Kia Picanto: Manual climate control system: (if equipped) / System operation

Ventilation

1. Turn the mode selection control to the position shown.

2. Select the outside (fresh) air position so that the ventilation system draws air into the cabin from outside the vehicle.

3. Adjust the temperature control to the position that provides your preferred air temperature.

4. Set the fan speed control to the desired speed, increasing or reducing the airflow to suit cabin conditions.

Heating

1. Turn the mode selection control to the position shown for heating.

2. Set the air intake control to the outside (fresh) air position to supply the cabin with fresh air.

3. Move the temperature control to the desired position, adjusting it to obtain a comfortable level of warmth.

4. Select the desired fan speed to control how much heated air flows through the ventilation outlets.

5. For heating with dehumidification, switch on the air conditioning system, if equipped. This allows the system to remove moisture from the air while providing cabin heating.

• If the windscreen begins to mist up, change the airflow mode to the or position shown to direct air towards the glass.

Operation Tips

• When driving through dust or unpleasant fumes, temporarily select the recirculated air position to help prevent them from entering your Kia Picanto through the ventilation system. Once you have passed the affected area, return the intake control to the outside (fresh) air position. Restoring a supply of fresh air helps maintain a comfortable cabin and supports driver alertness.

• The heating and cooling system draws outside air through the intake grilles immediately ahead of the windscreen. Keep these grilles clear of leaves, snow, ice and other obstructions so that air can enter the ventilation system freely.

• To help prevent mist from forming on the inside of the windscreen, select the outside (fresh) air position and an appropriate fan speed. Switch on the air conditioning system and adjust the temperature control to the desired setting to help manage moisture while maintaining a comfortable cabin temperature.

Air conditioning

The Kia Picanto air conditioning system is filled with an environmentally friendly refrigerant*. To cool the cabin, start the system and adjust the airflow and temperature using the following controls.

1. Start the engine, then press the air conditioning button to switch on the system.

2. Set the airflow mode to the position shown.

3. Select either the outside air position or the recirculated air position using the air intake control.

4. Adjust the fan speed and temperature controls until the cabin reaches a comfortable temperature with the desired amount of airflow.

* Your vehicle uses either R-134a or R-1234yf refrigerant, depending on the regulations applicable in your country when it was manufactured. To identify the refrigerant used in your vehicle, check the refrigerant label inside the engine compartment, if equipped. Refer to the “Refrigerant label” section for further information about the label’s location.

CAUTION

• Only trained and certified technicians should service the refrigerant system. Proper servicing is necessary to maintain safe operation and ensure that the system functions correctly.

• All refrigerant system servicing must be carried out in a well-ventilated area.

• Never repair the air conditioning evaporator, also known as the cooling coil, or replace it with an evaporator taken from a used or salvage vehicle. New replacement mobile air conditioning (MAC) evaporators must be certified and labelled as meeting SAE Standard J2842.

NOTE

• Watch the engine temperature gauge closely when using air conditioning in high outside temperatures, particularly while climbing hills or driving in heavy traffic. Operating the air conditioning under these conditions may contribute to engine overheating. If the gauge indicates overheating, switch off the air conditioning while continuing to use the blower fan.

• Using air conditioning with the windows open in humid weather may cause water droplets to form inside the vehicle. Excessive moisture can damage electrical equipment, so keep the windows closed while the air conditioning is operating.

Air conditioning system operation tips

• If your Kia Picanto has been parked in direct sunlight during hot weather, briefly open the windows to release the hot air trapped inside. Close the windows again when using the air conditioning to cool the cabin.

• On rainy or humid days, operate the air conditioning to reduce moisture inside the cabin. Removing humidity from the air helps reduce misting on the inside surfaces of the windows.

• You may occasionally notice a slight change in engine speed while the air conditioning is operating. This happens as the compressor cycles and is a normal characteristic of the system.

• Run the air conditioning for a few minutes every month to help maintain its operating performance, including during periods when regular cabin cooling is unnecessary.

• Clear water may drip onto the ground beneath the passenger side of the vehicle while the air conditioning is in use, sometimes forming a small puddle. This is a normal result of system operation.

• Selecting the recirculated air position provides maximum cooling. However, leaving the system in this position continuously can make the cabin air stale, so avoid prolonged use without introducing fresh outside air.

• A mist-like airflow may occasionally emerge from the vents during cooling. This can occur when humid incoming air is cooled rapidly and is a normal operating characteristic.