Mazda 3 Car surges when air conditioning is on Inspection at your home or office.

Our certified mobile mechanics come to you 7 days a week between 7 AM and 9 PM.

Estimate price near me

Service Location

Customer Ratings

(1,271)

How A Diagnostic Works

Instantly book a certified mobile mechanic to come to you

Mechanic diagnoses the problem and quotes necessary repairs

Your vehicle is ready to go

Fair, upfront & transparent pricing for all services

Our certified mobile mechanics can come to you now.

Customer Ratings

(1,271)

Car surges when air conditioning is on Inspection Service

How much does a Car surges when air conditioning is on Inspection cost?

On average, the cost for a Mazda 3 Car surges when air conditioning is on Inspection is $95 with $0 for parts and $95 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
2021 Mazda 3L4-2.5L TurboService typeCar surges when air conditioning is on InspectionEstimate$114.99Shop/Dealer Price$124.99 - $132.49
2014 Mazda 3L4-2.5LService typeCar surges when air conditioning is on InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$105.01 - $112.52
2010 Mazda 3L4-2.5LService typeCar surges when air conditioning is on InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$105.01 - $112.52
2016 Mazda 3L4-2.5LService typeCar surges when air conditioning is on InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$104.99 - $112.48
2020 Mazda 3L4-2.0LService typeCar surges when air conditioning is on InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$105.02 - $112.55
2009 Mazda 3L4-2.0LService typeCar surges when air conditioning is on InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$105.01 - $112.52
2008 Mazda 3L4-2.3LService typeCar surges when air conditioning is on InspectionEstimate$99.99Shop/Dealer Price$109.87 - $117.28
2008 Mazda 3L4-2.0LService typeCar surges when air conditioning is on InspectionEstimate$99.99Shop/Dealer Price$110.24 - $117.94
Show example Mazda 3 Car surges when air conditioning is on Inspection prices

For most of us, turning on the AC on a hot summer day is a relief. Cooled air fills the cabin and you’re able to relax and drive comfortably. However, if your car surges with the AC on, then there’s definitely a problem that needs to be hunted down and repaired.

How this system works:

First, understand that this problem isn’t tied to just one system – it’s a combination of different things. When your AC turns on, it puts a load on the engine (the engine is responsible for turning the compressor, which builds pressure in the system, which allows low-pressure, gaseous refrigerant to be turned into high-pressure liquid and used in your cooling system.

When the engine is put under a load by the AC system, the car’s computer automatically attempts to compensate for that by adjusting the idle. If there is carbon buildup within any part of the system, including the idle air control valve, throttle body, or possibly even the EGR valve, it can cause surging. The car’s computer essentially miscalculates the amount of power necessary, and ends up overshooting, leading to a surging engine.

Any problem with the AC system can also exacerbate this condition. For instance, if the system is low on refrigerant, the compressor will kick on more often, causing the surging to increase in frequency (if not in intensity).

Common reasons for this to happen:

Carbon Buildup: A number of engine components are subject to carbon buildup over time, and this can place a significant load on the engine. When the additional load of your AC compressor is added, it causes the computer to miscalculate and increase idle speed too much. Common sources of carbon buildup include the IAC valve, the EGR valve, and the throttle body.

  • Low Refrigerant in the AC System: If your AC system is low on refrigerant, it will make the compressor cycle on more frequently, increasing the load on your engine.

  • Failing AC Compressor: If your AC compressor is beginning to fail, this can also add to the surging problem.

  • Bad Belt: One often overlooked cause of a car surging with the AC on is actually a worn compressor belt. If the belt is stretched or worn smooth, it can slip during operation. This places significant strain on the engine and the AC system. Replacing the belt often eliminates the surge, and ensures better AC operation.

  • Bad AC Cycling Switch: The AC cycling switch controls the compressor cycling pattern. Over time, it can go bad. When this happens, it will place a significant load on the engine and can lead to surging.

  • Overfilled AC System: While low refrigerant can cause problems with your AC and engine surging, an overfilled system can cause the same problem. Refrigerant must be “just right” or you will experience a number of different problems.

What to expect:

Our professional mobile mechanic will come to your home or office to inspect the engine and the air conditioning system. The mechanic will then provide a detailed inspection report that includes the scope and cost of the necessary repairs.

