2009 KIA Sorento maintenance

77
Maintenance
EXPLANATION OF SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE ITEMSEngine oil and filterThe engine oil and filter should be
changed at the intervals specified in the
maintenance schedule. If the car is being
driven in severe conditions, more fre-
quent oil and filter changes are required.Drive beltsInspect all drive belts for evidence of
cuts, cracks, excessive wear or oil satu-
ration and replace if necessary. Drive
belts should be checked periodically for
proper tension and adjusted as neces-
sary.
Fuel filter (cartridge)A clogged filter can limit the speed at
which the vehicle may be driven, damage
the emission system and cause multiple
issues such as hard starting. If an exces-
sive amount of foreign matter accumu-
lates in the fuel tank, the filter may
require replacement more frequently.
After installing a new filter, run the engine
for several minutes, and check for leaks
at the connections. Fuel filters should be
installed by an authorized KIA dealer.
Fuel lines, fuel hoses and con-
nectionsCheck the fuel lines, fuel hoses and con-
nections for leakage and damage. Have
an authorized KIA dealer replace any
damaged or leaking parts immediately.Vapor hose and fuel filler capThe vapor hose and fuel filler cap should
be inspected at those intervals specified
in the maintenance schedule. Make sure
that a new vapor hose or fuel filler cap is
correctly replaced.

Maintenance87Vacuum crankcase ventilation
hoses Inspect the surface of hoses for evidence
of heat and/or mechanical damage. Hard
and brittle rubber, cracking, tears, cuts,
abrasions, and excessive swelling indi-
cate deterioration. Particular attention
should be paid to examine those hose
surfaces nearest to high heat sources,
such as the exhaust manifold.
Inspect the hose routing to assure that
the hoses do not come in contact with
any heat source, sharp edges or moving
component which might cause heat dam-
age or mechanical wear. Inspect all hose
connections, such as clamps and cou-
plings, to make sure they are secure, and
that no leaks are present. Hoses should
be replaced immediately if there is any
evidence of deterioration or damage.
Air cleaner filterA Genuine KIA air cleaner filter is recom-
mended when the filter is replaced.Spark plugsMake sure to install new spark plugs of
the correct heat range.Valve clearanceInspect excessive valve noise and/or
engine vibration and adjust if necessary.
An authorized KIA dealer should perform
the operation.Cooling systemCheck cooling system components, such
as radiator, coolant reservoir, hoses and
connections for leakage and damage.
Replace any damaged parts.
CoolantThe coolant should be changed at the
intervals specified in the maintenance
schedule.Automatic transmission fluidThe fluid level should be in the "HOT"
range of the dipstick, after the engine
and transmission are at normal operating
temperature. Check the automatic trans-
mission fluid level with the engine run-
ning and the transmission in neutral, with
the parking brake properly applied.Brake hoses and linesVisually check for proper installation,
chafing, cracks, deterioration and any
leakage. Replace any deteriorated or
damaged parts immediately.Brake fluidCheck brake fluid level in the brake fluid
reservoir. The level should be between
“MIN” and “MAX” marks on the side of
the reservoir. Use only hydraulic brake
fluid conforming to DOT 3 or DOT 4
specification.

79
Maintenance
Parking brakeInspect the parking brake system includ-
ing the parking brake pedal and cables.Brake discs, pads, calipers and
rotorsCheck the pads for excessive wear, discs
for run out and wear, and calipers for fluid
leakage.Exhaust pipe and mufflerVisually inspect the exhaust pipes, muf-
fler and hangers for cracks, deterioration,
or damage. Start the engine and listen
carefully for any exhaust gas leakage.
Tighten connections or replace parts as
necessary.Suspension mounting boltsCheck the suspension connections for
looseness or damage. Retighten to the
specified torque.
Steering gear box, linkage &
boots/lower arm ball jointWith the vehicle stopped and engine off,
check for excessive free-play in the
steering wheel.
Check the linkage for bends or damage.
Check the dust boots and ball joints for
deterioration, cracks, or damage.
Replace any damaged parts.Power steering pump, belt and
hosesCheck the power steering pump and
hoses for leakage and damage. Replace
any damaged or leaking parts immedi-
ately. Inspect the power steering belt for
evidence of cuts, cracks, excessive wear,
oiliness and proper tension. Replace or
adjust it if necessary.
Drive shafts and bootsCheck the drive shafts, boots and clamps
for cracks, deterioration, or damage.
Replace any damaged parts and, if nec-
essary, repack the grease.Air conditioning refrigerant
(if equipped)Check the air conditioning lines and con-
nections for leakage and damage.

