Kia Soul 2023 Manual Climate Control Owner’s Manual

Introduction

To create a comfortable environment inside your car, you can manually adjust the temperature, fan speed, and airflow using the Kia Soul 2023’s manual climate control system. The manual climate control system gives you complete control over the climate settings, in contrast to automatic climate control systems, which rely on sensors and algorithms to maintain a predetermined temperature.

You can change the temperature with the manual climate control system by turning the dial or buttons to the desired setting. The chosen temperature will then be maintained by the system. The airflow inside the cabin can be increased or decreased by adjusting the fan speed using the fan control dial or buttons.

Additionally, the manual climate control system gives you choices for directing the airflow. By choosing different modes like face, floor, or defrost, you can change the airflow direction. By doing this, you can direct the air to various areas of the car based on your preferences and requirements.

You can find comprehensive instructions on how to use and optimise the manual climate control system in your Kia Soul 2023 in this owner’s manual. It will go over issues like regulating the fan speed, choosing the airflow modes, and adjusting the temperature, among other things. Every time you get behind the wheel, you’ll be able to enjoy a unique and comfortable driving experience by becoming familiar with the manual climate control system.

Manual Climate Control System

1. Fan speed control knob
2. Air intake control button
3. Mode selection knob
4. Rear window defroster button
5. Temperature control knob
6. Air conditioning button (if equipped)

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.

Heating and air conditioning

1. Start the engine.
2. Set the mode to the desired position.
   For improving the effectiveness of heating and cooling;
   • Heating:
   • Cooling:
3.  Set the temperature control to the desired position.
   Set the air intake control to the outside (fresh) air position.
4. Set the fan speed control to the desired speed.
5. If air conditioning is desired, turn the air conditioning (if equipped) system on.

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

Air can be directed to the floor, dash-board outlets, or windshield. Five symbols are used to represent Face, Bi-Level, Floor, Floor-Defrost and Defrost air position.

Face-Level (B, D)
Air flow is directed toward the upper body and face. Additionally, each outlet can be controlled to direct the air dis-charged from the outlet.

Bi-Level (B, D, C, E)
Air flow is directed towards the face and the floor..

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

Floor/Defrost-Level (A, C, D, E)
Most of the air flow is directed to the floor and the windshield with a small amount directed to the side window defrosters.

Defrost-Level (A, D)
Most of the air flow is directed to the windshield with a small amount of air directed to the side window defrosters.

Instrument panel vents
The outlet vents can be opened or closed separately using the thumbwheel. To close the vent, rotate it downward to the maximum position.

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

Temperature control
The temperature control knob allows you to control the temperature of the air flowing from the ventilation system.

To change the air temperature in the passenger compartment, turn the knob to the right for warm and hot air or to the left for cooler air.

• NOTICE
  When starting the vehicle in cold weather a more efficient way to heat the passenger compartment is to do the following.

Turn off or lower the blower, right after starting the engine.
Engine temperature is still low and the air flow from the heater is still cold.
After a few minutes of engine warm up, turn on or set the fan to a higher level and with adjust the temperature setting to hot.

MAX A/C selection
To operate the MAX A/C, turn the temperature knob to extreme left. Air flow is directed toward the upper body and face.

In this mode, the air conditioning and the recirculated air position will be selected automatically.

Controlling air intake
The air intake control is used to select the outside (fresh) air position or recirculated air position.

To change the air intake control position.

• Push 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 use of the climate control system 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.
• Continue using the climate control system 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.

Controlling fan speed
The fan speed control knob allows you to control the fan speed of the air flowing from the ventilation system.
The ignition switch must be in the ON position for fan operation.
To change the fan speed:

• Turn the knob to the right for higher speed or left for lower speed.

• Setting the fan speed control knob to the “0” position turns off the fan.

Turning off the blowers
To turn off the blowers:
Turn the fan speed control knob to  the “0” position.

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.

System operation
Ventilation

1. Set the mode to the position.
2. Set the air intake control to the out-side (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 out-side air or recirculated air position.
4. Adjust the fan speed control and temperature control to maintain maxi-mum comfort.

* : Your vehicle is filled with R-134a or R-1234yf according to the regulation in your country at the time of producing. You can find out which air conditioning refrigerant is applied your vehicle at the label inside of engine room. Refer to “Refrigerant label” on page 8-12 for more detail location of air conditioning refrigerant label.

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 over-heating. 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 drip-ping (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 pro-vides 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 (if equipped)
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.

A: Outside air
B: Recirculated air
C: Climate control air filter
D: Blower
E: Evaporator core
F: Heater core
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 cli-mate control air filter replaced by an authorized Kia dealer.

