09/05/2026
Kia Sorento aircon not cold?
Diagnosis: Black oil or “Black death” and leak
What is "Black Death"?
"Black Death," as it is known by A/C system service professionals, results from a catastrophic breakdown of the refrigerant-lubricant which in turn causes excessive wear inside the compressor. In a typical case of "Black Death," metal particles are circulated throughout the system contaminating other components and necessitating either thorough flushing or complete replacement. The swash-plate compressors used by Ford are particularly susceptible to this problem. Similar damage can also occur inside the compressors used in some GM and Chrysler A/C systems.
Some wear is normal.
During normal operation, a small amount of wear occurs inside the compressor due to the contact of moving metal parts. Much like the oil used to lubricate an engine, the combined refrigerant-lubricant used in an A/C system minimizes wear. However, the amount of wear and the size of the particles generated can increase significantly when the compressor is operated on a low charge of the PAG (Poly Alkaline Glycol) oil or mineral oil recommended for specific A/C systems.
Loose particles contaminate system.
When an A/C system is operated under low-charge conditions, loose wear particles, often quite large and potentially damaging, are circulated throughout the system. They lodge in various system components and frequently impede or even block the flow of the refrigerant-lubricant. If only a new compressor is installed into a system that has not been thoroughly flushed, there is a good possibility that the new compressor will fail again, thereby voiding the warranty and resulting in another expensive repair.
Recognizing the problem.
Your A/C professional technician knows the usual signs of compressor failure and can diagnose the presence of "Black Death" in several ways:
• Your compressor may be functional, but extremely noisy during operation.
• In turning the compressor clutch, you may feel "hard" spots.
• The compressor may be totally frozen or locked up.
• Signs of contamination may be present at the or***ce tube and/or the inlet and outlet ports when the hose manifold is removed.
Solving the problem.
Depending on the severity of the damage and the extent of the contamination, some "Black Death" problems can be repaired by flushing the A/C system with solvents. Segments of the system are cleansed individually. Either process, flushing or filtering, can be very time consuming and expensive. At the minimum, a new compressor must be installed following this procedure. Frequently, other components also require replacement. From a cost and performance viewpoint, many A/C system technicians find that replacement of all contaminated components is the best approach.
Solution: General aircon Cleaning with leak detection, Nitrogen AC system flushing, replace compressor, condenser, expansion valve, evaporator and all o-rings. Recharged freon on this Kia Sorento.
Keep your AC healthy by regular check ups and maintenance
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