Sounds like the compressor keeps turning on???

[JingChuan]

Hey all,
I've been running the fan (heater) a lot lately as it's getting a bit chilly in Chicagoland. Odd thing I've noticed though: even though the a/c is not on (the a/c light isn't lit up) and the defog is not on (I only hit the vent button, NOT the defog or Auto button), I can hear a low rumble turn on and off when I'm sitting at the light. It sounds just like a compressor (and the accompanying drag on the engine) when just the fan is on, like the exhaust sound gets a little lower and the rpms drop. When I hit the off button, the sound goes away. What the...? Is this something unique to the MS3? If not, I'll schedule a trip to the dealer since it really, really sounds like the compressor is kicking on.

A few details:
I have a 2008 GT with the auto climate control.
The a/c is not on.
The a/c light works.
The defog is not on.

 

[CWPspeed3]

Ive had the same issue, i have the Sport and not using climate control but every time the floor vent is on it sounds like the compressor runs. I took it to the dealer and asked them about it he said its the climate control running the AC to take humidity out even though im not using auto climate. It bugs me but not enough to do anything about.

 

[240ka]

i think mine does the same

 

[aaronc7]

AC is always "on" with anything other than the top vents and the top vent/floor vent combo.

kinda annoying yeah

 

[mazdaspeedster3]

At least it isnt like honda that turns the condensor on all the time as well. Hondas you can not turn it off unless you know the cheat code, or at least they used to be that way...?

 

[Speed3Rookie]

Ive had the same issue, i have the Sport and not using climate control but every time the floor vent is on it sounds like the compressor runs. I took it to the dealer and asked them about it he said its the climate control running the AC to take humidity out even though im not using auto climate. It bugs me but not enough to do anything about.

When all else fails...read your manual.
The dealer is correct.

 

[zim]

it's kinda gay. I'm so used to just having heat on the feet and the windows down a bit. I hate air conditioners.

 

[CWPspeed3]

When all else fails...read your manual.
The dealer is correct.

True, but asking questions you already know the answers to you can tell how full of s*** the dealer is. You know how many people they had to ask to figure that out?

it's kinda gay. I'm so used to just having heat on the feet and the windows down a bit. I hate air conditioners.

It is quite annoying but nothing you can do about it, like the rain sensing wipers everyone loves... hah

 

[aaronc7]

when its cold i just usually put it on vent/feet (lowest fan speed) and open the window a little

 

[F430TECH]

I have noticed this too over the past couple of days...also the other night even though I wasnt getting on my car at all and it was relatively cool here like four times in a row the cooling fans came on in my car after shutdown...wierd...

 

[Hank3]

I don't like it how we can't change the temperature of the air unless the fan is turned on. I like to leave the fan off but on fresh air mode...but if I want to change the temp, I have to turn on the fan. I know when I had my Subaru there was mod for the manual climate control where you can deactivate the AC turning on when you put it on the windshield, but when they switched over to an automatic climate control system, it wasn't possible. Oh well...part of the tradeoff I guess.

 

[Speed3Rookie]

lol....the manual also states to run the air conditioner at least 10 minutes monthly. That means in the winter also.

 

[dan1101]

It's positively stupid, especially when there is a "AC" button with a light. If the AC is on, that damn light should be on too, and I should be able to turn it on/off regardless of vent configuration.

This is the sort of thing I bet could be fixed with a software update if enough people complain about it.

 

[zim]

I don't like it how we can't change the temperature of the air unless the fan is turned on. I like to leave the fan off but on fresh air mode...but if I want to change the temp, I have to turn on the fan. I know when I had my Subaru there was mod for the manual climate control where you can deactivate the AC turning on when you put it on the windshield, but when they switched over to an automatic climate control system, it wasn't possible. Oh well...part of the tradeoff I guess.

actually you can change the temp when the fan is off but you can't see the number changing until you put the fans back on. kinda gay but it still works. try it out

 

[MicaSp33d]

this happens on all ms3's and regular 3s.

its normal for this car, but it also bugs the s*** out me too. I think it only happens when you have it vent to the floor or windshield.

 

[lestat13]

actually you can change the temp when the fan is off but you can't see the number changing until you put the fans back on. kinda gay but it still works. try it out

whaaa????? Not on mine friend (ugh) 8.5 MS3, just tried it to double check. It can be on 90, turn the wheel down, turn fan on, 90 degrees

Sitting in stop and go traffic hearing the compressor turn on, hummmmmmmmmm, turn off, turn back on, hummmmm

It gets annoying

 

[Wastegate13]

What I find hilarious is that people will put on a turbo back exhaust, a more solid rear mount, and sound systems that will almost break glass and then complain about a tiny little hum coming from the AC compressor.

The compressor runs for 2 reasons. To keep the system lubricated during the winter months when people don't use the AC and to remove moisture to prevent the windows from fogging.

 

[Speed3Rookie]

What I find hilarious is that people will put on a turbo back exhaust, a more solid rear mount, and sound systems that will almost break glass and then complain about a tiny little hum coming from the AC compressor.

The compressor runs for 2 reasons. To keep the system lubricated during the winter months when people don't use the AC and to remove moisture to prevent the windows from fogging.

+1........

 

[MicaSp33d]

its not a tiny hum ... more like a small rumble.

 

[Hank3]

actually you can change the temp when the fan is off but you can't see the number changing until you put the fans back on. kinda gay but it still works. try it out

Ahhh....good to know. Thanks