Kia Picanto: Automatic climate control system: (if equipped) / System operation. Climate control air filter: (if equipped)

System operation

Ventilation

1. Select the airflow position shown for ventilation.

2. Set the air intake control to the outside (fresh) air position so that air is drawn into the cabin from outside the vehicle.

3. Adjust the temperature control to your preferred setting.

4. Select the desired fan speed to provide a comfortable amount of airflow through the ventilation outlets.

Heating

1. Select the airflow position shown for heating.

2. Set the air intake control to the outside (fresh) air position to maintain a supply of fresh air inside the cabin.

3. Adjust the temperature control to the desired level of warmth.

4. Set the fan speed control to the desired speed, increasing or reducing the airflow as needed for comfort.

5. If you want heating with dehumidification, switch on the air conditioning system, if equipped. This helps remove moisture from the cabin air while the heating function is in use.

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

Operation Tips

• To help prevent dust or unpleasant fumes from entering your Kia Picanto through the ventilation system, temporarily select the recirculated air position. Once you have passed the affected area, return the control to the outside (fresh) air position. Restoring the supply of fresh air helps keep the cabin comfortable 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 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 your preferred setting to help manage cabin moisture while maintaining a comfortable temperature.

Air conditioning

The Kia Picanto air conditioning system is filled with an environmentally friendly refrigerant*. Use the following controls to cool the cabin and adjust the airflow to a comfortable level.

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

2. Select the airflow position shown.

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

4. Adjust the fan speed and temperature controls to provide the desired cooling and airflow, changing the settings as needed to maintain cabin comfort.

* Your vehicle uses R-134a or R-1234yf refrigerant, depending on the regulations applicable in your country at the time of manufacture. Check the label inside the engine compartment, if equipped, to identify the refrigerant used in your vehicle. Refer to “Refrigerant label” for further information about where to find the air conditioning refrigerant label.

CAUTION

• Only trained and certified technicians should service the refrigerant system. Correct servicing is essential to ensure that the air conditioning operates properly and safely.

• Refrigerant system servicing must be carried out in a well-ventilated location.

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

NOTE

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

• Operating the 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 in use.

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 them again when using the air conditioning to cool the cabin.

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

• A slight change in engine speed may occasionally be noticeable while the air conditioning is operating. This occurs as the compressor cycles and is a normal characteristic of the system.

• Operate the air conditioning for a few minutes every month to help maintain system performance, including during periods when you do not regularly need cabin cooling.

• Clear water may drip onto the ground beneath the passenger side of the vehicle while the air conditioning is running. A small puddle may also form in this area. This is a normal result of system operation.

• Selecting the recirculated air position provides maximum cooling. However, continuous use of this setting can make the cabin air stale, so avoid leaving recirculation selected for prolonged periods without introducing fresh air.

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

Climate control air filter: (if equipped)

The climate control air filter captures dust and other pollutants carried into the vehicle by outside air. As these particles accumulate in the filter, airflow through the ventilation outlets may decrease. Reduced airflow can allow moisture to build up on the inside of the windscreen, even when the outside (fresh) air position is selected.

Replace the climate control air filter when this occurs. If you are not comfortable carrying out the replacement yourself, have the work performed by a professional workshop. Kia recommends visiting an authorised Kia dealer/service partner. For the replacement procedure, refer to the “Climate control air filter” section.

CAUTION

Replace the Kia Picanto climate control air filter at the intervals specified in the Maintenance Schedule. Neglecting regular replacement can restrict airflow, reduce heating and cooling performance, and allow unpleasant odours to develop inside the cabin.

NOTE

If airflow from the ventilation outlets suddenly decreases, have the system inspected by a professional workshop. Kia recommends visiting an authorised Kia dealer/service partner to identify the cause.