my wife has a 97 es300 and for the last month she'e been telling me her ac will work fine for a few days (some times up to 8 days straight) and then for a day or two it will not blow cold air. ac light is on but no cold air. that will last for a day or 2 and then all of a sudden cold air again. this has been going on for a month or so. I'm just wondering if anyone has any ideas for trouble shooting this before I break down and have to take it to the dealer. any suggestions would be helpful

 

Check the compressor the next time the ac is acting up. Look to see if the clutch is engaging (the center section on the front of the pulley). If it is not turning, open up the power distribution box (under hood) and give the ac relay a good tap. Could also find a similar relay and swap the two. Also check the electrical connectors on the compressor. Unplug them and give them a good visual inspection.

 

Mine did the same thing and I ended up replacing the expansion valve (controls the R134; in the evap box - between the high and the low side).
It turns out that this is a common problem with our cars. It's devious because it fails and you think, "Oh crap the a/c is on the fritz!" and then the next time you're in the car it works and you relax. The next time, it's out.

 

Having the same exact problem. What is entailed in changing the expansion valve out? Do they have to remove the console? I read that it would cost me about $400 minimum to have this done by a shop. Any recommendations on how I could save some money but still get it done?
Apreciate the help.

 

Yep, my 97 ES is doing the same damn thing. Stupid Lexus lol (not really) kinda...

 

check with Lexus.. I know the expansion valve was a recalled item on some years.