2006 Spectra w/AC

punisher4u · 09-06-2006, 02:57 PM

I just purchased a new Spectra sedan LX with convienience package. I have noticed that the A/C does not function. I do not feel the air being colder when I have the A/C on from just the fan. Even when on Max. A/C.

I did some research on the web and found that the Spectra has a poor A/C system. Have any of you heard of this or have/had the same problem as I am experiencing? what did you do? Did you have Kia fix it? I heard of a difusser plate that they put in. What does that do.

Thanks

Archer28 · 09-07-2006, 10:22 AM

I don't know if the Spectra 5 (what I have) has the same AC system, but mine is extremely cold. The coldest AC of any vehicle I've owned.
Can you pop the hood and tell if the compressor kicks on when you push the AC button?
Turn the knob to off, and have someone turn it to max while you have the hood popped, and listen to the engine. It should "click" a bit and the idle speed may increase slightly. If you don't notice any change, then your compressor is not kicking on.

If your AC system has a leak, the low pressure switch will keep the compressor from kicking on (running without referigerant (sp?) will damage the compressor so it has a failsafe switch to keep it from kicking on if the gas leaks out of the system).

Hope you get it fixed!

punisher4u · 09-07-2006, 04:10 PM

Thanks,

I will check that out

Schnauzer · 09-07-2006, 06:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by punisher4u

I did some research on the web and found that the Spectra has a poor A/C system. Have any of you heard of this or have/had the same problem as I am experiencing?

I am unaware of the '05/'06 Spectras having poor a/c systems and have been unable to find where this is stated on the net. I am aware of older models having some problems. I ran reports and can't see a trend at this point in world markets for this design or with Hyundai's sister Elantra. Please point me to the web links you have if they are related to the last two year model. Thank you. Btw, your a/c should be service by your dealer and it is a warranty item.

Spec SX · 09-07-2006, 08:50 PM

My a/c in my Spectra is the best a/c I have ever had. Never had any issues with it.

ssssspectra06 · 09-08-2006, 09:06 AM

My a/c on my Spectra likely the best I've ever had in a car too-blows the doors off. On MaxAC, just about instantly freezing even on incredibly hot over-100 heat index days. I'd like to read where it says that too about Spectra AC systems on the web-was the report you saw about newer model years? And if you found the report you saw by search engine, do you recall which search engine you were using when you came across the report?

I do like the sound of them having the failsafe/low-pressure compressor kill that Archer mentioned, sounds like that was good engineering. That makes me happy to know that's there.

Hope your AC gets worked out soon!

ascaria · 10-18-2006, 03:26 PM

Hi, I also own the 06 Spectra SX and so far this one has the best AC in a car I have ever owned. You might want to check you fuses too. I remember when I drove and old Chrysler I fixed my two-year non working AC by just replacing the blown fuse. If that doesn't work, check your air compressor and make sure it runs when you turn in on. Good luck!
Yoshi

CellSpy · 10-23-2006, 01:15 PM

Hi punisher4u

I had the same spectra and I got the exact same symptoms as you
on close inspection I found the power cable feeding the compressor had broken inside . this was done by the service center when they worked on the gearbox they did not unhook the cable and it streched when they hauled the parts out , so if you have had gearbox work done buzz the cable it does not need to normaly be unhooked but if it is looping slightly out the chance of it getting hooked is high.

Lucky for me the chap that worked on my car was honest and when pointed out the issue and where the problem was he ownwed up and said yes the cable had snagged , five minutes later on the road aircon blasting away

SpectraMan · 10-31-2006, 09:58 PM

As several others on here have stated, my 2004.5 Spectra (same as 2005/2006) has one of the best A/C and heaters I've EVER had in a car. And I've been driving since 1979!

My A/C blows ice-cold in the dead of summer, and the heater is cranking out real heat within a few minutes of being started, even in January.

The climate control systems are definitely NOT one of the trouble spots in the Spectra from what I've seen.

-SM

Kia Power · 12-05-2006, 09:22 AM

Another vote for the Spectra having ice cold air. Let the dealer check it out as it may not cost you anything other than time to get it working again.