Kia Sportage 2022 Manual Climate Control System and Automatic Climate Control System 

In order to accommodate the interests of both drivers and passengers, the 2022 Kia Sportage comes with two different climate control systems. With the use of the Manual Climate Control System, passengers can precisely alter the temperature, fan speed, and airflow direction within their cabin. The Automatic Climate Control System, on the other hand, provides the ease of automatically maintaining a chosen temperature and continuously adjusting the heating or cooling to guarantee a comfortable indoor environment. Whether drivers choose seamless automation of temperature control settings or hands-on climate management, these climate control options enhance the driving experience and demonstrate Kia’s dedication to delivering adaptability and comfort in the 2022 Kia Sportage.

2023 KIA SPORTAGE Specs, Price, Features and Mileage (Brochure)

Manual climate control system

1. Fan speed control knob
2. Front windshield defroster button
3. Rear window defroster button
4. Air conditioning button
5. Air intake control button
6. Mode selection button
7. Temperature control button

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

Mode selection

The mode selection button controls the direction of the airflow through the ventilation system. Air can be directed to the floor, dashboard outlets, or windshield. Five symbols are used to represent MAX A/C, Face, Bi-Level, Floor, Floor-Defrost and Defrost air position. The MAX A/C mode is used to cool the inside of the vehicle faster.

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

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

Floor-Level (A, C, D, E, F)
Most of the airflow 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, F)
Most of the airflow 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 airflow is directed to the windshield with a small amount of air directed to the side window defrosters.

NOTICE
2nd row outlet vents (E, F)

• The airflow of the 2nd-row outlet vents is controlled by the front climate control system and delivered through the inside air duct of the floor (E, F).
• The airflow of the 2nd-row outlet vents (E, F) may be weaker than the instrument panel vents for the long air duct.

MAX A/C selection

The MAX A/C mode is used to cool the inside of the vehicle faster. 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.

Instrument panel vents
The outlet vents can be opened or closed separately using the thumb wheel. Also, you can adjust the direction of airflow in 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 position for warm and hot air or the left position 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.
• The engine temperature is still low and the airflow 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 adjust the temperature setting to hot.

Air intake control

The air intake control is used to select the outside (fresh) air position or recirculated air position. To change the air intake control position, press 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

If the recirculated air position button is not selected, air enters the vehicle from outside and is heated or cooled according to the function selected. 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.

Sunroof inside air recirculation (if equipped)
The outside (fresh) air position is automatically selected when the sunroof is opened. When you select the recirculated air position, the system maintains the recirculated air position for 3 minutes and then automatically converts to the outside (fresh) air position. When the sunroof is closed, the air intake position will return to the original position that was selected.

WARNING
Reduced visibility
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.

WARNING
Sleeping with A/C on
Do not sleep in a vehicle with the air conditioning or heating system on as this may cause serious harm or death due to a drop in the oxygen level and/or body temperature.

WARNING
Recirculated air
Continued use of 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.

Fan speed control

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

Air conditioning

Press the A/C button to turn the air conditioning system on (the indicator light will illuminate). Press the button again to turn the air conditioning system off.

System operation Ventilation

1. .Set the mode to the
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 wind shield, 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 the desired temperature.

Air conditioning
Kia Air Conditioning Systems are filled with 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 outside air or recirculated air position.
4. Adjust the fan speed control and temperature control to maintain maximum comfort.

• The refrigerant system should only be serviced by trained and certified technicians to ensure 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 should be certified (and labeled) as meeting SAE Standard J2842.

CAUTION
Excessive A/C Use
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 overheating. Continue to use the blower fan but turn the air conditioning system off if the temperature gauge indicates engine overheating.

NOTICE
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 dripping (or even puddling) on the ground under the passenger side of the vehicle. This is a normal system operation characteristic.
• Operating the air conditioning sys-tem in the recirculated air position provides 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

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. If dust or other pollutants accumulate in the filter over a period of time, the airflow from the air vents may decrease, resulting in moisture accumulation on the inside of the wind shield even when the outside (fresh) air position is selected. If this happens, we recommend that the climate control air filter be 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 climate control air filter inspections and changes are required. When the air flow rate suddenly decreases, we recommend that the system should be inspected by an authorized Kia dealer.

Air Conditioning refrigerant label

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. To require Registered Technician to Service the Air Conditioning system

You can find out which air conditioning refrigerant is applied to your vehicle on the label inside of the engine room. Refer to Chapter 8 for more details on the location of the air conditioning refrigerant label.

CAUTION
A/C Repair
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.

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

WARNING
Vehicles equipped with R-1234yf
Since the refrigerant is mildly flammable 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 the environment.
Failure to heed these warnings can lead to serious injuries.

