Kia Optima: Power Train / Cooling System

Check radiator hoses for the following:

Check the coolant level in the coolant reservoir. Make sure it is between the "F" mark and "L" mark.

If the coolant level in the coolant reservoir is at or below the "L" mark, add coolant to bring it between the "L" and "F" marks, then inspect the cooling system for leaks.

Remove the radiator cap.

Check if there are any excessive deposits of rust or scale around the radiator cap sub-assembly and radiator filler hole. Also, the coolant should be free of oil.

If excessively dirty, clean the coolant passage and replace the coolant.

Install the radiator cap.

Never remove the reservoir tank cap when the engine is hot. Serious scalding could be caused by hot fluid under high pressure escaping from the radiator.

When pouring engine coolant, be sure to shut the relay box lid and not to let coolant spill on the electrical parts or the paint. If any coolant spills, rinse it off immediately.

Make sure the engine and radiator are cool to the touch.

Remove the reservoir tank cap (A).

Remove the engine room under cover.

(Refer to Engine and Transaxle Assembly - “Engine Room Under Cover”)

Loosen the drain plug (A) and drain the coolant.

Tighten the radiator drain plug securely.

Clean the reservoir tank.

Fill the reservoir tank with coolant and tighten the reservoir tank cap.

To most effectively bleed the air, pour the water slowly and press on the upper/lower radiator hoses.

Start the engine and allow to come to normal operating temperature. Wait for the cooling fans to turn on several times. Accelerate the engine to aid in purging trapped air. Shut engine off.

Wait until the engine is cool.

Repeat step 1 to 9 until the drained water runs clear.

Fill fluid mixture with coolant and water (55 - 60%) (except for North America, Europe and China: 45 - 50%) slowly through the reservoir tank. Push the upper/lower hoses of the radiator so as bleed air easily.

• Use only genuine antifreeze/coolant. • For best corrosion protection, the coolant concentration must be maintained year-round at 55% (except for North America, Europe and China: 45%) minimum. Coolant concentrations less than 55% (except for North America, Europe and China: 45%) may not provide sufficient protection against corrosion or freezing. • Coolant concentrations greater then 60% will impair cooling efficiency and are not recommended.

• Do not mix different brands of antifreeze / coolants. • Do not use additional rust inhibitors or antirust products; they may not be compatible with the coolant.

Start the engine and run until coolant circulates. When the cooling fan operates and coolant circulates, refill coolant through the reservoir tank.

Repeat step 12 until the cooling fan 3 - 5 times and bleed air sufficiently out of the cooling system.

Fill the reservoir tank to the "MAX" (or "FULL") line with coolant and tighten the reservoir tank cap.

Run the vehicle under idle until the cooling fan operates 2-3 times.

Stop the engine and wait coolant gets cool.

Repeat step 11 to 16 until the coolant level doesn't fall any more, bleed air out of the cooling system.

It takes time to bleed out all the air in the cooling system. Refill coolant when coolant gets cool completely, then recheck the coolant level in the reservoir tank for 2-3 days after replacing coolant.

When KDS is available, conduct coolant change and air bleeding following the below procedure.

Remove the reservoir tank cap (A).

Remove the engine room under cover.

(Refer to Engine And Transaxle Assembly - "Engine Room Under Cover")

Drain engine coolant by loosening the drain plug (A).

After coolant drain is completed, retighten the drain plug.

Drain coolant in the reservoir tank and then clean reservoir tank.

Install the coolant refill tank on the radiator and then add the mixture of anti-freeze and water (55 - 60%) (except for North America, Europe and China: 45 - 50%)

Fill coolant as far as possible with engine and all power supplies shut off.

• Push the upper / lower hoses on the radiator so that the air can get out easily. • Use only genuine antifreeze/coolant. • For best corrosion protection, the coolant concentration must be maintained year-round at 55% (except for North America, Europe and China: 45%) minimum. Coolant concentrations less than 55% (except for North America, Europe and China: 45%) may not provide sufficient protection against corrosion or freezing. • Coolant concentrations greater than 60% will impair cooling efficiency and are not recommended. • Do not mix different brands of antifreeze/coolants. • Do not use the additional anti-rust additives.

Start the engine.

Keep the engine idle.

Connect the KDS.

Select the "ITM coolant filling mode" in the Vehicle S/W Management.

Warm up the engine for 20 minutes after cooling fan operates 1 time.

After disconnecting the KDS, turn the ignition switch to OFF and then restart engine.

Install the reservoir tank cap (A).

Add coolant if it is insufficient.

Install the engine room under cover.

(Refer to Engine And Transaxle Assembly - "Engine Room Under Cover")

Check that the engine and radiator cool down sufficiently.

Remove the reservoir tank cap (A).

Remove the engine room under cover.

(Refer to Engine And Transaxle Assembly - "Engine Room Under Cover")

Drain engine coolant by loosening the drain plug (A).

After coolant drain is completed, retighten the drain plug.

Drain coolant in the reservoir tank and then clean the reservoir tank.

Install the coolant refill tank on the radiator and then add the mixture of anti-freeze and water (55 - 60%) (except for North America, Europe and China: 45 - 50%)

Fill coolant as far as possible with engine and all power supplies shut off.

• Push the upper / lower hoses on the radiator so that the air can get out easily. • Use only genuine antifreeze/coolant. • For best corrosion protection, the coolant concentration must be maintained year-round at 55% (except for North America, Europe and China: 45%) minimum. Coolant concentrations less than 55% (except for North America, Europe and China: 45%) may not provide sufficient protection against corrosion or freezing. • Coolant concentrations greater than 60% will impair cooling efficiency and are not recommended. • Do not mix different brands of antifreeze/coolants. • Do not use the additional anti-rust additives.

Disconnect the integrated thermal management module (ITM) connector (A).

• When disconnecting the integrated thermal management module (ITM) connector, be sure to recheck that the engine and all power supplies are shut off. • Be careful not to allow the static electricity and any other voltage are not applied to the integrated thermal management module (ITM). • Keep away the magnetic objects (Ex. magnet) from the integrated thermal management module (ITM).

Start the engine.

Keep the engine with idling.

Warm up the engine for 20 minutes after cooling pan operates 1 time.

After turning the ignition switch to OFF, reconnect the integrated thermal management module (ITM) connector (A).

• When reconnecting the integrated thermal management module (ITM) connector, moisture and oil in the connector must be completely removed and foreign materials should not enter. • When replacing the integrated thermal management module (ITM) connector, be sure to use the specified connector.

Start the engine.

Check the integrated thermal management module (ITM) for operation by operating sound.

Before/after starting up the engine, integrated thermal management module (ITM) operating sound can be generated.

Repeat the engine ON/OFF and check the engine warning lamp OFF.

Drive a vehicle until cooling fan operates and check the remaining amount of coolant in reservoir tank while engine is hot.

Add coolant if it is insufficient.

Install the engine room under cover.

(Refer to Engine And Transaxle Assembly - "Engine Room Under Cover")