16 Months of 2013 LS460
#16
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
Jamodeo, I'm almost always in Dual mode (that's where both sides are ganged together, right?) unless my wife tags along on a trip as she likes 2-5 degrees warmer than I do. I always reset it to Dual once she's out.
On the Auto setting of the AC's air intake mode, it all centers on outside air temp. From what I've read here and elsewhere, the basic calculus is that when the outside air temp is below 75F, Auto intake is fresh (or outside) air-biased. When the outside air temp is at or above 75F, the air intake mode is biased to recirculation. As I mentioned above, once summertime temps set in around the country (75F+ constantly), the Lexus AC systems will all go into recirc-bias mode for the duration, and automatic selection of "fresh air" mode will be a thing of the past. Then, you'll hear all kinds of folk complaining of stale air and real stink from mold buildup in the system. The severity of the system bias is still open to debate, but in my experience (I'm in HOT, HOT, HOT Alabama!), the recirc-biased mode NEVER switches to fresh air on its own. I must MANUALLY override the Auto intake mode when I find myself beginning to doze off from CO2 poisoning - just kidding, I hope. And to top things off, the system resets itself back to recirc-bias every time the car is restarted (after stopping at the post office, the gas station, my girlfriend's - oops, forget that last!, work, lunch, work, restaurant, movie, home). And that's just one day. Yup, big PITA - thanks Feds, thanks Lexus. Note that Lexus is aware of the mold buildup problem they've created and their official line - I was shown it in black and white by my Lexus service manager - is that owners are to either switch off the AC compressor using the RTI, switch to fresh air intake by overriding the Auto intake mode, or completely turn off the system entirely periodically for some unspecified amount of time in order to allow the trapped system moisture to dissipate.
On the seat sensor, feel around the centerline of the seatback a few inches up from where it attaches to the seat (the big crack where your pocket change goes to die). You'll feel a hard circular "button" and, if you have light colored leather like me, you should be able to see the leather wearing. When I get the rig back, I'll post a pic.
On the Auto setting of the AC's air intake mode, it all centers on outside air temp. From what I've read here and elsewhere, the basic calculus is that when the outside air temp is below 75F, Auto intake is fresh (or outside) air-biased. When the outside air temp is at or above 75F, the air intake mode is biased to recirculation. As I mentioned above, once summertime temps set in around the country (75F+ constantly), the Lexus AC systems will all go into recirc-bias mode for the duration, and automatic selection of "fresh air" mode will be a thing of the past. Then, you'll hear all kinds of folk complaining of stale air and real stink from mold buildup in the system. The severity of the system bias is still open to debate, but in my experience (I'm in HOT, HOT, HOT Alabama!), the recirc-biased mode NEVER switches to fresh air on its own. I must MANUALLY override the Auto intake mode when I find myself beginning to doze off from CO2 poisoning - just kidding, I hope. And to top things off, the system resets itself back to recirc-bias every time the car is restarted (after stopping at the post office, the gas station, my girlfriend's - oops, forget that last!, work, lunch, work, restaurant, movie, home). And that's just one day. Yup, big PITA - thanks Feds, thanks Lexus. Note that Lexus is aware of the mold buildup problem they've created and their official line - I was shown it in black and white by my Lexus service manager - is that owners are to either switch off the AC compressor using the RTI, switch to fresh air intake by overriding the Auto intake mode, or completely turn off the system entirely periodically for some unspecified amount of time in order to allow the trapped system moisture to dissipate.
On the seat sensor, feel around the centerline of the seatback a few inches up from where it attaches to the seat (the big crack where your pocket change goes to die). You'll feel a hard circular "button" and, if you have light colored leather like me, you should be able to see the leather wearing. When I get the rig back, I'll post a pic.
Last edited by williakz; 06-03-14 at 03:44 PM.
