Marty Witt Posted April 23, 2003 Posted April 23, 2003 I am looking for the heater control valve from a 1992 through 2000, Lexus SC300 or SC400. It is located in the engine bay on the firewall on the passenger side. Lexus wants $400 plus $150 to install. Anyone know of a wrecked 1992 through 2000 SC300 or SC400??
AWJ Posted April 23, 2003 Posted April 23, 2003 Try this: Maybe they can help Is it the just the valve - you can reverse the vacuum lines and the valve will shut or open depending on what you need. Then disconnect. That is what others have done. They reconnect when they need heat or whatever for the winter. I know it is not fixing the problem but dealing with it and it is cheaper - maybe easier. I'll try to get more info on that. Where in Chicagoland are you at? I'm from Gurnee originally.
Marty Witt Posted April 23, 2003 Author Posted April 23, 2003 I did try that and the heat air coming out of the vents would heat up a little, but as soon as i drive, it gets cold again. My Lexus dealer checked it out and assures me this is the issue. Thanks for the advice.
Marty Witt Posted May 25, 2003 Author Posted May 25, 2003 Well, I picked up another heater control valve, and still no heat!!! Help!!! What else could it be. If anyone has some advice, let me know. Thanks
K9crew Posted May 26, 2003 Posted May 26, 2003 A bad thermostat perhaps? If the thermostat is a "fail-safe" type then it can stick open i.e. coolant is constantly circulating through the radiator. Is your coolant temp gauge in the normal range? At idle the coolant would warm up providing some heat but once you start driving the temp could drop well below 195F to the point where you don't get much heat from the vents. Anyway, a new thermostat is cheap and it's easy to check if the thermostat is stuck open. Start the engine when it's cold and squeeze the hose that supplies the radiator ... if the thermostat is working properly you shouldn't be able to feel any pressure build up in the hose as you're constricting it. :)
Marty Witt Posted May 28, 2003 Author Posted May 28, 2003 I should have mentioned it earlier, but that was the first thing that I replaced. I did it even though the engine warmed up as it should. Alas, it did not work. I checked both hoses on either side of the heater control valve and both are hot. I manually actuated the valve and it still does not blow warm air. At least I've got some time to figure it out. Kee the suggestions coming!! Marty
AWJ Posted May 28, 2003 Posted May 28, 2003 Is your coolant level dropping out on you? Does the engine overheat at all?
SKperformance Posted May 28, 2003 Posted May 28, 2003 you may have a blocked heater core a real pain to replace
Marty Witt Posted May 28, 2003 Author Posted May 28, 2003 The car never overheats, even when driving from Houton to Chicago non-stop. (it didn't blow heat either). The fluid level is AOK. When I changed the thermostat, I refilled the system, ran the engine, bled it, refilled etc. etc. Where oh where has my hot air gone...
Marty Witt Posted May 29, 2003 Author Posted May 29, 2003 When you say blocked heater core and difficult to replace, how difficult?? Is there a way to unblock it?? What's got to come off to get to it?? Thanks for you help.
