AC Problems

[RonH]

Blame it on the quality check at the factory in Japan.

 

[yellowmazda3]

ac problem

I have the same problem with my ac...please call mazda .....1800-222-5500...ext 1138 and let them know...or give me your info... so when i call they add you to the list of complain...

I live in Atlanta, which has gotten really hot a few days already... and while the A/C is not freezing cold like it used to be on my '88 camry (which had an A/C and "econ" button... A/C meaning you wanted 34 degree air blowing directly on your neck) it's adequate. I have found that the compressor does click on and off, meaning it will start to get a little less than frosty, and then suddenly cool again... and it's mostly noticeable when the car is idling a lot (so if you are driving around in stop-n-go traffic, and the engine is running really slowly, the compressor isn't spinning as fast).

When I took a long round trip to durham (400 miles from Hotlanta) it was actually getting a bit too cold and I had to point the vents away from my face. So it seems like revving the engine around 2000-3000 will get it cool quick.

Otherwise, I agree with dja0323 that when you first get into the hot car after it's been sitting in a parking lot trying to see how close it can get to 200 degrees... recirculating the air ("max A/C" on most american makes) helps a lot.. after 5 minutes of getting over "OMG-BBQ" you can turn it back to fresh air and the system will cool it down just fine.

bvmazda3: using a/c will decrease your mileage, but not as much as if you have your windows open at highway speeds. I've found that leaving the windows/sunroof open when you're tooling around town doesn't make that much of a difference tho... or you can do the ultimate guilty pleasure: windows down and sunroof open with A/C on...

 

[yellowmazda3]

ac problem

I live in phoenix.. this ac is not going to do it....give you info..so we go to the same dealer and make the complain..

I live in Tempe Arizona.. The desert of the US and you deffinately need it here, but you're right.. it comes on and off.. kinda sucks.. my Eclipse was colder then crap. But the good thing for working for Vivid Racing is that I am inside all day and dont have to deal with the heat until the weekends, then it's cool to roll around, all 4 down, shirt off, swim trunks on, sun glasses on, and cruuuiiiiise...! other then that. ya we need better ac hahaha

 

[zooom]

A/C issues

I live in Toronto CANADA and I've made a letter of complain and faxed it to MAZDA CANADA. The dealer was supposed to give it on Monday but couldnt get it ready, promised for tuesday. They said the sensor plug in the centre console was loose and they fixed it, they've ordered a new part, but unfortunately since its a new car, MAZDA hasnt even given parts number yet. I'm expecting compensation from MAZDA CANADA. I've written quite a strong letter, will keep you guys updated of what(or if ) they offer something.

I have the same problem with my ac...please call mazda .....1800-222-5500...ext 1138 and let them know...or give me your info... so when i call they add you to the list of complain...

 

[taylor5]

A/c

Gotta say, that is the most 'clicking on-off ' compressor I have ever experienced in one of my cars. But it seems like lately a lot of newer cars are just not that great with their A/C systems. My 01' Toyota (kept it 11 months) A/C sucked major balls man especially when sitting at a stoplight(bj) . I had a few VW's before that and only a handfull of them were decent (especially my 93' Fox Sedan...it would freeze you out even on the hottest days).

My 02' Protege5 struggled sometimes also. With my new 3, I have noticed that with miles adding on, it is getting much better. It actually froze me out the other day on a 85 degree afternoon.

There is a trick I am trying that seems to work. I learned it from my Moms' 79' Beetle Convertible Manual. Her car has a factory approved dealer installed A/C and it says this in the factory manual....

"When you first turn on your A/C unit, roll all your windows down halfway or all the way and keep the a/c on full (i also keep it in the 'fresh air' mode). Once the majority of hot air has escaped and you feel the system cooling down, roll your windows up."

I also found that if I keep it in fresh for a minute or two longer and then switch it to "recirc", it really does seem to cool better.....

I dont know, maybe some of you might want to try it.

 

[taylor5]

one more suggestion

Use one of those folding windhield sun blockers that goes on the inside of the car while it is sitting in the sun awaiting your return.

I have found that the big ol' 'black' dashboard of ours really soaks in some heat and retains it even after you have been driving awhile, therefore it is actually 'warming' the cool air coming through the a/c/vent ductwork inside the dash.

That can definitely make it seem that your a/c is not working right. When i started using my sunshade, it really seems the car cools off better thanks to the dashboard not being so hot.

 

[3Chick]

Yes, I agree the AC sucks. I too have noticed that on the rec. mode, it cools better. Im glad to know that its not just mine though.

 

[Da 6]

Use one of those folding windhield sun blockers that goes on the inside of the car while it is sitting in the sun awaiting your return.

I have found that the big ol' 'black' dashboard of ours really soaks in some heat and retains it even after you have been driving awhile, therefore it is actually 'warming' the cool air coming through the a/c/vent ductwork inside the dash.

