Kia Optima: Air Conditioning System / Ambient Temperature Sensor
Description and operation
The ambient temperature sensor is located at the front of the condenser and detects
ambient air temperature. It is a negative type thermistor; resistance will increase
with lower temperature, and decrease with higher temperature.
The sensor output will be used for discharge temperature control, temperature
regulation door control, blower motor level control, mix mode control and in-car
humidity control.

• |
If the ambient temperature is below 2.0°C (35.6°F), the A/C compressor
will stop.
The compressor will operate manually.
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Repair procedures
1. |
Check the resistance of the ambient temperature sensor between terminals
1 and 2 whether it changes by changing the ambient temperature.

1. Ambient Sensor (+)
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2. Sensor ground
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Specification
Ambient temperature [°C(°F)]
|
Resistance between terminal 1 and 2 (kΩ)
|
-30 (-22)
|
480.41
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-20 (-4)
|
271.21
|
-10 (14)
|
158.18
|
0 (32)
|
95.10
|
10 (50)
|
58.50
|
20 (68)
|
37.32
|
30 (86)
|
24.26
|
40 (104)
|
16.13
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50 (122)
|
10.95
|
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1. |
Disconnect the negative (-) battery terminal.
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2. |
Remove the front bumper assembly.
(Refer to Body - "Front Bumper Assembly")
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3. |
Separate the connector (A) and remove the ambient temperature sensor
(B).

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4. |
To install, reverse the removal procedure.
•
|
Make sure connectors are connected properly.
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■ Front view
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2. Head lamp (Features of your vehicle)
Head lamp (Maintenance)
3. Fog lamp (Features of your vehicle)
Fog lamp (Maintenance)
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To fasten your seat belt:
To fasten your seat belt, pull it out of the retractor and insert the metal tab
(1) into the buckle (2). There will be an audible "click" when the tab locks into
the buckle.
The seat belt automatically adjusts to the proper length only after the lap belt
portion ...