2022 Kia Soul Owners Manual - Automatic climate control system

Automatic climate control system

1. Driver`s temperature control knob
2. AUTO (automatic control) button
3. Front windshield defroster button
4. Rear window defroster button
5. Air conditioning button
6. Air intake control button
7. Blower OFF button
8. Fan speed control button
9. Mode selection button
10. Passenger`s temperature control knob
11. SYNC button
12. A/C display
13. Front glass heater

CAUTION

Operating the blower when the ignition switch is in the ON position could cause the battery to discharge. Operate the blower when the engine is running.

Automatic heating and air conditioning

1. Push the AUTO button. The modes, fan speeds, air intake and air-conditioning will be controlled automatically according to the temperature setting.

2. Set the temperature control knob to set the desired temperature.

NOTICE

• To turn the automatic operation off, select any button or switch of the following:
  - Mode selection button
  - Air conditioning button
  - Front windshield defroster button (Press the button one more time to deselect the front windshield defroster function. The AUTO sign will illuminate on the information display once again.)
  - Fan speed control knob
  The selected function will be controlled manually while other functions operate automatically.
• For your convenience and to improve the effectiveness of the climate control, use the AUTO button and set the temperature to 22°C (72°F).

NOTICE

Never place anything over the sensor located on the instrument panel to ensure better control of the heating and cooling system.

Manual heating and air conditioning

The heating and cooling system can be controlled manually by pushing buttons other than the AUTO button. In this case, the system works sequentially according to the order of buttons selected.

When pressing any button (or turning any knob) except the AUTO button while using automatic operation, the functions not selected will be controlled automatically.

1. Start the engine.

2. Set the mode to the desired position. To improve the effectiveness of heating and cooling:
- Heating: 
- Cooling: 

3. Set the temperature control to the desired position.

4. Set the air intake control to the outside (fresh) air position.

5. Set the fan speed control to the desired speed.

6. If air conditioning is desired, turn the air conditioning system on. Press the AUTO button in order to convert to full automatic control of the system.

Mode selection

The mode selection button controls the direction of the air flow through the ventilation system.

The air flow outlet port is converted as follows:

Refer to the illustration in the “Manual climate control system” on page 4-112.

Floor & Defrost (A, C, D, E, F)

Most of the air flow is directed to the floor and the windshield with a small amount directed to the side window defrosters.

Face-Level (B, D, F)

Air flow is directed toward the upper body and face. Additionally, each outlet can be controlled to direct the air discharged from the outlet.

Bi-Level (B, D, C, E, F)

Air flow is directed towards the face and the floor.

Floor-Level (C, A, D, E, F)

Most of the air flow is directed to the floor, with a small amount of the air being directed to the windshield and side window defrosters.

Defrost mode

When you select the defrost mode, the following system settings will be made automatically:

• The air conditioning system will be turned on.
• The outside(fresh) air position will be selected.
• The fan speed will be set to the high speed.

To turn the defrost mode off, press the mode button or defrost button again or AUTO button.

Instrument panel vents

The outlet port can be opened or closed separately using the horizontal thumbwheel. To close the vent, rotate it downward to the maximum position. To open the vent, rotate it upward to the desired position.

Also, you can adjust the direction of air delivered from these vents using the vent control lever as shown.

Temperature control

The temperature will increase to the maximum (HI) by turning the knob to the right extremely.

The temperature will decrease to the minimum (Lo) by turning the knob to the left extremely.

When turning the knob, the temperature will increase or decrease by 0.5°C/1°F. When set to the lowest temperature setting, the air conditioning will operate continuously.

Adjusting the driver and passenger side temperature equally

• Press the “SYNC” button to adjust the driver and passenger side temperature equally. The passenger side temperature will be set to the same temperature as the driver side temperature.
• Turn the driver side temperature control knob. The driver and passenger side temperature will be adjusted equally.
• When the third row’s seat heater button is turned ON, the third row’s climate and fan speed setting will automatically follow the first row settings.

