Air of the dog

I have a Mazda MX-6. My aircon is possessed by the devil. When I drive the car around town, the aircon works perfectly. When I drive more than 20km, normally above 120km then the aircon stops blowing cold air. It works, but does not blow cold air just normal air. When I slow the car below 40km then it kicks in and blows cold air again. I am a bit lost to be honest. My friend owns an aircon place and he is lost for words. We regassed it, but no change.

Asked on 8 May 2010 by M.P., via e-mail

Answered by Honest John
Seems that at higher engine speeds the pump is not working, probably a fault with the electromagnetic dog clutch between the pulley and the pump. About £100 to replace, though in the UK a dealer usually quotes about £800 for a whole new pump.
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