K9crew Posted May 29, 2003 Posted May 29, 2003 Marty, You may already have the factory repair manual but if not this might help. There are numerous possible explanations as to why you're not getting any heat. A plugged heater core is certainly one of them but you could easily verify if coolant is flowing in and out of the heater just by grabbing the return hose. You'll feel the coolant in the hose if you squeeze it enough to provide a restriction. Other explanations include a failed actuator, a failed interior temperature sensor or maybe a failed coolant temperature sensor. TROUBLE SHOOTING SELF-DIAGNOSTICS An Electronic Control Unit (ECU) within A/C-heater control panel monitors system circuits and stores trouble codes in memory if problems are detected. All codes, except Codes 22 and 23, are stored in memory. Malfunction is current if Code 22 or 23 is displayed. To retrieve stored codes, see RETRIEVING CODES. Codes are displayed at temperature display. See Fig. 2. RETRIEVING CODES 1) Simultaneously press and hold AUTO and recirculated air switches. See Fig. 2. Turn ignition on. All indicators will flash 4 times, at one-second intervals. Tone will sound when indicators flash. 2) A/C system will enter self-diagnostic mode. To end indicator check, press and release OFF switch. Read codes at temperature display. 3) If trouble code is displayed, proceed to appropriate trouble shooting procedure. See DIAGNOSTIC CODE IDENTIFICATION table. Codes are displayed in ascending order. To slow rate at which codes are displayed, press fresh air button to change display to step operation. Each time fresh air button is pressed, display changes by one step. 4) If tone sounds as code is displayed, problem currently exists. If tone does not sound as code is displayed, problem occurred in past and does not presently exist. Code Diagnosis 00 ................................................ Normal 11 (1) ............. In-Vehicle Temperature Sensor Circuit 12 (2) ................ Ambient Temperature Sensor Circuit 13 ................. Evaporator Temperature Sensor Circuit 14 .................... Coolant Temperature Sensor Circuit 21 (3) .............................. Solar Sensor Circuit 22 (4) .................... Compressor Lock Sensor Circuit 23 (4) ........................... Pressure Switch Circuit 31 .................. Air Mix Door Position Sensor Circuit 32 ................ Air Inlet Door Position Sensor Circuit 33 ............... Air Outlet Door Position Sensor Circuit 41 ....................... Air Mix Door Servomotor Circuit 42 ..................... Air Inlet Door Servomotor Circuit 43 .................... Air Outlet Door Servomotor Circuit (1) - If in-vehicle temperature is -4 F (-20 C) or less, Code 11 may set even though system is normal. (2) - If outside air temperature is -58 F (-50 C) or less, Code 12 may occur set though system is normal. (3) - If testing is done in a dark area, Code 21 may set even though system is normal. Shine a light at solar sensor and recheck codes. (4) - Malfunction is current. Code is not stored in memory. ACTUATOR CHECK 1) Perform step 1) of RETRIEVING CODES. When system enters self-diagnostic mode, press recirculated air button. Each mode door, motor, and relay will operate at one-second intervals. Press fresh air button to display codes one at a time, and perform step-by-step actuator check. 2) Check airflow and temperature by hand. Tone will sound each time display code changes. Each display code is associated with a system operating condition. See Fig. 3 or 4. Press OFF button to cancel actuator check mode. :) Let me know if you need more information. I can send you a link to the factory repair manual for a '95 SC400.
K9crew Posted May 29, 2003 Posted May 29, 2003 I just wanted to add that replacing the heater core would be a royal PITA and that's why shops charge an arm and a leg to do that since it often requires dismantling or removing the dash. If the car was used in a temperate climate like Hawaii, Florida, South Texas etc then it's possible that the coolant in the heater core never got circulated which could lead to a heater core failure. If the heater was run on any kind of the regular basis AND the coolant was flushed every year or two then I seriously doubt that the heater core is the problem. I would guess that it's a stuck door or a failed door actuator. If you run through the test procedures that I listed you might get lucky and find the problem. Good luck. :)
AWJ Posted May 29, 2003 Posted May 29, 2003 I agree. PITA. Never done it - never hope to. By the way K9crew - nice procedure bud. That may be added to the tutorial. Thanks man. Marty - the car may also be vapor locked where an air bubble is in a high spot of your coolant system. Perhaps a pesky bubble of air is in a bad place. I'll be back with more if needed - let me grab some time. Do that test procedure. I'm curious how that will work out. B)
SKperformance Posted May 29, 2003 Posted May 29, 2003 i am glad you posted that k9 nowi know that it works for more than one model as i posted that a few days ago for an es 300 the same procedure marty just an odd thought but what colour is your coolant?
