A/C - Air Quality System
SOURCE: KIA Technician Times Volume 5 Issue 6, 2002TITLE: Air Quality System
APPLIES TO: Optima
SERVICE TIP:
2003 MY Optima SE models are equipped with Full Automatic Temperature Control or FATC, which also incorporates an Air Quality System or AQS. The system, consisting of a control button in the control head and a sensor located just behind the grille (see photos below), can operate independently or in conjunction with the A/C.
The sensor is capable of detecting hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and sulfur dioxides in ambient air. When any of these are detected (for example in heavy and/or slow traffic), the sensor sends a signal to the HVAC controller, thereby causing the system to switch to Re-circ. When the ambient air is "clean" again, the system will switch back to Fresh air intake.
The AQS feature can be switched on or off by using the button on the control head (see photo). Note that AQS will be disabled/switched off whenever Defrost mode is selected. People unaware of the AQS feature may perceive a defect because of the seemingly random switching from Fresh to Re-circ and back. Before attempting to diagnose concerns of spontaneous switching between fresh and recirc, make sure customer is aware of, and understands the AQS feature as outlined on page 4-75 of the Owners Manual.
For more information on 03 Optima FATC including descriptions of self-diagnosis and utilized sensors (AQS, photo, ambient and humidity), see the HVAC section of the '03 Optima Service Manual.