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-   -   My A/C problems solved (https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-discussion-3/my-c-problems-solved-69640/)

Chrisbert 08-23-2005 09:05 AM


Originally Posted by pcimino
Does anyone know what the spec temperature that's supposed to come out of the system? The techs should have some idea of the temp vs ambient. I keep reading people with temps like 45~49 deg F. I had the TSB done and it lowered my average temp from 55 to 52 F.

I want to complain to the dealer but need to know if I'm out of spec.

Most of the Automotive AC thermometers I have seen show an "acceptable" area down in the low to mid 40's.

RotaryZZ 08-23-2005 09:18 AM

>...... RotaryZZ, are you saying regulator and amplifier being one in the same. ........

Well, I thought they're the same thing, aren't they?

I'm not 100% sure if the performance of the A/C has improved after the new regulator/amplifier. Regardless, the A/C can't quite handle once the heat outside has gone up to 95F+ or so. Maybe I should have asked the dealer to check on the freon level next time.

Glyphon 08-23-2005 09:20 AM


Originally Posted by RotaryZZ
>...... RotaryZZ, are you saying regulator and amplifier being one in the same. ........

Well, I thought they're the same thing, aren't they?

I'm not 100% sure if the performance of the A/C has improved after the new regulator/amplifier. Regardless, the A/C can't quite handle once the heat outside has gone up to 95F+ or so. Maybe I should have asked the dealer to check on the freon level next time.

certainly couldn't hurt to have them check it, since that seems to have been the cause of a few members a/c woes.

Hard 8 08-23-2005 12:18 PM

I am so glad I reprogammed mine the other day! Yesterday it was 99 outside and I had my fan on 2, a/c on max, and I was literally cold inside my car. So nice.

MOTORBONES 08-23-2005 08:04 PM

Glad to hear one RX-8 is actually cooling frosty. I have been to the dealer and 52 degrees is the coldest they colud get it.
If there is the #1 dis-satisfation on my RX-8 is the AC...at times at the stop light it will cycle and blow a spurt of hot air, the dealership still cant figure that one out.

Glyphon 08-24-2005 09:01 AM

try reprogramming your a/c. also, have them check to see that it has the specified amount of freon in it. seems a some people have found that their systems were a little low.

RedLineShinka 08-24-2005 12:53 PM

I just tried this on my 6 week old Shinka (05) and unless I'm hallucinating, the air is significantly colder now... weird!

What does that re-program DO exactly, just curious - because if it was "supposed" to be that way, wouldn't the car come that way stock?

Hard 8 08-24-2005 12:55 PM

Yeah; and isn't it weird that you can toggle between two sets of firmware like that? Why would Mazda have a second set of settings hidden away in the car? But if you go back through this thread, you'll see a description of how it changes. IIRC, it now goes into recirc mode and stops cycling as much.

wedge357 08-24-2005 01:29 PM

The programming can be lost when the battery, A/C power or ECU is disconnected (car servicing, etc.).

Glyphon 08-24-2005 02:03 PM


Originally Posted by wedge357
The programming can be lost when the battery, A/C power or ECU is disconnected (car servicing, etc.).

yup, that was noted in the post following the instructions on the first page of the thread, but since its very easy, and takes a total of about 10 seconds to perform, its not that big of a deal...one just has to remember to do it after the battery has been disconnected :)

beachdog 08-25-2005 10:54 PM


Originally Posted by pcimino
Does anyone know what the spec temperature that's supposed to come out of the system? The techs should have some idea of the temp vs ambient. I keep reading people with temps like 45~49 deg F. I had the TSB done and it lowered my average temp from 55 to 52 F.

I want to complain to the dealer but need to know if I'm out of spec.

Not sure if Mazda has a temp spec, but, when you take the reading, where you take the reading, the fan speed are all going to affect the reading.

ie, if you take a 5 minute ride with the fan on 3 and recirc vs a 15 minute ride with the same settings. Theoretically, the longer you run the system, the colder the parts get so less heat to deal with, lower readings. Most of the a/c enhancing products tell you to run for 15-20 minutes for final stabilized readings.

Jazer 06-11-2016 10:52 AM


Originally Posted by Glyphon (Post 1009623)
the short answer is, cars built after 9/2003 don't qualify for the AC Amp TSB (i think).

if your car was built after 9/03 or your have had the TSB performed, you can reprogram the A/C. I never had a problem with my A/C, but decided to try reprograming it anyways, and now it is even colder than it was before.

these instructions have been posted before, but to save people from searching...

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.

Bumping an old thread instead of creating a new one.

My car was built 9/22/03 but it wont take these steps (no defrost blinking light after steps complete). Is there something I'm missing or are cars built in 9/03 considered "before" and not capable of this updated programming.

BigCajun 06-11-2016 10:56 AM


Originally Posted by Jazer (Post 4765493)
Bumping an old thread instead of creating a new one.

My car was built 9/22/03 but it wont take these steps (no defrost blinking light after steps complete). Is there something I'm missing or are cars built in 9/03 considered "before" and not capable of this updated programming.

I don't recall seeing this.
When I get a chance, I'll try it on my '04.

GM Enthusiast 06-11-2016 06:36 PM


Originally Posted by Jazer (Post 4765493)
My car was built 9/22/03 but it wont take these steps (no defrost blinking light after steps complete). Is there something I'm missing or are cars built in 9/03 considered "before" and not capable of this updated programming.

I'm guessing the last 6 of your VIN is between 000001-118171? If so and the programming doesn't work as described, your car still has the original A/C amplifier. I just replaced mine (about an hour ago!) with a later-04 unit I picked up for $50. The programming works now.

Jazer 06-11-2016 08:55 PM

111*** So yea that must be it! Thanks for the clarification. Was it worth swapping the A/C amplifier? Noticeable difference?

GM Enthusiast 06-14-2016 01:11 PM


Originally Posted by Jazer (Post 4765543)
111*** So yea that must be it! Thanks for the clarification. Was it worth swapping the A/C amplifier? Noticeable difference?

I think it made a difference in the overall temperature. It seems to blow colder, but the compressor still cycles on and off every 10-20 seconds. So the warm-cold-warm issue was improved, but not solved, since the "warm" is when the compressor cycles off for a couple seconds. Next step I'm going to take it in and have the whole system flushed.

It was acceptable driving today in ~95° heat, but we'll see what happens when it hits 120° this weekend (no, I'm not making that up, weather.com says it will hit 120 on Sunday and Monday!)


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