Kia Soul EV Owner's Manual Quiz
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning

Electric A/C Compressor Repair Procedures

In this manual: Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning
General Information — 17Maintenance — 17Drive Shaft and Axle — 15Suspension System — 36Steering — 24Restraints — 48Brake System — 37Body (Interior and Exterior) — 207Body Electrical System — 203Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning — 80Electric Vehicle Battery System — 115
12steps
~72min
3/5difficulty
010203040501511N·mlb·ft
Tightening torque found on this page
Done 0 of 12

Removal
  • Be sure to read and observe the "General Safety Information and Caution" before performing any work on the high voltage system. Failure to follow the safety instructions may result in serious electrical injury.
  • Before performing any work, be sure to disconnect high voltage related to the high voltage system (refer to "High Voltage Disconnection Procedure"). Failure to follow safety instructions may result in serious electric shock.
  1. If the compressor is operating at its limit, start the engine and run the A/C for several minutes, then turn the engine off.
  2. Disconnect the negative (-) battery terminal.
  3. Disconnect the high-voltage circuit. (Refer to Electric Vehicle Battery System - High Voltage Disconnection Procedure)
  4. Recover the refrigerant using a recovery/recharging station.
    • If PAG oil is mixed with the system's POE oil, dielectric breakdown may occur due to reduced volume resistance, and the compressor may not operate.
  5. Disconnect the compressor connector (A) and high-voltage connector (B) after loosening the bolt.
  6. Remove the high-voltage cable retaining bracket of the compressor (A).
  7. Remove the engine room cover. (Refer to Traction Motor System - Under Cover)
  8. Remove the engine room under the side cover [LH]. (Refer to Traction Motor System - Under Cover)
  9. Remove the suction hose (A) and discharge hose (B) after loosening the bolts and nuts. [Without Heat Pump]
    [With Heat Pump]
  10. Remove the electric A/C compressor (A) after loosening the mounting bolts. [Without Heat Pump]
    [With Heat Pump]

Installation

  1. Make sure the compressor mounting bolts are of the correct length and thread in properly. Tighten the mounting bolts to the specified tightening sequence.

    Tightening torque: 10.0 ~ 15 N·m

  2. Install in the reverse order of removal, and pay attention to the following:
    • If installing a new compressor, drain all refrigerant oil from the removed compressor and measure its volume. Subtract the drained oil volume from 125±10 cc. The result is the amount of oil that must be drained from the new compressor (through the suction port).
    • Replace the O-rings with new ones at each fitting and apply a thin coat of refrigerant oil before installation. Be sure to use the correct O-rings for R-134a to prevent leakage.
    • To avoid contamination, do not return spilled oil to the container, and never mix it with other refrigerant oils.
    • Immediately after use, close the container with its cap to prevent moisture absorption.
    • If PAG oil is mixed with the system's POE oil, dielectric breakdown may occur due to reduced volume resistance, and the compressor may not operate.

Test yourself

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