AC Not Blowing Cold in My 2019 Sportage SX Turbo

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Mike T. · rep 0 · May 25, 2:12 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2019 Kia Sportage SX Turbo

Hello fellow Kia owners,

I have a 2019 Kia Sportage SX Turbo, and with summer approaching, I've noticed my AC isn't blowing cold air anymore. It just feels like ambient air, even when set to the lowest temperature and highest fan speed. It was working perfectly fine last season.

There are no strange noises or smells, and the fan seems to be blowing strong. I'm wondering if it's just a simple refrigerant recharge needed, or if it could be something more serious like a compressor or a leak. The car has about 60,000 miles on it.

Has anyone with a 2019 Sportage or similar year experienced this issue? What was the cause and fix? I'm trying to get a sense of what I might be looking at before I take it in for service.

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

It's frustrating when your AC stops blowing cold, especially as temperatures rise. For your 2019 Kia Sportage SX Turbo, several common issues can lead to a lack of cold air, ranging from minor to more significant repairs.

Here's a guide to diagnosing and addressing the problem:

  1. Refrigerant Leak:
    • Most Common Cause: The most frequent reason for an AC system to stop blowing cold is a leak in the refrigerant (R-134a or R-1234yf, depending on your specific model). Over time, small leaks can deplete the system's charge.
    • Diagnosis: A professional AC service will use specialized equipment to check the system's pressure and detect leaks using dye or an electronic leak detector.
  2. Failing AC Compressor:
    • Symptoms: If the compressor isn't engaging or is making unusual noises (grinding, squealing), it could be failing. The compressor is responsible for pressurizing the refrigerant.
    • Check: Visually inspect the compressor clutch; it should spin when the AC is turned on. If it's not engaging, it could be a clutch issue, a lack of refrigerant (compressor won't engage if pressure is too low to protect itself), or an electrical problem.
  3. Condenser Blockage or Damage:
    • Location: The condenser is located at the front of the vehicle, often in front of the radiator. It dissipates heat from the refrigerant.
    • Issues: Road debris can block airflow or physically damage the condenser, impairing its ability to cool the refrigerant.
  4. Blower Motor or Resistor: While you mentioned the fan is blowing strong, if it were weak or only worked on certain speeds, it could point to a failing blower motor or resistor, though this typically doesn't affect the coldness of the air, just the airflow.
  5. Electrical Issues: Faulty relays, fuses, or wiring to the AC components (compressor clutch, pressure sensors) can prevent the system from operating correctly.

When to See a Shop: Since you're not getting any cold air, it's best to take your Sportage to a qualified automotive AC technician. They have the proper equipment to evacuate, test for leaks, and recharge the system. Attempting to recharge the system yourself without addressing a leak will only provide a temporary fix and can be harmful to the environment if refrigerant is released. A professional can accurately diagnose the root cause and ensure the repair is done correctly, preventing further damage to costly AC components.