Kia 2004.5 Spectra Service Technical Training page 216

AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM
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The air conditioning (A/C) system uses the principles
of thermodynamics to remove heat from the air
entering the vehicle compartment. With the engine
running:
1) The compressor compresses R-134a refrigerant into
high-temperature/high-pressure gas.
2) Then, it pumps this gas into a condenser unit in
front of the vehicle radiator. The condenser
transfers heat from the gas to the air passing over
its fins. The gas changes into a low temperature
liquid refrigerant while maintaining high pressure.
3) The liquid goes through the receiver/drier, which is
attached to the condenser, to filter, dry, and store
the refrigerant.
4) Next, the refrigerant moves through the expansion
valve, which lowers the pressure by metering it into
the evaporator. A capillary temperature sensor in
the block style expansion valve determines the
metering rate.
5) While moving through the evaporator tubes, the
refrigerant absorbs heat from the air moving over
the evaporator fins and turns it back to a gas state.
The gas is returned to the compressor where the
cycle begins again.
Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning (HVAC)
2004.5 Spectra Technology
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