jwiddy

I recently acquired a 1995 es300 lexus. The only problem with the car is that the A/C stops working after about 15 minutes. The previous owner brought the car to a reliable local garage and then to an A/C "expert" in new jersey. He was told he'll have to bring the car to lexus to be fixed. The expert was unable to determine the cause. Anyone experience similar issues? I read some people had compressor issues. What would a new compressor cost?

yeldogt

Is it cold when it is working?

Many of the newer models monitor the compressor RPMs - to shut off the system if the compressor locks up. They will also shut off if the clutch is slipping.

You could also have an over-pressure or under-pressure situation -- system has sensors for both.

Or it could be failing relay -- unfortunately the cheapest way to diagnose to do is to take it to someone who is familiar with the model - and that may be only a Lexus dealer.

JSM1284

I would swap the relay with a known good one, could be the cheapest fix.

CUMan

The mid-90's ES models are known for sticking expansion valves. The AC cools when first turned on, and then the cooling just fades away. This is most noticeable when the outside temperature is hot.

Unfortunately, the expansion valve is not easily accessible. It is behind the AC evaporator/fan/heater assembly up next to the firewall. A lot of stuff has to be removed to install a replacement valve. The part is cheap, but the labor is not.

This problem has been discussed numerous times on this forum. Do a search for "expansion valve" in the ES section.

MikeLex

If by "stops working" you mean stops cooling then the A/C expansion valve needs to be replaced. $300-$600

jwiddy

yeldogt - the a/c seems to work perfectly for the 15 minutes that it does work. nice and cold.

MikeLex - is the 300-600 parts only or parts and labor?

Thanks JSM1284 and CUMan for the replies!

I found out on Friday that a guy I work with is friends with someone that works at Lexus. He does work on the side. If I can't get in touch with the guy I will have to bite the bullet and take it to a dealer.

MikeLex

A/C expansion valves are cheap, even a Denso one costs about $30. Replacing it, however, is labor extensive and that's why you'll have to spend a few hundred bucks more to get your problem resolved.

jwiddy

I can't get in touch with the guy from work so I visited my local Sunoco station. They've done nice work for me on other cars at reasonable rates and said they would replace the a/c expansion value for $212. Unless anyone here advises against it, I will bring the car in this Thursday.

Again, thanks for your replies. I also have an 05 es330 that seems to do some hunting when changing gears, but I'll do some searching and create another post for that.

schan1w

To do this right, you need to replace the expansion valve, the receiver dryer, and some o-rings. The Lexus parts are about $100 total. I did this last summer and posted a write up here. You'll also need to re-charge the refrigerant fully after the job is complete. I don't know how they can do all that for $212.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/es3...dryer-diy.html

jwiddy

wow nice writeup on that other thread!

I think I may have an issue because when it's cold the outside car doesn't seem to act up. Tomorrow isn't supposed to be hot either. The mechanic from the garage told me they would hook the car up to "gauges" and wait for the A/C to fail. Might be a waste of time to do that if it continues to blow cold air.

Had the A/C on today for about 1/2 hour on the way to work and it never stopped working.