The Kia Sorento HEV is a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) designed with specific features and safety considerations for emergency responders. This guide outlines procedures for identification, immobilization, disabling hazards, occupant access, managing stored energy, fire response, submersion, towing, and additional important information.
Function Description:
The Sorento HEV is a hybrid electric vehicle, meaning it combines a gasoline engine with an electric motor and a high voltage battery system. This configuration allows for improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. The vehicle can operate in electric-only mode, making it potentially silent, which is an important consideration for emergency responders. The high voltage system is a critical component, and its safe management is paramount in emergency scenarios.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Engine: 1.6L 4-cylinder gasoline engine.
- Electric Motor: Permanent magnet synchronous motor with a Max. Output of 44.2 kW and Max Torque of 264 Nm.
- Hybrid Starter Generator (HSG): Max. Output of 13 kW and Max Torque of 43.2 Nm. The HSG acts as both a starter motor and an alternator.
- High Voltage Battery: Lithium-ion polymer type with a Rated Voltage of 270 V, Energy of 1.49 kWh, and composed of 8 Cells X 9 Modules. It is located under the Sorento HEV chassis.
- 12V Auxiliary Battery: Located under the luggage compartment, it powers standard vehicle electronics and the HPCU.
- High Voltage Power Cable: Orange-colored cables run under the floor and under the hood, connecting the high voltage battery to the HPCU, Motor, LDC, Inverter, and A/C compressor.
- HPCU (Hybrid Power Control Unit): Main high voltage control unit, including an Inverter and LDC (Low Power DC-DC Converter). The Inverter converts DC to AC for the motor and AC to DC to charge the high voltage battery. The LDC converts high voltage electricity to 12V to charge the auxiliary battery. The HPCU contains a capacitor that requires a 5-minute discharge time after removing the service plug.
- Airbag System (SRS): 7 airbags are installed: Passenger front airbag, Driver front airbag, Side airbag (x2), Curtain airbag (x2), and Driver's knee airbag.
- Seat Belt Pretensioners: Four pretensioners are present for the driver, passenger, and rear seat belts.
Usage Features (Emergency Response):
Identification:
- Orange Color Cables: Visible under the floor and hood.
- "Eco hybrid" Logo: Located on the tailgate.
- Engine Room Cover: "Hybrid" specified under the hood.
- VIN Label: A "G" in the 8th position of the VIN identifies it as a hybrid. The VIN can be found on the windshield, driver's side center pillar, or underneath the front passenger/driver seat.
- Cluster Instrument Panel: Displays HEV-specific features like high voltage battery SOC (State of Charge).
Immobilization:
- Chock the wheels.
- Set the Electronic Parking Brake (EPB).
- Put the vehicle in P (Park) position by pressing the 'P' button on the rotary shifter.
- Vehicle Stabilization: Use standard stabilization (lift) points, connecting to structural components. Avoid placing cribbing under high voltage cables, battery, or fuel system.
Disabling Direct Hazards / Safety Regulations:
- Power Off: Press the 'P' button on the rotary shifter and then the POWER button to turn off the system.
- 12V Battery Disconnection:
- Open the luggage mat and remove the auxiliary battery service cover.
- Disconnect the auxiliary 12V negative (-) battery terminal.
- Remove the smart key at least 2 meters away to prevent accidental restart.
- High Voltage Battery Disconnection: Disconnect the service interlock connector (located under the hood). If unable to disconnect, cut the service interlock connector wire.
- Fuse Removal (IG Ignition Fuse):
- Open the hood and remove the PE (Engine) room fuse box cover.
- Pull both the IG1 and IG2 fuses from the PE (Engine) room fuse box. If IG fuses cannot be located, pull out all fuses and relays.
- Electrocution Risk: Wait 5 minutes after disabling the system for the HPCU capacitor to discharge. Never touch exposed metal chassis wires, cables, connectors, or electric components before disabling the system.
