if it works ins some but not others it wont be the charge. More than likely its the switch or the resistors. still trying to figure out why it would be the resistors though.

 

the problem is the resistor pack. it is located behind the fan motor. look where the blue wires connect into it. it is held in by two 7mm head bolts.

 

So guys......what's the final solution for the problem? i have the same exact problem on my 02 mp5.... i dont have alot of money to throw around on random parts, so what is it exactly that needs to be replaced? the a/c light goes out on 2 and 3 for me...thanks!

 

you need to replace the resistor pack, sometimes called the resistor block. it;s right behind the fan motor and slightly to the left. just follow the wires from the fan motor you cannot miss it. this is a common problem on all cars with the same solution. it has nothing to do with recharging the freon.you only have to remove the kicker plastic plate to get access to fan motor and resistor pack. best of luck haneyalp.

 

hmmm, alright sounds good... thanks alot! any idea where i can pick one up?

 

I would try a wrecking yard first because it will much cheaper, if not, call all local autopart stores and price around. never go through the dealership because it will be way overpriced. best of luck to you.

 

It is the switch and nothing else. This is my 4th protege and they all had the same problem. Has nothing to do with A/C charge or resistor. Don't trust me.. Next time make a fist and rap on the side of the console with the side of your fist and watch the light come back on. And have you noticed that sometimes when you hit the gas and it was flickering that the light will come on steady. It switch is faulty and when you hit the gas and it is in the flicker mode the added voltage from the alternator turns the light steady.

I work on F-15 avionics and I have ripped two of them apart on my bench and using power supplies troubleshot and tested them. The contacts become worn and instead of making contact on the entire contact area it only makes partial contact thus not getting the proper voltage causing it to flicker or go out. When you thump the side od the A/C panel you jult the contacts and they will work.

Do yourself and just buy a switch....

 

I have a similar problem. I have a 2002 Protege5. My problem is as follows:
AC Switch on, Fan setting 1: AC and fan work
AC switch on, Fan setting 2: Fan works, AC does not.
AC switch on, Fan setting 3: Fan works, AC does not.
AC switch on, Fan setting 4: AC and fan work.

The AC used to work on fan setting 2, though it would take several minutes of the car running before the AC would start working. The problem has gotten worse over time. Sometimes I can make the AC and fan work concurrently by carefully turning the fan **** to a spot between settings (ie, between 2 and 3).

After taking apart the control unit and re-connecting the switches to the AC and fan switches the problem was remedied... for about a day and a half.

 

thats why i say buy a new switch, when i took mine apart i found that the connections were in pretty rough shape. I bought a new switch and its been fine since.

 

alrighty had this problem...fan and ac worked in 1 only..fan worked on 2 and 3 but not 4. Just got done changing the switch. All settings work, but now I find out I get cold air for about 2 minutes and then it goes to like outside air or something. Thanks guys, this place is awesome in finding answers for my car.