Kia Picanto JA Quiz
Maintenance

Air Conditioning Refrigerant / Compressor

In this manual: Maintenance
General Information — 8Maintenance — 30Engine Mechanical System — 46Engine Electrical System — 14Emission Control System — 11Engine Control System/Fuel System — 46Clutch System — 12Manual Transmission — 10Drive Shaft and Axle — 8Suspension System — 15Steering — 9Restraints — 17Brake System — 22Body (Interior and Exterior) — 104Body Electrical System — 80Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning — 17
30steps
~180min
5/5difficulty
Done 0 of 30

Repair Procedures

Refrigerant System Service Basics (R-134a)

Refrigerant Recovery. Use only UL-listed service equipment that is certified to meet SAE J2210 requirements when removing R-134a (HFC-134a) from the air conditioning system.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 low-pressure service port (C), as shown, according to 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 UL-listed service equipment that is certified to meet SAE J2210 requirements when removing R-134a (HFC-134a) from the air conditioning system.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 air conditioning system has been opened to the atmosphere, such as during installation or repair, it must be evacuated using the R-134a refrigerant recovery/recycling/charging unit. (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 low-pressure service port (C), as shown, according to 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 Refrigerant Leak Test.)
  4. Remove the low-pressure valve from the low-pressure service port.
System Charging. Use only UL-listed service equipment that is certified to meet SAE J2210 requirements when removing R-134a (HFC-134a) from the air conditioning system.In case of accidental system discharge, ventilate the work area before resuming work. 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 low-pressure service port (C), as shown, according to the equipment manufacturer's instructions.
  2. Add the same amount of new refrigerant oil as was removed during recovery. Use only the specified refrigerant oil. Charge the system with R-134a or R-1234yf refrigerant. Do not overcharge the system, as this may damage the compressor.

    Specified amount: 400 ± 25 g (14.1 ± 0.8 oz.)

Refrigerant Leak Test. Always perform a leak test using an electronic leak detector whenever refrigerant leakage occurs and when performing service operations that involve disassembly, loosening, or connecting of fittings.If a refrigerant leak is detected, perform the following steps:
  1. Check the tightening torque of the connection fittings. If they are loose, tighten them to the specified torque. Using a leak detector (A), check for gas leakage.
  2. If the leak continues even after tightening the fitting, discharge the refrigerant from the system, disconnect the fittings, and inspect their sealing surfaces for damage. Always replace if any damage is found, even 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.

Refrigerant System Service Basics (R-1234yf)

Refrigerant Identification
  • Do not mix HFO-1234yf (R-1234yf) in the vehicle with other refrigerants such as R-12, R-134a, etc.
  • Use only UL-listed service equipment that is certified to meet SAE standards for recovering and recycling R-1234yf from the air conditioning system. Do not use service equipment for other refrigerants such as R-12, R-134a, etc.
  • Check which refrigerant is in the system if there is any concern that the system has been tampered with in any way, and verify the type and amount of refrigerant that should be in the air conditioning system, and possible problems arising from accidental or intentional mixing of refrigerants.
  • Using a SAE-certified refrigerant identifier is recommended to prevent incorrect recovery and the resulting further spread of contaminated refrigerant, which can potentially damage other air conditioning systems and service equipment. Contaminated refrigerant (a mixture of more than one refrigerant or a non-system refrigerant) may cause potential contamination of more refrigerant when using recovery/recycling equipment.
  • Certain types of electronic leak detectors (heated diode or corona discharge), as well as motors, switches, and recovery and recycling control units and machines, can generate sparks that may serve as ignition sources in the presence of refrigerants classified as flammable (A2 or A3) under ASHRAE 34-2006.
  • Mixing refrigerants in the air conditioning system may result in higher than expected system pressure, damage to the system and components, diagnostic errors, and/or other potential hazards to people and the environment.
  • If another refrigerant has been mixed, collect the contaminated refrigerant in the air conditioning system and dispose of it in accordance with all applicable national, regional, or local regulations. Flush the inside of the air conditioning system with a special cleaning agent and charge it with new refrigerant.
Refrigerant Recovery. Use only UL-listed service equipment that is certified to meet SAE standards for removing HFO-1234yf (R-1234yf) from the air conditioning system.In case of accidental system discharge, ventilate the work area before resuming work. Additional health and safety information may be obtained from refrigerant and lubricant manufacturers.
  1. Connect the R-1234yf 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 UL-listed service equipment that is certified to meet SAE standards for removing HFO-1234yf (R-1234yf) from the air conditioning system.In case of accidental system discharge, ventilate the work area before resuming work. Additional health and safety information may be obtained from refrigerant and lubricant manufacturers.
  1. When the air conditioning system has been opened to the atmosphere, for example during installation or repair, it must be evacuated using an R-1234yf refrigerant recovery/recycling/charging 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-1234yf 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 exceed 87.7 kPa (658 mmHg, 25.9 inHg) after 5 minutes, there is likely a leak in the system. Partially charge the system and check for leaks (refer to "Refrigerant Leak Check").
  4. Remove the low-pressure valve from the low-pressure service port.
System Charging. Use only UL-listed service equipment that is certified to meet SAE standards for removing HFO-1234yf (R-1234yf) from the air conditioning system.In case of accidental system discharge, ventilate the work area before resuming work. Additional health and safety information may be obtained from refrigerant and lubricant manufacturers.
  1. Connect the R-1234yf refrigerant recovery/recycling/charging system (A) to the high-pressure service port (B) as shown, following the equipment manufacturer's instructions.
  2. Add the same amount of new refrigerant oil as was removed during recovery. Use only the specified refrigerant oil. Charge the system with R-134a or R-1234yf refrigerant. Do not overcharge the system, as this may damage the compressor.

    Specified amount: 400 ± 25 g (14.1 ± 0.8 oz.)

Refrigerant Leak Test: Always perform a leak test using an electronic leak detector whenever a refrigerant leak is suspected, and when performing service operations that involve disassembling, loosening, or connecting fittings. If a refrigerant leak is detected, perform the following steps:
  1. Check the torque on the connection fittings and, if they are too loose, tighten to the correct torque. Check for gas leakage using a leak detector (A).
  2. If the leak continues even after tightening the fitting, drain the refrigerant from the system, disconnect the fittings, and inspect their sealing surfaces for damage. Always replace, 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.

Inspection

Compressor

Engine Speed Check
  1. Turn on the air conditioner control switch.
  2. Check the engine speed.
  3. When the compressor is operating, the speed should be as follows. [KAPPA 1.0 MPI]
    Ignition Timing BTDC 6° ± 10°
    Idle Speed A/C OFF Neutral, N, P Range 660 ± 100 rpm
    D Range 660 ± 100 rpm
    A/C ON Neutral 660 ± 100 rpm
    D, N, P Range 660 ± 100 rpm

    [GAMMA 1.2 MPI]
    Ignition Timing BTDC 6° ± 10°
    Idle Speed A/C OFF Neutral, N, P Range 660 ± 100 rpm
    D Range 660 ± 100 rpm
    A/C ON Neutral 660 ± 100 rpm
    D, N, P Range 660 ± 100 rpm
  4. Turn on the air conditioner control switch.
  5. Check the compressor from the engine compartment.
  6. A knocking noise is heard when the compressor is operating.
Noise Check

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