fyrstormer

When I have the A/C on, there seems to be noticeably more drag on the powertrain, causing the car to slow down faster than I expect even in high gear. When shifting with the A/C on, the engine revs-down just enough faster between shifts that when I close the clutch the engine RPMs are a little lower than the clutch RPMs, producing that "nice" jerking sensation upon completing the shift. The effect seems to be stronger when the A/C has been running longer and the compressor is hotter. Anyone else notice a similar effect? I'm super-sensitive to changes in my cars' performance, this could be perfectly normal and I'm just noticing it now, but I wanted to get some third-person input.

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ASH8

Well it is natural (normal) for the Compressor to cycle on and off..for how long depends on demand ...eg, inside temp when tuned on, etc, etc...all elementary stuff.

And yes, I can tell when clutch is engaged or not for compressor.

But to be frank, I never noticed it as an "issue", yes it will drain power...all of them do, unless you have a 5.0 litre V8 or similar.

When it is stinking hot, I take it easy with the car anyway, I don't run it at high RPM for sustained periods or overload the AC...but that is just me I guess...and I am not talking babying...just being sensible.

I recall a guy here once with an early Series 1 going through 3 compressors under warranty (same parts used in S2)...THREE!!!!...what the hell is this guy doing...and I guess it, extreme high RPM's in boiling hot temps with AC on.

I guess there are some with engineering/mechanical empathy and those without..

Go outside and while car is idle turn AC on and hear compressor cut in, if it is rattling or a griding knocking type noise you "may" have a seizing Comp, or on the way out.

Sorry, I really cant offer anymore...I guess it is cold enough?...perhap others may help.

fyrstormer

Occasionally when the A/C first turns on I'll hear the drive belt chirp. I figured it was a loose or dirty belt, but I suppose the compressor could be working on seizing up. In any event, I'm sure I'll notice pretty quickly if that's what happens.

My car seems to like hot weather. I'm sure the A/C isn't thrilled about it, but the engine always seems to run better when it's sweltering outside. I used to joke that the thermometer doubled as the MPG meter when I switched it to readout in Celsius.

ASH8

Perhaps a trip to your friendly Mazda Dealer if you think you have a issue with AC or Compressor??

Be careful with these belts, make sure they are NOT overtightened...VERY important.

jasonrxeight

yes, AC does suck some of the power. I can clearly feel the engine is not as powerful when AC is on. oh well.

SpencerM1

My a/c compressor was replaced after I reported a strange noise that I thought sounded like a exhaust/engine heat shield rattling. They came back and said that one of the bearings in the a/c compressor pulley was bad and it was replaced. That was at 9k miles.