1996 Mazda Protege A/C Blows Hot

1996 ALL OTHER MAKES ALL OTHER MODELS
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PROTEGEDRYVER
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  • 5 POSTS
i've read on this forum about very simular a/c problems to the problems i'm having. my a/c works fine during cooler conditions, but around 80 degrees and higher it blows hot air, i've recharged the freon, had it checked for leaks, had the a/c relay check, and so on. by doing some further research, i've heard something about the expansion valve which is located under the dash. i've been told that it could be a culprit. i usede to hear a funny noise under the dash a few years ago while the a/c was working fine. what exactly does the expansion valve do? any advice would be helpful
May 28, 2006 at 10:25 AM
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2CARPRO JACK
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it is where the magic happens.. depending on temp it drops a needle into a seat changing the size of the orifice thus changing the temp of the gas running through it
Sep 12, 2006 at 10:22 AM
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COSMO
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HAve you checked to see if the a/c fans are working in front of the condersor? Try pouring cold water over the front of the condensor when this issue happens

Cosmo

Mazda Tech
Sep 14, 2006 at 10:55 AM
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Suggested Repair

Verify that the A/C condenser fans are working. When the system starts blowing hot, pour cold water over the front of the condenser as a diagnostic test. The expansion valve meters refrigerant by moving a needle in its seat with temperature, changing the orifice size and refrigerant temperature.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1996 Mazda Protege says the A/C works in cooler weather but blows hot air around 80 degrees and above, despite a refrigerant recharge, leak check, and relay check. They ask whether the expansion valve could be the cause and what it does. One expert explains that the valve changes orifice size with temperature to control refrigerant temperature. A Mazda technician advises checking the condenser fans and pouring cold water over the condenser when the problem occurs.

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