A/C clutch constantly cycling (yes I've searched)
05-01-2013 | 10:04 PM
#1
A/C clutch constantly cycling (yes I've searched)
I have scoured what seems like a countless number of threads regarding this issue but I have not really seen the answer? I have a 2004 rx8 which was one of the early builds in 2003. I called my local Mazda dealer to get a copy of the warranty work my car has had on it since new and discovered the a/c amp as well as the pcm have been replaced and reflashed. i asked for this info because through all the threads i search i kept comming across the reprogram to get the setting to stay at recirculate. thats when i discovered that mine was an early build because it wont work on my car. but i did notice that once i put on recycling air it stays on even after the car is shut off. all that said it makes no differance in the clutch cycling constantly. I took it to the dealer and the they said all was well including freon levels. this makes no sense to me it goes cold then warm then cold then warm it sucks!
so my question would be is there a miracle flash that mazda can do to get the ac clutch to stay running? this is the answer i cant find.thanks
so my question would be is there a miracle flash that mazda can do to get the ac clutch to stay running? this is the answer i cant find.thanks
05-01-2013 | 11:10 PM
#2
If the temperature **** is turned, your screen should show ranges from zero to 16. If it skips or stays in zero, you have the same problem as most older RX-8s have, as well. The connection behind the HVAC control had come loose and have to be soldered.
05-02-2013 | 08:24 AM
#3
That's true, like I, who has an early built RX-8s; the 'recirc' program will not work with our cars. It may be mechanical if your A/C goes from cold then warm, but you can try this: start your car then turn on the A/C and radio. Press the power and scan up of the radio controls simultaneously and look at your LED screen, it should show A/C level.
If the temperature **** is turned, your screen should show ranges from zero to 16. If it skips or stays in zero, you have the same problem as most older RX-8s have, as well. The connection behind the HVAC control had come loose and have to be soldered.
If the temperature **** is turned, your screen should show ranges from zero to 16. If it skips or stays in zero, you have the same problem as most older RX-8s have, as well. The connection behind the HVAC control had come loose and have to be soldered.
Thanks for the info! I do not have the stock headunit in it anymore. So should I just hit a scrap yard for another HVAC controls or can the dealer trouble shoot it? As far as Mechanical issues the dealer said my a/c system checks out and has the right freon level. I should correct its not cold to warm its cold to cool etc..... My a/c clutch and fans run for about 15 seconds and then shut of and then turn right back on.
05-03-2013 | 12:35 AM
#4
I see; cold to cool, that's how my 'recirc' works, as well. You may not need to replace your HVAC controls if you can feel cool air, warm air in between, and hot air blowing as you adjust the temp ****. Has your A/C had the freon completely evacuated, flushed and filled with a new one? At 90+° here in Cali, I can feel that my A/C blows less cooler air now in 'recirc'. I may have to get that done to my A/C and see if that would help make it blow colder, since mine haven't had any of that performed since it was purchased from the dealership.
05-03-2013 | 08:06 AM
#5
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Joined: Sep 2012
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From: Behind the wheel
I thought the newer RX-8s had A/C controls that could be reprogrammed to keep the compressor running full time on recirculate? But our older cars' HVAC controls can't be programmed, so couldn't you just replace them with newer controls that can be reprogrammed?
05-03-2013 | 12:49 PM
#6
So the HVAC Controls are what need updated you think so that they can be reprogramed ? I was under the impression that it was the A/C Amplifier or the pcm that needed flashed?
05-03-2013 | 03:39 PM
#7
OP, like you stated, the older RX-8s cannot be reflashed to amplify the A/C. I will look for that TSB where it states that the reflash with not work with RX-8s made before September of 2003, I can be wrong with the date. But I will find that TSB. I don't think it's the controls. May have to be in the PCM.
05-05-2013 | 09:26 PM
#8
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From: Behind the wheel
There was some procedure you could do where you held a couple buttons down and the defroster button flashes. I tried it a while back, but like Grace said, it wouldn't work because mine was made too early
05-06-2013 | 04:38 AM
#9
A/C Reprogramming Instructions.
It only works if the build date is after 9/03, but it may work if the a/c compressor was replaced under the tsb. Also, some of the 05 models already exhibit this behavior, so this procedure won't likely help. But it won't hurt either, so i say to try anyways.
1. Make sure the car is off AND the HVAC fan is off AND the A/C on/off button is off.
2. Press and hold the front defroster (on the left) AND air source (recirc/fresh air) buttons
3. Continue pressing the buttons in step 2 and turn the key to ACC for 3 seconds
4. Continue pressing the buttons in step 2 and further turn the key to ON (NOT START) for 3 more seconds.
5. Verify the programming update by observing the REAR defroster LED blink 3 times.
6. Release the two buttons from step 2 and start the car.
When you turn on the A/C with the MODE button set to FACE and turn the thermostat to full COLD (max counter-clockwise setting) the RECIRC should automatically engage. In addition, the amplifier should put out colder air (~ 5-10 degrees F colder and not just from the RECIRC setting) and the compressor will not cycle nearly as often (which some of us found annoying).
Note: This programming change is not persistent. If the battery is fully discharged or disconnected the procedure needs to be repeated to re-enable the settings.
It only works if the build date is after 9/03, but it may work if the a/c compressor was replaced under the tsb. Also, some of the 05 models already exhibit this behavior, so this procedure won't likely help. But it won't hurt either, so i say to try anyways.
1. Make sure the car is off AND the HVAC fan is off AND the A/C on/off button is off.
2. Press and hold the front defroster (on the left) AND air source (recirc/fresh air) buttons
3. Continue pressing the buttons in step 2 and turn the key to ACC for 3 seconds
4. Continue pressing the buttons in step 2 and further turn the key to ON (NOT START) for 3 more seconds.
5. Verify the programming update by observing the REAR defroster LED blink 3 times.
6. Release the two buttons from step 2 and start the car.
When you turn on the A/C with the MODE button set to FACE and turn the thermostat to full COLD (max counter-clockwise setting) the RECIRC should automatically engage. In addition, the amplifier should put out colder air (~ 5-10 degrees F colder and not just from the RECIRC setting) and the compressor will not cycle nearly as often (which some of us found annoying).
Note: This programming change is not persistent. If the battery is fully discharged or disconnected the procedure needs to be repeated to re-enable the settings.
-AC Air Temperature Fluctuation and or Lack of Cooling.pdf
-AC Malfunction Due to Improper Refrigerant 2001.pdf
-Display Shows Inaccurate Ambient Temperature.pdf
Last edited by Grace_Excel; 05-06-2013 at 04:50 AM.
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