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Home >> Kia >> 2020 >> Optima Plug-In Hybrid EX >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different variant/trim >> Section 16 (Blower System (HEV)) >> Blower Unit >> Repair Procedures >> Replacement
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Repair Procedures: Replacement

WARNING: This page is about a different variant/trim than selected.
CAUTION: When prying with a flat-tip screwdriver or use a prying trim tool, wrap it with protective tape, and apply protective tape around the related parts, to prevent damage.
  1. Disconnect the negative (-) battery terminal.
  2. Recover the refrigerant with a recovery/recycling/charging station.
    WARNING: If PAG oil mixes into the POE oil of the system, dielectric breakdown may occur due to decreased volumetric resistivity and the A/C compressor may not work.
  3. When the engine is cool, drain the engine coolant from the radiator.

    (Refer to Engine Mechanical System - "COOLANT ")

  4. Remove the cowl top cover.

    (Refer to Body - "COWL TOP COVER ")

  5. Remove the expansion valve cover (A) after loosening the nut.

    Tightening torque:  7.8 - 11.8 N.m (0.8 - 1.2 kgf.m, 5.8 - 8.7 Ib.ft)

    G13391112Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
  6. Remove the expansion valve (A) from the evaporator core after loosening the bolts.

    Tightening torque:  7.8 - 11.8 N.m (0.8 - 1.2 kgf.m, 5.8 - 8.7 Ib.ft)

    G13391113Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
    NOTE:
    • Plug or cap the lines immediately after disconnecting them to avoid moisture and dust contamination.
    • When installing, replace with a new O-ring
  7. Disconnect the heater hoses (A).
    G13391114Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
    CAUTION: Engine coolant will run out when the hoses are disconnected; drain it into a clean drip pan. Be sure not to let coolant spill on electrical parts or painted surfaces. If any coolant spills, rinse it off immediately.
  8. Loosen the cowl cross member mounting bolts (A).
    G13391115Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
  9. Remove both sides of front seat assembly.

    (Refer to Body - "FRONT SEAT ASSEMBLY ")

  10. Remove the floor console.

    (Refer to Body - "FLOOR CONSOLE ")

  11. Remove both sides of the front pillar trim.

    (Refer to Body - "FRONT PILLAR TRIM ")

  12. Remove both sides of the cowl side trim.

    (Refer to Body - "COWL SIDE TRIM ")

  13. Remove the crash pad lower panel.

    (Refer to Body - "CRASH PAD LOWER PANEL ")

  14. Remove the steering column shroud lower panel.

    (Refer to Body - "STEERING COLUMN SHROUD PANEL ")

  15. Remove the steering wheel.

    (Refer to Steering System - "STEERING WHEEL ")

  16. Remove the multifunction switch.

    (Refer to Body Electrical System - "MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH ")

  17. Lower the steering column after loosening the mounting bolts.

    (Refer to Steering System - "STEERING COLUMN AND SHAFT ")

  18. Remove the front door scuff trim.

    (Refer to Body - "DOOR SCUFF TRIM ")

  19. Remove the shift lever assembly.

    (Refer to SHIFT LEVER ")

  20. Disconnect the airbag control module (SRSCM) connector (A).
    G13391116Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
  21. Separate the accelerator pedal (A) after loosening the bolts.
    G13391117Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
  22. Separate the floor carpet (A) to allow space for removing the rear heating duct.

    [LH] 

    G13391118Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.

    [RH] 

    G13391119Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
  23. Remove the rear heating duct (A) after loosening the clip.

    [LH] 

    G13391120Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.

    [RH] 

    G13391121Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
  24. Disconnect the passenger compartment junction box connectors (A).
    G13391122Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
  25. Disconnect the multi box connectors (A).

    [LH] 

    G13391123Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.

    [RH] 

    G13391124Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
  26. Disconnect the connector (A) and the mounting clips in the front pillar.

    [LH] 

    G13391125Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.

    [RH] 

    G13391126Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
  27. Remove the drain hose (A).
    G13391127Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
  28. After loosening the bolts, remove the main crash pad and cowl cross bar assembly (A) altogether.

    [LH] 

    G13391128Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.

    [RH] 

    G13391129Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
  29. Disconnect the heater & blower unit connectors.
    1. Loosen the BCM unit and smart key unit mounting screws.
      G13391130Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
    2. Disconnect the intake actuator (A), mode control actuator (B) and cluster ionizer (C) connectors, and then remove the wiring mounting clips.
      G13391131Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
    3. Disconnect the temperature control actuator (A), evaporator temperature sensor (B) and PWM blower module (C) connectors, and then remove the wiring mounting clips.
      G13391132Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
    4. Disconnect the mode control actuator (A), temperature control actuator (B) and duct sensor (C) connectors, and then remove the wiring mounting clips.
      G13391133Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
    5. Disconnect the blower motor connector (A).
    G13391134Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
  30. Loosen the heater & blower unit mounting bolt (A).
    G13391135Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
  31. Remove the heater and blower unit (A) from the crash pad after loosening the mounting nuts.
    G13391136Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
  32. Separate the blower unit (B) from the heater unit (A) after loosening the screws.
    G13391137Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
    G13391138Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
    G13391139Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
  33. Install in the reverse order of removal.
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