K9crew Posted May 29, 2003 Posted May 29, 2003 AWJ and SK, I just copied the information from the '95 SC400 repair manual that I bought on eBay. I think it's amazing that the A/C controller has a built in diagnostic tool ... very cool!! :) I'm learning about these cars along with everyone else.
SKperformance Posted May 29, 2003 Posted May 29, 2003 AWJ and SK,I just copied the information from the '95 SC400 repair manual that I bought on eBay. I think it's amazing that the A/C controller has a built in diagnostic tool ... very cool!! :) I'm learning about these cars along with everyone else. well lexus are a remarkable vehicle as the slogan goes "have you driven a ford latley" lol
K9crew Posted May 29, 2003 Posted May 29, 2003 SK, I happen to own a '02 Ford F-350 7.3L dually and it's AWESOME. No creaks, rattles, leaks or problems of any kind in almost two years!! I also have a '98 Jeep Wrangler that I abuse on weekends on some tough trails. That vehicle has 42K trouble-free miles on it. I'm not one of those that subscribes to the theory that Japanese vehicles are perfect and American vehicles are a POS. This '95 SC400 is fun but it ain't no PSD!!! :)
SKperformance Posted May 29, 2003 Posted May 29, 2003 ford trucks though are the damn good i will say that for beating on every day the fit and finish iss another thing completly but it is made to work not really go to the opera but i am sure in texas it doers alot they seem to sure love there trucks there ( i haven't travelled in the states too much out of the big citys) kinda perfer chevy trucks for durability and dodge rams for looks but it is all so opinionated everyone likes different things and in 2 years you must have really gotten a real good one i used to go by the f 150 truck plant outside toronto and they didn't have that may defects in the line as comapred to the windstar whiich had a huge row of lines for defects to fix which hapened to be next door to each other in oakville the 350 is a beast though all you need now i a turbo k9, as the 7.3 is gas right?
K9crew Posted May 30, 2003 Posted May 30, 2003 all you need now i a turbo k9,as the 7.3 is gas right? The 7.3L is a turbo charged diesel engine. 275HP and 525lb-ft (@1600rpm). I have a 65:1 crawl ratio, a 6spd manual trans and a 4.11 rear end ... anyway, there are other boards to discuss my F-350 (excellent fit/finish by the way) ... I won't mention it again ....
AWJ Posted May 31, 2003 Posted May 31, 2003 excellent fit/finish by the way On a ford?? Must be a Hawaii thing. Just kidding man. Those turbo deisels are baaaadddd mofos. For pulling crap and stuff.
Marty Witt Posted June 1, 2003 Author Posted June 1, 2003 Wow, you guys are great. I will give the diagnostics a try. My coolant is a reddish color by the way. I will keep you filled in. I am working on getting a set of manuals for a 1997 SC400. I assume that the 95 and 97 will be almost exactly the same??? Any comments?? Marty
Marty Witt Posted June 1, 2003 Author Posted June 1, 2003 K9CREW, you is da man!!!! I just tried the sel diagnostics and got trouble codes 21 & 41. The number 21 is the solar sensor unit, but is was dusk when I did the test. Besides, it works fine. But, code 41 "Air mix door servo motor circuit" could be the jack pot!!!! It sounds like it makes sense to me. Got anything in the manual to solve this code K9Crew??? Let me know. Thanks to everyone who is helping out. Marty
K9crew Posted June 3, 2003 Posted June 3, 2003 On a ford?? Must be a Hawaii thing. ... no comment! :D Marty, I'll check the manual today. I've been so busy trying to solve my own SC400 problems that I haven't checked the board in a few days ... sorry about that. I'll try to make a post around 1:00pm (PST). That A/C heater diagnostic feature is excellent!! I've yet to try it but the 41 code that you received does make sense. If the air mix door isn't opening then you won't be getting any heat. :)