Adjusting the driver and passenger side temperature individually

• Press the “SYNC” button again to adjust the driver and passenger side temperature individually. The illumination of button turns off.
• Operate the driver side temperature control knob to adjust the driver side temperature.
• Operate the passenger side temperature control knob to adjust the passenger side temperature.

Temperature conversion

You can switch the temperature mode between Centigrade to Fahrenheit as follows:

While pressing the OFF button, press the AUTO button for 4 seconds or more.

The display will change from Centigrade to Fahrenheit, or from Fahrenheit to Centigrade.

If the battery has been discharged or disconnected, the temperature mode display will reset to Centigrade.

Air intake control

This is used to select the outside (fresh) air position or recirculated air position.

To change the air intake control position, press the control button.

Recirculated air position

With the recirculated air position selected, air from the passenger compartment will be drawn through the heating system and heated or cooled according to the function selected.

Outside (fresh) air position

With the outside (fresh) air position selected, air enters the vehicle from outside and is heated or cooled according to the function selected.

NOTICE

Prolonged operation of the heater in the recirculated air position (without air conditioning selected) may cause fogging of the windshield and side windows and the air within the passenger compartment may become stale.

In addition, prolonged use of the air conditioning with the recirculated air position selected will result in excessively dry air in the passenger compartment.

WARNING

• Continued climate control system operation in the recirculated air position may allow humidity to increase inside the vehicle which may fog the glass and obscure visibility.
• Do not sleep in a vehicle with the air conditioning or heating system on. It may cause serious harm or death due to a drop in the oxygen level and/or body temperature.
• Continued climate control system operation in the recirculated air position can cause drowsiness or sleepiness, and loss of vehicle control. Set the air intake control to the outside (fresh) air position as much as possible while driving.

Fan speed control, Air conditioning (A/C)

Fan speed control

The fan speed can be set to the desired speed by operating the fan speed control knob.

The higher the fan speed is, the more air is delivered.

Pressing the OFF button turns off the fan.

Air conditioning (A/C)

Press the A/C button to turn the air conditioning system on (indicator light will illuminate).

Press the button again to turn the air conditioning system off.

Front glass heater

The front glass heater heats the window to remove frost, fog and thin ice from the interior and exterior of the front window, while the engine is running.

To activate the front glass heater, press the front glass heater button. The indicator on the front glass heater button illuminates when the front glass heater is ON.

If there is heavy accumulation of snow on the front window, brush it off before operating the front glass heater.

The front glass heater automatically turns off after approximately 15 minutes or when the ignition switch is turned off. However, if you press the button again after the heater is turned off automatically after 15 minutes, the heater will stay on only for 5 minutes. To turn off the front glass heater while it is operating, press the front glass heater button again.

OFF mode

Press the OFF button to turn off the air climate control system. However, you can still operate the air intake buttons as long as the ignition switch is in the ON position.

System operation

Ventilation

1. Set the mode to the  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 the  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 desired, turn the air conditioning system (if equipped) on.

• If the windshield fogs up, set the mode to the  or  position.

Operation tips

• To keep dust or unpleasant fumes from entering the vehicle through the ventilation system, temporarily set the air intake control to the recirculated air 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 will help keep the driver alert and comfortable.
• Air for the heating/cooling system is drawn in through the grilles just ahead of the windshield. Care should be taken that these are not blocked by leaves, snow, ice or other obstructions.
• To prevent interior fog on the windshield, set the air intake control to the fresh air position and fan speed to the desired position, turn on the air conditioning system, and adjust the temperature control to desired temperature.

Air conditioning

Kia Air Conditioning Systems are filled with environmentally friendly refrigerant*.

