Mazda MX-3 silhouetteMX-3

TROUBLESHOOTING - Flowchart No. 13: Airflow is not cool; magnetic clutch and condenser fan operate

G-34flowchart

Step 6 distinguishes logic type (REC/FRESH switch, mode switch) from wire type (REC/FRESH lever, mode lever).

Flowchart No. 13

Flowchart No.
Value13
Symptom
ValueAirflow is not cool; magnetic clutch and condenser fan operate
Related components
ValueRefrigerant system

Step 1

  1. 1
    Install the manifold gauge set. (Refer to page G-50.)
    Illustration of a manifold gauge set with two pressure gauges (low and high side) mounted on a manifold body with hand valves and service hose connections.
  2. 2
    Check the refrigerant pressure reading with the engine stopped.
  3. 3
    Verify that the high- and low-pressure-side readings of the manifold gauge are at 493-788 kPa {5.02-8.04 kgf/cm2, 72-114 psi}. If the pressure readings are lower than specified, recharge the refrigerant amount. (Refer to page G-50.) If the pressure readings are within specification but there is insufficient cooling, go to the next step. If the pressure readings are within specification and there are no leaks, the refrigerant amount is OK.
  4. 4
    Start the engine and run it at a constant 2,000 rpm.
  5. 5
    Turn the A/C switch on, set the fan switch at MAX-HI, and set the air intake mode at recirculate.
  6. 6
    If the A/C compressor is short-cycling, note the low-pressure-side reading at which the magnetic clutch kicks out.
  7. 7
    If the pressure is 170 kPa {1.7 kgf/cm2, 24 psi} or lower, evacuate and recharge the refrigerant system with the proper amount of refrigerant. (Refer to page G-50.) If the pressure is 210 kPa {2.1 kgf/cm2, 30 psi} or higher, inspect the thermoswitch. (Refer to page G-69.)

Step 2

  1. 1
    Install the manifold gauge set. (Refer to page G-50.)
  2. 2
    Shut all doors and windows.
  3. 3
    Warm up the engine and run it at a constant 1,500 rpm.
  4. 4
    Set the fan switch to the fourth position.
  5. 5
    Turn the A/C switch on.
  6. 6
    Set the REC/FRESH switch (logic type) or REC/FRESH lever (wire type) at recirculate.
  7. 7
    Set the mode switch (logic type) or mode lever (wire type) at VENT.
  8. 8
    Set the temperature control lever at MAX COLD.
  9. 9
    Measure the ambient temperature and the high- and low-pressure-side readings of the manifold gauge.
    Refrigerant pressure chart. Y-axis: REFRIGERANT PRESSURE in MPa (kgf/cm2, psi) with gridlines at 2.0 (20, 280), 1.5 (15, 210), 1.0 (10, 140), 0.2 (2.0, 28), 0.1 (1.0, 14). X-axis: ambient temperature 68/77/86/95/104 (F) and 20/25/30/35/40 (C). Two shaded bands: an upper HIGH PRESSURE SIDE band and a lower LOW-PRESSURE SIDE band, both sloping up with temperature.
  10. 10
    If the high- and low-pressure-side readings are in the shaded zones shown in the figure, the refrigerant system is normal.
  11. 11
    If not as specified, refer to "Refrigerant pressure flowchart" and repair the air conditioning system. (Refer to page G-35.)

Search Manual

Search pages, specs, and procedures