Air Conditioning Compressor Oil Diagnosis

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2015 Chevrolet Trax and 2015 Buick Encore. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Condition	Corrective Action
NOTE: To avoid repeat compressor failure, always inspect the condition of the refrigerant oil and take the appropriate corrective action before installing the replacement compressor.
Clean oil no debris present	No corrective action necessary.
Clean oil with debris present	Replace the desiccant or component containing the desiccant. Replace the desiccant filter if applicable. Remove and inspect the high pressure side filter (if applicable). Remove, inspect, clean, or replace the orifice tube. If the system has a front orifice tube and is equipped with a filter in the rear auxiliary line, remove, inspect, clean, or replace the filter.
Dark brown/black and/or pungent/unusual odor with no debris present	Replace the desiccant or component containing the desiccant. Replace the desiccant filter if applicable. Flush the refrigerant system.
Dark brown/black and/or pungent/unusual odor with debris present	Replace the desiccant or component containing the desiccant. Replace the desiccant filter if applicable. Flush the refrigerant system. Remove and inspect the high pressure side filter if applicable. Remove, inspect, clean, or replace the orifice tube. If the system has a front orifice tube and is equipped with a filter in the rear auxiliary line, remove, inspect, clean or replace the filter.
Oil overcharge	Flush the refrigerant system.
Refrigerant contamination	Flush the refrigerant system.
Hybrid polyolester refrigerant oil (POE) contamination	Flush the refrigerant system. Replace the desiccant or component containing the desiccant. Replace the desiccant filter if applicable.