System Operation
Ventilation
1. Set the mode to
position.
2. Set the intake control to the outside (fresh) air position.
3. Set the temperature control to the desired position.
4. Set the fan speed control to the desired speed.
Heating
1. Set the mode to
position.
2. Set the intake control to the outside (fresh) air position.
3. Set the temperature control to the desired position.
4. Set the fan speed control to the desired speed.
5. If dehumidified heating is required, turn on the air conditioning system (if equipped).
• If the windshield fogs up, set the mode to
or
position.
Operating Tips
- To prevent dust or unpleasant odors from entering the vehicle through the ventilation system, temporarily set the air intake control to recirculation. Be sure to return the control to the fresh air position when the irritant has passed to keep fresh air in the vehicle. This helps keep the driver alert and comfortable.
- Air for the heating/cooling system is drawn in through the grille only in front of the windshield. Make sure the grille is not blocked by leaves, snow, ice, or other obstructions.
- To prevent interior windshield fogging, set the air intake control to the fresh air position, set the fan speed as desired, turn on the air conditioning, and adjust the temperature control to the desired temperature.
Air Conditioning
Kia air conditioning systems are charged with R-1234yf refrigerant.
1. Start the engine. Press the A/C button.
2. Set the mode to
position.
3. Set the air intake control to the outside air or recirculation position.
4. Adjust the blower speed and temperature control for maximum comfort.
- The refrigerant system must be serviced only by trained and certified technicians to ensure proper and safe operation.
- Service the refrigerant system in a well-ventilated area.
- Never repair the air conditioning evaporator (cooling coil) or replace it with one removed from a used or scrapped vehicle. Replacement MAC evaporators must be certified (and marked) as conforming to SAE J2842.
CAUTION! Excessive air conditioner use
When using the air conditioning system, closely monitor the temperature gauge when driving uphill or in heavy traffic at high outside temperatures. Operating the air conditioning system may cause the engine to overheat. Continue to use the fan, but turn off the air conditioning system if the temperature gauge indicates engine overheating.
CAUTION
When the windows are opened in humid weather, the air conditioner may create water droplets inside the vehicle. Since excessive water droplets may damage electrical equipment, the air conditioner should only be used with the windows closed.
- If the vehicle has been parked in direct sunlight in hot weather, open the windows briefly to release the hot air from the vehicle interior.
- To reduce humidity and fogging on the windows on rainy or humid days, reduce the humidity inside the vehicle with the air conditioning system turned on.
- During air conditioning operation, you may occasionally notice a slight change in engine speed when the A/C compressor engages. This is a normal operating characteristic of the system.
- Operate the air conditioning system for only a few minutes each month to maintain maximum system performance.
- When using the air conditioning system, you may notice clear water dripping (or even puddles) on the ground under the passenger side of the vehicle. This is a normal operating characteristic of the system.
- Operating the air conditioning system in recirculation mode provides maximum cooling; however, continuous operation in this mode may cause the air inside the vehicle to become stale.
- During cooling operation, you may occasionally notice a misty airflow due to rapid cooling and intake of humid air. This is a normal characteristic of system operation.
Test yourself
A quick Kia Optima DL3 quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.