2004 RX-8. I realize it's notorious for having weak air conditioning, but (I got my car used 2 years ago) I am wondering if mine actually needs to be serviced. Any time the temperature is 90+ deg, I am sweating with the A/C on full blast. It seems like it's losing the battle with the sun on a black interior. I am getting cool air, but it feels like only the center-right vent is blowing cool, the side vents, and center-left vent all feel room-temp (colder than the ambient hot air, but still not cold). Is there any definitive way to know before I drop some dough getting it serviced? How does everyone else's A/C feel in the summer? I tried the pipe insulation mod, and it did nothing.

 

SEARCH and this forum will be your friend. There is a DIY for this that you should read and might help with the A/C Blowing Hot Air problem.

 

Yeah check that out. Mine actually works quite well even when it's nearly 100F outside.

 

are you talking about the "reprogram"? That doesn't even effect the physical A/C system, except change the recirc to be enabled by default. Yes I've tried it, and searched elsewhere.

 

Put a set of gauges on it to see how well the system is performing.

 

The reprogram also stops the compressor from cycling so much.
My ac works wonderful.
Live in NOLA, so +90*f temps and I usually keep it on number 2 once it cools the car off.
Full black leather interior.

Are your windows tinted?
Is it poor performance while moving or stationary? Or both?

 

I'm referring to the ****. Do you still have your stock radio?
-Turn your key to ON
-Turn your radio on
-Press and hold the POWER radio **** and SCAN up simultaneously.

You will see your LED screen show your A/C level. Turn your temp **** and watch if the level moves through all the numbers from 0 to 16... If it skips a number, your temp **** is broken. Soldering is the fix, SEARCH the DIY. Thank you!

 

Thanks for all the tips....I believe I found the problem, the left cabin air filter was pretty clogged up with leaves and other debris. It's almost at the end of it's replacement cycle so I simply put new ones in. Also, had my freon recharged, since it was lower pressure than it should have according to the shop. Need a good hot day to really test it out, but so far it feels %1000 better.