That can definitely make it seem that your a/c is not working right. When i started using my sunshade, it really seems the car cools off better thanks to the dashboard not being so hot.

yep tinted windows and windor screen does wonders for those hot days and also works for aditioan deterend at night when parked cause the winshield lets in a lil bit of light....just enough to shadow whatever valuable you have in the car if you press your face against the window...winshield sun screen eliminates that leakage of light and keeps the car cooler on statt up. try that and see if you get freezed out more often...LOL also target has a solar powered carvent that cools the car when it's off by venting some of that hot air...same as leaving the sun roof open but more securely...

 

[taylor5]

Sunshade Works!

Just to confirm what i wrote before, I tried a test this hot weekend here in Raleigh, NC. Temps were in the very strong mid 80's.

I used the sunscreen while the car was parked for 3 hours in direct sun and when i got in, I fired up the car lowered the windows, removed the screen and then drove for about a minute and raised all the windows....A/C kicked ass from there-on!!(rockon)

When I parked it in the sun again for only about an hour without the screen, I repeated the same process and it took that A/C a very long time to even get remotely cool. That black dashboard was so hot you could barely touch it even after driving around for 10 minutes.......(burn) I really believe that 'cooking' black dashboard has a lot to do with how this a/c performs....Just my thought on it.....Moral of the story....Use those sunshades always even if your gonna be outta the car 10 minutes....

 

[RonH]

Just to confirm what i wrote before, I tried a test this hot weekend here in Raleigh, NC. Temps were in the very strong mid 80's.

I used the sunscreen while the car was parked for 3 hours in direct sun and when i got in, I fired up the car lowered the windows, removed the screen and then drove for about a minute and raised all the windows....A/C kicked ass from there-on!!(rockon)

When I parked it in the sun again for only about an hour without the screen, I repeated the same process and it took that A/C a very long time to even get remotely cool. That black dashboard was so hot you could barely touch it even after driving around for 10 minutes.......(burn) I really believe that 'cooking' black dashboard has a lot to do with how this a/c performs....Just my thought on it.....Moral of the story....Use those sunshades always even if your gonna be outta the car 10 minutes....

That's he way I've done it for years. Along with the tint and windshield screen, hopefully some company will put out a cover for the black dashboard. I had a black dash cover on my '96 Mustang's black dashboard and it worked wonders by keeping the dash cool. Even while driving the cover is still working. Check it out. While driving put your hand on the dash and you'll find it hot. The a/c air has to travel through that heat, which in turn makes it struggle a little. A dash cover could solve the a/c problems others are bitching about. Of course it won't solve a compressor turning on & off rapidly.
That could be a bad sensor or low R134A. Mine doesn't do that.
Daimler/Chrysler has a dash cover at the dealer for the PT Cruiser. I would buy one but my Cruiser is white and also has a medium color dash so the a/c kicks ass within a couple of blocks of driving.

 

[xenon929]

Well...I just had my compressor replaced on my 1,300 mile New Mz 3 S. It was making a very weird noise when I turned it on and it was kicking in and out so I took it in and they said it was the compressor and replaced it...Now it doesn't do the on and off thing but it still has a wining noise when i turn it on and then every little while. I guess I'll just wait until a bulletin comes out or it gets really jacked up.

The guy at the dealer was telling me that the RX-8's had the exact same problem and they put out a bulletin to replace some part in the AC controls that wasn't enabling the AC to kick in as cold as it should....Don't know exactly what that means but hopefully Mazda will admit that their AC units in the New 3 are not kicking ass like they should. (smoke)

 

[Zoom Zoom Zoom]

I live in Toronto CANADA and I've made a letter of complain and faxed it to MAZDA CANADA. The dealer was supposed to give it on Monday but couldnt get it ready, promised for tuesday. They said the sensor plug in the centre console was loose and they fixed it, they've ordered a new part, but unfortunately since its a new car, MAZDA hasnt even given parts number yet. I'm expecting compensation from MAZDA CANADA. I've written quite a strong letter, will keep you guys updated of what(or if ) they offer something.

"Zoom", could you let me know which dealer (dearlership name) in Toronto you purchased the car from? Also with the problem your experiencing with your vehicle, would you recommend this vehicle to someone else.

 

[yellowmazda3]

Ac Problem

I Did Just About Everything To Get My Ac Fix And Brake..so Far No Luck.. Anyone Know If The Lemon Law Cover This Problem Or How To Return The Car..

 

[yellowmazda3]

I live in Toronto CANADA and I've made a letter of complain and faxed it to MAZDA CANADA. The dealer was supposed to give it on Monday but couldnt get it ready, promised for tuesday. They said the sensor plug in the centre console was loose and they fixed it, they've ordered a new part, but unfortunately since its a new car, MAZDA hasnt even given parts number yet. I'm expecting compensation from MAZDA CANADA. I've written quite a strong letter, will keep you guys updated of what(or if ) they offer something.

