Thanks for the response. How long have you been doing the fuse solution? A few years? I know some people think this could degrade the longetivity of the compressor, because running occasionally lubricates the seals, or something like that. So I'm just wondering how your compressor is holding up?

I don't know if I'll have the ambition to do it or not, but do you know where there are any good guides on the micro-switch mod? I've been searching around and find mention of it, but have not seen anyone really explain in detail how it's done.

Thanks again.

My '08 '3' is only 1 year old, so only did this for one winter. Thinking this thru (I'm an engineer so I sometimes think too much!) I don't think it would have much of an impact on the compressor. On my other vehicles (VW and Toyota) the compressor won't turn on at lower temps anyway, VW does not activate AC with defrost (some Toyotas do), and with my other past vehicles no A/C use for several months did not cause compressor problems. I did hear that this was a problem with older (pre-1990?) vehicles; I'd have to think that materials (seals, etc.) have improved since then. Seems doubtful that this short amount of time without A/C use would degrade seals significantly. Admittedly, I could be wrong, but if the 2010 Mazda now allows defrost without A/C, I'd think that their engineers would have considered any impact to the compressor from non-use over a few months. Would like to have a look at the control to see if a micro-switch could be modified. This is a better solution. My issue is getting at the control to determine if it could be changed, then how best to modify.

...more thoughts: If we can't easily modify the microswitch/mode control and if not running the compressor for a few months bothers you, here's a simple solution: Remove the fuse to stop the compressor from turning on in the winter. Then, periodically (when checking or changing oil or other routine maintenance) put the fuse in and run the A/C. Yes, it's a little effort but removing/installing the fuse is easy...

(The microswitch/mode control mod is still best and would allow year-round manual control of AC!) Anyone have some quick/easy way to get at the mode control?

PS--keeping the inside of the windshield clean reduces fogging as does slightly opening side windows to let moisture escape.

Thanks for the further suggestions. These are the best posts I've found on doing some sort of more permanent mod. None of them seem quick and easy. The one with the best pics is on a Protege, so it could be totally irrelevant. And I'm not sure that the mod for the Mazda3 will apply to the automatic version of the climate controls, with which I'm unfortunately saddled.

All that said, honestly, taking apart the dash seems like the biggest difficulty (and with the most potential for messing something up).

http://www.mazda3forums.com/index.ph...2298#msg852298
http://www.mazda3forums.com/index.ph...9270#msg129270
http://www.msprotege.com/forum/showthread.php?t=55382

Thank you !!!
 

Thank you !!! Great idea that worked for me 😊