Maintenance10
7OWNER MAINTENANCE Owner maintenance schedule The following lists are vehicle checks and
inspections that should be performed by
the owner or an Authorized Kia Dealer at
the frequencies indicated to help ensure
safe, dependable operation of your vehi-
cle.
Any adverse conditions should be
brought to the attention of your dealer as
soon as possible.
These Owner Maintenance Checks are
generally not covered by warranties and
you may be charged for labor, parts and
lubricants used.
When you stop for fuel: Check the engine oil level.
Check coolant level in coolant reser-
voir.
Check the windshield washer fluid level.
Look for low or under-inflated tires.
While operating your vehicle: Note any changes in the sound of the exhaust or any smell of exhaust fumes
in the vehicle.
Check for vibrations in the steering wheel. Notice any increased steering
effort or looseness in the steering
wheel, or change in its straight-ahead
position.
Notice if your vehicle constantly turns slightly or “pulls” to one side when trav-
eling on smooth, level road.
When stopping, listen and check for strange sounds, pulling to one side,
increased brake pedal travel or “hard-
to-push” brake pedal.
If any slipping or changes in the oper- ation of your transmission occurs,
check the transmission fluid level.
Check automatic transmission P (Park) function.
Check parking brake.
Check for fluid leaks under your vehicle (water dripping from the air condition-
ing system during or after use is nor-
mal).
WARNING
Be careful when checking your
engine coolant level when the
engine is hot. Scalding hot coolant
and steam may blow out under
pressure. This could cause burns or
other serious injury.

711
Maintenance
At least monthly: Check coolant level in the coolantrecovery reservoir.
Check the operation of all exterior lights, including the stoplights, turn sig-
nals and hazard warning flashers.
Check the inflation pressures of all tires including the spare.
At least twice a year (i.e., every Spring and Fall) : Check radiator, heater and air condi- tioning hoses for leaks or damage.
Check windshield washer spray and wiper operation. Clean wiper blades
with clean cloth dampened with wash-
er fluid.
Check headlight alignment.
Check muffler, exhaust pipes, shields and clamps.
Check the lap/shoulder belts for wear and function.
Check for worn tires and loose wheel lug nuts.
At least once a year : Clean body and door drain holes.
Lubricate door hinges and checks, andhood hinges.
Lubricate door and hood locks and latches.
Lubricate door rubber weatherstrips.
Check the air conditioning system before the warm weather season.
Check the power steering fluid level.
Inspect and lubricate automatic trans- mission linkage and controls.
Clean battery and terminals.
Check the brake fluid level.

Maintenance12
7Owner maintenance precautions Improper or incomplete service may
result in problems. This section gives
instructions only for the maintenance
items that are easy to perform.
As explained earlier in this section, sev-
eral procedures can be done only by an
Authorized Kia Dealer with special tools.✽ ✽
NOTICEImproper owner maintenance during
the warranty period may affect warran-
ty coverage. For details, read the sepa-
rate Kia Warranty & Consumer
Information Manual provided with the
vehicle. If you're unsure about any serv-
icing or maintenance procedure, have it
done by an Authorized Kia Dealer.
WARNING
- Maintenance
work
Performing maintenance work on
a vehicle can be dangerous. You
can be seriously injured while per-
forming some maintenance pro-
cedures. If you lack sufficient
knowledge and experience or the
proper tools and equipment to do
the work, have it done by an
Authorized Kia Dealer.
Working under the hood with the engine running is dangerous. It
becomes even more dangerous
when you wear jewelry or loose
clothing. These can become
entangled in moving parts and
result in injury. Always remove all
loose or hanging clothing and all
jewelry before working on the
engine.

713
Maintenance
ENGINE COMPARTMENT
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1. Air cleaner
2. Engine oil filler cap
3. Engine oil dipstick
4. Auto transmission fluid dipstick*
5. Brake / clutch* fluid reservoir
6. Fuse box
7. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
8. Power steering fluid reservoir
9. Radiator cap
10. Engine coolant reservoir
11. Battery
* : if equipped
1
4
35 6
2
7
89 11
10
* The actual engine room in the vehicle may differ from the illustration.

Maintenance14
7ENGINE OILChecking the engine oil level 1. Be sure the vehicle is on level ground.
2. Start the engine and allow it to reach
normal operating temperature.
3. Turn the engine off and wait for a few minutes (about 5 minutes) for the oil to
return to the oil pan. 4. Pull the dipstick out, wipe it clean, and
re-insert it fully.
5. Pull the dipstick out again and check the level. The level should be between
F and L. If it is near or at L, add enough oil to bring
the level to F.
Do not overfill.
Use only the specified engine oil. (Refer
to “Recommended Lubricants” later in this section.)Have engine oil and filter changed by an
Authorized Kia Dealer according to the
Maintenance Schedule at the beginning
of this section.
WARNING -
Radiator hose
Be very careful not to touch the
radiator hose when checking or
adding the engine oil as it may be
hot enough to burn you.
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