Kia Sorento 2001 General Information Manual page 1243

2001 > 1.8L DOHC >
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
Air conditioning (A/C) system
The A/C system uses principals of thermodynamics to cool passenger compartment of vehicle. Using engine
power, compressor compresses gaseous refrigerant into high temperature/high pressure gas. If then pumps
this gas into a condenser unit built onto vehicle's radiator.
Condenser cools gas, changing it into high pressure, low temperature liquid refrigerant. . Liquid then goes to
receiver/drier, which first removes any liquid water and then sends liquid to an evaporator in heater unit inside
passenger compartment. Evaporator then uses passenger compartment temperature to turn liquid back into a
gas, extracting heat from passenger compartment.
Gas is then sent back to compressor, and cycle begins again.
A/C relay
A/C relay is an electrical switching box that closes circuit to condenser fan relay and compressor clutch. Relay
is controlled by engine control module (ECM) only. If engine coolant exceeds a certain temperature, engine
control module (ECM)sends a signal triggering A/C relay and shutting off A/C system.
At starting or lighten acceleration, engine control module (ECM) sends a signal triggering A/C relay and
shutting off A/C system for five seconds. It is a replaceable item.
Blower
The blower draws in hot passenger compartment air and sends it through evaporator coil. It consists of a
blower fan and an electric motor.
Blower motor
Blower motor speed is controlled by blower switch and a resistor assembly in blower unit. When blower switch
is in OFF position, motor ground circuit is open and blower motor does not operate. When switch is in first (LO)
position, current flow to blower motor is restricted by three resistors in resistor assembly, and blower motor
turns at a low speed. Changing blower switch to second (M1), third (M2), or fourth (HI) positions causes
successive decreases of circuit resistance, resulting in blower motor speed becoming correspondingly faster.
Compressor assembly
The compressor assembly is primary moving part of air conditioning system. If it fails, there is no compression
of refrigerant, and no movement of refrigerant through system. It is located on left side of engine and is
connected to enginecrankshaft by a drive belt. It consists of compressor, manifold assembly, compressor
clutch, and drive pulley.
Compressor clutch
The compressor clutch engages compressor. It is a magnetic unit operated from air conditioning switch in
passenger compartment. It is a serviceable, replaceable item.
Condenser
The condenser is mounted in front of radiator. It consists of a series of coils which cool refrigerant. It is a
serviceable and replaceable item.
Condenser fan
The condenser fan improves air flow through condenser. Condenser will still have a high volume of air flowing
through iteven if vehicle is standing still. It is powered by an electric motor connected to condenser fan relay.
Condenser fan relay is an electrical switching box that closes circuit to condenser fan
Evaporator assembly
The blower/evaporator assembly houses blower fan, blower motor, and A/C relay for air conditioner system. It
consists of evaporator core and expansion valve.
Evaportor core
The evaporator core is an air cooler and a dehumidifier.