- Airbag System: Turn off the vehicle ignition switch and disconnect the negative connector from the 12V auxiliary battery to prevent accidental deployment. Do not cut the body near airbags.
- Ultra-high Strength Steel: High strength steel (blue) and ultra-high strength steel (red) are used in the vehicle structure, which may be challenging to cut.
Access to Occupants:
- Prioritize "Identify, Immobilize and Disable" procedures.
- Pay special attention to the airbag system, orange high voltage cables, and other high voltage components when cutting the vehicle to prevent damage, explosion, or electrocution.
Stored Energy / Liquid / Gases / Solids:
- High Voltage System: Components include HSG, Motor, High Voltage Battery, High Voltage Power Cable, Engine, and HPCU.
- Fuel (Gasoline): The vehicle has a 1.6L 4-cylinder engine with gasoline stored in a fuel tank and delivered via a fuel line. Avoid cutting the fuel line and tank.
In Case of Fire:
- Firefighting Operations: Lithium-ion Polymer batteries can vent, ignite, and produce sparks above 300°F. Fires can re-ignite. Use a thermal imaging camera to ensure the battery is completely cooled.
- Extinguishers: Use an ABC fire extinguisher for small fires not involving the high voltage battery. For high voltage battery fires, use large amounts of water (Max 10,000 liters) to cool the battery. Do not use small amounts of water or seawater/salt water.
- Damaged Battery/Fluid Leak:
- Wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and SCBA.
- Neutralize the battery by applying a large volume of water.
- Do not put smoke, spark, or flame around the vehicle.
- Do not touch or step on spilled electrolyte.
- Clean up spilled electrolyte with soil, sand, or a dry cloth and ventilate the area.
- Electrolyte is an eye and skin irritant; rinse with plenty of water if contact occurs. Fumes can cause respiratory irritation; inhale fresh air and wash mouth with water.
- High Voltage Battery Re-ignition: Damaged cells can experience thermal runaway and re-ignition due to stranded energy. Prevent re-ignition by disconnecting the 12V battery, shutting off high voltage, and discharging the high voltage battery (refer to page 26 for discharge procedure).
In Case of Submersion:
- The Sorento HEV does not have high voltage components on the vehicle's body or framework, making it safe to touch if there is no severe damage.
- Remove the vehicle from water, drain it, then disable it using methods on page 10.
- Discharge the battery (refer to page 26).
- If high voltage components are exposed due to severe damage, wear insulated PPE. Do not remove high voltage cables while the vehicle is in water.
Towing / Transportation / Storage:
- Towing: The high voltage system must be disabled. Towing is similar to a conventional AWD vehicle. Use an authorized Kia dealer or commercial tow-truck service. Proper lifting and towing procedures are necessary to prevent damage. Wheel dollies or a flatbed are recommended. Do not tow with sling-type equipment or with front wheels on the ground (forward or backward) to avoid fire or motor damage.
- Damaged Battery Storage:
- To store safely, the battery must be discharged.
- If removable, discharge the battery to prevent re-ignition.
- Submerge the battery in salt-free water for at least 90 hours, then add salt to make 3.5% salt water for an additional 48 hours.
- Take out the battery and dry it.
Maintenance Features (Emergency Starting):
- Jump Starting: Do not attempt to jump start the high voltage battery. If the high voltage battery is fully discharged, the vehicle must be towed.
- 12V Auxiliary Battery Jump Start: If the 12V auxiliary battery is discharged, connect a starting device to the jump terminal in the engine room.
- Ensure the booster battery is 12-Volt and its negative terminal is grounded.
- Do not allow vehicles to come into contact if using another vehicle's battery.
- Turn off all unnecessary electrical loads.
- Connect jumper cables in the following sequence: positive terminal of discharged battery (1), positive terminal of booster battery (2), negative terminal of booster battery (3), and then a solid, stationary, metallic point away from the fuse box (4). Disconnect in reverse order.
Need help?
General
To Next Page