Where did you see an online version for $20? Whose was it?

 

Do a google search for service repair manual and you will find under shopping there are plenty for $20 and under. I think op wants to know if they are worth it for repairs, as in detailed info and diagrams.

 

There are different offerings out there. The $25.00 leads me to think "Repair Manual" not factory manuals. However I have see some on-line DVD factory manuals at that cost for older vehicles, but Kia is not one. They purposefully locked up all their documentation. You can not purchase the manuals only lease access on the tech site. Kia's reason is they are to complex for non-technicians.

To bypass this I purchased from ' Factory Manuals ' They charge $80.00 USD . What I can surmise is, they use your VIN number to log on the Kia service manual on-line site. They probably pay the access fee KIA charges, then with some magic software they accumulate all the manuals for your specific vehicle and create a .pdf file. The file actually had my factory build file ' Vehicle Specification Sheet' for my vehicle. They gave me 30 day link access to their server to download one large 5700+ page .pdf file for my SX.

This is exactly what I wanted, warning the real factory manuals are written for technicians, not everyday diy'ers. If replacement of part X requires removing part Y first they just say " Remove Y " , it's up to you to find the Y removal in another page of the file. Electrical schematics are fairly good, but again requires a skill to connect different components, Sample would be leaving the schematic section and then going to the connector or harness section of the file for harness/connector type/pins and end points, then going to the locations section of the file for physical locations of the connectors in the vehicle. This is basically how all actual service manuals work, The old paper ones used the same process but required 2-3 thick books to manipulate. Mine requires .PDF search instead.

 

** Some posts overlapped and I just re-read the original post was for Repair Manuals, No I do not have any experience with Kia Repair manuals, sorry for taking this off track into Factory Manuals *

 

@bobdec
No need to apologize for that. The level of detail being requested by the OP is unknown -- but the thread title gives us a hint ("Service Repair Workshop Manual") and that would seem to imply a much greater level of detail than a simple DIYer's fixit book.

One of the great shortcomings of many of the less expensive solutions is a lack of decent coverage on the electrical side.

 

Most of those PDF versions are not searchable. It becomes a real pain to narrow down a particular problem.

 

Kia had a bad habit of not publishing a service manual for the public intill the 10 years was up. You have a 10yr/100,000 mile warranty for a reason.

 

I have been using a web-based Service Manual .

 

I’ve already checked www.ksmanual.com but it only shows the first and second generations. No info. of the third generation (2016-2020, North America). I’m planing to replace the rear shocks (I’m considering Bilstein B6, part #: 24-254991 or Bilstein B4, part #: 19-261447) on my 2016 Sorento V6 AWD. The second and the third gen Sorento’s rear suspension parts and design are different.

 

Tom4416 , I use the 'find' feature in Adobe Acrobat Reader to locate text words in the .pdf file. It's absolutely a royal PITA. But it's the only factory manual alternative to paying the ransom 'Kia Global Information System' puts on them.
I'm registered,but have not had to use them yet..

nstoolman1, Unfortunately resales drop off Bumper-to-bumper in 5 years for non-power-train items. Purchased my '15 used, it was mfg May 2014 (do not have service date), it's been off warranty for over a year now. The '16-17 resales are probably hitting or soon will be out of the 5 year B-to-B warranty. Luckily you guys that purchased new have a few more years. Would be nice if Kia opened the door to service details for us used car buyers. .

Riksta, I have used that web manual, to me it's OK, but sporadic. Transmission is for 6 speed only, engine and PCM controls, sensors, plugs and cam stuff , etc. is only for 2.4 engine. Biggest thing for me was no electrical schematics, connections and harness info.

 

I know this is an old thread, but the topic is spot on for my question.
Do you still recommend the pdf from Factory Manuals?
Did you find something lacking in it to make you decide to get a subscription to Kia Global Information System?

Cheers,
Tom
(I'm just outside Atlanta)

 

Do you still recommend the pdf from Factory Manuals?

Since it's the only option beyond leasing the real manuals from Kia (see doc attached in post #10) I would obviously buy it again. I believe I paid something like $80.00 USD 6 years ago and obviously I have gotten rather good at maneuvering around the 5K page .pdf file. I found the wiring (schematic) wiring diagrams, connector pin descriptions for the entire car, and connector location and harness sections very helpful. I use it to assist others on the forum, unfortunately it's customized to my vin only, EG. V6 only no 2.2 info, no turbo info, etc. Also all wiring and repair info is for my SX only and limits what help I can provide others. What I found missing is there is no simple list of DTC error code descriptions. The DTC codes are buried under the repair info for each component, and they are severely lacking and often missing.