A/C in 2003 Sedona quit working - pressure switch location??

[kcmark]

I've worked on A/C systems on my Ford and my wife's old Subaru but I've never worked on a vehicle with a transverse engine. I'm having a heck of a time finding anything on this Sedona. I have tried scouring through the online shop manual, with no luck, trying to find a diagram/overhead sketch of the engine compartment with the location of various parts. The online shop manual is HORRIBLE in this regard. Most repair procedures say something like, check PART, remove PART, install replacement PART. Ok, back to the issue at hand.

I'm trying to find the low pressure switch for the A/C compressor so I can jumper the switch and see if the compressor clutch will then engage. If so, then the system is probably low on refrigerant. (I know, not always the case, but this is the most common reason). Apparently, Kia calls the switch a "triple pressure switch" since in addition to low and high pressure switches there is also a middle pressure switch.

My problem is that I cannot find the pressure switch or electrical connectors running to the switch. Can someone give me a little guidance on where to locate the connector and switch?? Any links to images/sketches in the online manual would also be great as I can't seem to find anything helpful in it.

Thanks in advance.

Mark

[sedona no 1]

The pressure switch on my 2000 model is screwed into the top of the receiver/drier. Located in front of the condensor next to the aircon fan. There is an electrical connector plugged into it.

[kcmark]

Thanks! I noticed that electrical connector but didn't figure that would be the low pressure switch since the dryer is in the middle of the high pressure a/c lines. Sure wish Kia (or some third party....HELLO Haynes!) offered a diagram of the engine compartment or more detailed descriptions in their "repair procedures."

Has anyone had any problems running a jumper across the low pressure switch to get the compressor to engage so you can add refrigerant?

Thanks again for the reply! I really appreciate it.

[Sentech]

Hi kcmark,

I bought a 2001 KIA Carnival a month or so back, I joined this site looking for the same type of info.

I couldn't get the magnetic clutch to engage on the compressor, I removed the connector from the low pressure switch this afternoon, checked for 12VDC (ok) then checked for continuity from the second terminal to to the plug on the magnetic clutch (continuity).

Then I bridged the plug of the pressure switch, sending 12VDC straight to the Magnetic Clutch and it engages. My Airco is trying to cool but not too well .............. next step is to buy an R134a cartridge and charge my system then check for a leak.


Question: Anyone know if I can download the electrical circuit digrams (.pdf) for the KIA Carnival, and maybe more info on the Airco circuit ??

Cheers

[Sentech]

Quick update:-

Jumping the cable of the pressure switch, to energize the magnetic clutch, in order to add refrigerant works ................. tried it myself yesterday, my airco works a treat now.