AUTOMATIC CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)

• To turn the automatic operation I􀀁off, select any button or switch of the following:
  • Mode selection button
  • Air conditioning button
  • Front windshield defroster button (Press the button one more time to deselect the front windshield defroster function. The ‘AUTO’ sign will illuminate on the information display once again.)
  • Air intake control button
  • Fan speed control switch
  • The selected function will be controlled manually while other functions operate automatically.
• For your convenience and to improve the effectiveness of the climate control, use the AUTO button and set the temperature to 73°F (23°C).

Face-Level
Air flow is directed toward the upper body and face. Additionally, each outlet can be controlled to direct the air discharged from the outlet.

Bi-Level
Air flow is directed towards the face and the floor.

Floor-Level
Most of the airflow is directed to the floor, with a small amount of the air being directed to the windshield and side window defrosters.

Floor/Defrost-Level
Most of the airflow is directed to the floor and the windshield with a small amount directed to the side window defrosters.

Defrost-Level
Most of the airflow is directed to the windshield with a small amount of air directed to the side window defrosters.

Defrost-Level
Most of the airflow 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 thumb wheel. Also, you can adjust the direction of air flow from these vents using the vent control lever as shown.

Adjusting the driver and passenger side temperatures individually
Press the “SYNC” button again to adjust the driver and passenger side temperature individually. The illumination of the button turns off. Operate the driver-side temperature control knob to adjust the driver-side temperature. Operate the passenger side temperature control knob to adjust the passenger side temperature.

Temperature conversion
You can switch the temperature mode from Centigrade to Fahrenheit as follows: While pressing the OFF button, press the AUTO button for 3 seconds or more. The display will change from Centigrade to Fahrenheit, or from Fahrenheit to Centigrade. If the battery has been discharged or disconnected, the temperature mode display will reset to Fahrenheit.

Air intake control

This is used to select the outside (fresh) air position or recirculated air position. To change the air intake control position, push the control button.

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.

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. 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.

Sunroof inside air recirculation (if equipped)
The outside (fresh) air position is automatically selected when the sunroof is opened. When you select the recirculated air position, the system maintains the recirculated air position for 3 minutes and then automatically converts to the outside (fresh) air position. When the sunroof is closed, the air intake position will return to the original position that was selected.

Fan speed control

The fan speed can be set to the desired speed by operating the fan speed control button. To change the fan speed, press the button for a higher speed, or push the button for a lower speed. To turn the fan speed control off, press the front blower OFF button.

Air conditioning

Press the A/C button to turn the air conditioning system on (the indicator light will illuminate). Press the button again to turn the air conditioning system off.

Reduced Visibility
Continuous 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.

Recirculated Air
Continued use of 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.

Sleeping with A/C on
Do not sleep in a vehicle with the air conditioning or heating on as this may cause serious harm or death due to a drop in the oxygen level and/or body temperature.

OFF mode

Press the front blower OFF button to turn off the front air climate control system. However, you can still operate the mode and air intake buttons as long as the ignition switch is in the ON position.

Climate information screen selection (if equipped)

Press the climate information screen selection button to display climate information on the screen.

System operation Ventilation

1. Set the mode to the
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.

Heating

1. Set the mode to the position.
2. Set the air intake control to the outside (fresh) air position.
3. 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 the desired temperature.

Air conditioning (if equipped)
All Kia Air Conditioning Systems are filled with R-1234yf refrigerant.

1. Start the engine. Press the air conditioning button.
2. Set the mode to the position.
3. Set the air intake control to the outside air or recirculated air position.
4. Adjust the fan speed control and temperature control to maintain maximum comfort.

• When maximum cooling is desired, set the temperature control to the extreme left position, set the mode control to the MAX A/C position, then set the fan speed control to the highest speed.

Excessive A/C Use
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 overheating. Continue to use the blower fan but turn the air conditioning system off if the temperature gauge indicates engine overheating.

NOTICE
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 dripping (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 provides 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

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. If dust or other pollutants accumulate in the filter over a period of time, the airflow 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 climate control air filter replaced by an authorized Kia dealer.

NOTICE
Replace the filter every 15,000 miles or once a year. 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, the system should be checked by an authorized Kia dealer.

Air Conditioning refrigerant label

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. To require a Registered Technician to Service the Air Conditioning system

Refer to Chapter 8 for more details on the location of the air conditioning refrigerant label.

A/C Repair
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.

Checking the amount Setupnot 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
Vehicles equipped with R-1234yf

Since the refrigerant is mildly flammable 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 the environment.
Failure to heed these warnings can lead to serious injuries.

FAQ