Hi all,

I know this is a Volvo forum, but I went to the similarly formatted Mazda Forum and the content seemed to be more geared to engine performance upgrades than repairs, etc. So, I thought this question might be better answered by someone with more general vehicle knowledge here.

To get to the point, a friend of mine has a '95 Mazda 626 that his wife drives. It recently had some issues that are associated with the air conditioning (if you seen my other posts, you'll see that this seems to be a bug going around town right now). There was some sort of failure and the driver (not my friend or his wife) reported seeing pieces of black stuff (something like deteriorated rubber) flying out of the vents. Then there was some smoking from the engine compartment. After that the A/C stopped working. Also, there is a (non-constant) squealing noise on start-up now. My friend hasn't confirmed it, but he thinks that air is still blowing, but the air isn't cold. He's bringing the car over on Friday evening for me and a friend to look at, but I thought I'd get some ideas about where to look.

My first instinct is to guess that the belt may have broken producing some smoke from the fast moving rubber rubbing against something. I can't explain the black chunks coming through the vents though and I would think they would have said the power steering stopped working.

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

 

Sounds like the noise is the A/C compressor seized up.

The black piece out of the vents are normal on some cars. There is foam where vent tubes meet. That falls apart and comes out of the vents.

 

Thanks Tech (I figured you'd be able to help.)

My friend says the A/C started working again... Is it possible the compressor seized up and then broke free? And if so, what damage would be done by continuing to run it? Worst case, he'll need a new compressor anyway at some point right?

I guess I'll have to look around and see if something broke loose causing the foam to come flying out.

 

Im not sure exactly which motor is in the car. If it has a timing belt and plastic covers.

Worse case is it will lock up again and throw the accessory belt and take out the timing belt maybe even damaging the engine.

I would get it look at ASAP.

The foam is most likely from the seals where the tubes in the dash meet.

 

Thanks again, tech. I'm hoping to get a look at it tomorrow. (My problem, in case you haven't picked up on it yet, is that I'm not afraid to try an repair job, but I have difficulty with the diagnosis.)

 

Could be the clutch on the compressor.................... that will cause the belt to 'smoke' and create some screeching sounds!! I have driven Mazdas for years...............currently have two.............and never had any air cond. issues......... Indeed, they have to be one of the most reliable autos you can purchase.

r.

 

Let me know what you find when you check it out.

reg nice to see you again!! The wife works as a Mazda service writer There is many problems with the Mazda's but still a great car overall.

 

Hi TECH! I have had two Millenia's with out any issues whatsoever. In fact we still have the 2002 Millenia which was the last year Mazda made it as my bride absolutely loves the auto. She also has an 06 MX-5 that has been trouble free. The c-40 is built on the Mazda 3 chassis...........with modifications. Volvo is quick to inform you that it is not the same!! As to the Millenias they have the Miller cycle engine that performs well. Lastly, it looks like you have added another instrument to the Volvo on the A pillar.

r.

 

Yes overall they are good cars.

I have a Boost guage and a Air/fuel ratio gauge in the car.
Check out my update.
https://volvoforums.com/m_53503/mpage_10/key_/tm.htm

 

Just wanted add some general infoon Mazda.

Mazda is currently a part Ford, like Volvo is. Mazda is based in Hiroshima, and they are the only mfg that is still manufacturing Wankel-more commonly known as "rotary" engines.

I've driven Mazda-6 (named Atenza in Japanese market) and was the best car I've driven so far, but I bet RX-8 would be even better, except I find that Mazda vehicles are poor on gas.

There was once a case when a ship that was carrying hundreds of Mazdas sank in the Pacific and all cars were flood-damaged. Mazda decided to throw away those cars, rather than risk reputation, so it seems to me that the mfg is conscientious.

It is hard to find a good customer service these days in every industry, so I was rather impressed with Mazda's decision.


JPN