🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Kia Model: Sportage Year: 1996 Generation Generation Code: JA Codes Chassis Code: JA 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Compact SUV / Crossover Target Audience: DIY mechanics, automotive technicians, Sportage enthusiasts Competitive Analysis Competitors 1996: Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Nissan Pathfinder (early models), Ford Bronco II (discontinued but similar era), Jeep Cherokee (XJ) Key Features Vehicle Selling Points: Body-on-frame construction, available 4WD, compact size for urban maneuverability, utility focus Manual Value Proposition Value For Owner: Empowers owners to perform routine maintenance, diagnose issues, and tackle repairs, saving time and money. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Systems Covered: Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Electrical System, Body, HVAC, Fuel System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Emissions Control, Diagnostic Procedures, Wiring Diagrams Page Count Estimated Pages: 500+ Manual Type Type: Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Digital Download (PDF) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Mechanical: Engine assembly, cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing system, lubrication system Engine Performance: Fuel injection system, ignition system, emissions control, cooling system, exhaust system Transmission Drivetrain: Manual transmission (M/T), automatic transmission (A/T), transfer case, drive shafts, differentials, CV joints Suspension Steering: Front suspension (independent), rear suspension (solid axle), steering linkage, power steering system Brakes: Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes (or optional rear discs), parking brake, hydraulic system Electrical System: Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, wiring diagrams for all circuits Body Chassis: Body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, frame, bumpers HVAC: Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system components and operation Procedures Included Maintenance: Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement, brake pad/shoe replacement Repair: Engine component overhaul, transmission rebuilds, suspension component replacement, brake system repair, electrical component diagnosis and repair Diagnostics: Troubleshooting guides for common problems, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation, component testing procedures Specifications: Torque specifications for all fasteners, fluid capacities, component clearances, diagnostic values Wiring Diagrams: Detailed electrical schematics for all vehicle systems Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive, covering everything from basic preventative maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls. Includes detailed diagnostic information and repair procedures. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF Searchability: Text-searchable Print Quality Print Readability: High resolution, suitable for printing Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital Download) Paper Type Paper Quality: N/A (Digital Download) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code: FE-DOHC Engine Type: Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft) Displacement Cc: 1998 Displacement Liters: 2.0 Performance Horsepower Hp: 122 Torque Lb Ft: 129 Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline Engine Mechanical Bore X Stroke Mm: 82.0 x 93.5 Compression Ratio: 9.4:1 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type Std: 5-Speed Manual Transmission Optional Transmission Type Opt: 4-Speed Automatic Transmission Features Drivetrain Options: 2WD (Rear Wheel Drive), 4WD (Four Wheel Drive - Part-time or Full-time depending on trim) Specifications Manual Transmission Fluid Spec: API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 Automatic Transmission Fluid Spec: Dexron III or equivalent 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length Mm: 4350 Width Mm: 1790 Height Mm: 1660 Wheelbase Mm: 2650 Ground Clearance Mm: 190 Weights Curb Weight Kg Approx: 1450-1600 (depending on drivetrain and equipment) Cargo Cargo Volume Liters Approx: 670 (with rear seats up), 1700+ (with rear seats folded) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Crash Rating: Not extensively rated by NHTSA for this specific model year and region. Generally considered average for its class at the time. Active Features ABS: Optional (standard on some higher trims or later production runs) Passive Features Airbags: Driver and Passenger Airbags (standard) Seatbelts: 3-point front seatbelts with pretensioners, 3-point rear seatbelts 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Factory AM/FM/Cassette or optional CD player, basic speaker system Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Optional Connectivity Aux Input: Not available (requires aftermarket modification) 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Engine Oil Change: Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first Engine Oil Filter Replacement: At every oil change Engine Coolant Replacement: Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months Transmission Fluid Change Manual: Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) Transmission Fluid Change Automatic: Every 45,000 miles (72,000 km) Spark Plug Replacement: Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Type: API SG or higher, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (check owner's manual for climate suitability) Engine Coolant Type: Ethylene Glycol based coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water) Brake Fluid Type: DOT 3 Power Steering Fluid Type: ATF Dexron II or III Known Issues Common Problems Engine: Head gasket leaks, timing belt wear (critical replacement interval), occasional oil leaks from seals Common Problems Suspension: Worn ball joints, tie rod ends, and bushings due to age and off-road use Common Problems Electrical: Failing alternator, starter motor issues, corroded grounds, window regulator failures Common Problems HVAC: HVAC blower motor failure, AC compressor leaks, heater core leaks Common Problems Drivetrain: CV joint boot tears, differential leaks,...