rpm_pwr

JSG, the condenser needs air flowing through it to work. If you're spending as much time in traffic jams as you say you are then you're not getting the airflow, so the ECU should switch the fans on to help it work. Do the fans come on when the AC compressor is running?

Lock & Load

JSG

If all of the above suggestions fail try a nice sexy japanese geisha holding a block of ice on your vitals , hey then you wont worry about the heat or the traffic jams .

cheers
michael

takahashi

Well.... I have a complaint about the A/C

It is too cold

I have to turn it down everytime I get into the car and wait for a while before using the climate control... especially when the sensor is under direct sunlight.

Taka

JSG

Ok Taka - PM me your address and I'll ship you my A/C unit - you can return yours to me. :D

There always sounds like there are plenty of fans on in the car. Hot air pumps out the back of the front wheel arches.

I've found this now if I can convince someone to ship it to me:
http://www.qwik.com/q_qwikboost.html

Only looks like it does 10% boost or so but I'm on for anything.

NickG

What really pi@#es me of about the A/C is the fact that you can't keep the darn compressor off if all you want to do is change the feet/face level vent settings. The thing's got a mind of its own. If the A/C is switched off then as soon as you change the vent settings it comes back on again.

If anyone's found a way around this one PLEASE let me know!

labrat

We drove through central New South Wales and south-east Queensland last summer during just about the hottest heat wave on record, about 43C all the way. The A/C did a great job.

Gomez

Yeah, I'll have to read the Owners Manual about this....it must be a Mazda thing!!! I agree with Taka.....mine gets too cold.

takahashi

It must be Melbourne.... or something in the air(coolant) :D

NickG

Gomez what temperatures are you setting it at? I also found the "normal" 21-22 deg C to be way too cold. If I recall correctly, when I re-read the manual I found a note to the effect that you should set much higher temperatures of around 24 deg. Why I have no idea! I now find between 24 and 24.5 deg seems about perfect, summer or winter.

Another thing to be aware of is to avoid covering the sun sensor on the dashboard. Its located precisely beneath where a lot of people attach their rego stickers. If its shielded from the direct sun part or all of the time it will certainly affect the A/C set points, although this should probably make it hotter, not colder...

Hymee

iTrader: (1)

Ahh - Get JSG to put a torch mounted on his screen, aiming down to the sunlight sensor!

Cheers,
Hymee.

JSG

Great plan! :D I'll try to get a torch rigged up this weekend. Where is the sensor? Is it the dome shaped thing in the far left corner of the dash? I'd better check it's not covered by radar/navi bits & bobs. Also, does anyone know where the A/C is in the engine bay?

Hymee

iTrader: (1)

I believe the domed bit you talk about is the one. If you do have it covered over, that might be part of your troubles!

Bits of the AC system are in various places. The fill point is next to the battery. The condensor (with integrated drier/receiver) is in front of the radiator (needs Hymee Grill kit to protect!! )

The compressor is on one of the accesory belts, but I can't remember the exact location.

Good Luck!
Hymee.