2019 Sorento LX 3.3Lt Black Smoke

Would you mind sharing a video of the smoke? I noticed it is normal a white steam when the weather and the engine are cold.

Get it checked for codes etc. Black normally is a result of way too much gas or lack of air. Very rich mixture.

It can mess up the catalytic converter so don't run it too much or you'll need a replacement.

Thanks Tripplec.. for your reply that's what I was planning on doing

Tripplec said:

Get it checked for codes etc. Black normally is a result of way too much gas or lack of air. Very rich mixture.

It can mess up the catalytic converter so don't run it too much or you'll need a replacement.

Click to expand...

Not getting any warning engine lights showing

Normally if you are getting black smoke out the tailpipe, there would be a check engine light because the delta between the fore and after O2 sensors would be way off. Is there soot inside the tailpipe? Obviously the dealer is the best place to get this addressed ASAP.

tom4416 said:

Normally if you are getting black smoke out the tailpipe, there would be a check engine light because the delta between the fore and after O2 sensors would be way off. Is there soot inside the tailpipe? Obviously the dealer is the best place to get this addressed ASAP.

Click to expand...

Thanks Tom. for your reply I was thinking the same thing, if there is no codes showing / engine light it would be very hard to guess which sensor is acting up.. I was told there are about 6 sensor under the hood that may cause this including the injectors & air filter which has been replaced

Agree with posts above. Black smoke, if that's really what it is, is typically indicative of a seriously over-rich mixture. The ECU will always try to manage fuel trim to prevent this, and if it cannot, the forward O2 sensors will be driving the ECU to the far limits of the fuel trim tables and a code will appear as a result.

During cold start, the engine is allowed (in fact, is expected) to run a bit rich and a bit high in RPM, but is not normally enough to cause 'black smoke' as a result, even if the catalyst isn't up to temperature enough to burn off any remaining hydrocarbons in the exhaust.

Like others, I'd be interested in a video if you can get someone to take one while you perform a cold start and wait whatever time until the 'black smoke' subsides. How long is this time, typically?

+1 on above, at initial startup engine is in open loop (O2 sensor feedback is disabled/open) and the PCM is running on stored historical fueling trims. During open loop not all the fuel mixture sensors and the cat(s) are reliably functioning. Engine stays in open loop until the O2('s) are at operating temperature and switching (O2 ready), engine temp hits a threshold, and Ignition run timer hits it's threshold. During this time some of the fueling DTC's may not be posted. BUT not a reason for truly black exhaust. The PCM plays with the cam's, timing and RPM during cold startup to keep the rich (choke) mixture under control (AKA: as little emissions as possible). Similar to what the old smog valve plumbing, hoses and air-pumps did until variable cams coming of age. I have seen visible exhaust (not steam) and exhaust odor 15-30 seconds after initial engine kickoff when very cold, but not described as what I would call black.

ecanderson said:

Agree with posts above. Black smoke, if that's really what it is, is typically indicative of a seriously over-rich mixture. The ECU will always try to manage fuel trim to prevent this, and if it cannot, the forward O2 sensors will be driving the ECU to the far limits of the fuel trim tables and a code will appear as a result.

During cold start, the engine is allowed (in fact, is expected) to run a bit rich and a bit high in RPM, but is not normally enough to cause 'black smoke' as a result, even if the catalyst isn't up to temperature enough to burn off any remaining hydrocarbons in the exhaust.

Like others, I'd be interested in a video if you can get someone to take one while you perform a cold start and wait whatever time until the 'black smoke' subsides. How long is this time, typically?

Click to expand...

Hi Acanderson...Thanks for you input...Time is about 2 min; before 'Black Smoke Subsides & that from a cold start up. Going to give the Map Sensor & cleaning & see if that helps

Boy, you do seem to come up with the anomalies, don't you???

Two minutes is a lot. By then, the cats are likely just hot enough to deal with any unburned combustion products. Doesn't mean they aren't still being produced, just that they're being dealt with.

Would be interesting to watch the O2 sensors during warm up and a couple of other things as well. I'd have the thing on a GDS during cold start to see why the thing appears to be running so much richer than normal cold enrichment cycle would seem to warrant.

It should throw a code if the ECU detected anomalies. If the issue persist it should show the code sooner or later. For the meantime you need to make a quick remedy otherwise just wait. If it happens to me, I will do some quick actions such as; 1) add fuel injector cleaner. 2) Change oil into thinner specs 3) use mid grade or premium gas. Good luck!

bobdec said:

+1 on above, at initial startup engine is in open loop (O2 sensor feedback is disabled/open) and the PCM is running on stored historical fueling trims.

