The PCV valve in a Kia Soul is typically located on the engine’s valve cover, connected to the intake manifold via a vacuum hose. Exact placement varies by engine and year, but you’ll usually access it from the top of the engine once the cover is removed.
This guide explains where to look on common Soul engines and how to locate and inspect or replace the PCV valve safely.
Common PCV valve locations by engine type
Note: PCV valve placement varies with engine design. The following are typical locations for common Kia Soul engines. For your exact year and engine, consult the factory manual or a service guide.
2.0L Nu inline-4 (non-turbo)
In the 2.0L Nu engine used in many Souls, the PCV valve is mounted on the valve cover toward the rear passenger side, connected to the intake manifold by a short vacuum hose. You’ll usually see it once the engine cover or ducting is removed.
- Location: valve cover rear, passenger side
- Connection: vacuum hose to the intake manifold
- Accessibility: typically accessible from above with the engine cover off
Concluding: This is the most common PCV setup on many 2.0L Souls, making inspection straightforward if you can see the valve cover.
1.6L Gamma/GDI family
Some Souls use the 1.6L Gamma/GDI engines. The PCV valve is usually mounted on the valve cover with a hose running to the throttle body or intake plenum. The exact spot is on the side or rear edge of the cover and can be partly obscured by hoses.
- Location: valve cover side or rear edge
- Connection: hose to throttle body/intake plenum
- Accessibility: may require removing engine cover or ductwork
Concluding: Expect a small plastic valve on the valve cover with a single vacuum hose; replacement steps are similar to other engines.
1.6L Turbo variants
Turbo versions of the 1.6L family also place the PCV valve on the valve cover as part of the valve cover assembly, with additional vacuum lines feeding the turbo intake. The valve is typically behind or at the side of the cover and may be partly hidden by hoses or the intercooler piping.
- Location: valve cover area, often toward the rear
- Connection: vacuum hoses to the intake and turbo system
- Accessibility: likely requires removing some hoses or ductwork
Concluding: For turbo engines, expect a slightly more complex valve‑cover assembly, but the PCV valve is still mounted on the valve cover.
How to locate and inspect/replace the PCV valve
Use these steps to locate and inspect or replace the PCV valve on a Kia Soul.
- Park on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and ensure the engine is cold.
- Disconnect the negative battery terminal to avoid accidental electrical issues while you work.
- Remove the engine cover and any ducting or intake tubing that obscures the valve cover.
- Look for a small plastic valve with a vacuum hose attached on or near the valve cover; this is the PCV valve. If needed, trace the hose to the intake manifold or throttle body.
- Test the valve: shake it gently; it should rattle if it's not clogged. If it doesn’t, replace it with an OEM or equivalent part.
- Install any hoses firmly, reattach the engine cover, and reconnect the battery terminal.
- Start the engine and check for smooth idle and absence of vacuum leaks. If symptoms persist, inspect the associated hoses for cracks or splits.
Concluding: Following these steps will help you locate, inspect, and replace the PCV valve on most Kia Soul engines and ensure proper crankcase ventilation.
Summary
The PCV valve in a Kia Soul is normally mounted on the valve cover and connected to the intake manifold via a vacuum hose. Exact placement varies by engine type and year, but you’ll typically access it from the top of the engine after removing the cover. Use the guidance above to locate, inspect, or replace the PCV valve safely, and refer to your vehicle’s service manual for model‑specific instructions.