Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
2012 Kia Optima LX, Standard TransFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Quick Lookups: Fluids
| FLUID CAPACITIES | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fluid Type | Application | Standard | Metric | Fluid Spec | Note | S/H | |
| Air Cond Compressor Oil | Gas | 3.30 OZS. | 0.09 L | PAG #FD46XG | S | ||
| Air Cond Refrigerant | 1.21 LBS. | 0.54 KG | R-134a | S | |||
| Automatic Transmission Fluid | 2.4L Eng | 7.50 QTS. | 7.09 L | MICHANG ATF SP-IV, SK ATF SP-IV, NOCA ATF SP-IV, KIA genuine ATF SP-IV or other brands meeting the SP III specification approved by Kia Motor Corp | S | ||
| Brake Fluid | 0.70 QTS. | 0.66 L | FMVSS116 DOT 3 or DOT 4 Brake Fluid | S | |||
| Engine Coolant | 2.4L Eng | 7.18 QTS. | 6.79 L | 50/50 mixture of Ethylene Glycol Antifreeze and water | The engine coolant should be compatible with aluminum engine parts. | S | |
| Engine Oil | 2.4L Eng | w/Filter | 4.86 QTS. | 4.59 L | API - SM, ILSAC GF-4, SAE 5W-20, SAE 5W-30 | S | |
| Fuel Tank | 18.49 GALS. | 69.99 L | S | ||||
| Manual Transmission Fluid | 1.90 QTS. | 1.79 L | API - GL-4 SAE- 75W-85 or other brands meeting the GL-4 specification approved by KIA Motors Corp. | Fill for-life. | S | ||
| Windshield Washer Fluid | N/A | N/A | S | ||||
Factory Service Tools
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
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