1. Start the engine. Push the air conditioning button.

2. Set the mode to the  position.

3. Set the air intake control to the outside air or recirculated air position.

4. Adjust the fan speed control and temperature control to maintain maximum comfort.

CAUTION

• The refrigerant system should only be serviced by trained and certified technicians to insure proper and safe operation.
• The refrigerant system should be serviced in a well-ventilated place.
• The air conditioning evaporator (cooling coil) shall never be repaired or replaced with one removed from a used or salvaged vehicle and new replacement MAC evaporators shall be certified (and labeled) as meeting SAE Standard J2842.

NOTICE

• When using the air conditioning system, monitor the temperature gauge closely while driving up hills or in heavy traffic when outside temperatures are high. Air conditioning system operation may cause engine overheating. Continue to use the blower fan but turn the air conditioning system off if the temperature gauge indicates engine overheating.
• When opening the windows in humid weather air conditioning may create water droplets inside the vehicle. Since excessive water droplets may cause damage to electrical equipment, air conditioning should only be used with the windows closed.

Air conditioning system operation tips

• If the vehicle has been parked in direct sunlight during hot weather, open the windows for a short time to let the hot air inside the vehicle escape.
• To help reduce moisture inside of the windows on rainy or humid days, decrease the humidity inside the vehicle by operating the air conditioning system.
• During air conditioning system operation, you may occasionally notice a slight change in engine speed as the air conditioning compressor cycles. This is a normal system operation characteristic.
• Use the air conditioning system every month only for a few minutes to ensure maximum system performance.
• When using the air conditioning system, you may notice clear water dripping (or even puddling) on the ground under the passenger side of the vehicle. This is a normal system operation characteristic.
• Operating the air conditioning system in the recirculated air position provides maximum cooling, however, continual operation in this mode may cause the air inside the vehicle to become stale.
• During cooling operation, you may occasionally notice a misty air flow because of rapid cooling and humid air intake. This is a normal system operation characteristic.

Climate control air filter

A : Outside air
B : Recirculated air
C : Climate control air filter
D : Blower
E : Evaporator core
F : Heater core

The climate control air filter installed behind the glove box filters the dust or other pollutants that come into the vehicle from the outside through the heating and air conditioning system.

If dust or other pollutants accumulate in the filter over a period of time, the air flow from the air vents may decrease, resulting in moisture accumulation on the inside of the windshield even when the outside (fresh) air position is selected. If this happens, have the climate control air filter replaced by a professional workshop. Kia recommends to visit an authorized Kia dealer/ service partner.

NOTICE

• Replace the filter according to the Maintenance Schedule. If the vehicle is being driven in severe conditions such as dusty or rough roads, more frequent air conditioner filter inspections and changes are required. • When the air flow rate suddenly decreases, have the system checked by a professional workshop. Kia recommends to visit an authorized Kia dealer/service partner.

Air conditioning refrigerant label

Each symbols and specification on air conditioning refrigerant label means as below;

1. Classification of refrigerant

2. Amount of refrigerant

3. Classification of compressor lubricant

You can find out which air conditioning refrigerant is applied your vehicle at the label inside of the engine room. Refer to “Refrigerant label” on page 9-19 for a more detailed location of the air conditioning refrigerant label.

Checking the amount of air conditioner refrigerant and compressor lubricant

When the amount of refrigerant is low, the performance of the air conditioning is reduced. Overfilling also has a bad influence on the air conditioning system. Therefore, if abnormal operation is found, have the system inspected by a professional workshop.

Kia recommends to visit an authorised Kia dealer/service partner.

WARNING

Vehicles equipped with R-134a

Because the refrigerant is at very high pressure, the air conditioning system should only be serviced by trained and certified technicians. It is important that the correct type and amount of oil and refrigerant is used.

Otherwise, it may cause damage to the vehicle and personal injury.

WARNING

Vehicles equipped with R-1234yf*

Because the refrigerant is mildly inflammable and at very high pressure, the air conditioning system should only be serviced by trained and certified technicians. It is important that the correct type and amount of oil and refrigerant is used.

Otherwise, it may cause damage to the vehicle and personal injury.