The PCV valve is mounted on the engine's valve cover and is connected to a vacuum hose that runs to the intake manifold. On most 2018 Kia Souls, you’ll find it on the valve cover on the passenger side near the firewall, though exact placement can vary by engine type.
With two common four-cylinder engines offered in 2018 Souls, the PCV route is similar, but the physical location can shift slightly. This article walks you through locating it and confirming you’re looking at the right valve.
Where the PCV valve sits on the 2018 Soul
Use the steps below to locate the PCV valve on the 2018 Kia Soul. The PCV valve is typically mounted in or on the valve cover and is connected to a short vacuum hose that leads to the intake manifold. Depending on the engine variant, the exact spot may differ slightly, but it will be accessed from the top with the valve cover visible once you remove any engine cover.
- Identify your engine variant to know the precise spot: 2.0L inline-4 (common in base Soul models) or the 1.6L turbo option in higher trims.
- For the 2.0L engine: look for a small round or cylindrical plastic valve seated in or on the valve cover, typically toward the back (toward the firewall) with a short hose connected to the intake manifold.
- For the 1.6L turbo engine: the PCV valve is usually on the valve cover as well, but some configurations place it near the front of the valve cover or integrated into the oil separator assembly; trace the hoses from the valve cover to the throttle body intake to confirm.
- Follow the hose from the suspect valve to the intake manifold or throttle body to verify you’ve found the PCV valve, not a breather tube or oil separator line.
- If the valve is obscured by the engine cover, remove that cover (if present) by releasing its fasteners and inspecting the valve area directly.
Conclusion: Locating the PCV valve means identifying the valve cover area and tracing a hose to the intake. The precise spot can vary by engine variant, so verify which engine you have before searching.
Signs the PCV valve may need attention
Before listing common symptoms, this quick reminder: a faulty PCV valve can cause rough running, poor fuel economy, or increased oil consumption. If you observe any of the issues below, inspect or test the PCV system as part of routine maintenance.
- Rough idle, misfires, or stalling, especially at idle.
- Increase in oil consumption or oil leaks around the valve cover area.
- Check engine light or fault codes related to vacuum/air intake (P0171, P0174-type codes are common for PCV issues on various engines).
- Hissing or whistling noises from the engine bay, especially at idle, indicating a vacuum leak.
- Visible cracked hoses or a clogged/blocked PCV valve assembly.
Conclusion: If you notice these signs, inspect the PCV valve and associated hoses; a clogged or faulty PCV valve is a common cause of vacuum leaks and rough running in late-model four-cylinder engines, including the 2018 Kia Soul.
What to do next
If you're unsure about performing PCV valve inspection or replacement, consult a qualified mechanic. Replacing the PCV valve is a relatively inexpensive maintenance item, but incorrect installation or choosing the wrong valve can cause engine problems. Always use the correct part for your engine variant and follow OEM service procedures.
Conclusion: When in doubt, have a professional verify the PCV system and replace the valve if needed to maintain proper crankcase ventilation and engine performance.
Summary
The PCV valve on a 2018 Kia Soul sits in or on the engine's valve cover and is connected to a vacuum hose that runs to the intake manifold. Exact placement varies by engine variant (2.0L inline-4 or optional 1.6L turbo), but you locate it by inspecting the valve cover area and tracing the hose to the intake. If symptoms appear, inspect and replace as necessary to maintain crankcase ventilation and engine performance.