ARE YOU STILL WAITING FOR THAT PART...THANK YOU FOR THE INFO..

 

[zooom]

ARE YOU STILL WAITING FOR THAT PART...THANK YOU FOR THE INFO..

The AC has been working fine since. Dealership "Avante mazda"ordered part just to be on safe side. MAZDA CANADA sent me letter in reply to my complaint, it was only apology, nothing else...
As far as recommending the car goes, I love it, I just took it to Quebec, she drove excellent 10hrs straight each way. Just put 2000kms on it. I would highly recommend it. Better than any car in its class. I just did aluminum brush interior upgrade in it. Looks good. Will post pics. Sorry to read your problems YELLOWMAZDA3.

 

[z71bill]

I have done almost everything to get Mazda to fix the crappy ac in my Mazda3. So far no luck.

Mazda customer service told me to go see the states attorney general - this is by far the worst customer service I have ever seen.

Go to this site - it explains a problem that the RX-8 has - it sounds like the same problem. I have E-mailed Mazda customer service (I have a hard time calling these worthless basturds customer service) and ask them if I could get this fix done to my Mazda3 - they still have not e-mailed me back. Its been about 3 days. I think I will try and go see the dealer again and show them this bullitin. I live in Houston Texas and it is hotter than hell.

http://www.finishlineperformance.com/rx8/docs/07-002-04.html

 

[RonH]

I was out on a short drive to an auto parts today. It was 90 degrees and I only drove about 2 miles. The a/c cooled me so good I even put it on outside air.

I think this terrible Mazda a/c is going to be alright, for me in hot Florida anyway. I don't think I'd want to live any place hotter, like Arizona.

Every month my car runs better, has smoother rotors and the a/c improves as it get hotter here. I'm a happy owner. I just wish I'd pay more attention when using manual mode. I took off slowly from a traffic light, heard an engine with high revs. I looked around and there was no other car that would have those high revs. Then I realized I was taching 6000rpm's in first.

 

[tkhawaii]

1131 miles now, MZ3-5 AT. No A/C problem here. Hawaii is humid, 83 degrees and in the direct sun, the dash does get warm - well everything in a closed vehicle gets warm in the sun... either way, the A/C is working fine. Setting 2, recirc open, thermostat set back two notches from full cold.

Thermometer in the top driver side vent reads 48 degrees. I think the problem lays with quality check and dealer prep prior. During your first year of ownership - Mazda covers any problems such as this. Hold them to it. If they give you a run around - remember to use sugar instead of vinegar... you get a lot more flys that way...LOL. I hope they can resolve the issue for the folks with A/C problems - that bites. Also, I believe that we have a full throttle sensor on the A/C clutch (ala Honda) to allow for better throttle response and acceleration during full throttle or near full throttle operation. If you are decelerating and accelerating a lot, you might be falling into a cycle where the you're not giving the A/C time to charge up. Try taking a long drive with the A/C on without too much variances in the throttle and see about your A/C cycling on and off. If during the off cycle, the air is still warm - you definitely need to have Mazda take a look at it.

Good luck and happy driving! (crazy)

 

[Da 6]

I just wish I'd pay more attention when using manual mode. I took off slowly from a traffic light, heard an engine with high revs. I looked around and there was no other car that would have those high revs. Then I realized I was taching 6000rpm's in first.

I made it all the way up to 7200 cause I didn't know what manualmode was when I left the lot for test drive of the 3.

 

[yellowmazda3]

ac problem

1131 miles now, MZ3-5 AT. No A/C problem here. Hawaii is humid, 83 degrees and in the direct sun, the dash does get warm - well everything in a closed vehicle gets warm in the sun... either way, the A/C is working fine. Setting 2, recirc open, thermostat set back two notches from full cold.

Thermometer in the top driver side vent reads 48 degrees. I think the problem lays with quality check and dealer prep prior. During your first year of ownership - Mazda covers any problems such as this. Hold them to it. If they give you a run around - remember to use sugar instead of vinegar... you get a lot more flys that way...LOL. I hope they can resolve the issue for the folks with A/C problems - that bites. Also, I believe that we have a full throttle sensor on the A/C clutch (ala Honda) to allow for better throttle response and acceleration during full throttle or near full throttle operation. If you are decelerating and accelerating a lot, you might be falling into a cycle where the you're not giving the A/C time to charge up. Try taking a long drive with the A/C on without too much variances in the throttle and see about your A/C cycling on and off. If during the off cycle, the air is still warm - you definitely need to have Mazda take a look at it.

Good luck and happy driving! (crazy)

I WENT TO THE DEALER TODAY...THEY KEPT THE CAR..I HOPE THEY DO SOMETHING AND FIX THE PROBLEM..MY RENTAL IS A NISSAN ALTIMA THE AC .. ICE COLD....HAWAII THANK U FOR YOUR TIP..I WILL TRY IT