Click to expand...

Yup. My guess is that it's always running out toward the far rich end of the trim table (but still barely within bounds, hence no codes) on one or more cylinders during normal operation, and that after two minutes of idling, the cats are hot enough to hide the evidence.

SpicyRed said:

It should throw a code if the ECU detected anomalies. If the issue persist it should show the code sooner or later. For the meantime you need to make a quick remedy otherwise just wait. If it happens to me, I will do some quick actions such as; 1) add fuel injector cleaner. 2) Change oil into thinner specs 3) use mid grade or premium gas. Good luck!

Click to expand...

thanks Spicy for your input..I've ben thinking along the same line, just waiting for my gas tank of fuel to get a little lower so I can fuel up with a high grade of fuel. Also have be using Lucas Fuel additive for some time ..I personal do not give much for these prod; because todays fuel do have it own additives that do the same job

Stop using the Lucas additive. Isn't needed at all with any name brand gas!! It could be the cause as no additive is advised full time and complicates assessment. Modern gas from Shell, Mobil have highly engineered additives standard as do other Top Tier Gas brands.

Tripplec said:

Stop using the Lucas additive. Isn't needed at all with any name brand gas!! It could be the cause as no additive is advised full time and complicates assessment. Modern gas from Shell, Mobil have highly engineered additives standard as do other Top Tier Gas brands.

Click to expand...

Tks Tripplec for you input...
What you are saying has been bunch around for yrs. some say yes some say no needed, in the passed I've never used it & again I thinks it depends on what fuel one is using Gas today is purchase from many parts of the world depend who has the a ship load & the Price $$ just read a article that Gas shipped to the east cost of Canada was purchase from Russia ..Yes Shell & Mobil Do Add there our additives to there high octane gas...Also on page 7/10 of my manual it say's "" Fuel additives Add every 12000KM (7500) or 12 months """ so which I done to this tank of fuel I add about 10 oz of Lucas let see if it makes any differences.. I'm skeptic when it comes to this stuff

Many folks in the US don't like Lucas products, but the high Amazon reviews suggest that they're good.

A few car manufacturers recommend Techron, including Kia, but its debatable what level of confidence that should add.
I seldom use it because I exclusively use Costco Top Tier Gas.

That is there for Carbon if not using Tier one gas !! Also not near every tank either. Once in a blue moon or year max if really needed. North America gas is refined locally fe refineries in Canada and the bulk in New Oreleans area where yours is coming from. Additives are added well after by the respective gas chains. Shell, Petro Canada, Mobil, Esso, Exxon etc and even Ultramar now. Premium grade is overkill but a tank of Shell Premium is known to clear some issues up I ran into long ago. Not a regular diet though is needed. The engine cannot manage the real high octane effectively.

Good luck

ron1004 said:

Many folks in the US don't like Lucas products, but the high Amazon reviews suggest that they're good.

A few car manufacturers recommend Techron, including Kia, but its debatable what level of confidence that should add.
I seldom use it because I exclusively use Costco Top Tier Gas.

Amazon.com: Chevron Techron Concentrate Plus Fuel System Cleaner - 20 oz. : Automotive

Buy Chevron Techron Concentrate Plus Fuel System Cleaner - 20 oz.: Automotive - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

Click to expand...

Hi Ron ..Never heard of that brand of additive but will take your advise for the future if needed. ..like I said it's only one tank of fuel.. I also buy my fuel from Costco but just the 87 octane.. Again Costco buys there fuel from different suppliers depending were there pumps /warehouse is located & the were tank farm are not sure if Costco has higher spec; for there fuel ..but I will be trying there Higher brand on my next tank..

drtummin said:

Hi Ron ..Never heard of that brand of additive but will take your advise for the future if needed. ..like I said it's only one tank of fuel.. I also buy my fuel from Costco but just the 87 octane.. Again Costco buys there fuel from different suppliers depending were there pumps /warehouse is located & the were tank farm are not sure if Costco has higher spec; for there fuel ..but I will be trying there Higher brand on my next tank..

Click to expand...

For sure Costco only dispenses top tier gas in the US stations. They may get it from different jobbers, but it is still top tier which is mostly because of the Techron formula added to the fuel at the specific refinery (believe only Chevron stations can use the name Techron). Unknown about Canada although suspect their contract is very similar to the rest of North America. Premium has no more of this additive then regular and it's only helpful characteristic is to slow the flame front in high compression and turbo engines.