maintenance
100K Service
for 2015 Kia Forte 1.8L I4 · FWD
Difficulty
Moderate
Time
5.0 h
Tools
14
Steps
12
Complete 100,000 mile scheduled maintenance service including fluid changes, filter replacements, spark plugs, and comprehensive inspection of critical systems.
Warnings
⚠️Allow engine to cool completely before beginning work. Hot coolant and oil can cause severe burns.
⚠Used engine oil contains harmful contaminants. Avoid prolonged skin contact and dispose of all fluids at an approved recycling facility.
⚠Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack. Always use properly rated jack stands.
ℹ️This service requires approximately 10 quarts of ATF. Have sufficient fluid on hand before beginning transmission service.
Tools required
Socket set (metric)Essential
Torque wrenchEssential
Oil filter wrenchEssential
Drain pan (minimum 12 qt capacity)Essential
Jack and jack standsEssential
Wheel chocksEssential
Funnel setEssential
Spark plug socket (16mm)Essential
Ratchet extensionsEssential
Pliers
Screwdrivers (flathead and Phillips)
Fluid transfer pump
Inspection light
Tire pressure gaugeEssential
Parts
- Engine oil filter × 1 — 26300-35503 or equivalent
- Engine air filter × 1 — 28113-2H000 or equivalent
- Cabin air filter × 1 — 97133-2H001 or equivalent
- Spark plugs × 4 — 18854-10080 or NGK equivalent
- Drain plug washer × 1 — 21513-23001 or equivalent
Fluids
- Kia Genuine 5W-20 engine oil — 4.5 qt
- Hyundai/Kia Long Life Coolant (Green) — 7.5 qt
- Kia SP-IV-M ATF — 10 qt
- DOT 4 Brake Fluid — 1 qt
Preparation
- Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake
- Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
- Allow engine to cool completely (minimum 2 hours after last operation)
- Gather all required fluids, filters, and parts before beginning
- Raise front of vehicle with jack and secure on jack stands at manufacturer specified lift points
- Remove engine cover if equipped by pulling upward on cover
Procedure
- 1Drain engine oilPlace drain pan under oil pan drain plug. Remove drain plug using appropriate socket and allow oil to drain completely (approximately 10-15 minutes). Inspect drain plug threads and washer for damage. Replace crush washer with new part and reinstall drain plug hand-tight, then tighten to specification.
- 2Replace engine oil filterPosition drain pan under oil filter located on front side of engine block. Use oil filter wrench to remove old filter by turning counterclockwise. Clean filter mounting surface on engine block. Apply thin film of new engine oil to rubber gasket on new filter. Install new filter hand-tight, then turn an additional 3/4 to 1 full turn. Do not over-tighten.
- 3Replace engine air filterOpen hood and locate air filter housing on driver side of engine bay. Release clips securing air filter housing cover. Remove cover and extract old air filter element. Clean inside of air filter housing with damp cloth, removing any debris. Install new air filter element ensuring proper seating in housing. Reinstall cover and secure all clips.
- 4Replace cabin air filterOpen glove box and remove contents. Press inward on both sides of glove box to release stops and lower completely. Remove cabin air filter cover by releasing tabs. Slide out old cabin air filter noting direction of airflow arrows. Install new filter with airflow arrows pointing in same direction as original. Reinstall cover and restore glove box to normal position.
- 5Replace spark plugsDisconnect ignition coil connectors from all four coils. Remove mounting bolt from each coil pack and carefully pull coils straight up from valve cover. Use compressed air to clean debris from around spark plug wells. Using spark plug socket with extension, remove all four spark plugs. Inspect plug threads in cylinder head. Gap new spark plugs to specification (typically 0.039-0.043 inches). Apply small amount of anti-seize to plug threads. Install new plugs hand-tight, then tighten to specification using torque wrench. Reinstall ignition coils and secure with mounting bolts. Reconnect coil connectors.
- 6Refill engine oilLower vehicle to ground. Locate oil filler cap on top of valve cover. Remove cap and insert funnel. Pour in 4.0 quarts of Kia Genuine 5W-20 engine oil initially. Wait 2 minutes for oil to settle, then check dipstick level. Add remaining oil in small increments until level reaches between MIN and MAX marks on dipstick. Do not overfill. Reinstall oil filler cap and engine cover.
