A/C - Refrigerant Recovery/Recycle/Recharge Info.
NUMBER 017GROUP CLIMATE
DATE AUGUST 2011
MODEL OPTIMA HYBRID (TF HEV) 2011MY
SUBJECT: HYBRID A/C REFRIGERANT RECOVERY, RECYCLE AND RECHARGE RECOMMENDATIONS
This bulletin provides information regarding the recommendation of Air Conditioning Refrigerant Recovery, Recycle, and Recharge (RRR) machines for 2011 MY Optima Hybrid vehicles.
The Optima Hybrid vehicle uses an A/C compressor that is a scroll type rather than a piston type and is driven by a high-voltage electric motor rather than by a belt.
Both the motor and compressor are in one housing with a mix of refrigerant and oil flowing through both sections. Because the oil flows through the motor windings, the oil cannot conduct electricity. To achieve this, the electric A/C compressor uses a special, low-conductive lubricant called Polyvinyl Ether (PVE) oil-purchased through Kia Chemicals, P/N UT011~CH049. Conventional PAG oil cannot be mixed with this PVE oil in this compressor PAG oil is conductive and would permanently damage the electric A/C compressor. For this reason KMA strongly recommends using a dedicated RRR machine for Optima Hybrid with a clear label such as "PVE: Hybrids only".
Warranty claims for electric A/C compressors that are found to be contaminated with non-PVE oils will be rejected.
*NOTICE
Some other manufacturers, hybrid vehicles use Polyolester (POE) oil. This is also not compatible with the Kia Optima Hybrid A/C system.
Go to kiaspecialtools.com to find Air Conditioning RRR machines for all of your service needs. For the Kia Optima Hybrid, a dedicated standard unit is appropriate - it is unnecessary to purchase a hose-flushing-type machine.