pussywillow1972

I was cruising along on the highway today when the A/C stopped blowing cold air. It went from nice and cool to HOT, (being 95 degrees outside today.) I turned off the A/C, waited a minute and turned it back on. Nothing. The blower works, though settings 1 and 2 seem weaker than usual. When I got home, I let the car idle for a few seconds, and turned the A/C on. The compressor never kicked in. Normally, I could hear the compressor turn on and off but not this time. The air coming out of the vents never changed temp either. I called the dealership and I've got an appointment but it's several days away and this weekend is going to be very hot. I'm going to check the fuse but I was wondering if anyone had any other ideas for me to check. Thanks.

pussywillow1972

Update: Checked the fuses, both in the cabin and in the engine compartment, and they were fine.

Easy_E1

iTrader: (2)

Have you looked at the condenser? If you were on the Highway it's possible that a rock has hit the condenser and put a hole in it. Thus it could be possible for the refrigerant (R134a) to leak out and you would not have any A/C cooling. Look under the grill between it and the lower lip (opening). See if you can see an oil spot on the condenser. Would more than likely be dirty looking. Also look on the panel below the radiator for any oil spots. If there is none then it could just be low on R134a and need to be recharged.
Or you could be having an electrical issue.
There are few things that it could be.

pussywillow1972

I did look and it didn't seem to be damaged but it's possible it could have damage that's out of sight. However, would being out of refrigerant cause the compressor to not turn on? Unfortunately, A/C systems are one of the few that I'm not particularly experienced with when it comes to cars.

swoope

iTrader: (5)

yes,

low pressure or no pressure will cause the compressor to not function..

beers

pussywillow1972

Thanks guys.

I heard from the dealer and they said a rock hit it and there was no refrigerant. I didn't see any signs of damage when I looked but I'll have to take their word for it as they could get it on a lift and really get a good look at it. Naturally they said it wasn't covered under warranty. They want $700 to fix it. I sent an e-mail to MNAO in the hopes they'll approve it as a good will gesture though I'm not holding my breath. I'm debating just replacing it myself and having a local A/C place recharge it. Should be able to do that for half what the dealership wants. Needless to say, the next aftermarket purchase I make is going to be the RB screens...

famous606srh

Dude
same thing
and its not like warm air
its hella hot
and i went in about it and they were like
"well we don't see anything wrong with it, let us know if it happens again."
also my a/c sucks and in AZ with 116 everday that sucks, then in the winter the heater doesnt work

DomesticRx8

this is a real issue in these cars , what is it?

nycgps

iTrader: (1)

Mazda gave Late 05 and after model a screen that covers the *lower half* of the condenser, its more than enough to do the job cuz the upper 1/2 of the condenser will be covered by the bumper so its almost impossbile to get a direct hit.

but if your car does not have the screen, you can get one from MAzda for like what 90 bux? I think thats a total rip off, get a Racing beat screen for less than 90, and it fully protects (well, 95% of the area), notice RB screen will give up about 1/5 of the air flow to the Condenser and the Radiator behind it.

Mazda *most of the time* will not cover this damage cuz they said its *user's fault*. They're *technically* right, but isnt it obvious that its a "big" oversight by Mazda's engineers ? oh well.

oh btw, you can get a used Condenser for like 200 something 300 bux. ask Paul @ Mazmart.

Outkast187

Just go to autozone, get the refrigerant with dye, and the little hose to charge it. Hook it up, start the car up....let it fill completely. Use a black light if possible in a dark area...and the dye will show the leaks with bright green dye, you wont be able to miss it. Then just replace the bad part (an idiot can do it), and have it charged. If you have access to a vacuum, you can charge it yourself....its difficult to screw it up.