Kia Sportage: Climate control system. Operating climate control system

Climate control system components

The Kia Sportage climate control air filter traps dust and other airborne pollutants before outside air enters the cabin. As the filter collects contaminants, airflow from the vents may gradually weaken. Moisture can then build up on the inside of the windscreen, even when fresh-air intake is selected.

Replace the climate control air filter when needed. If you are unsure how to do this, have the work carried out by a professional workshop; Kia recommends an authorised Kia dealer or service partner. For replacement instructions, refer to the Air cleaner filter section.

CAUTION

Replace the climate control air filter at the intervals specified in the Maintenance Schedule. Delaying replacement can reduce airflow and heating or cooling performance, and may cause unpleasant odours inside the vehicle.

NOTE

If airflow from the vents drops suddenly, have the climate control system inspected by a professional workshop. Kia recommends an authorised Kia dealer or service partner.

Air conditioning refrigerant label

1. Caution

2. Refrigerant classification

3. Compressor lubricant classification

4. Flammable refrigerant

5. Requirement for a registered air conditioning service technician

6. Refrigerant charge amount

7. Service manual reference

8. CO2 equivalent of the refrigerant

The refrigerant label inside the engine compartment identifies the type of air conditioning refrigerant used in your Kia Sportage. Refer to the Refrigerant label section for further information.

TIP

If the refrigerant charge is too low, air conditioning performance will decline. An excessive charge can also impair system operation.

If the air conditioning system behaves abnormally, have it inspected by a professional workshop. Kia recommends an authorised Kia dealer or service partner.

WARNING

• Vehicles equipped with R-134a

  The air conditioning system operates under high pressure and must be serviced only by trained, certified technicians. The correct refrigerant type and quantity of oil and refrigerant must be used.

  Incorrect service or materials can damage the vehicle and cause personal injury.

• Vehicles equipped with R-1234yf

  R-1234yf is mildly flammable and the air conditioning system operates under high pressure. Have the system serviced only by trained, certified technicians.

  Use only the specified type and quantity of oil and refrigerant. Refrigerant must be recovered with suitable equipment; releasing it directly into the atmosphere can harm people and the environment. Ignoring these precautions may result in serious injury.

CAUTION

Air conditioning repairs

The wrong type or amount of oil or refrigerant can damage the vehicle. To protect the air conditioning system, have it serviced only by trained, certified Kia technicians.

Operating climate control system

Operation

1. Start the vehicle before operating the climate control system.

2. Select the airflow mode you want. For more effective heating or cooling, use the corresponding mode:

   • Heating:

   • Cooling:

3. Set the temperature control to the level you prefer.

4. If needed, select outside (fresh) air using the air intake control.

5. Choose the fan speed that provides the airflow you want.

6. If desired, switch the air conditioning on while setting a high temperature to dehumidify the air entering the cabin.

   If the windscreen begins to fog, select Front Defrost mode:

Selecting air flow modes

Operation

• Choose where air should enter the cabin through the ventilation outlets.

  On automatic Type A systems, the airflow outlets change in the sequence shown below.

Controlling air intake

Operation

• Select either outside (fresh) air or recirculated air, depending on the conditions and the setting you need.

• Outside (fresh) air: Air is drawn into the vehicle from outside. On versions without a dedicated outside-air button, the indicator light is off when this mode is selected.

• Recirculated air: Air from the passenger compartment is circulated through the heating system. On versions without a dedicated outside-air button, the indicator light illuminates when this mode is selected.

WARNING

• Using recirculated air continuously can raise humidity inside the Kia Sportage. The windows may fog, reducing visibility.

• Never sleep in a vehicle with the heating or air conditioning system operating. A drop in oxygen levels or body temperature could cause serious injury or death.

• Prolonged use of recirculated air while driving can cause drowsiness and reduce your ability to control the vehicle. Use outside (fresh) air as much as possible while driving.

NOTE

Running the heater for an extended time with recirculated air selected and the air conditioning off may fog the windscreen and side windows and make the cabin air feel stale. Using the air conditioning for a long time with recirculated air selected can make the cabin air excessively dry.

Controlling instrument panel vents

Operation

1. Adjust each vent to direct airflow where it is needed.

2. To close a vent, move its lever away from the passenger.

3. To open a vent, move its lever towards the passenger.

Air conditioning (A/C)

Operation

• Press the A/C button to switch the air conditioning on or off.

Interior lights

Interior Lights Always On: (if equipped) The Interior Lights Always On function keeps the interior button illumination available regardless of whether it is day or night. To enable this function i...

Manual climate control system: (if equipped)

Fan speed control knob Front windscreen defroster button Infotainment and climate control panel switching button Airflow mode selection button Tempe...