Looking for some experienced advice on how to fix a climate control system problem:
Like many others, I discovered a completely saturated carpet on my 07 GS350. I learned here that the cause was a plugged evaporator drain and managed to remove the stupid grommet myself (without lowering the transmission and exhaust, by the way; If anyone wants some tips on how to do this, let me know). Another shortcut: to dry the carpet, I simply cut out the 4 floor carpet sections neatly with a razor. I stuck a dehumidifier in the car and aimed 4 big fans at the floor for a couple days, and then powerwashed the carpet sections. They dropped back in neatly enough after drying out in the sun for a few days.
First things first:Come on, LEXUS - REALLY?
Current problem: Right after the grommet removal, the AC started acting funny. I noticed that sometimes it would take few seconds to turn on (not always), the air would not come out of the vents, and it would indicate a strange temp on the display. Now after a week or so, this happens ALL the time, every day:
- It takes about 15 secs for the AC to come on at all. When the car has not been sitting for too long, it will come right on.
- Temp setting comes on at 75F, not the last setting (sometimes it shows 32 at first).
- At least some of the directional servos do not work, so air does not come out of the dash or floor vents. It does seem to come out of the defrost vent when selected, though. I've been driving around for weeks without a center console just so I can get some cool air directed near me.
I've seem some other posts with these symptoms, and the AC amplifier has been implicated. So I replaced it (with a used one presumed to be Ok) But no luck, this did not change anything.
The timing says this is somehow related to the evap drain issue, but I can't imagine how. I did first poke around at the interior A/C components to see if I could get to the grommet that way, but I don't think I messed anything up. I checked a bunch of times for loose wires and blown fuses but don't see anything wrong.
Anyone have ideas?
Thanks!