Kia Engine Oil Change

Learn how easy it is to change the engine oil on Kia vehicles with four-cylinder engines (Theta II). This guide will help you change the engine oil and filter on many models, including Kia Rondo, Forte, Optima, Sportage, and Sorento.

Requirements

• Warm up the engine for two to three minutes, then turn it off. It will help the suspended contaminations mix with the oil and drain out with the old oil.
• Park the car on level ground.

What you will need

• 5W-30 Engine Oil
  • Most commonly used
  • Full synthetic recommended
• Oil Filter
• 10mm, 17mm socket
• Torque wrench
• Oil filter pliers
• Oil drain pan

Procedure

1. Park the vehicle on level ground or drive it up ramps. Set the emergency parking brakes and shifter to the PARK position.
2. Open the hood by pulling the hood release under the dashboard.
3. Raise the vehicle. Using ramps makes changing the oil much easier and safer. If you plan on changing the oil regularly, you may want to consider investing in a set of ramps. Otherwise, jack up the front of the Kia using the jack that came with your car or an aluminum jack.
4. Secure Vehicle with jack stands. DO NOT SKIP THIS STEP. Block the rear wheels using wheelchucks.
5. Remove the Drain Plug and drain the oil. Early Kias had an access hole to drain the oil and remove the filter. Specific Kia models don’t have access holes, so you must remove the 10 mm bolts and pull down the skid panel to remove the oil filter and drain plug.
6. Loosen oil drain boltLocate the drain plug and remove the bolt. Use a 17 mm socket to turn the bolt counterclockwise. Once you break the bolt loose, you can use your hands to remove it. Make sure to have the oil pan under the oil drain hole.
7. Remove and replace the oil filter. Locate the oil filter. In the following picture, the oil filter stands out as red.
8. The filter can be removed by twisting it counterclockwise.
9. Use oil filter pliers to remove the old oil filter. Oil may still be in the filter, so be careful as you remove the old filter to avoid spilling oil on your hands.
10. Clean the surface where the oil filter will be installed. Oil filter gasket: Apply engine oil to the gasket on the new oil filter.
11. Screw the new oil filter in and tighten it by hand. If you prefer to use a torque wrench, tighten the filter to 11.5 ft-lb.
12. Add Engine OilRemove the oil filler cap on top of the engine. The oil filter cap should be labeled and usually stamped with the recommended oil type. Unscrew the cap counterclockwise. Insert a funnel into the oil filler hole. 
13. Slowly pour the oil into the engine. Add the required quarts as indicated in your owner’s manual. Once you add the recommended engine oil, reinstall the filler cap.
14. Check Engine Oil Level: Start the engine for 3 minutes to circulate the oil inside the engine. Turn off the engine and wait for a few minutes before checking the engine oil level. Make sure the oil is below the FULL mark but above the LOW.

Theta II Owners: Watch the Oil Level

Kia and Hyundai Theta II engines have been the subject of major recalls and extended warranties for connecting rod bearing failures. Low or old oil makes the problem worse. Check the oil level every few fill ups, change it on schedule with the grade on your oil cap, and check your VIN for open recalls or warranty extensions. A knocking noise or the oil light means stop and get it checked.

Have a 2018 or newer Forte? See our Kia Forte 2.0 oil change guide.

Reset Kia Oil Service Interval

Remember to reset the oil service reminder. Look for the Distance to Service reminder in your Kia dashboard menu.

The following are instructions on resetting the Distance Reminder on a Kia Optima. These instructions may vary between models.

1. Press and hold the RESET button until the instrument cluster displays Engine Oil Service Reminder
2. Scroll down using the TRIP button and select the Maintenace menu.
3. Select an item. Press the RESET button again.
4. Select the maintenance schedule. Note that this will depend on the oil and filter that you use. You would need to change your oil in 3000 miles if you used conventional oil. Some synthetic oils protect up to 15,000 miles.

Notes

• Be careful when draining the oil. If the engine hasn’t cooled down, the oil may be hot and cause burning. Allow at least five minutes for the old oil to drain. Let the oil drain for at least fifteen minutes or more if time allows.
• Clean the drain plug and the oil bolt using a clean, dry cloth. Reinstall the drain bolt using your hand first. This will ensure that the bolt starts to go smoothly and that no threads get damaged. If you have a new washer for the drain bolt, make sure to install it.
• Tighten the oil drain plug by hand until it stops. Then tighten the bolt to 25 ft-lbs.

Applications

Follow the instructions to learn how easy it is to change the engine oil on Kia models.

Theta/Theta-II Engine: 2.0L (G4KA, G4KD, G4KF, G4KH)

Show Kia models

• Kia Rondo (2007-)
• Kia Forte 2.0 (2009 to 2013)
• Kia Optima GDI 2.0 Turbocharged (2011-)
• Kia Sportage GDI 2.0 Turbocharged (2011-)
• Kia Sorento GDI 2.0 Turbocharged (2016-)

Theta/Theta-II Engine: 2.4L (2359cc) (G4KC, G4KE, G4KG, G4KJ)

Show Kia models

• Kia Optima (2006 to 2010)
• Kia Optima GDI (2011-)
• Kia Rondo (2007-)
• Kia Cadenza GDI (2011-)
• Kia Sportage (2011-)
• Kia Sorento (2011-)
• Kia Forte (2010 to 2013)

Frequently Asked Questions

What oil does a Kia Theta II engine use?

Use the viscosity printed on the oil filler cap or in your manual. Many use 5W-30 or 5W-20 full synthetic.

How do I reset the oil light on a Kia?

Use the steering wheel buttons to open the User Settings or Service Interval menu in the cluster and reset the oil interval. Exact steps vary by model.

Why should Theta II owners check oil often?

These engines had recalls for bearing failures, and low oil increases the risk. Checking the level every few fill ups catches problems early.

Check these troubleshooting and repair guides for more help on your Kia.

---

Related Products

---