Kia Optima: Air Conditioning System / Compressor

The compressor is the power unit of the air conditioning system.

It is located on the side of the cylinder block and is driven by the engine drive belt.

The compressor converts low-pressure, low-temperature gaseous refrigerant into high-pressure, high-temperature gaseous refrigerant.

1. Compressor

1
If the compressor is operating at its limit, run the engine at idle and let the air conditioner operate for several minutes, then stop the engine.
2
Disconnect the negative (-) battery terminal.
3
Recover the refrigerant using a recovery/recharging station.
4
Remove the engine room cover.

G 2.0 NU MPI (Refer to Engine Mechanical System - "Engine Compartment Cover")

G 2.5 GDI THETA II (Refer to Engine Mechanical System - "Engine Compartment Cover")
5
Loosen the drive belt.

G 2.0 NU MPI (Refer to Engine Mechanical System - "Drive Belt")

G 2.5 GDI THETA II (Refer to Engine Mechanical System - "Drive Belt")
6
Remove the bolts, then disconnect the suction line (A) and discharge line (B) from the compressor.

Tightening Torque: 21.6–32 N·m
Caution
- Plug or cap the lines immediately after disconnecting them to prevent moisture and dust from entering.
7
Press the lock pin and disconnect the compressor connector (A).
8
Loosen the mounting bolts and remove the compressor assembly (A).

Tightening Torque: 21.6–32 N·m

1
Make sure the compressor mounting bolts of the correct length are tightened. Tighten the mounting bolts in the specified order.

Tightening Torque: 21.6–32 N·m
2
Install in the reverse order of removal.
NOTE
- If installing a new compressor, drain all the refrigerant oil from the removed compressor and measure its volume. Subtract the volume of drained oil from the initial capacity. The result is the amount of compressor 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 O-rings suitable for R-134a or R-1234yf to prevent leaks.
- To prevent contamination, do not return dispensed oil to the container and never mix it with other refrigerant oils.
- Immediately after using the oil, close the container cap tightly to prevent moisture absorption.

1
Inspect the limiter and hub for discoloration, peeling, or other damage. If damaged, replace the assembly.
2
Check the clearance of the pulley bearing (A) and rotate the pulley by hand. Replace the pulley if it is noisy or has excessive play/drag.

Compressor Type: Fixed-type compressor, External control valve, Internal control valve.

For the fixed type and internal control valve type, the compressor operation can be checked by the clutch engagement sound.

However, for the external control valve type, it cannot be checked this way because it does not have a clutch.

Therefore, the ECV should be checked using the KDS as shown below.

1
Connect the KDS to the vehicle and select "A/C Compressor Test (ECV Type)".

[ECV1]
2
Prepare the vehicle according to the KDS instructions on the monitor. (Turn off only the A/C switch)
3
Before inspecting the ECV compressor, check whether other DTCs are present. If so, resolve those issues first. If not, press the "OK" button to continue.

NOTE
Do not continue the inspection if the following DTCs are detected: B1241, B1242, B1672, B1685, B1686, B1687
4
Start Inspection

Caution
Check whether the condenser fan operates when the condition changes to "ECV operating".

Caution
The pressure relief valve operates if the condenser fan does not operate due to excessive pressure in the system. This helps the air conditioning system to relieve pressure by releasing refrigerant and oil (oil is lost during relief).

※ Recharge refrigerant and oil after the pressure relief valve has operated.

※ Noise occurred when the pressure relief valve operated.
5
Check the inspection result.

[ECV7]

[ECV8]
6
If the result displays "Check", press "Check" and follow the instructions.
7
Recheck the ECV from the first step.

1
Remove the front wheel [RH].
2
Remove the engine room cover.

G 2.0 NU MPI (Refer to Engine Mechanical System - "Engine Compartment Cover")

G 2.5 GDI THETA II (Refer to Engine Mechanical System - "Engine Compartment Cover")
3
Remove the clutch bolt (A) while holding the pulley with the clutch bolt puller (09383-59100).

Tightening Torque: 9.8–14.7 N·m
4
Loosen the limiter bolts, then remove the limiter and hub assembly (A).
5
Remove the pulley (A) after first removing the snap ring using snap ring pliers.
NOTE
- Be careful not to damage the pulley and compressor during disassembly/assembly.
- After removing the snap ring, replace it with a new one.
6
Assemble in the reverse order of disassembly.

Compressor