I have a 1992 FD3S imported from Japan. Great car but AC does not work. When I push the button it appears the clutch engages but it just makes a horrible grinding noise and the AC does not work. Does this mean I need a new compressor, or is there something else that can cause this. I am pretty sure the system is fully charged. If I need a compressor for this does anyone know where to get one, are they the same as the 93 and up ones sold in north america.

 

You should check with an A/C repair shop...

Without more information or seeing the car, I don't know what to tell you.

If you need a compressor, you could check the classifieds section. A lot of people ditch their A/C so there are plenty floating around. You could also check with Ray @ Malloy Mazda. (Search the forum for his contact info).

 

I tried 2 local places already, one told me to get a compressor and come back to see them and the other said they would charge it when I fix it but wont do anything else with it because its all so hard to get at. Im just looking for someone who may have some ideas.

 

It sounds like the compressor has had an internal failure. DO NOT RUN IT.

If the compressor has indeed had an internal failure, it has contaminated the system with little bits of metal which must be removed or they'll kill any subsequent compressors you put on. You'll need to replace the compressor, drier, expansion valve and condenser, and have all the other components flushed. The condensers on these cars are such that they're impossible to clean out completely, so they must be replaced. The dryer and expansion valve are reasonably cheap to replace.

You may have gotten lucky, and it is just a problem with the clutch, but more than likely not.

 

Hmm. . .Take it to a decent A/C repair shop. There must be one in Canada. Some tubes, connectors, etc. are getting hard to find these days, but a good shop will fix you up.

 

I'm not trying to be sarcastic here... but, living in Canada, do you really need a working A/C?? I totally scrapped my A/C when I lived in England, I just didn't get hot enough to need it. I can't see Canada being worse tbh.

My vote is on removing it entirely, lol... free up some space and weight!

 

^ I love using A/C simply because there are plenty of hot days.

I'm glad I don't live in Toronto because their smog and concrete makes 86F feel like 100F+ lol