Weak Compressor? $2000 repair!
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: GA
Weak Compressor? $2000 repair!
Hello,
Just picked my 2007 ES350 from pep boys, had them diagnose the A/C (was hoping it was just a recharge). They inform me the compressor is "weak" and not circulating the freon, no leaks though. Of course they want $2,000 to replace it, without the labor warranty, $1,800. I see compressors on Rock Auto for $300 but I am not sure which one I would purchase (they quoted $700 for theirs). I searched this forum and there was a thread where a guy measured the voltage and added an amplifier he designed to save replacing it.... that is too much for me. I have no car skills and I don't know how to find someone who could test/do that in Atlanta. I always try to buy my parts because $700 is unacceptable.
Is this the compressor I should order for my mechanic to use? https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...sn=824&jsn=824
I matched the part number from the dealer website https://parts.nalleylexussmyrna.com/...2480-8719.html
Just picked my 2007 ES350 from pep boys, had them diagnose the A/C (was hoping it was just a recharge). They inform me the compressor is "weak" and not circulating the freon, no leaks though. Of course they want $2,000 to replace it, without the labor warranty, $1,800. I see compressors on Rock Auto for $300 but I am not sure which one I would purchase (they quoted $700 for theirs). I searched this forum and there was a thread where a guy measured the voltage and added an amplifier he designed to save replacing it.... that is too much for me. I have no car skills and I don't know how to find someone who could test/do that in Atlanta. I always try to buy my parts because $700 is unacceptable.
Is this the compressor I should order for my mechanic to use? https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...sn=824&jsn=824
I matched the part number from the dealer website https://parts.nalleylexussmyrna.com/...2480-8719.html
CL Community Team
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 7,179
Likes: 1,721
From: VA
First try the $5 magnet solution described below. If it does not work then go to another shop for an evaluation and estimate. You may not need a compressor. Also other places may charge less. Do that before buying one.
Also, many shops will not work with owner supplied parts or will not warranty their work with owner supplied parts. Especially something as complicated as a compressor.
However since they said it was weak and there were no leaks, I think you should try the $5 magnet fix.
Look at this thread from the RX350 forum as it has the same engine and AC and someone found a $5 fix where they put a magnet on an external sensor on the compressor to make it work.
What happens is the sensor has a voltage sensing issue and will not turn the compressor on. The magnet makes the sensor sense and switch the compressor on.
Most of the info you need starts on page 5 where they show the compressor sensor and where to place the magnet. Post 88 shows a photo of the magnet on the sensor.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...-solution.html
Also, many shops will not work with owner supplied parts or will not warranty their work with owner supplied parts. Especially something as complicated as a compressor.
However since they said it was weak and there were no leaks, I think you should try the $5 magnet fix.
Look at this thread from the RX350 forum as it has the same engine and AC and someone found a $5 fix where they put a magnet on an external sensor on the compressor to make it work.
What happens is the sensor has a voltage sensing issue and will not turn the compressor on. The magnet makes the sensor sense and switch the compressor on.
Most of the info you need starts on page 5 where they show the compressor sensor and where to place the magnet. Post 88 shows a photo of the magnet on the sensor.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...-solution.html
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: GA
Oh wow, that was the thread I referenced but I didn't get that far. On page 5 I read how to change the sensor, without replacing the compressor. On Page 6 the magnet trick is pictured! I will try that first! Thanks
CL Community Team
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 7,179
Likes: 1,721
From: VA
Let us know how the magnet works.
What appears to be the correct sensor is on ebay for about $30, This is the listing title
A/C FLOW SENSOR for Denso TSB19C Compressor fits Toyota Lexus 3.5 Liter Engine
What appears to be the correct sensor is on ebay for about $30, This is the listing title
A/C FLOW SENSOR for Denso TSB19C Compressor fits Toyota Lexus 3.5 Liter Engine
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