Notices
Series I Trouble Shooting This is the place to learn more about or discuss any issues you're having with your RX-8

AC compressor cycles even when HVAC system is off

Thread Tools
 
Rate Thread
 
Old May 21, 2017 | 06:27 PM
  #1  
NotAPreppie's Avatar
Thread Starter
What am I doing here?
 
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,606
Likes: 652
From: 2017 Miata RF Launch Edition
AC compressor cycles even when HVAC system is off

Here's one I noticed a while ago but only recently started chasing it down.

Car: 2005 6spd Base w/sport package (manual HVAC controls).

Symptoms:
I can hear a click inside and outside the car and the MAF rate will jump about 0.5 g/s. 5-10 seconds later, another click and the MAF rate drops back down. 5-10 seconds later, another click, MAF rate jumps again. Repeat.

It happens when the AC is on or off, including when the entire HVAC system is off.

I disconnected the wire going to the AC compressor and it stopped but this isn't a long term solution.

Anyone else run into this one before?

Last edited by NotAPreppie; May 22, 2017 at 08:00 AM.
Reply
Old May 21, 2017 | 07:11 PM
  #2  
MikeTyson8MyKids's Avatar
Registered
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 467
Likes: 2
From: Columbus, IN
The a compressor will run in every mode (even if you push the button to turn it off) except for front vent and front/floor combo. All others the compressor runs.

Maybe that'll help with your troubleshooting?
Reply
Old May 21, 2017 | 08:29 PM
  #3  
NotAPreppie's Avatar
Thread Starter
What am I doing here?
 
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,606
Likes: 652
From: 2017 Miata RF Launch Edition
It runs even when the AC button is off and the HVAC blower is off?
Reply
Old May 21, 2017 | 10:25 PM
  #4  
Loki's Avatar
Registered
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 8,396
Likes: 1,111
From: Montreal
I noticed same. I also believe, as above, that it turns on in any mode that includes window vents. So if you put it to just face or just feet, it shouldn't cycle. This makes some sense, you want dry, conditioned air, not wet regular air for your windows. I suspect this is as designed. The fact that it cycles even with the hvac fan at 0 might just be a programming oversight.
Reply
Old May 22, 2017 | 02:39 AM
  #5  
MikeTyson8MyKids's Avatar
Registered
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 467
Likes: 2
From: Columbus, IN
Originally Posted by NotAPreppie
It runs even when the AC button is off and the HVAC blower is off?
AC button off, yes. HVAC blower, no.

You sure it's not rad fans cycling?
Reply
Old May 22, 2017 | 07:58 AM
  #6  
NotAPreppie's Avatar
Thread Starter
What am I doing here?
 
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,606
Likes: 652
From: 2017 Miata RF Launch Edition
The AC compressor is definitely cycling on/off regardless of any HVAC settings (AC button on/off, any blower output selection from 0 to max, any vent selection). It stops when I unplug the wiring harness from the AC compressor.
Reply
Old May 22, 2017 | 09:59 AM
  #7  
Loki's Avatar
Registered
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 8,396
Likes: 1,111
From: Montreal
Originally Posted by NotAPreppie
The AC compressor is definitely cycling on/off regardless of any HVAC settings (AC button on/off, any blower output selection from 0 to max, any vent selection). It stops when I unplug the wiring harness from the AC compressor.
Try cycling the a/c button. I'm not 100% on this, but feel like I've gotten it to stop by cycling a/c on and off again in a feet/face fan mode.
Reply



You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:54 AM.