Vehicle database
KIA Sephia
First Generation / First generation / Second Generation / 1996-2001 / Sedan / Sedan / Hatchback
Global (with regional engine variants)North America, select global markets (including South Korea and parts of Latin America)Global / North America, South Korea, Europe, Latin America (variation by market)Coverage: expanded
Year and trim selector
Choose the exact year and trim to see engine, oil and service details.
1996 KIA Sephia T8D/T8E (SA)
SA / T8D, T8E, T8F / 1.5L SOHC I4 (T8D and T8E) and 1.6L SOHC I4 (T8F) gasoline engines; variations depend on market (e.g., US and Asian markets typically had 1.5L, some markets received 1.6L)
GoldOpen details
Oil type: API SG or higher, 10W-30 or 5W-30Oil capacity: Approximately 3.7 liters (including filter) - service-fill, includes filter changeRelated: P0300, P0420, P0171, P0455
1999 KIA Sephia T8D/B6 (JF)
JF / T8D, B6 / 1.8L SOHC inline-4 (T8D) and 1.5L SOHC inline-4 (B6), carbureted or fuel-injected depending on market
SilverOpen details
Oil type: API SG or higher, SAE 10W-30 or 5W-30Oil capacity: Approximately 3.5 liters service-fill including filter changeRelated: B6, T8D
2001 KIA Sephia T8D/B3 (SA)
SA / T8D, B3 / Typical 2001 Kia Sephia engines included a 1.8 L SOHC I4 (T8D) for most markets, and a 1.5 L SOHC I4 (B3) in select export markets. Engine options varied by region due to emissions and local demand.
SilverOpen details
Oil type: API SG or better, SAE 10W-30 or 5W-30Oil capacity: Approx. 3.5 liters (including filter) - service-fill capacity, filter change recommended with serviceRelated: T8D for 1.8L I4 SOHC engine, B3 for 1.5L I4 SOHC engine
Engine codes by year
| Year | Trim | Engine codes | Displacement | Fuel system |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 | technical-profile | T8D, T8E, T8F | 1.5L (1495 cc), 1.6L (1597 cc) | Multipoint Fuel Injection |
| 1999 | technical-profile | T8D, B6 | 1796 cc (1.8L) and 1495 cc (1.5L) | Multipoint fuel injection (MPI) in most markets; some early or specific trims may use carburetors |
| 2001 | technical-profile | T8D, B3 | 1.8 L (1795 cc) and 1.5 L (1495 cc) | Multi-point fuel injection |
Oil capacity by engine
| Year | Engine codes | Oil type | Oil capacity | Fluid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 | T8D, T8E, T8F | API SG or higher, 10W-30 or 5W-30 | Approximately 3.7 liters (including filter) - service-fill, includes filter change | Dexron II or III for automatic transmission |
| 1999 | T8D, B6 | API SG or higher, SAE 10W-30 or 5W-30 | Approximately 3.5 liters service-fill including filter change | Dexron III or equivalent ATF for automatic; SAE 80W-90 gear oil for manual transmission |
| 2001 | T8D, B3 | API SG or better, SAE 10W-30 or 5W-30 | Approx. 3.5 liters (including filter) - service-fill capacity, filter change recommended with service | Dexron III automatic transmission fluid or equivalent |
Technical specifications
- Engines: T8D, T8E, T8F, B6, B3
- Transmissions: 5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic, Dexron II or III for automatic transmission, Dexron III or equivalent ATF for automatic; SAE 80W-90 gear oil for manual transmission, 5-speed manual (varies by market), 4-speed automatic (available in some markets), Dexron III automatic transmission fluid or equivalent
- Tire sizes: 175/70R13, 185/65R14, 185/65 R14, 195/60 R15, 195/60R15
- Bolt pattern: Verify by exact trim and wheel package
- Wheel torque: Verify by VIN and wheel package
- Battery: Verify by engine, market and equipment package
Fluids and service data
- Engine oil: API SG or higher, 10W-30 or 5W-30 / API SG or higher, SAE 10W-30 or 5W-30 / API SG or better, SAE 10W-30 or 5W-30
- Transmission fluid: Dexron II or III for automatic transmission / Dexron III or equivalent ATF for automatic; SAE 80W-90 gear oil for manual transmission / Dexron III automatic transmission fluid or equivalent
- Coolant: Approximately 6 liters / 6.0 liters / Approx. 6.5 liters
- Brake fluid: DOT 3 / DOT 3 or higher
Known problems
- Timing belt wear requiring replacement at recommended intervals
- Rust on body panels in humid climates
- Carburetor issues not typical due to fuel injection
- Timing belt wear recommended to replace every 60,000 miles
- Coolant leaks around water pump seals
- Rust in high-humidity or salted-road regions
- Timing belt wear - replace every 60,000 km
- Cooling system leaks
- Fuel pump failure in some markets