Manual Air Conditioning System

- Fan button
- Windshield defroster button
- Rear window defroster button
- Temperature button
- Windshield de-icer button
- Mode selection button
- Air intake control button
Heating and Air Conditioning
- Start the engine.
- Set the mode to the desired position.
- Heating:

- Cooling:

- Set the temperature to the desired level.
- Set the air intake control to outside air (fresh) or recirculated air.
- Set the fan speed.
- If you want to use the air conditioner, press the air conditioner button (if equipped).


Mode Selection
The MODE button selects the direction of airflow from the ventilation system.
Face level
(B, C, D, E, F)
Air is directed to the upper body and face. Each vent can be adjusted to control the airflow.
Bi-level
(B, C, D, E, F)
Airflow is directed to the face and floor.
Floor level
(A, C, D, E)
Most of the airflow is directed to the floor; a small amount of airflow is also directed to the windshield and side defrost vents.
Floor/defrost level
(A, C, D, E)
Most of the airflow is directed to the floor and windshield, with a small amount of airflow directed to the side defrost vents.
Defrost level
(A, D)
Most of the airflow is directed to the windshield, with a small amount of airflow directed to the side defrost vents.

MAX A/C (B, D, E)
To use the air conditioner at maximum capacity, turn on the air conditioner and press MAX A/C.
Airflow is directed to the upper body and face.
In this mode, the air conditioner and recirculated air position are selected automatically.

Dashboard Vents
The vents can be opened or closed individually using the dial.
You can also adjust the direction of airflow from these vents using the lever, as shown.

Temperature Control
The temperature control regulates the temperature of the air supplied by the ventilation system. To change the cabin temperature, turn the knob clockwise for warmer air, or counterclockwise for cooler air.

Air Intake Control
This button selects outside air or recirculation of cabin air.
To change the air intake control position, press the button.
Recirculated Air Position
The
button indicator light illuminates when the setting is in the recirculation position.
When recirculated air is selected, cabin air is drawn in by the air conditioning system, then heated or cooled depending on the function selected.
Outside Air Position
The
button indicator light is off when the setting is in the outside air position.
When outside air is selected, air enters the vehicle from outside and is then heated or cooled depending on the function selected.
NOTICE
Prolonged use of the heater in the recirculated air position (without the air conditioner selected) may cause the windshield and side windows to fog, and the cabin air may develop a stale odor.
In addition, prolonged use of the air conditioner with recirculated air will produce excessively dry air in the cabin.
WARNING- Continuous use of the air conditioning system in recirculation mode can increase the humidity level inside the vehicle, fog up the windows and reduce visibility.
- Do not sleep in the vehicle with the air conditioner or heater running. A drop in oxygen level or body temperature can pose serious health risks.
- Continuous use of the air conditioning system in recirculation mode can cause drowsiness and lead to loss of vehicle control. Whenever possible, set the air intake control to fresh air while driving.

Fan knob
The fan only operates when the ignition switch is in the ON position.
The fan knob controls the fan speed. To change the speed, simply turn the knob clockwise to increase the speed, or counterclockwise to decrease it.
The fan stops when the mode selector knob is turned to the "0" position.

Air conditioner (if equipped)
- Select the mode.
- Set the fan speed.
- Set the air conditioner knob.
However, if you select (
),
the fresh air position will not work.
System operation
Ventilation
- Set the mode to the
. - Set the air intake control to fresh air.
- Set the temperature to the desired level.
- Set the fan to the desired speed.
Heating
- Set the mode to the
. - Set the air intake control to fresh air.
- Set the temperature to the desired level.
- Set the fan to the desired speed.
- For dehumidification, turn on the air conditioner (if equipped).
- If the windshield fogs up, set the mode to the
or
.
Driving tips
- To prevent dust and unpleasant odors from entering the vehicle through the ventilation system, set the air intake control to recirculation. Return the control to the fresh air position once you have passed the area, to keep fresh air in the vehicle. This will help keep the driver alert and comfortable.
- Air for the heating/air conditioning system is drawn in through grilles just in front of the windshield. Make sure these grilles are always clean and free of leaves, snow, ice or other obstructions.
- To prevent the inside of the windshield from fogging up, set the air intake control to fresh air and the fan to the desired speed; turn on the air conditioner and adjust the temperature to the desired degree.
Air conditioner (if equipped)
All Kia air conditioners are charged with environmentally friendly R-134a refrigerant, which does not harm the ozone layer.
- Start the engine and press the air conditioner button.
- Set the mode to the
. - Set the air intake control to recirculation. However, prolonged use of recirculated air will dry the air excessively. If this happens, change the position of the control.
- Adjust the fan speed and temperature for optimal comfort.
- When the desired level of cooling is reached, turn the temperature control to the far left, set the mode control to MAX A/C, then set the fan to its maximum speed.
NOTICE
- When using the air conditioner, watch the temperature gauge closely when climbing hills or in heavy traffic, and when the outside temperature is high. The air conditioner may cause the engine to overheat. Keep the fan running, but turn off the air conditioner if the temperature gauge indicates overheating.
- If you lower the windows in wet weather, the air conditioner may cause water droplets to form inside the vehicle. Since excessive water droplets can damage electrical equipment, only use the air conditioner with the windows closed.
Tips on using the air conditioner
- If the vehicle has been parked in the sun in hot weather, lower the windows for a while to let the hot air escape from the cabin.
- To reduce moisture on the inside of the windows in rainy or humid weather, reduce the humidity inside the cabin by running the air conditioner.
- When using the air conditioner, you may occasionally notice a change in engine speed when the air conditioner compressor engages. This is a normal operating characteristic.
- Run the air conditioner once a month, even for just a few minutes, to ensure optimal system performance.
- While the air conditioner is operating, you may notice condensation droplets (even a small puddle) forming on the floor on the passenger side. This is a normal operating characteristic.
- Using the air conditioner in recirculation mode does not provide maximum cooling; furthermore, continuous use in this mode may make the air stale.
- During cooling, you may notice a misty airflow due to rapid cooling and intake of humid air. This characteristic is part of the normal operation of the system.

Air Conditioning Air Filter
The air conditioning air filter is installed behind the glove box and filters dust and other pollutants that could enter the vehicle through the air conditioning system. If, over time, dust and pollutants build up on the filter, you will notice a reduction in airflow from the vents. This will cause moisture to build up inside the cabin, even with the air intake control set to fresh air. In this case, have the air conditioning air filter replaced at an authorized Kia dealer.
NOTICE
- Replace the filter as indicated in the maintenance schedule.
Check the refrigerant level in the air conditioner and the lubricant level in the compressor
When the refrigerant level is low, the cooling performance of the air conditioner is reduced. Overcharging can also have a negative effect on the air conditioning system.
If abnormal operation is noticed, have the system inspected by an authorized Kia dealer.
NOTICE
It is important to use the correct type and amount of oil and refrigerant. Otherwise, you may damage the compressor and the system may not operate properly.
WARNINGAir conditioning service must be performed by an authorized Kia dealer. Improper service could cause serious injury to the person performing the work.
Test yourself
A quick Kia Optima DL3 quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.