Kia Optima Hybrid Owner's Manual Quiz
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning

General Safety Information and Precautions

In this manual: Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning
General Information — 4Engine Mechanical System — 50Engine Electrical System — 20Emission Control System — 30Engine Control System/Fuel System — 84Automatic Transmission — 98Drive Shaft and Axle — 15Suspension System — 36Steering — 12Restraints — 50Brake System — 38Body (Interior and Exterior) — 54Body Electrical System — 233Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning — 57
18steps
~108min
4/5difficulty
Done 0 of 18

Instructions

When Handling Refrigerant
  1. Liquid R-134a is very volatile. A drop on the skin may cause local frostbite. When handling refrigerant, always wear gloves.
  2. It is standard practice to wear safety glasses or goggles to protect the eyes and gloves to protect the hands. If refrigerant splashes into the eyes, flush them immediately with clean water.
  3. The R-134a container is under high pressure. Never leave it in a hot place, and make sure the storage temperature is below 52 °C.
  4. Use only an electronic leak detector to check the refrigerant system for leaks. Be aware that R-134a produces phosgene, a highly toxic gas, when it contacts a flame.
  5. Use only the lubricant recommended for R-134a systems. If lubricants other than those recommended are used, system failure may occur.
  6. PVE or POE oil rapidly absorbs moisture from the atmosphere, so observe the following precautions:
    • When removing refrigerant components from the vehicle, immediately cap the components to prevent moisture from entering.
    • When installing refrigerant components on the vehicle, do not remove the cap until the components are ready to be connected.
    • Complete the connection of all refrigerant pipes and hoses immediately to prevent moisture from entering the air conditioning system.
    • Use only recommended lubricant taken from a sealed container.
  7. Do not use the same A/C recovery/charging station as for conventional belt-driven compressors.
  8. Because the electric compressor uses high voltage, use PVE or POE oil with a high volume resistivity.
    If PVE or POE oil mixes with PAG oil in the system, dielectric breakdown may occur due to reduced volume resistivity, and the air conditioning compressor may be damaged and may not operate.
  9. In case of accidental discharge of the system, ventilate the work area before resuming work.
  10. Never open or loosen a connection until the system has been discharged.
  11. Immediately cap or plug open component fittings to prevent moisture or dirt from entering.
  12. Do not remove the sealing caps from a replacement component until it is ready for installation.
  13. Always install a new O-ring before connecting an open fitting. Coat the fitting and O-ring with refrigerant oil before connecting.
When replacing air conditioning system parts. When installing connecting parts: Flange with guide pin. Check the new O-ring for damage (use only the specified type) and apply compressor oil. Tighten the nut to the specified torque.
Size Tightening Torque [N·m (kgf·m, ft-lbf)]
Standard Bolt, Nut
Bolt (4T), Nut (4T) Bolt (8T), Nut (6T)
M6 4 - 6 (0,4 - 0,6, 2,9 - 4,3) 8 - 12 (0,8 - 1,2, 5,7 - 8,6)
M8 9 - 14 (0,9 - 1,4, 6,5 - 10) 20–30 (2,0–3,0, 14–21,6)
M10 19 - 28 (1,9 - 2,8, 13,7 - 20) 45–60 (4,5–6,0, 32–43,3)
Size Flange Bolt, Nut
Bolt (4T), Nut (4T) Bolt (8T), Nut (6T)
M6 4 - 6 (0,4 - 0,6, 2,9 - 4,3) 9–14 (0,9–1,4, 6,5–10,1)
M8 10 - 15 (1,0 - 1,5, 7 - 10) 22–33 (2,2–3,3, 15,9–23,8)
M10 21 - 31 (2,1 - 3,1, 15 - 22) 50–65 (5,0–6,5, 36,1–7,0)

  • T indicates the tensile strength stamped on the bolt head with a number only.
Handling Pipes and Fittings: The internal parts of the refrigeration system remain chemically stable as long as clean refrigerant free of moisture and refrigerant oil are used. Abnormal amounts of dirt, moisture, or air can disturb chemical stability and cause malfunctions or serious damage. The following precautions must be observed.
  1. When the refrigerant system must be opened, have everything needed for the service ready so the system is not left open longer than necessary.
  2. Cap or plug all lines and fittings as soon as they are opened to prevent dirt and moisture from entering.
  3. All lines and components in the parts stock must remain capped or sealed until they are ready for use.
  4. Never attempt to bend pre-formed lines to make them fit. Use the correct line for the installation you are servicing.
  5. All tools, including the refrigerant dispensing manifold, gauge manifold and charging hoses, must be kept clean and dry.

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