Kia Optima: Repair procedures

Refrigerant System Service Basics

Refrigerant Recovery

Use only service equipment that is U.L-listed and is certified to meet the requirements of SAE J2210 to remove HFC-134a(R-134a) from the air conditioning system.

- Air conditioning refrigerant or lubricant vapor can irritate your eyes, nose, or throat. - Be careful when connecting service equipment. - Do not breathe refrigerant or vapor.

If accidental system discharge occurs, ventilate work area before resume of service.

Additional health and safety information may be obtained from the refrigerant and lubricant manufacturers.

1.	Connect an R-134a 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 A/C system after the recovery process is completed. Be sure to install the same amount of new refrigerant oil back into the A/C system before charging.

System Evacuation

Use only service equipment that is U.L-listed and is certified to meet the requirements of SAE J2210 to remove HFC-134a(R-134a) from the air conditioning system.

- Air conditioning refrigerant or lubricant vapor can irritate your eyes, nose, or throat. - Be careful when connecting service equipment. - Do not breathe refrigerant or vapor.

If accidental system discharge occurs, ventilate work area before resume of service.

Additional health and safety information may be obtained from the refrigerant and lubricant manufacturers.

1.

When an A/C System has been opened to the atmosphere, such as during installation or repair, it must be evacuated using an R-134a refrigerant Recovery/Recycling/Charging System. (If the system has been open for several days, the receiver/dryer should be replaced, and the system should be evacuated for several hours.)

2.	Connect an R-134a 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 reach more than 93.3 kPa (700 mmHg, 27.6 in.Hg) in 10 minutes, there is probably a leak in the system. Partially charge the system, and check for leaks (see Leak Test.).

4.	Remove the low pressure valve from the low-pressure service port.

System Charging

Use only service equipment that is U.L-listed and is certified to meet the requirements of SAE J2210 to remove HFC-134a(R-134a) from the air conditioning system.

- Air conditioning refrigerant or lubricant vapor can irritate your eyes, nose, or throat. - Be careful when connecting service equipment. - Do not breathe refrigerant or vapor.

If accidental system discharge occurs, ventilate work area before resume of service.

Additional health and safety information may be obtained from the refrigerant and lubricant manufacturers.

1.	Connect an R-134a 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 to system that was removed during recovery. Use only specified refrigerant oil. Charge the system with 19.4 ± 0.88 oz. (550 ± 25g) of R-134a refrigerant. Do not overcharge the system the compressor will be damaged.

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.

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.