Precaution Against Unnecessary A/C Compressor Parts Replacement (07-003/09)

PRECAUTION AGAINST UNNECESSARY A/C COMPRESSOR PARTS REPLACEMENT

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN

APPLICABLE MODEL(S)/VINS

2004-2009 Mazda3 vehicles

2006-2010 Mazda5 vehicles

DESCRIPTION

When you encounter a customer complaint on an A/C system malfunction, troubleshoot the system according to the Workshop Manual first to diagnose the cause correctly to prevent unnecessary A/C compressor parts replacement. A warranty parts investigation has revealed that a number of good A/C compressors have been replaced with no problems.

ACTION TO BE TAKEN

1. Verify customer concern.
   NOTE: Make sure to fully understand the customer's complaint.
2. Perform a refrigerant pressure check and refrigerant system performance check.
   • If you find any type of concern with the A/C system, troubleshoot the problem according to the Workshop Manual and diagnose the problem.
   • If no problem is found, do not replace any parts. Explain to the customer effective ways to use the A/C system.
     1. The A/C works more effectively in recirculation mode than in fresh air mode.
     2. You can get more air in VENT mode than any other mode.
     3. Turn the temperature control dial to "MAX" cold.

SYMPTOMS WHERE A/C COMPRESSORS HAVE BEEN REPLACED WHEN NOT NEEDED

Problem	Description	Tip
Insufficient air (or no air) blowing from vents	When attempting a repair at the dealer, the symptom cannot be duplicated, but the amount of air from the vents is insufficient according to the customer.	It is quite possible that this symptom is caused by the evaporator inside the A/C unit freezing up. This causes the amount of air from the vents to decrease momentarily. NOTE: For Mazda3, refer to Service Bulletin 07-011/09 .
No cool air.	Magnetic clutch does not work.	Generally there are two types of causes, one is compressor failure and the other one is electrical parts failure. In order to determine the type of cause, first remove the V-belt and see if it is possible to smoothly rotate both the pulley and clutch of the compressor by hand. If both of them can be smoothly rotated by hand, the parts should be good and an electrical problem should be considered as the cause. Troubleshoot according to the appropriate section of the Workshop Manual. NOTE: Mazda3 and Mazda5 have been fitted with vane type-compressor, and their clutch can be rotated by hand.
Noise while operating.	Loud noise can be heard.	It is quire possible that this is a vane noise caused by low refrigerant gas pressure. Refer to the Workshop Manual and perform refrigerant pressure check.