Installing Kat's Heater in 2021 Kia Soul Steps

Question:

I have ordered two of these heaters. One for a 2021 Kia Soul and the other for a 2008 Toyota Tacoma. Part numbers KH11812 and KH11813 respectively. The two parts look identical and the tag on the cords show the differing part numbers. When trying to install on the Kia the clip would not engage no matter how hard I pushed it in. I took the clip from the Toyota heater and that clip did engage. The clip from the Kia heater wasnt bent or deformed at all and comparing them side by side they looked almost identical. I am not sure if others have had any issues installing KH11812 on 2021 Kia Souls but I hope this helps. I will try to install the other with the Kia clip on the Toyota soon but I am also wondering if you all have any advice, knowledge, or experience with this particular use case. Ive also included steps and pictures for Kia install, I used a borescope to take images where the part and the edge it clips into are actually installed. There are a few pictures where I snapped at different depths of penetration into the area for context. 1 remove both the air top and bottom air breather assemblies 2 Connect the plug to the plug outlet 3 lower the plug down to the left of the PDC 4 Using your left arm with your elbow where the lower breather assembly was, rotate your hand palm up and gently feed your hand all the way back under the thermostat and grab the heater. 5 Feel around for the well / hole and the heater 6 rotate the heater to a position where the clip is pointing towards the rear of the vehicle and press in. It should clip solidly into place 7 I routed the cable beneath the thermostat and radiator hose then through a small opening between the radiator housing and the front frame. 8 secure to bumper / grill with zip ties or whatever you prefer

asked by: Michael R

Heater Install 1
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Heater Install 2
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Heater install 3
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Heater Install 4
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Expert Reply:

Hey Michael, that is a really odd situation that I can't say we have ever really heard of but I wonder if you put a caliper on both heaters if you'd find that while they look the same maybe there are some different dimensions that are the reason they essentially aren't as interchangeable as they might appear. Otherwise we really appreciate the tips you passed on! We do get asked how these install so it's awesome you shared your experience.

expert reply by: Jameson C

Mike R.

2/27/2025

Jameson, I have one and I thought about it but it was freezing outside and I had been at it for a while. There potentially could be a millimeter or two difference between the two. Unfortunately, it is installed at this point and I wont be taking it out and going through all of that to find out unless you all think the data would be useful. Will the other users be able to see my pictures and write up or is just to your internal group?

Jameson C.

2/27/2025

@MikeR Yeah if you don't want to pull it all out I totally understand. This page will be public for other people to see and get helped by so your pictures and everything you said would helpful for people in the future.