Why Is There A Front And Rear A/c Expansion Valve On 1999 Ls400

[bode]

Am still having problems with A/C on my Lexus LS400. Have replaced everything, still blows only cool, about 60 degrees. It used to blow under 40. I had the expansion valve and evporator replaced recently and noticed when buying parts that they sold a front and rear expansion valve for it. I don't think any LS400 had rear A/C, so where does this rear expansion valve go? I just bought front valve for mechanic to replace. Should I have replaced this rear valve too, and where does it go?

Thanks for any help in clearing this up

Bode

[billydpowell]

dont panic, it is for another lexus application.....

[landar]

Did you do the work yourself or have an AC shop do the work?

If a shop did the work, they should know what the issue may be.

Some ideas...Maybe the system did not get properly evacuated or refilled to capacity. You should be running R134.

With the windows open (to create maximum air to cool) and system set to max. cooling, you should see/hear the compressor coming on almost constantly. If not, then maybe it is not filled properly. If it does run constantly, yet fails to get cold, then maybe the new expansion valve is faulty or a blend door is not in the right position. You must verify the hi and lo side pressures are within factory specs. There are lots of possibilities.

[bode]

Thanks for the info. Yes, in talking to Toyota, there is only one expansion valve, as I thought. They didn't know what the rear one was for. Thanks also for the advice about why the a/c is not as low as it should be. Toyota service has been doing the repair, and yes, you'd think they'd know what the problem is. I have had it in there for 3 times already. Very frustrating. I will pass on that it is either faulty expansion valve(they should be able to determine that by checking gauges readings), or(and I think this is a real possibility) One of the blend doors not reassembled properly and allowing hot air to mix with the cold. I will also suggest doing another evac and recharge. Hard to talk to them, cause they don't want to acknowledge that anything they do could be the reason.

I hate dealerships. They seem to lie constantly.

bode

[landar]

That you have to supply advice to the mechanics is a sad testimony for this Toyota dealer. I know the dealerships have to handle a lot of areas and maybe AC is not their expertise...but still, it's sad. If the dealer cannot resolve your issue in a timely manner, you might consider taking the car to a good independent AC shop and have them render an opinion.

[bode]

Yes, it is a sad situation. It would be acceptable if they would be honest in their expertise and abilities. I will stay with it for a little while longer, as they have to get it fixed on their dime now, since I have already paid them for the work. Your suggestion for an independent a/c shop is nice, but I have not found any place that just works on or specializes in a/c. All shops seem to be generalists, doing everything. Do you know of any shops that just do a/c?

[landar]

Yes, I do know of shops in my area. However, I doubt that you want to drive to northern Indiana for their advice ;-)

Seriously, most shops do more than AC (or they would starve) but they are very good at AC in particular.

I might possibly be able to locate (via a web search) a shop in your area if you can give me a general idea of your location. You can do the same, of course, and what you want to do is stop into several general shops and just ask them who they can recommend. The 'word' often gets around among them as to who has the most success in resolving issues.

[bode]

Thanks for the help. I live in Tampa, FL area, and will ask around the best I can. My feeling is most shops will say they can do A/C themselves and will not refer me to competition, but I can try. If you come up with any in my area, I'd be happy to visit them

Thanks again,

Bill

[landar]

That's a good point on shops not wanting to steer you to another. I guess I was thinking more along the lines of asking at a Napa type stores.

However, living in the Tampa area where AC is a must, you probably have some really good shops around. I lived in Orlando for 10 years so I know how important good, cold air is (and shade to park in!).

With a quick search on the internet, I found this place called "Mad Hatters". Sounds suspicious but there are many, many positive reviews -> http://tampacaracrepair.com

And they claim to be specialists in AC repair.

I am not in any way endorsing them but you may want to ask around or do some research if you desire to take it to another shop for a second opinion. You might have to pay some small diagnostic fee but that could be well worth it to get to the bottom of the issue more quickly.