#17
Moderator
Jamodeo, I'm almost always in Dual mode (that's where both sides are ganged together, right?) unless my wife tags along on a trip as she likes 2-5 degrees warmer than I do. I always reset it to Dual once she's out. On the Auto setting of the AC's air intake mode, it all centers on outside air temp. From what I've read here and elsewhere, the basic calculus is that when the outside air temp is below 75F, Auto intake is fresh (or outside) air-biased. When the outside air temp is at or above 75F, the air intake mode is biased to recirculation. As I mentioned above, once summertime temps set in around the country (75F+ constantly), the Lexus AC systems will all go into recirc-bias mode for the duration, and automatic selection of "fresh air" mode will be a thing of the past. Then, you'll hear all kinds of folk complaining of stale air and real stink from mold buildup in the system. The severity of the system bias is still open to debate, but in my experience (I'm in HOT, HOT, HOT Alabama!), the recirc-biased mode NEVER switches to fresh air on its own. I must MANUALLY override the Auto intake mode when I find myself beginning to doze off from CO2 poisoning - just kidding, I hope. And to top things off, the system resets itself back to recirc-bias every time the car is restarted (after stopping at the post office, the gas station, my girlfriend's - oops, forget that last!, work, lunch, work, restaurant, movie, home). And that's just one day. Yup, big PITA - thanks Feds, thanks Lexus. Note that Lexus is aware of the mold buildup problem they've created and their official line - I was shown it in black and white by my Lexus service manager - is that owners are to either switch off the AC compressor using the RTI, switch to fresh air intake by overriding the Auto intake mode, or completely turn off the system entirely periodically for some unspecified amount of time in order to allow the trapped system moisture to dissipate. On the seat sensor, feel around the centerline of the seatback a few inches up from where it attaches to the seat (the big crack where your pocket change goes to die). You'll feel a hard circular "button" and, if you have light colored leather like me, you should be able to see the leather wearing. When I get the rig back, I'll post a pic.
#18
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
Dual mode is when the system separates user controls for the passenger and driver, turning 'Dual Mode' off will make the system operate in single mode. Also I would check the sensitivity level of the smog sensor control, this might be keeping the re-circulation option engaged and not swapping to fresh air mode.
On the smog sensor, I've never changed ANY of my AC settings from their factory defaults. Also, I live a pretty good ways out of the city and often travel further into the wilderness (I stay off freeways) in search of the ultimate golf course. Same AC system behavior in all cases.
I see you have a 2007 LS. I also owned one and NEVER had an AC issue in the years I owned it. The system was programmed as fresh air-biased back then at the cost (arguably) of an vanishingly small amount of fuel efficiency. That said, I see you also have a 2012 RX350 which, I think I recall, has the "new" recirc-biased AC programming. Does your RX cycle acceptably between fresh air and recirc when the outside air temp is 75F or above?
Last edited by williakz; 06-03-14 at 06:28 PM.
#19
Moderator
Thanks for the clarification on Dual mode. When alone, I always keep it in non-Dual (single) mode and quickly put it back there after my wife leaves. On the smog sensor, I've never changed ANY of my AC settings from their factory defaults. Also, I live a pretty good ways out of the city and often travel further into the wilderness (I stay off freeways) in search of the ultimate golf course. Same AC system behavior in all cases. I see you have a 2007 LS. I also owned one and NEVER had an AC issue in the years I owned it. The system was programmed as fresh air-biased back then at the cost (arguably) of an vanishingly small amount of fuel efficiency. That said, I see you also have a 2012 RX350 which, I think I recall, has the "new" recirc-biased AC programming. Does your RX cycle acceptably between fresh air and recirc when the outside air temp is 75F or above?
#20
Lexus Fanatic
RF, "minor" huh? You only can't brake smoothly, can't breathe in it, and can't sit in it. I guess the stereo's nice and the engine hasn't seized, come to think of it. Yeah, minor.
Good Luck!
#21
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
#22
i hate to hear the amount of issues that you are having with your 13',Williakz but i agree with LexFather just maybe you got a bad egg out of the bunch i hope that the Lexus dealer is gonna take care and address all the issues that you have posted with No out of pocket expense for you. Keep us posted on your outcome
#23
Guest
Posts: n/a
Nope, I've had TWO of those cars as a matter of fact. So that's two out of two for me. As far as I can tell by the many user experiences reported here and elsewhere, the major issues I've had are not hen's teeth nor are they the ravings of an irrational perfectionist; instead they are routinely experienced and reported by many, many Lexus owners online, at dealerships, and by the consumer-focused automotive press.
To recap:
Failing/failed brake actuator - EXTREMELY well-known problem here as is the fix: swap out the LS460 part with the better LS600h one.
Brake rotor warpage - again EXTREMELY well-known problem here with many owners choosing to either upgrade brake components or to fight with their Lexus dealers to have the OEM rotors resurfaced or replaced.
AC Recirculation-biased program to save fuel/reduce emissions. Government-induced, Lexus approved FAIL again EXTREMELY well-known here on every new model forum that ruins the driving experiences of many, many Lexus owners. As the hot weather sinks in, you'll see more and more reports of the problems associated with the Lexus AC "fix."
So, no I don't believe I have "one of those cars." I believe I have one of those cars.
To recap:
Failing/failed brake actuator - EXTREMELY well-known problem here as is the fix: swap out the LS460 part with the better LS600h one.
Brake rotor warpage - again EXTREMELY well-known problem here with many owners choosing to either upgrade brake components or to fight with their Lexus dealers to have the OEM rotors resurfaced or replaced.
