A/C Randomly Turning Itself Off...Help!

I'm not sure where to post this, so if it needs to be moved, then please feel free to do so.

My A/C system seems to now have a mind of its own...
The A/C seems to turn itself off randomly, or the button on the control panel just seems to switch off. If I hit the panel with a quick slap, it comes back, but then goes out again. This repeats regularly.

I'm not sure what could be causing this or if I just need to replace the A/C control panel in my car.

If anyone has suggestions or has had a similar problem, your input would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you!

Go to the dealership and get it fixed under warranty. No big deal.

If my car was under warranty, I would already have done that.

But alas, my car is not under warranty. It is a 2004 with 65,000 plus miles.

I'm considering just replacing the entire panel...but I wanted to see if anyone else had experienced a similar happening in their 3s.

You might want to look into this thread... i know its for a protege but you could have a simular issue....

http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=113658&highlight=flicker