Automotive Air Conditioning Information Forum (Archives)
How much AC equipment is installed in non AC cars
RET423 on 
Sun July 06, 2014 10:23 PM 
Year: 1995
Make: Kia
Model: Sportage
Engine Size: 2.2
This may sound a bit stupid but here goes.
I have a real nice, low mileage 95 Kia Sportage without factory AC, I have been unable to find a kit for this model to install AC or a universal model that will fit in the tiny space.
I have noticed that the dash controls have both the heater and AC thermostat lacking only the push button for the compressor but the wiring is there for the button. The dash also has the vents for AC and the fuse boxes have a place for the AC fuse and the AC relay.
The firewall has a plastic plug on the passenger side where it looks like the hoses would go and in the front by the radiator is a spot for a dryer and lots of room for a condenser. There is an extra unused pulley groove on the crankshaft and an open spot for the compressor right above it on the block but no brackets.
Does anyone think it is possible that Kia decided to install all the AC components that are integral including an AC standard wiring harness but just leave off the underhood components on the vehicles ordered without AC?
I have heard rumors that some manufactures do this to trim assembly time but maybe that is just wishful thinking, I would like to just order all the remaining parts and complete the stock system but it looks like installing an evaporator would be a big job if it is not already there.
Just wondering if anyone has any experience with this, any input would be greatly appreciated.
TRB on Sun July 06, 2014 11:20 PM
Is this an American version as I only see a 2.0L listing?
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Contact: ACKits.com
GM Tech on Sun July 06, 2014 11:22 PM
Not worth it-- buy a Kia with factory a/c already in it....
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The number one A/C diagnostic tool there is- is to know how much refrigerant is in the system- this can only be done by recovering and weighing the refrigerant!!
Just a thought.... 65% of A/C failures in my 3200 car diagnostic database (GM vehicles) are due to loss of refrigerant due to a leak......
Jag987 on Sun July 06, 2014 11:28 PM
I seriously doubt the evaporator is there. Some things, like the body, it is easier for the manufacturer to just make one of when the only difference is Ac or not. At the same time, I think they like to make it as easy on themselves as they can if some options are to be added on latter. I have seen many 2wd truck with front hubs that have splines in them for cv axle shafts, just in case it is added latter. I think you have found all that is there for the air conditioning on this suv. Here is a LINK to a kit put together by the site sponsor for adding AC to your vehicle. I have never installed one of these kits, but they are custom built for each vehicle and come with what looks like very good instructions. One day I would like to, just to say I have done it, but most people I have talked to are turned away by the price (about $1,000) of the kit, before adding a semi unknown number of hours to install it.
Good luck with whatever you decide to do.
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I bought a can of 134a at w**-mart that had a stop leak, oil, and dye in it. It also had a hose and a gauge, so now I'm an AC pro!
Jag987 on Sun July 06, 2014 11:30 PM
IGNORE MY LINK, TRB IS RIGHT!!! THE LINK IS FOR A 2.0 LITER, NOT A 2.2 LIKE YOU HAVE LISTED.
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I bought a can of 134a at w**-mart that had a stop leak, oil, and dye in it. It also had a hose and a gauge, so now I'm an AC pro!
RET423 on Mon July 07, 2014 12:00 AM
Thanks for the replies, I was wrong about the engine size, it is a 2.0. 1000 does not seem too bad for a complete kit, this car is like new. I suppose the kit will require a full dash removal as well though since it can't fit underneath. I will check out the kit and see how involved it is.
mk378 on Mon July 07, 2014 6:15 AM
Many imported cars of that era had the A/C system designed for "bolt on" installation at the dealer, usually they would do it before selling the car. This was for tax reasons, since the manufacturer could claim a higher "Made in USA" content by doing it that way.
In these cases, the evaporator is installed by taking the glove compartment off its hinges and working through that opening. There's no need to remove the whole dash.
Edited: Mon July 07, 2014 at 6:15 AM by mk378
NickD on Mon July 07, 2014 9:24 AM
Have to go along with GMtech on this issue, Honda tried dealer installed AC in the 80's, didn't work out very well for them. Wrong guy doing the installation can really mess up a vehicle. Recalled looking at an 88 Acura without AC, dealer wanted 1,100 bucks for the kit, and would have had a ton of parts left over they wouldn't give credit for. Just said said no thanks. Got the Supra instead with AC already installed at the factory.
Were pulling dealer installed options during the energy crisis days, like this crisis is over. Like on some cars like the Chevette adding mud flaps, floor mats, and rear window defrosters to jack up the price of the car another thousand above the sticker price. Seen some vehicles with the wires taped to the headliner for a quick easy job.
Then dealer installed options died for awhile, but coming back again today so the dealers can earn more money. Wanted 350 bucks extra for fog lamps, an accessory my Cruze really needed due to extremely poor side lighting. Did find an OE kit for 130 bucks and did it myself, but still had a lot of parts left over. And was done extremely neatly. Was dealer installed mud flaps on my new 04 Cavalier where I had to pay extra for, but first thing I did when I go home was to remove them and put them on straight.
Might go along with dealer installed floor mats, but would want to make sure the mechanic doing this was a certified floor mat installer first. Could reverse the front from the rears, and would have to do this all over again.
A very vehicle dependent subject, how about a different radiator, cooling fan, shroud, complete drive belt system, wiring harnesses, climate control panel, even the blower motor.
wptski on Mon July 07, 2014 3:08 PM
Had a dealer installed A/C system on a '79 4x4 Toyota mini-pickup worked just fine till I sold it in 1985.
TRB on Tue July 08, 2014 10:18 AM
Here is a link to the instructions for our kit. It's not that hard to install just takes a little time. Plus our staff is here to help with any questions.
http://www.ackits.com/instructions-16120-1037
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Contact: ACKits.com
Cussboy on Tue July 08, 2014 3:17 PM
QuoteOriginally posted by: wptski
Had a dealer installed A/C system on a '79 4x4 Toyota mini-pickup worked just fine till I sold it in 1985.
Still have the dealer-installed AC on my 1988 Mazda B2200 truck, R-12, Arizona heat. It does have an aftermarket brass/copper evaporator and an Air Pro rebuilt compressor from ACkits.com on it.
RET423 on Tue July 08, 2014 10:35 PM
QuoteOriginally posted by: TRB
Here is a link to the instructions for our kit. It's not that hard to install just takes a little time. Plus our staff is here to help with any questions.
http://www.ackits.com/instructions-16120-1037
That looks pretty straight forward, I think this might be the simplest option
TRB on Wed July 09, 2014 10:36 AM
It is all a perspective I guess. There really is not a lot of difference with factory A/C and after market a/c. Factory a/c is a simplistic design for a mechanic to work on as it is simply plug and play. Aftermarket you might have to think a little or even make a custom bracket or hose set when doing a repair. Component wise the items are very similar and in some case aftermarket is even better. Look at GMTech, he has become a master are swapping shaft seals and compressor gaskets do to OEM compressors failing all the time. We don't see that issue with most after market compressors.
The system I listed is designed for your vehicle w/o a/c. Should perform very well overall.
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Contact: ACKits.com
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