
Window regulator failures, power lock actuator issues, sometimes HVAC blower motor resistor problems.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Manufacturer Origin:
South Korea
Model Evolution
Generation:
Second Generation Spectra (2004-2009)
Previous Model:
Kia Spectra (first generation)
Production
Manufacturing Location:
Gwangmyeong, South Korea (primarily); also assembled in other global locations.
Production Years:
2004-2009 (North American market)
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Jd Power Initial Quality:
Early Spectra models received mixed reviews; later models showed improvement but generally remained in the mid-pack for initial quality.
Fuel Economy Ratings:
EPA estimates were competitive for the class, typically in the mid-to-high 20s for city driving and low 30s for highway.
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