Front/Rear Suspension (MacPherson strut, Multi-link), Power Rack and Pinion Steering, Hydraulic Disc Brakes (front/rear), ABS, ESC, Hill Start Assist Control (HAC), Downhill Brake Control (DBC).
Electrical:
Complete Wiring Diagrams, Fuse and Relay Information, Lighting Systems, Audio Systems, Navigation Systems, Power Windows, Power Locks, Keyless Entry, Immobilizer System, Body Control Module (BCM), Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) / Airbags.
Procedures Included
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance Intervals, Oil and Filter Change, Air Filter Replacement, Spark Plug Replacement, Coolant Flush and Fill, Brake Fluid Flush and Fill, Transmission Fluid Change, Differential Fluid Change (AWD models).
Repair And Rebuild:
Engine Disassembly and Reassembly, Transmission Overhaul, Brake Caliper Rebuild, Suspension Component Replacement (shocks, struts, control arms), Steering Column Repair, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Replacement, Body Panel Repair and Alignment.
Comprehensive factory-level diagnostics, repair, overhaul, and adjustment procedures for all major vehicle systems.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Format:
PDF (Portable Document Format)
Print Quality
Resolution:
High-resolution, suitable for printing individual pages or the entire manual.
Binding Type
Binding:
Not Applicable (Digital Download)
Paper Type
Paper:
Not Applicable (Digital Download)
Searchability
Text Search:
Searchable text allows for quick finding of specific topics and procedures.
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine 1
Engine Code:
G4KE (2.4L Theta II GDI)
Displacement:
2359 cc
Horsepower:
176 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
169 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Compression Ratio:
11.3:1
Primary Engine 2
Engine Code:
G4KD (2.0L Theta II GDI)
Displacement:
1998 cc
Horsepower:
170 hp @ 6200 rpm (approximate)
Torque:
157 lb-ft @ 4600 rpm (approximate)
Fuel System
Injection Type:
Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Regular Gasoline
Cylinder Arrangement
Configuration:
Inline 4-Cylinder
Engine Management
ECU Type:
Bosch Motronic or similar ECU
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Type:
6-Speed Automatic Transmission (A6GF1)
Optional
Type:
6-Speed Manual Transmission (M6GF2)
Features
AWD System:
Electronically Controlled Active On-Demand AWD System with Torque Vectoring
Fluid Specifications
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Kia Genuine ATF SP-IV or equivalent.
Fluid Capacities
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 7.9 Liters (8.4 US Quarts)
Gear Ratios Auto
1St Gear:
4.325
2Nd Gear:
2.720
3Rd Gear:
1.804
4Th Gear:
1.364
5Th Gear:
1.000
6Th Gear:
0.770
Reverse:
3.180
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
174.0 inches (4420 mm)
Width:
72.4 inches (1839 mm)
Height:
64.4 inches (1636 mm)
Wheelbase:
103.9 inches (2640 mm)
Ground Clearance:
7.2 inches (183 mm)
Interior
Front Headroom:
40.1 inches (1019 mm)
Rear Headroom:
38.4 inches (975 mm)
Front Legroom:
41.4 inches (1052 mm)
Rear Legroom:
37.9 inches (963 mm)
Cargo
Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
26.8 cu ft (759 L)
Cargo Volume Behind 1St Row:
63.4 cu ft (1795 L)
Weights
Curb Weight FWD:
3399 lbs (1542 kg)
Curb Weight AWD:
3571 lbs (1620 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
4630 lbs (2100 kg) (approx.)
Wheels Tires
Standard Wheel Size:
17-inch alloy
Optional Wheel Size:
18-inch alloy
Standard Tire Size:
225/65R17
Optional Tire Size:
235/55R18
Bolt Pattern:
5x114.3 (5x4.5 inches)
Center Bore:
67.1 mm
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Overall:
4 Stars (Overall)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Yes (for models with specific features)
IIHS Front Crash:
Good
IIHS Side Crash:
Good
IIHS Roof Strength:
Good
IIHS Head Restraints Seat:
Good
Active Features
Electronic Stability Control:
Standard (ESC)
Traction Control:
Standard (TCS)
Anti-Lock Braking System:
Standard (ABS)
Electronic Brake-Force Distribution:
Standard (EBD)
Brake Assist System:
Standard (BAS)
Hill Start Assist Control:
Available
Downhill Brake Control:
Available
Passive Features
Airbags:
Dual Front, Front Side-Impact, Full-Length Side Curtain
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.
Child Safety Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System:
Standard (TPMS)
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Available Systems:
AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, Bluetooth connectivity, USB/Auxiliary input jacks, optional navigation system with touchscreen display.
Audio Controls:
Steering-wheel mounted audio controls.
Driver Assistance
Parking Sensors:
Available rear parking sensors.
Rearview Camera:
Available rearview camera integrated with navigation or audio display.
Connectivity
Bluetooth:
Hands-free phone capability and music streaming.
Convenience
Keyless Entry:
Standard keyless entry with remote unlock; available push-button start with smart key.
Climate Control:
Manual air conditioning; available automatic climate control.
Lighting
Headlights:
Projector beam headlights; available LED accent lighting.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals General
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first. (Check owner's manual for severe driving conditions).
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 105,000 miles (168,000 km) for GDI engines.
Coolant Flush And Fill:
First at 100,000 miles (160,000 km), then every 50,000 miles (80,000 km) thereafter.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) under normal conditions, more frequently for severe use.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Viscosity:
0W-20 (Synthetic)
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 Liters (4.8 US Quarts) for 2.4L GDI; 4.3 Liters (4.5 US Quarts) for 2.0L GDI (with filter).
Coolant Type:
Engine Coolant (Antifreeze), Ethylene Glycol type, Long Life (Pink/Red)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid:
Power Steering Fluid (PSF) - check specific Kia fluid if available.
Known Issues
Engine Knocking Pinging:
Some early GDI engines experienced carbon buildup issues requiring periodic cleaning.
Transmission Hesitation:
Occasional reports of transmission hesitation or rough shifting, often addressed by software updates or fluid changes.
Electrical Gremlins:
Infrequent reports of minor electrical issues, often related to sensors or battery terminals.
Suspension Noise:
Some owners report front suspension noises, particularly over bumps, which may be related to strut mounts or bushings.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Kia Origins:
Founded in 1944, Kia Motors is South Korea's oldest manufacturer of motor vehicles.
Model Evolution
Sportage History:
The Kia Sportage is a compact crossover SUV first introduced in 1993. The 2012 model represents the third generation (SL), which debuted in 2010 and brought significant improvements in design, refinement, and technology.
Third Generation Updates:
The SL generation introduced Kia's signature 'tiger-nose' grille, a more aerodynamic and stylish exterior, a refined interior, and upgraded powertrains. It was designed by Peter Schreyer and received critical acclaim for its European-inspired styling.
Production
Manufacturing Locations:
South Korea (Gwangmyeong), Slovakia (Žilina)
Model Years Covered:
2012 (specific focus of this manual)
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
IIHS Award:
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick status for certain model years/configurations.
케이아 디자인 어워드:
Kia's design language, pioneered by Peter Schreyer, often garnered design awards for the brand during this era.
Ratings
Kbb Consumer Ratings:
Generally positive consumer reviews for value, styling, and practicality.
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