K9crew Posted June 5, 2003 Posted June 5, 2003 Marty, Here's some information on diagnosing faulty actuators. ACTUATOR CHECK 1) Perform step 1) of RETRIEVING CODES. When system enters self-diagnostic mode, press recirculated air button. Each mode door, motor, and relay will operate at one-second intervals. Press fresh air button to display codes one at a time, and perform step-by-step actuator check. 2) Check airflow and temperature by hand. Tone will sound each time display code changes. Each display code is associated with a system operating condition. See Fig. 3 or 4. Press OFF button to cancel actuator check mode. I hope this helps. :)
K9crew Posted June 5, 2003 Posted June 5, 2003 CODE 31 OR 41 - AIR MIX DOOR POSITION SENSOR CIRCUIT NOTE: For Code 41, also see CODE 41 - AIR MIX DOOR SERVOMOTOR CIRCUIT for additional trouble shooting procedures. Voltage Check 1) Remove A/C-heater control panel, leaving harness connectors attached. See A/C-HEATER CONTROL PANEL under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. 2) Turn ignition on. Backprobe between terminals A12-22 (Green/White 6wire) and A12-20 (Brown wire) of A/C-heater control panel connector. See Fig. 5. 3) Measure voltage while changing set temperature to activate air mix 6door. See AIR MIX DOOR POSITION SENSOR CIRCUIT VOLTAGE SPECIFICATIONS table. 4) If voltage is as specified, temporarily substitute a known-good 6A/C-heater control panel, then retest system. If voltage is not as specified, measure sensor resistance. See SENSOR RESISTANCE TEST. AIR MIX DOOR POSITION SENSOR CIRCUIT VOLTAGE SPECIFICATIONS TABLE Set Temperature (1) Volts Maximum Cool ................................... 3.70-4.27 Maximum Hot .................................... 0.88-1.16 (1) - As set temperature increases, voltage should gradually decrease. CODE 41 - AIR MIX DOOR SERVOMOTOR CIRCUIT NOTE: Also see CODE 31 OR 41 - AIR MIX DOOR POSITION SENSOR CIRCUIT for additional trouble shooting procedures. Actuator Test 1) Warm the engine to normal operating temperature. Perform step 1) under RETRIEVING CODES. After system enters diagnostic code check mode, perform actuator check. See ACTUATOR CHECK under TROUBLE SHOOTING. Observe air mix door operation. See appropriate AIR MIX DOOR AIRFLOW table. 2) If air mix door functions as specified, no problem is indicated at this time. If air mix door does not function as specified, test air mix door servomotor. See AIR MIX DOOR SERVOMOTOR TEST heading below. AIR MIX DOOR AIRFLOW TABLE (1995) Display Code Door Position Condition 20-22 ..... Fully Closed ............ Cool Air Comes Out 23-24 ...... Half Open ... Blend (Cool/Hot) Air Comes Out 25-27 ...... Fully Open .............. Hot Air Comes Out AIR MIX DOOR AIRFLOW TABLE (1996) Display Code Door Position Condition 0-2 ........ Fully Closed ........... Cool Air Comes Out 3-4 ......... Half Open ... Blend (Cool/Hot) Air Comes Out 5-7 ......... Fully Open ............. Hot Air Comes Out Air Mix Door Servomotor Test 1) Remove air mix door servomotor. Refer to AIR MIX DOOR SERVOMOTOR R & I under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Unplug air mix door servomotor connector. 2) Connect battery voltage to air mix door servomotor connector terminal No. 5 (Violet wire). Connect terminal No. 4 (Red/Yellow wire) to ground. See Fig. 8. Air mix door servomotor lever should move to cool air position. Transpose battery and ground leads. Servomotor lever should move to hot air position. 3) Replace air mix door servomotor if it does not function as described. If servomotor functions correctly, inspect wiring harness and connectors between servomotor and A/C-heater control panel. Repair as necessary. If wiring harness and connectors are okay, temporarily substitute a known-good A/C-heater control panel, then retest system. :)
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