lexus114

I would say have it leak tested.They put a green dye in the system and you can pretty easily tell where the leak is then.It`s probably your condensor.

mikey00

I already said it above: take a good look at the condenser before you waste any more time or money. Most RX A/C failures are due to a hit in that area from road debris.

lexus114

Sorry mik.And as you stated,I agree 100% That is the most failure prone area.

Francis-99

Sorry if I ask stupid questions because I am not a handyman. I want to know how you check the refrigerant level and how to recharge it with the kit? Where is the compressor and the condenser? Do you have any DIY with pictures please? Thanks a lot!

RX300malib

Once again, thanks for the help and I stopped by AutoZone at lunch and they carry a dye test kit with florescent light for leak testing. I wasn't in any hurry to spend the 40.00 ducks so purchased an extra R134 12oz can. I'll keep you posted as to my findings as I plan to recharge and then go the soap spray can route this evening.

RX300malib

The compressor is next to the AC pump and part of the unit belt system. The unit with large aluminum hoses.

The condenser is in front of the radiator and looks like a smaller version.

The recharge kit can be purchased from AutoZone for 40.00 us dollars and I personally thought is worked great. Comes with instructions for deployment.

I would only purchase the unit if you have AC working but weak in cooling output level. The kit allows you to bump the Freon level up. You may want to acquire a thermometer to verify vent temperature prior to recharge.

RX300malib

OK, here's the scoop with the AC dilemma. I was about to recharge the system and yes, I found fluid leaking from the front side of the condenser as suspect by Mikey00 and Lexus114 comments. Now I have the pleasure of replacing the condenser which for a cost of approximately 135.00 shipped to the front door step isn't that bad.

Has anyone replaced one of these units? I have the shop manual and it states to remove the tires, front bumper and radiator support which appear to be a lengthy process. I'm going to do a search on the forum for additional input.

Any input would be appreciated.

salimshah

You will need vacuum pump. If you are quick, the dryer can be salvaged, but typically shops replace them too. Look at the fitments, as you may need welding equipment.

These days shops are required to collect the refrigerant.

I would get the thing priced out {does not need to be the dealer** and then make a call if it should be a DIY.

Salim

kasak

It is not blowing cold air. Had that problem 4 months back and the independant mechanic fixed it somehow. But when idling it had a little more roar (seems similar to what salim explained in post #9. Later that roar is gone and it was working fine. It stopped blowing cold air again. Took it to Midas to check it. He said he tried to pump the freon gas but it still is not starting the condensor etc (I don't remember exactly). Finally he said condensor has gone bad and made a call to find the price on the part. He said the part is $650 and with labor it would cost about $950. I was stunned. I have no idea.
Rx300malib mentions that the condensor is only $135 shipped in post #22. I will be taking it to the dealer to see what he says, but I won't be getting it fixed there as most posts I searched seem to mention it is a 4 digit expense at dealership.

edit - I found these A/C specialists (http://autocool.biz/AUTO_COOL_AC_REPAIR_CONDENSER.html) nearby. I will take it to them.

kasak

AutoCool.biz diagnosis:
A/C system came to us out of R134 with a locked up compressor..
To get the A/C system operational for a first (and hopefully only!) step, we recommend:
1.Replace the compressor and clutch assembly and the condenser/drier assembly
2. Flush the rest of the system thoroughly to remove the old compressor debris.
3. Add pag lube for the compressor
4. Evacuate, cahrge, performance and leak check the A/C system.
Estimate for this repair, using new parts is $1028.67 + tax.
Note - A/C system cannot be checked for proper operation and for slow leaks until the above repair is done. A/C may have more trouble or may work fine.

Any suggestions? New parts seems to be about $650 or so. I will search for used parts.

kasak

Dropped the vehicle at autocool to do the work and they just called me saying that there is more to it and would cost a total of $1800. Dash has to be removed and evaporator has to be replaced. There was absolutely no freon in the system. Freon is leaking everywhere when they try to check the pressure to start the repair. It is basically a full new A/C system without the hoses.
Can anyone here know how A/C good go so bad? Not sure what we did made it so bad? What precautions prevent from such a thing happening? Appreciate your suggestions..thx..

salimshah

From my vantage point it seems the guys are hunting for the leak after replacing the compressor. So they are replacing each component, till the failing part is eventually replaced.

There could be more than one failing part and at times that is what it takes. But surely it seems like a competency issue.

Unfortunately you are now committed to see it all done. Make sure they give you extended repair warranty as they have touched too many things.

Another unfortunate thing is that you have minimum leverage on them to make your position any stronger.

Salim

sktn77a

iTrader: (2)

Can't be sure from a distance but it sounds like you might have been ripped off! Your problem may simply have been a low refrigerant charge - the compressor will not start when the refrigerant pressure is low and the fact that replacing the compressor didn't fix the problem suggests you may have just had a leak. I would challenge them on this (although as Salim says, you don't have much leverage). Make them GUARRANTEE that this will fix the problem (or tomorrow they may just say "Gee, you condenser coil must have a leak, too" - another $500)!

Good luck.

kasak

May be my earlier post was misleading..
They haven't done any work on it yet. I got the car back with no charge. Their online reviews (found via google) seem to be great.
To change the compressor, condensor, they first tried to fill the system with freon and they said it was leaking everywhere (not sure what everywhere means). At that point they determined that the evaporator is also bad and they have to take the dash out etc.. and its more labor and stuff.. They said the compressor is fried (or was it the condenser) and can't be repaired..
Labor- 900
Parts- 929 (Compressor dense ,Evaporator, Condenser, denso valve)
Total with tax - $1835

Can't believe why and how entire system has gone bad and has to be replaced? I will try another shop..

salimshah

They did you good then and deserve good reviews. As you go to the next shop ask them to run the fill or vacuum test.

Salim