Huskyfan23

A couple of days ago, I posted a thread titled "Engine Steaming. Help!" and stated an extreme amount of steam was radiating out of my engine bay, causing me to think the engine was failing.

Instead, today for the first time since the steam incident occured, I tried to put on my air conditioning. Nothing. It was blowing fine (the fan was working) but the compressor was not working. This leads me to believe the extreme amount of steam radiating from my engine the other day was due to the air compressor blowing up.

I've also been noticing some weird smells coming from my engine bay. Sort of like burning oil. I don't think the engine is affected, but I can't be sure.

I literally bought my car 2 weeks ago, and then this happens. Do you know if it's covered by manufacturer's warranty? I am going to bring it back to the dealership I bought it from, but the limited warranty was the included through the dealer states that air conditioners aren't covered.

A little annoying, if you ask me. I don't care as long as I don't have to pay for the repair, but if it ends up costing me a grand to fix, I'm gonna be really pissed.

Also, does the air compressor run anything else, or help cool the engine? I'm not too technically advanced with this sort of stuff. Thanks a ton for the responses!!!

Oh, btw, it's a 2004 with 30k miles on it, in case you need this information.

alnielsen

iTrader: (4)

The condensor coil is located in front of the radiator. It is in a spot that is vulrunable to road debris damage. That wouldn't be covered under warrenty. Warrenty is for manufacturers defects. Aftermarket screens are available to protect this and the oil coolers from this debris. The air conditioning system has oil with the freon gas to lubricate the compressor. This is what you must have smelled.
The air conditioning compressor is only for the air conditioning system.
Unless you got a written warrenty or guaranty from the people who sold you the car, your SOL. Used cars in most states are considered as being sold in "As Is" condition.

Huskyfan23

Crap. I certainly hope it wasn't debris.....sounds like Mazda should have protected the compressor better. I really do hope it is a cause of it burning out, because I really don't want to pay for it.

How much would you think it would be for fixing? I live in Connecticut, so if I have to pay for it, I'm probably going to wait until next spring to do it.

Huskyfan23

Oh, and I did get a warranty from the dealer....Limited for 60 days, 3000 miles, which I'm still covered under. The issue is that I read the parts warrantied (powertrain, engine cooling system, etc) and it doesn't list "air conditioning/air compressor", so I doubt they'll be able to help me.

BlueRenesis82

then get some screens after you get it fixed. Cheap insurance

Huskyfan23

Will do. Where can I get them?

alnielsen

iTrader: (4)

Racing Beat and I believe Hymee has them for the condensor and oil coolers. Mazda now has one for the condensor, but not for the oil coolers.

Huskyfan23

Appreciate the information! Thanks.

NotAPreppie

Interesting theory, if it was road debris then your insurance may cover the repairs.

Huskyfan23

Hmmmmm, good point!!! I never even thought of that!

I feel a lot better now. Thanks!