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

Repair Procedures

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
12steps
~72min
3/5difficulty
Done 0 of 12

Refrigerant System Service Basics

  • Because the electric compressor uses high voltage, use PVE or POE oil with a high volume resistivity.
  • Do not use the same A/C recovery/charging station as for conventional belt-driven compressors.
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.
Refrigerant Recovery: Use only service equipment that is UL listed and certified to meet SAE J2210 requirements for removal of HFC-134a (R-134a) from air conditioning systems.
  • Air conditioning refrigerant or oil vapors may cause irritation to the eyes, nose or throat.
  • Be careful when connecting service equipment.
  • Do not breathe refrigerant or its vapors.
If the system is accidentally discharged, ventilate the work area before resuming service. Additional health and safety information may be obtained from refrigerant and lubricant manufacturers.
  1. Connect the R-134a Refrigerant Recovery/Recycling/Charging System (A) to the high-pressure service port (B) and the low-pressure service port (C) as shown, following the equipment manufacturer's instructions.
  2. Measure the amount of refrigerant oil removed from the air conditioning system after the recovery process is complete. Be sure to add the same amount of new refrigerant oil back into the air conditioning system before charging.
System Evacuation: Use only service equipment that is UL listed and certified to meet SAE J2210 requirements for removal of HFC-134a (R-134a) from air conditioning systems.
  • Air conditioning refrigerant or oil vapors may cause irritation to the eyes, nose or throat.
  • Be careful when connecting service equipment.
  • Do not breathe refrigerant or its vapors.
If the system is accidentally discharged, ventilate the work area before resuming service. Additional health and safety information may be obtained from refrigerant and lubricant manufacturers.
  1. When the A/C system has been opened to the atmosphere, for example during installation or repair, it must be evacuated using an R-134a refrigerant recovery/recycling/recharging system. (If the system has been open for several days, the receiver/drier should be replaced and the system must be evacuated for several hours.)
  2. Connect the R-134a Refrigerant Recovery/Recycling/Charging System (A) to the high-pressure service port (B) and the low-pressure service port (C) as shown, following the equipment manufacturer's instructions.
  3. If the low pressure does not reach 93.3 kPa (700 mmHg, 27.6 inHg) within 10 minutes, there may be a leak in the system. Partially charge the system and check for leaks (refer to Leak Test).
  4. Remove the low-pressure valve from the low-pressure service port.
System Charging: Use only service equipment that is UL listed and certified to meet SAE J2210 requirements for removal of HFC-134a (R-134a) from air conditioning systems.
  • Air conditioning refrigerant or oil vapors may cause irritation to the eyes, nose or throat.
  • Be careful when connecting service equipment.
  • Do not breathe refrigerant or its vapors.
If the system is accidentally discharged, ventilate the work area before resuming service. Additional health and safety information may be obtained from refrigerant and lubricant manufacturers.
  1. Connect the R-134a refrigerant recovery/recycling/recharging system (A) to the high pressure service port (B), as shown, in accordance with the equipment manufacturer's instructions.
  2. Add the same amount of new refrigerant oil to the system as was removed during recovery. Use only the specified refrigerant oil. Charge the system with 19.4 ± 0.88 oz. (550 ± 25 g) of R-134a refrigerant. Do not overcharge the system, or the compressor will be damaged.
Refrigerant Leak Test: Always check for leaks using an electronic leak detector whenever a leak is suspected or refrigerant is lost, and during any service operation that involves disassembly, loosening or disconnecting of fittings.
To use the leak detector correctly, read the manual provided by the manufacturer.
If a refrigerant leak is detected, perform the following steps:
  1. Check the torque on the connection fittings and, if loose, tighten to the specified torque. Check for refrigerant leaks using a leak detector (A).
  2. If the leak continues even after the fitting has been tightened, discharge the refrigerant from the system, disconnect the fittings and inspect their sealing surfaces for damage. Always replace the fitting, even if the damage is minor.
  3. Check the compressor oil and add oil if necessary.
  4. Charge the system and recheck for refrigerant leaks. If no leaks are found, evacuate and recharge the system again.

Test yourself

A quick Kia Optima Hybrid Owner's Manual quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.