airdog99

Recommended Posts

airdog99    0

airdog99
Posted

Hey Guys,

After turning on the a/c you can feel the engine idle down (a/c clutch engaging) and after a few seconds the "Check air conditioning" message starts to flash on the Nav screen. I checked all fuses and even replaced the a/c clutch relay with no luck. I also ran the a/c diagnostics on the Nav screen and got no error codes. 

So I decided to take it to the shop this morning. 10 minutes after I dropped the car off the mechanic called and said I need to come back as they already found that the compressor was seized up. I was hoping that wouldn't be the problem but I kind of figured it was after what I was seeing during my troubleshooting. 

Now I am being told that since the compressor has failed that I will probably have to replace the entire system... a/c compressor, all lines, evaporator, condenser, valves... everything! The master mechanic said that because the compressor failed it has probably introduced metal particles into the system. He said there is no filter or anything to catch these particles in this 2007 GX470 a/c system and it can't be flushed. Replacement is the only option.

They said it will be a major job requiring the removal of the dashboard and will more than likely cost between $4500 all the way up to $7000. Needless to say, I was floored!

Does this sound legit? Is there a way to flush the system and just replace the compressor itself?

Please help and give any advice you may have... thanks in advance!

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

Trevor Catt    25

Trevor Catt
Posted

I'm not an air con specialist by any means but if it has seized then it is likely to have induced some material into the system.

However, replacement of the whole system on a car of that age for a huge amount of money....I think I would replace the pump and blow through any air cond components with an airline to expel any foreign objects. Like I say, not the expert but if this worked it would save a bucket load of money.

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

airdog99    0

airdog99
Posted

You would think there has to be a way to "flush" the system in some way but they are telling me there isn't. I still find that hard to believe.

Wife is ready for a newer vehicle and we've been thinking of trading it in. I really hate to sink that kind of cash into a 2007 GX with 156,000 miles on it that I'm looking to part with soon.

Hoping someone with some more expertise could offer a solution or insight ...

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

eugene.s    5

eugene.s
Posted

Airdog99, have you gone to another shop for a second opinion? (going to a dealer doesn't seem a viable option)

Share this post

Link to post
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Loading...
×
Go To Topic Listing

  • Similar Content

    • dreiding
      2004 RX330 CLIMATE CONTROL ISSUES
      By dreiding
      I have an early model 2004 RX330 (built in 2003) - No Nav system.  I replaced the radio a few months back.   I am now having air conditioning/heater issues.  I have to keep the A/C setting to LO to get cold air.   The air isn't cold until the car is moving.  When I stop moving the A/C no longer is cold.   The issue on the other end is the heater.  Hot air is not supplied until the temperature setting is 85 of greater.  It used to work great. The store I purchased the radio from said that a resistor jumper was needed if my car had a Nav and appropriate wiring harness.  My radio wiring harness doesn't need a jumper and should work properly. Wrong!
      Any help in fixing my climate control appreciated.
    • momo2000
      Air flow “control boxes” failed, now what?
      By momo2000
      I have a 2003 with 215K miles on it.  Had it since 90K, great truck! 


       
      Part I: 3-4 years ago the (what I call) air flow control boxes (one under each side driver/pass, control which vents the air flows out of) started making noise.  They still worked, but would pretty much make time almost all the time the car was running.  Just a clunking, chirping, clicking every few seconds, somewhat rhythmic.   Again, everything worked, just made noise.  Since I am the only driver, and am alone 95% of the time in the truck, and play the radio ;), I never worried about it, just called them “my pet squirrels”.  I spoke to my “non-dealer-lexus-only” mechanic that I’ve been taking it to since I got it and said the dash would have to come off to fix it, and it was a big price tag so I have lived with it.
      Part II:  Then 18-ish months ago I got the recall notice about the cracked dash and went in to get on “the list” at the dealership (Dec 2015).  The cracked dash did bother me much, but I though, great, when they take the dash off for the repair, I’ll pay the dealer whatever their fee is to change the air flow control boxes that that time.  What a great and fortunate plan!

      Part III:  I am still waiting to get “my turn” to get the dash fixed, but about a month ago, the air flow control boxes stopped making noise, but now I think they are stuck in one position.  Here is the condition that they are now it.  I get A/C out the vents on the passenger side, but on the driver’s side, it blows HEAT.  I close the vents, but I some still comes through, and I some is coming through the floor vent.  After another 85+ degree day in Atlanta, I am motivated to find a solution.

      QUESTIONS:  has anyone ever seen this issue?  Is there any way to manually operate these “air flow control boxes” so I can put it in the “A/C flow mode” for the summer??  Any other ideas to keep me a bit cooler?

    • anthonyinit
      Lexus LS400 1990 A/C is not automated... A/C Light blinks
      By anthonyinit
      Hi all,
      i have a 1990 Lexus LS400. my problem is that my A/C system is not automated. when i turn on the A/C it work and automatically shuts off from the thermostat and after few sec. and kick back on but this at point my A/C light blinks and the clutch not engaging (No A/C only the blower works) so i always manually off the A/C and on again.
      A/C system is not automated like another system.
      I really don't know how to explain but i did my best to explain it to you all so please help me fix this issue.
       
      Thank you :)
    • Martin7097
      2006 ES330 had a power surge
      By Martin7097
      So I have a 2006 Lexus ES330 with 83,000 miles.  It's been a great car so far.  I have noticed the acceleration slip that most people talk about but I'm ok with that.  I just had a new  battery put in three days ago under warranty because  my battery of less than two years completely died. I also had my inspection done at the same time and passed. According to Firestone they tested  my alternator and it was fine.   So now three days later I am driving and my car goes nuts like it's having a power surge, I can tell the accelerator isn't engaging, the dash lights (brake, ABS, check engine and a faint battery light) come on and my air starts blowing super high, then low and does this about 3 times before I shut it off.  I parked the car and after about 1 min all the dash lights go off but the check engine light.  I go to auto zone and have them run a diagnostic and it shows my vehicle speed sensor caused the check engine light to come on. Well that doesn't explain the power surge and my speedometer (which is usually the first to go if the sensor is bad) is working fine.  Any ideas???
    • xplorer59
      Climate control temperature setting
      By xplorer59
      I can only set the temperature on 18c or 32c, with difficulty even changing it between the two. Does anyone know how to correct that issue? ES 350 with luxury package, 92k miles.