Mazda A/C system losing it's cool ...

[waltz777]

Hi:

I have a 2005 Mazda 3 GT 4 door. Earlier, this summer, the A/C began to lose its cool and I had the A/C unit recharged for $40 dollars. However, after 30 mins to 1 hour of use, it again loses its cool... I guess I'm going to need to get this thing properly serviced. Suggestions for a decent place to get the A/C unit repaired at a good rate in the Toronto GTA area?

Thanks!

[mazdabetty]

Depending on what's wrong with it could cost you a couple hundred dollars, or it could easily cost you a fortune to the point of not even being worth it. A member here had theirs repaired recently for $1800. :S

Best bet is to get a diagnosis (maybe at Street Performance as everyone here seems to speak highly of them) and maybe start looking at some junk yards if you require any parts. Mine started dying earlier this summer as well on my 2005, pretty sure I'm going to need a new compressor. While they cost anywhere from $600-800+ brand new, you can get a grade A quality compressor off a 2009 mazda3 in the states for $150-300 (if you're lucky you can find one in Ontario closer to home for a decent price). If you have a friend who knows what they're doing and can install it for ya, bonus! Otherwise maybe get some quotes and see what different shops charge to do it.

Start with a diagnosis and go from there. Could be as simple as a small leak that might be able to be fixed with a can of this from CT:
http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/4/Auto/AirConditioning/AirConditioningRefrigerant/PRD~0146121P/RED+TEK+Aerosol+Leak+Stop+Can%2C+4+oz..jsp?locale= en

[silverstarmazda]

you sound like you have a leak somewhere.... you will need to inject a dye in it to find the possible leak. the a/c system requires lines to run all over the place and can be compromised by the weather and driving conditions. this needs to be done at a garage with a proper machine. once the leak is found, they cut the bad parts out of the line and replace it with a new section. if you cant find a shop that has the machine, then you will need to see the dealership.