Pics of smog sensor cleaning.
03-23-12, 10:59 AM
#61
Thanks for this, I wasn't even looking for it, I just thought mine stopped working. So I pulled mine apart and it was black. I vac'ed it to death but, it's still grey but, not even near as bad as it was before.
Does anyone know of a replacement filter that I can use for this ? I really dont want to spend $50 on something this small but, as it's not totaly clean I dont think mine would be running at 100%....
Thoughts ?
Edit: I noticed it acutally working and working well after this. After some tests of running the A/C and keeping an eye on it, I would see it switch on when I get behind another car or anything that could effect it. Even in a little traffic, no nasty smells coming in any more. Very nice.
Any ideas to change the filter for a new one and what can I use ?
Does anyone know of a replacement filter that I can use for this ? I really dont want to spend $50 on something this small but, as it's not totaly clean I dont think mine would be running at 100%....
Thoughts ?
Edit: I noticed it acutally working and working well after this. After some tests of running the A/C and keeping an eye on it, I would see it switch on when I get behind another car or anything that could effect it. Even in a little traffic, no nasty smells coming in any more. Very nice.
Any ideas to change the filter for a new one and what can I use ?
Last edited by DavidinCT; 03-24-12 at 02:16 PM.
05-16-13, 08:07 PM
#64
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I just changed out the smog sensor on my 04 LS430 with 100K miles (purchased sensor from Sewell Lexus parts).
It's working like new now -- the switch from recirculating/open-air is very quick, and active when around other traffic -- like the ES350 loaner car (for oil change).
Before changing out the sensor (even after cleaning the filter, per the instructions here) it would mostly stay in recirculating -- and when it did change to outside-air, it wouldn't change back even when behind a smoggy truck.
It's working like new now -- the switch from recirculating/open-air is very quick, and active when around other traffic -- like the ES350 loaner car (for oil change).
Before changing out the sensor (even after cleaning the filter, per the instructions here) it would mostly stay in recirculating -- and when it did change to outside-air, it wouldn't change back even when behind a smoggy truck.
05-20-13, 05:44 PM
#66
05-21-13, 08:44 AM
#68
I changed my Smog Sensor up a notch toward high and went on a long road trip. Be sure to set it to Automatic. I noticed mine would cycle back and forth especially when I was in heavy highway traffic. In the NAV models, put it on Automatic and hold it down. the screen will appear on the GPS screen and allow you to adjust it. Mine is a LS-460 and works just like the 430's. Mine is cycling very well. Good luck.
05-21-13, 09:07 AM
#69
Found this for setting the smog sensitivity in non Nav models... also works for the LS400 model...
Amazing what you can find in the manual... appreciate Lexus for keeping them online for us...
For normal use, it is best to keep the air intake control button
set to OUTSIDE AIR mode. If recirculated air is used during
heating, the windows will fog up more easily.
To change the sensitivity of the sensor switching between
the RECIRCULATED and OUTSIDE AIR in the AUTOMATIC
mode, push the air intake control button until you hear a
beep. The display changes as illustrated below.
The sensitivity of the sensor can be adjusted only while the
vehicle has stopped.
(sorry, no pic of display here)
When you push either side of the ”TEMP” button several times,
the sensitivity changes from ”+3” down to ”–3”. If you do not
operate any button for a few seconds, the previous display
returns.
If manual on–off of the air conditioning is desired –
Push the ”A/C” button to turn the air conditioning on and push
it again to turn the air conditioning off. If you turn off the air
conditioning manually, the EXHAUST GAS AUTOMATIC
mode will be cancelled.
If the outside temperature is lowered down to around 0_C
(32_F), the air conditioning will turn off automatically. At this
time, the indicator on the A/C button is off and the EXHAUST
GAS AUTOMATIC indicator light remains on. However, the
EXHAUST GAS AUTOMATIC mode does not operate. When
the air conditioning turns on as with the raised temperature, the
EXHAUST GAS AUTOMATIC mode resumes.
If the system is used for ventilation, heating in dry weather or
removing frost or exterior fog on the windshield, turn the air
conditioning off once it is no longer required. This will improve
fuel economy. The air conditioning can be used for year–round
automatic temperature control including cooling and
dehumidifying operation.
If the air conditioning compressor does not operate, the
indicator of the ”A/C” button will blink. If the indicator of the
”A/C” button blinks even when the ”A/C” button is pushed
again, have the compressor checked by your nearest Lexus
dealer.
Amazing what you can find in the manual... appreciate Lexus for keeping them online for us...
For normal use, it is best to keep the air intake control button
set to OUTSIDE AIR mode. If recirculated air is used during
heating, the windows will fog up more easily.
To change the sensitivity of the sensor switching between
the RECIRCULATED and OUTSIDE AIR in the AUTOMATIC
mode, push the air intake control button until you hear a
beep. The display changes as illustrated below.
The sensitivity of the sensor can be adjusted only while the
vehicle has stopped.
(sorry, no pic of display here)
When you push either side of the ”TEMP” button several times,
the sensitivity changes from ”+3” down to ”–3”. If you do not
operate any button for a few seconds, the previous display
returns.
If manual on–off of the air conditioning is desired –
Push the ”A/C” button to turn the air conditioning on and push
it again to turn the air conditioning off. If you turn off the air
conditioning manually, the EXHAUST GAS AUTOMATIC
mode will be cancelled.
If the outside temperature is lowered down to around 0_C
(32_F), the air conditioning will turn off automatically. At this
time, the indicator on the A/C button is off and the EXHAUST
GAS AUTOMATIC indicator light remains on. However, the
EXHAUST GAS AUTOMATIC mode does not operate. When
the air conditioning turns on as with the raised temperature, the
EXHAUST GAS AUTOMATIC mode resumes.
If the system is used for ventilation, heating in dry weather or
removing frost or exterior fog on the windshield, turn the air
conditioning off once it is no longer required. This will improve
fuel economy. The air conditioning can be used for year–round
automatic temperature control including cooling and
dehumidifying operation.
If the air conditioning compressor does not operate, the
indicator of the ”A/C” button will blink. If the indicator of the
”A/C” button blinks even when the ”A/C” button is pushed
again, have the compressor checked by your nearest Lexus
dealer.
05-21-13, 12:30 PM
#70
Grateful to see my influence is still shining! 
Thanks fellas! Gonna give mine one more good cleaning in a few days being as tho its been a while since i last did it. Starting to noticed the sluggishness returning. Wonder how many cleanings can you do before a full repalcement is necessary. 
Thanks fellas! Gonna give mine one more good cleaning in a few days being as tho its been a while since i last did it. Starting to noticed the sluggishness returning. Wonder how many cleanings can you do before a full repalcement is necessary.
07-09-13, 11:50 AM
#71
Thanks again for this thread! As others have noted, cleaning the sensor removed sluggish recirc/fresh air switching in auto mode.