- 7Drain and refill automatic transmission fluidRaise vehicle on jack stands. Locate transmission drain plug on bottom of transmission pan. Place large drain pan underneath (fluid capacity is 10 quarts). Remove drain plug and allow fluid to drain completely (approximately 20-30 minutes). Reinstall drain plug with new washer and tighten. Locate transmission fill plug on side of transmission case. Remove fill plug. Using fluid transfer pump or funnel with hose, add Kia SP-IV-M ATF through fill hole until fluid begins to drip from fill hole. With engine off and transmission at operating temperature position, fluid should be at bottom of fill hole threads. Reinstall fill plug.⚠Transmission fluid drains slowly. Ensure drain pan has adequate capacity and allow sufficient time for complete drainage.
- 8Exchange engine coolantEnsure engine is completely cold. Place large drain pan under radiator. Remove radiator cap slowly to release any residual pressure. Locate radiator drain valve (petcock) at bottom driver side of radiator. Open drain valve and allow coolant to drain completely. Close drain valve securely. Fill cooling system with Hyundai/Kia Long Life Coolant (Green) premixed or mixed to 50/50 ratio with distilled water. Fill radiator to top and also fill coolant reservoir to MAX line. Install radiator cap. Start engine and allow to reach operating temperature with heater on maximum. Monitor coolant level and add as needed. After engine cools, recheck level and top off if necessary.⚠️Never open cooling system when hot. System is pressurized and can cause severe burns.
- 9Flush and refill brake fluidLocate brake fluid reservoir under hood on driver side near firewall. Using turkey baster or fluid extraction pump, remove old fluid from reservoir until nearly empty. Refill with fresh DOT 4 brake fluid to MAX line. Beginning with right rear wheel, attach clear hose to bleeder valve and place other end in container. Have assistant slowly depress brake pedal while you open bleeder valve. Close valve before pedal reaches floor. Repeat until fluid runs clear. Move to left rear, right front, then left front wheel in that order. Maintain reservoir level throughout process. When complete, ensure reservoir is at MAX line and brake pedal feels firm.⚠Do not allow brake fluid reservoir to run empty during bleeding process or air will enter system requiring complete re-bleeding.ℹ️Brake fluid is corrosive to paint. Immediately clean any spills with water.
- 10Inspect and adjust tire pressuresUsing accurate tire pressure gauge, check pressure in all four tires plus spare. Refer to driver door jamb sticker for correct pressure specifications (typically 33 PSI front and rear for this vehicle). Adjust pressures as needed. Inspect tires for wear indicators, uneven wear patterns, cuts, or bulges. Measure tread depth at multiple points on each tire; minimum legal depth is 2/32 inch but replacement is recommended at 4/32 inch.
- 11Perform comprehensive underbody inspectionWith vehicle raised on jack stands, systematically inspect the following: CV boots for tears or grease leakage; ball joints and tie rod ends for excessive play; suspension bushings for cracking or deterioration; brake lines for corrosion or damage; exhaust system for leaks or loose hangers; engine and transmission for fluid leaks; drive belt for cracking, glazing, or fraying; battery terminals for corrosion. Document any findings requiring attention.
- 12Check all fluid levels and top off as neededWith engine cold and vehicle on level ground, verify final levels of all fluids: engine oil (dipstick between MIN and MAX); coolant (reservoir at MAX line); brake fluid (at MAX line); power steering fluid if equipped (at proper mark on reservoir); windshield washer fluid (fill to top). Top off any fluids as necessary.
Reassembly
- Ensure all drain plugs and fill caps are properly tightened
- Verify all protective covers and shields are reinstalled
- Remove jack stands and lower vehicle to ground
- Double-check that no tools or materials are left in engine bay
Verification
- Start engine and verify no warning lights are illuminated on instrument cluster
- Allow engine to idle for 5 minutes and inspect underneath for any fluid leaks
- Check engine oil level with engine warm; should be between MIN and MAX on dipstick
- Test drive vehicle for 10-15 minutes, verifying normal operation of engine, transmission, and brakes
- After test drive, recheck all fluid levels and inspect for leaks one final time
- Reset maintenance reminder light if equipped using vehicle settings menu or scan tool
- Document service completion with date and mileage for vehicle records