Air Conditioning System - Except Hev: Diagnosis Kia Optima III

Refrigerant Leak Test

Always conduct a leak test with an electronic leak detector whenever leakage or refrigerant is suspected and when conducting service operations which are accompanied by disassembly or loosening or connection fittings.

Note. In order to use the leak detector properly, read the manual supplied by the manufacturer.

If a gas leak is detected, proceed as follows

1. Check the torque on the connection fittings and, if too loose, tighten to the proper torque. Check for gas leakage with a leak detector (A).
2. If leakage continues even after the fitting has been tightened, discharge the refrigerant from the system, disconnect the fittings, and check their seating faces for damage. Always replace, even if the damage is slight.
3. Check the compressor oil and add oil if required.
4. Charge the system and recheck for gas leaks. If no leaks are found, evacuate and charge the system again.

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Inspection

1. Check the condenser fins for clogging and damage. If clogged, clean them with water, and blow them with compressed air. If bent, gently bend them using a screwdriver or pliers.
2. Check the condenser connections for leakage, and repair or replace it, if required.

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1. Recover the refrigerant with a recovery/recycling/charging station.
2. Disconnect the negative (-) battery terminal.
3. Remove the discharge line and liquid line (A) from the condenser. Tightening torque: 3.9~5.8 N.m (0.4~0.6Kgf.m, 2.9~4.3 lb-ft) NOTE: Plug or cap the lines immediately after disconnecting them to avoid moisture and dust contamination.
4. Disconnect the mounting clip, and then remove the air duct hose assembly (A).
5. Loosen the radiator bracket mounting bolts (A).
6. Remove the radiator fan. Refer to «RADIATOR»(ref-429612-S40935160952011101500000) .
7. Disconnect the pin (A) and then remove the condenser (C) from radiator (B).
8. Install in the reverse order of removal, and note these items : If you're installing a new condenser, add refrigerant oil ND-OIL8. Replace the O-rings with new ones at each fitting, and apply a thin coat of refrigerant oil before installing them. Be sure to use the right O-rings for R-134a to avoid leakage. Be careful not to damage the radiator and condenser fins when installing the condenser. Be sure to install the lower mount cushions of condenser securely into the holes. Charge the system, and test its performance.

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1. Remove the condenser, and then remove the bottom cap (B) with L wrench (A) from the condenser. Tightening torque: 20~25 N.m (2.0~2.5kgf.m, 14.5~18.2 lb-ft)
2. Remove the desiccant (A) from condenser using long nose pliers. Check for crumbled desiccant and clogged bottom cap filter.
3. Apply air conditioning compressor oil along the O-rings and threads of the new bottom cap.
4. Insert the new desiccant into the receiver drier tank. The desiccant must be sealed in vacuum before it is exposed to air for use.
5. Install the new bottom cap to the condenser. NOTE: Always replace the desiccant and bottom cap at the same time. Replace the O-rings with new ones at each fitting, and apply a thin coat of refrigerant oil before installing them. Be sure to use the right O-rings for R-134a to avoid leakage. Be careful not to damage the radiator and condenser fins when installing the condenser. Be sure to install the lower mount cushions of condenser securely into the holes. Charge the system, and test its performance.

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1. Ignition "OFF"
2. Disconnect evaporator temperature sensor.
3. Using the multi-tester, Measure resistance between terminal "1" and "2" of evaporator temperature sensor.

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Specification

RESISTANCE SPECIFICATIONS

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1. Disconnect the negative (-) battery terminal.
2. Loosen the mounting screw and then remove the crash pad lower cover (A).
3. Remove the evaporator temperature sensor (A), by pulling it after rotating 90° in a counterclockwise direction.
4. Installation is the reverse order of removal.

1. Ignition "ON"
2. Using the scan tool.
3. Emit intensive light toward photo sensor using a lamp, and check the output voltage change.
4. The voltage will rise with higher intensive light and reduce with lower intensive light.

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1. Disconnect the negative (-) battery terminal.
2. With the (-) driver, remove the photo sensor (A) from the center of defrost nozzle.
3. Install in the reverse order of removal.

1. Press the MODE switch more then 4 times within 2 seconds while pressing the OFF switch.

MODE SWITCH REFERENCE CHART

* Diagnostic procedure refer to AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS .

Scheme 25

1. Disconnect the negative (-) battery terminal.
2. Remove the crash pad. Refer to «CRASH PAD»(ref-429563-S02617692222011101500000) .
3. Loosen the screws and then remove the cluster ionizer (A).
4. Installation is the reverse order of removal.