Replace the AC receiver/drier on a 2015 Kia Forte 1.8L I4, including refrigerant recovery, component replacement, and system recharge.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• AC receiver/drier assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• AC line O-rings × 1 — Use OEM specification - typically 2 required
• PAG oil for AC system × 1 — PAG 46 or per manufacturer spec
• R-134a refrigerant × 1 — Approximately 1.1 lbs for system refill

Preparation

1. Ensure vehicle is on level ground with parking brake engaged
2. Allow engine to cool completely if recently operated
3. Verify AC refrigerant recovery machine is functioning and has capacity
4. Locate receiver/drier assembly mounted to condenser or nearby bracket on passenger side of engine bay
5. Have new receiver/drier, O-rings, and PAG oil ready to minimize exposure time

Procedure

1. 1

   Recover AC refrigerant
   Connect AC recovery machine to the low and high-side service ports. Follow machine instructions to fully recover all refrigerant from the system. Record the amount recovered for recharge reference. Ensure recovery is complete before proceeding.
2. 2

   Disconnect battery negative terminal
   Disconnect the negative battery terminal to prevent any electrical issues while working near AC components and pressure switches. Use a 10mm wrench or socket.
3. 3

   Remove air intake components if necessary
   If the air intake duct or resonator box obstructs access to the receiver/drier, loosen clamps and remove necessary components. On the 1.8L engine, partial removal of the intake snorkel may improve access.
4. 4

   Disconnect electrical connector
   Locate the pressure switch on top of the receiver/drier. Press the locking tab and disconnect the electrical connector from the switch. Move wiring harness out of the way.
5. 5

   Disconnect AC line from inlet side
   Using appropriate wrench, carefully disconnect the AC line fitting from the inlet (top) of the receiver/drier. Immediately cap the open line to prevent moisture and debris entry. Note the orientation and condition of the O-ring for replacement.
   Torque spec

   AC Line Fittings20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Disconnect AC line from outlet side
   Disconnect the AC line fitting from the outlet (bottom) of the receiver/drier. Cap this line immediately as well. Keep track of all removed O-rings for proper replacement count.
   Torque spec

   AC Line Fittings20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove receiver/drier mounting bolts
   Remove the mounting bolts securing the receiver/drier to its bracket or condenser. Typically there are 1-2 bolts holding the unit in place. Carefully extract the receiver/drier from the engine bay.
   Torque spec

   Receiver Drier Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Measure and prepare PAG oil
   Measure the amount of oil drained from the old receiver/drier if possible. Add the equivalent amount of fresh PAG 46 oil to the new receiver/drier (typically 20-30ml). If unable to measure, add approximately 1 oz of fresh oil to compensate for oil trapped in old drier.
9. 9

   Install new receiver/drier
   Remove caps from new receiver/drier immediately before installation. Position the new receiver/drier in the mounting bracket ensuring proper orientation with inlet/outlet ports aligned to AC lines. Hand-thread mounting bolts and tighten to specification.
   Torque spec

   Receiver Drier Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Install new O-rings on AC fittings
    Remove old O-rings from AC line fittings and discard. Install new O-rings onto each fitting. Lightly coat each new O-ring with fresh PAG oil to ensure proper seal and prevent damage during installation.
11. 11

    Reconnect AC lines
    Connect the inlet and outlet AC lines to the receiver/drier. Hand-thread fittings carefully to avoid cross-threading. Tighten both fittings to the specified torque using a torque wrench.
    Torque spec

    AC Line Fittings20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reconnect electrical connector
    Reconnect the electrical connector to the pressure switch on top of the receiver/drier. Ensure it clicks into place securely and the locking tab engages.
13. 13

    Reinstall air intake components
    If any air intake components were removed, reinstall them in reverse order. Ensure all clamps are tight and connections are secure.
14. 14

    Reconnect battery and evacuate system
    Reconnect the negative battery terminal. Connect the AC machine to service ports and evacuate the system to pull a vacuum for a minimum of 30-45 minutes. System should hold vacuum without rise in pressure, indicating no leaks.
15. 15

    Recharge AC system
    Using the AC machine, recharge the system with the proper amount of R-134a refrigerant (approximately 1.1 lbs or 510 grams for the 2015 Forte 1.8L). Add UV dye if desired for future leak detection. Follow machine instructions for proper charging procedure.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all AC line fittings are torqued to specification to prevent leaks
2. Verify all electrical connections are secure and locked in place
3. Double-check that air intake components are fully seated and clamped
4. Confirm battery terminal is tight and secure

Verification

• Start the engine and turn AC to maximum cold with fan on high
• Verify AC compressor engages and clutch cycles properly
• Check that cold air is produced from vents within 2-3 minutes
• Inspect all AC line connections for signs of refrigerant leaks (oil residue or frost)
• Use UV light to check for leaks if dye was added during recharge
• Verify system pressures are within specification using AC manifold gauges (low side approximately 25-35 PSI, high side 200-250 PSI at idle with ambient temp 75-85°F)
• Confirm no warning lights are illuminated on dash related to AC system

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