How it's done:

The mechanic will inspect the AC system, as well as the vehicle’s engine. A test drive may be necessary if the surging only occurs when the car is in drive. The mechanic will check the car’s refrigerant level, as well as other possible causes, such as the AC cycling switch.

How important is this service?

If your engine is surging while the AC is on, it’s a sign that there’s something wrong. Driving without the air conditioner might solve it at least temporarily, but this is only a short-term fix. The actual problem must be addressed. One of our professional mechanics can inspect and diagnose your problem, and then provide a repair that ensures your engine runs smoothly and that your AC system works correctly.

Fast and easy service at your home or office

Backed by 12-month, 12.000-mile guarantee


Meet some of our expert Mazda mechanics

Real customer reviews from Mazda owners like you.

Excellent Rating

(1,271)

Rating Summary
1,198
40
13
4
16
1,198
40
13
4
16

James

12 years of experience
233 reviews
James
12 years of experience
Mazda 3 L4-2.5L - Oil Change - San Bruno, California

Helder

32 years of experience
28 reviews
Helder
32 years of experience
Mazda 3 L4-2.0L - Brake Pads Replacement (Front, Rear) - Warwick, Rhode Island
Helder was very friendly and courteous , took the time to have a genuine conversation and answer any and all questions I asked of him. His knowledge and work experience definitely showed as he progressed through the job before him and he happily showed me a few " tricks of the trade " regarding stubborn parts to remove. Very happy and would recommend to friends. Thank You Helder !!

Whitney

39 years of experience
783 reviews
Whitney
39 years of experience
Mazda 3 L4-2.5L - Pre-purchase Car Inspection - Burlingame, California
At the time of this writing, I'm in the middle of the car-buying process and have my eye on this used vehicle...located nearly 2 hours away. I needed a mechanic I can trust to give me the confidence to see the car in person. Whitney gave me that confidence. Although I've never met him, my conversations with him over the phone were great. His enthusiasm about the car was tangible. Many thanks!

Chris

16 years of experience
324 reviews
Chris
16 years of experience
Mazda 3 L4-2.3L - Brakes, Steering and Suspension Inspection - San Diego, California
Chris was freaking awesome. Based on my internet research of the sound the car was making I was expecting a $600 bill. Instead, Chris spent 15 minutes diagnosing and resolving the issue for a charge that was under$100. It also called out the need to replace my brake pads but he did not attempt to upset on the spot. No pressure. Absolutely awesome work ethic!!!!!!

Excellent Rating

(1,271)

Rating Summary
1,198
40
13
4
16
1,198
40
13
4
16
Number of Mazda 3 services completed
13981+
services done by our mechanics
TOTAL NUMBER OF EXPERT Mazda MECHANICS
1100+
experts on our platform

Recent articles & questions

P2239 OBD-II Trouble Code: O2 Sensor Positive Current Control Circuit High Bank 1 Sensor 1
P2239 P2239 code definition O2 Sensor Positive Current Control Circuit High Bank 1 Sensor 1 What the P2239 code means This trouble code indicates that the powertrain control module has detected a voltage from the O2 sensor positive current control...
P0742 OBD-II Trouble Code: Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Stuck On
P0742 code means that the torque converter clutch circuit is behaving abnormally often due too dirty transmission fluid or valves.
How to Replace a Windshield Wiper Module
Car windshield wiper modules control the wiper speed. If windshield wipers aren't working, replace them immediately.

How do I adjust the rear seat-back angle?

Either side of the rear seat-back can be adjusted by pulling on the levers on either end of the seat. Pull on the lever on the right side of the seat-back to adjust the right side, and pull on the...

How do I change the settings for the unlock door function?

When the electronic key is on your person, you can unlock your car’s doors by pressing the sensor on the back either front door handle. The default setting makes it so that you can unlock all of the doors by...

power steering pump makes noise.

The power steering pump (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-power-steering-pump) may be going bad if you are hearing a grinding noise. The fluid should not be red, unless the fluid was flushed out and replaced with transmission fluid. Power steering fluid is light brown like...

How can we help?

Our service team is available 7 days a week, Monday - Friday from 6 AM to 5 PM PST, Saturday - Sunday 7 AM - 4 PM PST.

1 (844) 997-3624 · hi@yourmechanic.com