AC Condensor woes
10-27-2006, 02:45 PM
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AC Condensor woes
I am just curious if anyone else has had this problem.
My AC was making strange noises for months. In fact I took it to the dealer 3 times to have it fixed. Each time of course the noise did not occur while they were testing it. One time I even drove with the service tech and he never heard the noise. Needless to say the noise returned as soon as I drove out of dealership. The noise sounded like running water.
Finally one day, 6 months after I first reports issues, the AC stopped working. No cold air. Compressor does not engage.
Took it to dealer and they now tell me that the condensor has a leak and it will be $1200 to get a new one and have it installed. Ouch!!!. They claim it appears to have been hit by a rock and therefore cannot be covered by the warranty.
Now I have a dilema. I have looked at the condensor which is clearly visible through the unobsctructed air inlet at the front of the car. I can see no obvious stone impact. I think it simply failed. Has anyone else experienced condensor failures?
One other interesting observation.
The RX-8 has no grill or any such device preventing rocks from striking the ac condensor. Perhaps one of you brilliant folks has fashoined a grill for the air inlet that they would like to share with the group? It further seems like the undercarriage cover at the nose of the car serves as a sort of guide directing rocks to the condensor. Should a rock enter the nose of the car it has not place to go other then to collide with the AC condensor. Not exactly a smart design.
Basically I am not going to spend $1200 to fix a problem that will happen again the next time a rock enters the front of my car. I need a grill or something like that before I fix the AC. Luckily it is October so I do not need to worry too much about AC for a few months.
In fact the super-critical oil coolers are exposed as well. Upon examining mine I have noticed that they have suffered a a significant amount of impact. Anyone know of any protective grills for the oil coolers?
Cuzzin
2004 RX-8 MT. GT pkg. No mods. All recalls done. 37k miles
My AC was making strange noises for months. In fact I took it to the dealer 3 times to have it fixed. Each time of course the noise did not occur while they were testing it. One time I even drove with the service tech and he never heard the noise. Needless to say the noise returned as soon as I drove out of dealership. The noise sounded like running water.
Finally one day, 6 months after I first reports issues, the AC stopped working. No cold air. Compressor does not engage.
Took it to dealer and they now tell me that the condensor has a leak and it will be $1200 to get a new one and have it installed. Ouch!!!. They claim it appears to have been hit by a rock and therefore cannot be covered by the warranty.
Now I have a dilema. I have looked at the condensor which is clearly visible through the unobsctructed air inlet at the front of the car. I can see no obvious stone impact. I think it simply failed. Has anyone else experienced condensor failures?
One other interesting observation.
The RX-8 has no grill or any such device preventing rocks from striking the ac condensor. Perhaps one of you brilliant folks has fashoined a grill for the air inlet that they would like to share with the group? It further seems like the undercarriage cover at the nose of the car serves as a sort of guide directing rocks to the condensor. Should a rock enter the nose of the car it has not place to go other then to collide with the AC condensor. Not exactly a smart design.
Basically I am not going to spend $1200 to fix a problem that will happen again the next time a rock enters the front of my car. I need a grill or something like that before I fix the AC. Luckily it is October so I do not need to worry too much about AC for a few months.
In fact the super-critical oil coolers are exposed as well. Upon examining mine I have noticed that they have suffered a a significant amount of impact. Anyone know of any protective grills for the oil coolers?
Cuzzin
2004 RX-8 MT. GT pkg. No mods. All recalls done. 37k miles
10-27-2006, 03:46 PM
#2
He's as bad as Can
You can fix it yourself for less. https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-do-yourself-forum-73/diy-replace-c-condenser-92826/
11-02-2006, 10:33 PM
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Check out this site from Racing Beat. I'm not sure if this is a good deal since it's just 2 little screens.
http://www.racingbeat.com/resultset....tNumber=SCREEN SET
http://www.racingbeat.com/resultset....tNumber=SCREEN SET
11-05-2006, 07:13 PM
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A/C Condenser
Call me crazy, but I believe Mazda already has a fix. Look in FinishLine for 2004/05 RX-8 A/C CONDENSER PROTECTOR SET. I don't see a cost but it looks like what you need.
I've got an Sep '05 build 8 which I bought new. It came with one. Haven't seen anyone else comment on that.
Good Luck!
I've got an Sep '05 build 8 which I bought new. It came with one. Haven't seen anyone else comment on that.
Good Luck!
11-10-2006, 01:45 AM
#5
BE as nice as you can try to negotiate with them. Tell them it is on file and you have recipts of of your AC claims. See if they will fess up to part of their responsibility.
Get a 10% discount.
Then contact me the send me $ 20 bucks.
Nah just kidding on the last part. You'd be surprised what kindess will do for you!
Get a 10% discount.
Then contact me the send me $ 20 bucks.
Nah just kidding on the last part. You'd be surprised what kindess will do for you!
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