TSB-CLI017R4

GROUP
CLI
NUMBER
017 (REV 4, 10/13/2014)
MODEL
2011MY~
Optima Hybrid (TF HEV)
2015MY~
Soul EV (PS EV)
DATE
August 2011
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN
SUBJECT:
EV AND HYBRID A/C SYSTEM SERVICING REQUIREMENTS
 NOTICE
This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised
sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.
The Soul Electric Vehicle (EV) and the Optima Hybrid use an A/C compressor that is driven by a
high-voltage electric motor rather than by a belt. Both the motor and compressor are in one
housing with a mix of refrigerant and oil flowing through both sections. Because the oil flows
through the motor windings, it must have a high electrical resistivity (low conductivity). To
achieve this, the EV and Hybrid vehicle’s A/C system uses a special lubricant, either Polyvinyl
Ether (PVE) or Polyolester (POE) oil. Conventional PAG oil cannot be intermixed with PVE or
POE oil.
WARNING
PAG oil is not sufficiently resistive and would permanently damage the electric A/C
compressor. Use of the incorrect lubricant may cause severe personal injury or death
from electrical shock.
To service an EV or Hybrid vehicle A/C system, one of the following Recovery, Recycle, and
Recharge (RRR) machines is required:

A DEDICATED machine: a standard, non-SAE J2788-compliant RRR Machine (once
dedicated, this can then only be used on PVE and POE A/C systems). Always keep the oil
injection
reservoir
filled
with
PVE
oil
purchased
from
Kia
Chemicals
(www.kiachemicals.com). NOTE: At this time, only PVE oil is available from Kia
Chemicals.

A HOSE-FLUSHING machine: an SAE J2788-compliant RRR machine (this can service all
PAG, PVE, and POE A/C systems). When servicing an EV or Hybrid A/C system, use ONLY
PVE oil purchased from Kia Chemicals (www.kiachemicals.com).
File Under: 
Circulate To:
x General Manager

x Service Advisor(s)

x Service Manager

x Parts Manager

x Technician(s) 
x Body Shop Manager 
x Fleet Repair

Page 2 of 2
SUBJECT
EV AND HYBRID A/C SYSTEM SERVICING REQUIREMENTS
For information regarding the purchase of either of these machines, contact Snap-on Business
Solutions at (888) 542-1011 or go to www.kiaspecialtools.com.
 NOTICE

POE and PVE oils are compatible so if a DEDICATED machine has already
been purchased, it can be used with either oil type.

Prior to using the RRR machine, make sure it is properly calibrated per the
manufacturer’s instructions.

Warranty claims for EV or Hybrid A/C compressors that are found to be
contaminated with non-PVE/POE oils may be subject to charge-back.
TSB: CLI 017 (REV 4) Optima (TF HEV), Soul (PS EV) August 2011