System Operation
Ventilation
1. Set the mode to
position.
2. Set the air 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 air 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 the air conditioning system (if equipped) on.
• If the windshield fogs up, set the mode to
or
position.
Operating Tips
- To protect against dust or unpleasant odors entering the vehicle through the ventilation system, temporarily set the air intake control to the recirculation position. Be sure to return the control to the fresh air position when the irritation 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 just in front of the windshield. Make sure they are not blocked by leaves, snow, ice, or other obstructions.
- To prevent interior windshield fogging, set the air intake control to the fresh air position and the fan speed to the desired setting, turn on the air conditioning system, and adjust the temperature control to the desired temperature.
Air Conditioning
Kia air conditioning systems are filled with environmentally friendly refrigerant*1.
1. Start the engine. Press the A/C button.
2. Set the mode to
position.
3. Set the air intake control to the fresh air or recirculation position.
4. Adjust the fan speed and temperature control to maintain maximum comfort.
CAUTION
- The refrigerant system must be serviced only by trained and certified technicians to ensure proper and safe operation.
- The cooling system must be serviced in a well-ventilated area.
- The A/C evaporator (cooling coil) is never to be repaired or replaced from a used or scrapped vehicle. New replacement A/C evaporators must be certified (and marked) as conforming to SAE J2842.
NOTICE
- When using the air conditioning system, carefully monitor the temperature gauge during driving uphill or in heavy traffic when outside temperatures are high. Operating the air conditioning system may cause the engine to overheat. Continue to use the blower, but turn the air conditioning system off if the temperature gauge indicates engine overheating.
- When opening the windows 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.
Air Conditioning System Operation Tips
- If the vehicle has been parked in direct sunlight in hot weather, open the windows for a short time to let the hot air out of the vehicle interior.
- To reduce humidity inside the windows on rainy or humid days, reduce the humidity inside the vehicle by operating the air conditioning system.
- While the air conditioning system is operating, you may occasionally notice a slight change in engine speed as the air conditioner compressor cycles on and off. This is a normal operating characteristic of the system.
- Run the air conditioning system for a few minutes each month to ensure maximum system performance.
- When using the air conditioning system, you may notice clear water dripping (or even a puddle) on the ground under the passenger side of the vehicle. This is a normal system operating characteristic.
- 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 mode, you may sometimes notice a misty airflow, because of rapid cooling and intake of humid air. This is a normal system characteristic.
Test yourself
A quick Kia Picanto JA quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.