I have an immaculate 2004 Mazda Tribute, 6Cyl, ES (Front wheel drive) with 87K miles.
Problem 1: Air Conditioner
It blew cold air perfectly with its original, stock A/C system, but I was informed a couple of years ago that it was leaking, and have had to service the system for 2 years in a row (typically when summer was approaching, I had it checked/serviced). Decided to fix the system for good, and spent about $1100 to get it done. I live in FL. It's HOT in summer time. After the shop installed new AC, it appeared to test good for them. However, I noticed that it does not work as well as it did before. I picked it up after hours (weekend) on a very hot day. Drove it about 10 miles (about 20 minutes) home, traffic, stop lights, and I was sweating all the way home. I chalked it up as it being so hot, it was 'normal'. However, after about a week, I called the shop (excellent people, by the way, but very busy), and I explained that the car SEEMS to not blow as cold at idle, lower speeds. They checked it out and of course could find nothing wrong; fan checked good, 'Freon (or whatever they use now)' level was good, compressor, etc., and "it blows 48 degrees"). I KNOW it is not working as it did before I had it replaced. Is there anything you can think of that would account for this? I'm punching myself now, as I should have just kept servicing the system instead of blowing all that dough getting it 'fixed', only for it to NOT work as well as it did before.
Problem 2: SRS Airbag Warning Indicator
Recently, the SRS Warning indicator has started coming on.
To be more precise, what happens when I get in and start the car, after the car goes through the testing lights sequence, and the car is idling, there are no warning lights on the console; all appears well.
Put the car in drive, start down the road, and the SRS light comes on, flashes 5 or 6 times, then stays on. This is NOT every time I drive the car, but often. Sometimes the light is not on at all while driving. Tested this with and without a passenger. I'm presuming that there is a lose connection somewhere, but trying to figure out why it started all of the sudden (and after I had AC replaced - was not doing this before).
Thoughts?
Just want to say that I have only just recently discovered you, and absolutely love and appreciate you, your vast knowledge, your enthusiasm for cars and how they work, and your passion for teaching others. I tell everyone about you now!
Hope to hear back from you,
Shawn B.
(BigD@ddyB)
What all did they replace? You didn't mention that.
It sounds like the a/c is operating normal. Typically the a/c will cool 20 degrees than outside temperature. It all depends on the outside temperature when they checked it. I find using anything other than OEM will cause issues or not cool as efficient. So it is possible they used aftermarket part and its not as cold as before.
Check out Scotty's video how to check your car's a/c.
Check to see if your car's airbag has been recalled. Check on NHTSA with your vin. If its not, then most likely wiring is shorted and a shop will need to check it. Often its the wires under your seats.
one question per post please