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 an authorized Kia dealer.

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 negative impact on the air conditioning system.
Therefore, if abnormal operation is found, have the system inspected by an authorized Kia dealer.

WARNING
The oil and refrigerant in your vehicle’s air conditioning system is under very high pressure. If proper service procedures are not followed an explosion may result. To reduce the risk of serious injury or death, the air conditioning system in your vehicle should only be serviced by trained and certified technicians.

CAUTION
It is important that the correct type and amount of oil and refrigerant is used, otherwise damage to the vehicle may occur. To prevent damage, the air conditioning system in your vehicle should only be serviced by trained and certified technicians.

WARNING
Vehicles equipped with R-1234yf

Since the refrigerant is mildly inflammable and operated at high pressure, the air conditioning system should  only be serviced by trained and certified technicians. (Refer to the SAE J2845)
It is important that the correct type and amount of oil and refrigerant are used.
All refrigerants should be reclaimed with proper equipment. Venting refrigerants directly to the atmosphere is harmful to individuals and environment.
Failure to heed these warnings can lead to serious injuries.

Air Conditioning refrigerant label
Example

* The actual Air Conditioning refrigerant label in the vehicle may differ from the illustration.

Each symbol and specification on the air conditioning refrigerant label is represented below:

1. Classification of refrigerant
2. Amount of refrigerant
3. Classification of Compressor lubricant
4. Caution
5. Flammable Refrigerant
6. Requires Registered Technician to Service Air Conditioning system

Refer to “Refrigerant label” on page 8-12 for more detail on the location of air conditioning refrigerant label.

FAQs

1. How do I adjust the temperature in my Kia Soul 2023 with manual climate control?
   The temperature can be changed by turning the dial or pressing the buttons on the temperature control. The temperature will rise and fall as you turn it both ways—clockwise and anticlockwise.
2. How do I adjust the fan speed in my Kia Soul 2023?
   By rotating the fan control dial or depressing the fan speed buttons, you can change the fan speed. The fan speed can be changed by turning the knob in either a clockwise or anticlockwise direction, or by pressing the “+” or “-” buttons.
   Can I manually select the airflow direction in my Kia Soul 2023?
   Yes, you can choose the airflow direction manually. There are various modes available, including defrost, floor, and face modes, which focus the airflow in particular areas of the car.
3. How do I switch between different airflow modes in my Kia Soul 2023?
   Find the mode control button or dial on the climate control panel to change the airflow modes. The modes are switchable by pressing the button or rotating the dial.
4. Is there a maximum or minimum temperature limit in the manual climate control system?
   The manual climate control system’s temperature range typically fluctuates between a set of limits, typically between 60°F (15°C) and 90°F (32°C). Depending on the particular model and regional variations, these limits might change.
5. Can I adjust the temperature independently for the driver and passenger sides?
   In the Kia Soul 2023 with manual climate control, the temperature adjustment is typically applied uniformly to both the driver and passenger.
6. How do I turn on the air conditioning (A/C) in my Kia Soul 2023?
   Find the A/C button on the climate control panel, and press it to turn on the air conditioning. When the system is turned on, the A/C indicator light ought to come on.
7. How do I defrost the windshield using the manual climate control system?
   Change the airflow mode to the defrost setting, which is typically denoted by a windscreen symbol. By doing so, you can help clear fog or frost from the windscreen by directing airflow there.
8. Can I adjust the recirculation of air in my Kia Soul 2023?
   Yes, by pressing the recirculation button on the climate control panel, you can typically change the air recirculation. Instead of bringing in fresh air from the outside when it is turned on, it circulates the air inside the vehicle.
9. Is there a way to set a specific temperature in my Kia Soul 2023?
   By adjusting the temperature dial or pressing the temperature adjustment buttons until the desired temperature is reached, you can typically set the manual climate control system to the temperature you want.
10. Can I turn off the fan completely in my Kia Soul 2023?
    In most cases, you can turn the fan control dial anticlockwise until it reaches the “Off” position or press the fan speed button until the lowest setting to completely turn the fan off.
11. Does the manual climate control system have a built-in air filter?
    Depending on the model and trim level of your Kia Soul 2023, an air filter might not be available in the manual climate control system. For thorough details, consult your owner’s manual.
12. How do I adjust the balance between the airflow to the face and floor areas in my Kia Soul 2023?
    o change the face-floor airflow balance, locate the mode control button.

Useful Links

View Full User Guide: Kia Soul 2023 Owner’s Manual | Auto User Guide
Download Manuals: Kia | Owner’s Manuals and Documents