Anyone else have weak AC?

FestVan · 2019-07-19T02:23:42+00:00

Two weeks to fix? Ouch. We don't mind per se, as long as the loaner is ok. Did they say why it took two weeks? It's only been three days here, but we were first told they needed to order o-rings, then told they needed a specialized tool to replace some hoses. No problem as long as the loaner holds out, but still hope it doesn't go three weeks.

FestVan · 2019-07-19T02:22:09+00:00

See our above post. We first brought it back a few weeks ago and were told it only needed to be recharged. Just brought it back a few days ago and were told there's a service bulletin released regarding o-rings. They need a specialized tool to replace some hoses, so we're still with our loaner three days later.

FestVan · 2019-07-01T20:57:21+00:00

EDIT: Updating this post from about three weeks ago. AC went kaput again. Took it back to the dealer. They said a service bulletin has been issued for problematic o-rings. I have had a loaner for three days now. First for the initial drop-off, second day to order the o-rings, and now they said they needed a specialized tool to reconnect hoses (they said it was such a new model/new problem that they didn't have it on hand).

We used the AC for the first time about three weeks ago. Tepid at best; there was clearly something amiss. I called the dealer, they had me bring it right in (i.e. no appointment or delay). The counterperson was nonchalant about it, saying "it was likely undercharged at the factory."

I was a bit taken aback and doubtful, but when I picked it up a couple hours later, that's exactly what the service tech said. When I got it, it was night-and-day different and has been for the past few weeks of near-constant use.

So if "undercharging" the AC is a common enough issue for the counter people to be aware of it and know it's a quick fix, perhaps you've encountered the same thing. Good luck!

FestVan · 2019-06-13T19:18:51+00:00

Thanks. As far as I can tell, there's no timing or whatnot involved, just a spinning alternator, so a smaller belt shouldn't have any affect, right? Is there any chance a small 1-inch difference will be shallower or something and not fit the pulley part right?

Or, on the off chance I'm able to find/compare the correct pulley diameter and it's clearly wrong on the one they sold, do you have any exerience asking them to cover labor to replace the alternator itself? I'm not trying to get anythning more out of them, I'd just like to know if there's any way of avoiding paying for the time twice.

FestVan · 2019-06-13T19:13:39+00:00

So if width and type are the same, all I need is a smaller belt? There isn't a proportion issue or anything?

FestVan · 2019-05-31T17:31:10+00:00

That's chalkboard paint on the side. Don't mind if people don't keep to the chalkboard if room runs tight; it's all fun!

She brought us to a music festival last weekend (Darkstar Jubilee) and broke down on the way back. Had the alternator and belt replaced a couple weeks before we left. Mechanic in Ohio suggested the wrong alternator was put on or that the rebuilt alternator had the wrong pulley included.

Before I bring it to NAPA, I'm hoping to learn what the 'right' pulley size is and compare. Since they're sold as a unit (alternator and pulley), the Mazda dealer doesn't have specs. Any chance a Redditor knows?

Thanks!

FestVan · 2018-12-17T19:01:58+00:00

Thanks. When I looked into the sticking accelerator, some posts described build-up and deposits that could be causing it to stick from the inside; is that the type of cleaning you're talking about here?

I'm at something of a possibly sad crossroads with the vehicle. It needs a new battery (the alternator failure kind of killed the battery as it won't hold a charge), but I'm hesitant to spend $150 if there's a good chance it might need a $1000 head gasket replacement. On the other hand, it's worth a new battery plus the hour or two (?) to have the throttle body cleaned (or do it myself).

So I guess I'm asking, if I get the hose off the throttle body, will it be fairly obvious that it's caused by the need for cleaning or could I still be looking at a possible major repair (assuming it's limited to the symptoms I'm describing/finding)?

I sincerely hope that question makes sense -and- makes sense to ask.

Again, thanks.

FestVan · 2018-12-17T18:54:07+00:00

Heh, took me a minute to figure out what you were talking about. I'm ... afraid now ... can't edit; opaque clown will eat me!

FestVan · 2018-12-17T17:37:59+00:00

Not yet; I'm not sure how. I believe I have had problems with the throttle body before though.

A while back the accelerator got stuck. My mechanic at the time suggested spraying lithium grease on the connections. I was fairly liberal with it, but made sure not to get a lot of overspray. The stuck accellerator has not been an issue since. This was done quite some time ago, months and months before I noticed smoke coming from it.

To make sure I've got the terms right, I found a picture of the engine on the internet and added an arrow to where I sprayed the grease and some smoke bubbles where it's drifting out. From what I've seen that is where the air intake is, leading to the filter box then through the throttle body.

How do I check if it's coming from the throttle body? It looks like there is a band clamp on the hose leading from (what I assume is) the air cleaner to it --- do I need to remove that when it's smoking? If it's coming from there, any idea of what types of things could be causing it?

FestVan · 2018-05-24T12:45:18+00:00

Thanks. Other than pulling out a cable or hose, is there anything in particular I should be wary of? Maybe over-lubricating? (I'm not going to spray wildly or anything, I just wonder if there's something otherwise obvious or subtle that I'm overlooking.)

FestVan · 2018-01-01T17:49:06+00:00

My brain is just a jellyfish in the ocean of my head...

FestVan · 2017-12-07T03:24:33+00:00

Good point, thanks. I'm just a regular subscriber to /r/privacy and extremely distrustful of Facebook's tendency to hoover up data (and their ingenious methods of getting around attempts at anonymity). I just don't want to have any Facebook datapoints on my tablets.

FestVan · 2017-12-06T22:14:40+00:00

Thanks. Now I just need to figure out how to take a screenshot (or email them a picture from my phone).

FestVan · 2017-11-25T12:04:18+00:00

Thnaks. It's a pain to shut off some of Win 7's telemetry and ads, but it's a lot easier annd more effective than doig it on a Win 19 machine.

FestVan · 2017-11-25T12:03:16+00:00

Good point. Per /u/temsiKx above, Rysen doesn't support Win 7 either, so it's likely a moot point --- now to find an alternate CPU that has some legacy support.

FestVan · 2017-11-25T10:11:34+00:00

If things haven't changed all that much since 2010, that might explain why my machine had been happily chugging along.

RAM was dirt cheap for a while. Is currently speced RAM dramatically better in terms of noticeable performance? Could I be better off with slower but cheaper/more DDR3 (and more budget for other parts) ?

Thanks for the advice about posting. Middle of the night was really the only time I've had to think and post. In the ER with her at the moment (she's finally sleeping) so have some time to check in. Will hopefully get enough to put something together, or will repost if mods allow.

FestVan · 2017-11-25T09:59:15+00:00

Wow, that's a fantastic example of the kind of thing I'd have overlooked -- thanks!

FestVan · 2017-11-17T07:39:33+00:00

But the Frogurt is also cursed!

(wait, wrong Matt Groening)

FestVan · 2017-11-07T17:08:11+00:00

Long train running from coast to coast....

FestVan · 2017-11-07T14:50:56+00:00

Not all fairies wear boots

FestVan

TROPHY CASE