EmpPenguin

Is there a step-by-step tutorial on how we can recharge our own A/C in the Lexus LS400? It's that time of year to start filling up the refrigerant, hopefully without paying an arm and a leg for it.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

as long as it's been converted to R134a then the same way you would any other car...

sha4000

iTrader: (1)

Why do you think you need a recharge? Do you have a leak in the system? One thing that I found out this week is that if your Ambient temp sensor is not working properly it effects the way the system heats and cools the car. Mine went south and was reading over 100 degrees on a cool night but when I turned the heat up to HOT it was not heating the car. I ended up unplugging it and the outside temp now reads -22 but my heat is back. I don't know if it works the other way since my AC works properly but that could be because it's unplugged. The ac is a sealed system so technically you should not have to recharge it unless it has some kind of leak.

kevvo

You've got to be really careful to maintain best operating efficiency. Not enough gas = not enough compressor lubricant in suspension with the gas. Too much gas and efficiency drops off.

KA8

iTrader: (1)

I charged mine myself. Luckly mine is a 93 first year with R134 for about $40 from amazon.

Even though my ac was not turning on, I still had gas in my system. Make sure your compressor isn't seized by doing the bypass using a paper clip. If your compressor comes on then go ahead charge. If your system is completely empty you probably need to get leak fixed and apply vacuum to get rid of moisture. But I still had gas in the system but not enough. It is ice cold now. It's been 95+ degrees last few days and I'm glad I got this done.

JM51526

If its R134a: http://www.lexls.com/tutorials/air/acrecharge.html

Greg5OH

this is awesome! love it comes with dye and a light! my system is low to the point the compressor does not turn on. I knwo its got a leak somewhere because the PO had it topped off. Well see what this does!

can anyone tell me how much the low side pressure should read on a 2000 ls400? also where is the low side fill? I see a port infront of the radiator on a cylinder object, and i see a green nipple in the middle of the driver side on the engine.

billydpowe

iTrader: (1)

on my 99, there is a label saying what freon is in it. and a drier with a sight glass on it to see if you need any .

Greg5OH

I see the drier infront of the car (infront of the rad) but no sight glass.

billydpowe

iTrader: (1)

here is my 99, is your different??

Greg5OH

ah i do have that! my window was so covered with dirt didnt know i have one. What should I be looking for in there? Im sure im low as the AC doenst turn the compressor on and it worked last summer, the PO had it charged 2 years ago. yep she a leakin

billydpowe

iTrader: (1)

with the comp running it should be milky if the AC is low, when full it is clear, unless it is empty. if you see any air bubbles in it, it is also just a little low, when full and operating properly it will look empty.. IF just one air bubble just passes by, dont worry about it

Greg5OH

ok thanks. im goign to top up and see wher eits at. wil lgrab a pressure reading tonight on the low side. obviously will be different since compressors not running

dvdchance

What's up with mine? With the comp running the colour is a bright neon green. It blows quite cold though.

timmy0tool

iTrader: (7)

that means someone put dye in the freon to help identify leaks. the adverse effects of the dye is unknown to me.