AC Recirculation-biased program to save fuel/reduce emissions. Government-induced, Lexus approved FAIL again EXTREMELY well-known here on every new model forum that ruins the driving experiences of many, many Lexus owners. As the hot weather sinks in, you'll see more and more reports of the problems associated with the Lexus AC "fix."
So, no I don't believe I have "one of those cars." I believe I have one of those cars.
#24
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
#25
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
#26
Driver School Candidate
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On my '13 F-Sport, I have the same complaint about the "intelligent feature" of the AC to insist on recirc (It's been frequently above 75F here lately) and yes, I too have the moldy smell complaint.
I've owned other vehicles with the similar AC odor issues and agree, the two best things to help mitigate are to ensure you don't stay in recirc too long, and to actually shut the AC off at least a few minutes before you turn the car off. Not that pleasant in the heat of summer, but, better that than "impressing" people with funk.
I've owned other vehicles with the similar AC odor issues and agree, the two best things to help mitigate are to ensure you don't stay in recirc too long, and to actually shut the AC off at least a few minutes before you turn the car off. Not that pleasant in the heat of summer, but, better that than "impressing" people with funk.
#27
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
On my '13 F-Sport, I have the same complaint about the "intelligent feature" of the AC to insist on recirc (It's been frequently above 75F here lately) and yes, I too have the moldy smell complaint.
I've owned other vehicles with the similar AC odor issues and agree, the two best things to help mitigate are to ensure you don't stay in recirc too long, and to actually shut the AC off at least a few minutes before you turn the car off. Not that pleasant in the heat of summer, but, better that than "impressing" people with funk.
I've owned other vehicles with the similar AC odor issues and agree, the two best things to help mitigate are to ensure you don't stay in recirc too long, and to actually shut the AC off at least a few minutes before you turn the car off. Not that pleasant in the heat of summer, but, better that than "impressing" people with funk.
#28
Advanced
6) The AC programming is WRONG, WRONG, WRONG! I understand that Lexus needs to gain every little bit of efficiency so that I can ride around with a full-sized spare mounted on a fifth factory aluminum wheel, but ... On AUTO, the AC now - by Lexus design, I've been informed - goes directly into recirculation mode and NEVER switches to fresh air intake. With a full complement of passengers heading home after 18 holes in the Alabama heat, we now enjoy perfectly dehumidified and temperature controlled air that STINKS to high heaven! (NOT a 2007 problem - AC was biased to fresh air, not recirc). .
#29
As for the A/C:
If you set the temperature too low (or even to "LO") it will always default to recirculation and stay there.
To avoid this, what I do is, for example, if the outside temp is 83F, I set my internal temp to 70 or 72F using "AUTO" pressed twice so it will mange the outside/recirculation on its own. As soon as the temperature starts lowering inside the cabin, the system WILL switch to outside intake, as long as you don't set the temp all the way down to 67F or less, or "LO". Next time you use the car again, even if you don't turn the a/c on after the temperature is set, if this temp setting is too low, the system will ALWAYS default to recirculation when you use the fan or a/c, or even if you leave the whole a/c system OFF. The key here is the cabin temperature chosen by the user.
This system is smart, it works perfectly, fan speed, recirculation/outside intake and smog detection - everything is automatic.
When the system is pulling air from outside and the car gets a whiff of diesel from a truck in front of me, it switches automatically to recirculation. Goes back to outside air as soon as the sensor detects no more pollution. And, there is also a way to set up the sensor's "whiff sensitivity" but I don't remember how to right now.
If you set the temperature too low (or even to "LO") it will always default to recirculation and stay there.
To avoid this, what I do is, for example, if the outside temp is 83F, I set my internal temp to 70 or 72F using "AUTO" pressed twice so it will mange the outside/recirculation on its own. As soon as the temperature starts lowering inside the cabin, the system WILL switch to outside intake, as long as you don't set the temp all the way down to 67F or less, or "LO". Next time you use the car again, even if you don't turn the a/c on after the temperature is set, if this temp setting is too low, the system will ALWAYS default to recirculation when you use the fan or a/c, or even if you leave the whole a/c system OFF. The key here is the cabin temperature chosen by the user.
This system is smart, it works perfectly, fan speed, recirculation/outside intake and smog detection - everything is automatic.
When the system is pulling air from outside and the car gets a whiff of diesel from a truck in front of me, it switches automatically to recirculation. Goes back to outside air as soon as the sensor detects no more pollution. And, there is also a way to set up the sensor's "whiff sensitivity" but I don't remember how to right now.
Last edited by Luxofreak; 06-04-14 at 05:16 PM.
#30
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
I'm not guessing here. I owned a 2007 and now I own a 2013 LS460. In addition, I have discussed this issue AT LENGTH with Lexus service personnel. Once you have done the same, I'd be happy to compare notes. Thanks for your interest.