I have Lexus ES350 2010 with 165k miles. A few days ago, the a/c light started blinking and the a/c was blowing hot air.
I checked all relays and fuses associated with a/c and they are fine. I visually checked but the compressor was not engaging.

I took the car to the mechanic and he mentioned that the freon pressure is fine but the compressor is locked up.

I have the following questions:
1. Is clearing the condenser can start the condenser again?
2. Is this "Cheap Solution" worth the try?
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...olution-8.html
3. If I have to replace the Compressor then other than OEM, what are the best brands? OECM is $806 (Part # 8832-0T010) from Lexus
4. Any good video showing how to replace the compressor yourself? Is it best to remove the compressor by removing the front radiator or one should approach it from the bottom of the car?
5. Does Freon have to be filled again after compressor replacement?
6. Should I also replace the condenser or just clean it?

 

Is Denso a good option for a Compressor? Rock Auto is showing it for $366.

 

Lockup generally means the compressor can't be turned by the accessory belt. You will most likely need a new compressor. Get a Denso one as that is the OEM brand Lexus/Toyota use. I wouldn't use anything else unless you want to replace it again in a few years.

The refrigerant will need to be evacuated before disconnecting the compressor and then the system brought down to a vacuum and then refilled after replacement.

That's the basics. However I just went though the same issue with my Ford. The compressors Ford uses tend to grenade themselves when locked up. This means you need to flush the entire AC system and replace the receiver drier to get any contaminants out. I don't know if this is applicable to Lexus.

 

You probably do not have the proper equipment to peform this job. As stated above you need to evacuate the system first and probably flush it out before recharging it. Without a lift it is very difficult to get at the compressor as a lot of it needs to be reached from below.
Sometimes you just have to pay a shop to do the repair.
I know you also asked about replacing your rear struts in another thread. Both of these repairs are not unexpected in an aging vehicle with that many miles on it. I know it is a lot of money to do all these at once. Maybe the mechanic can offer some discount for doing all at once, or shop around elsewhere for better pricing. Make sure they only use a Denso compressor.

 

Thanks.

What about condenser? Should it be pressure washed or replaced?

 

Mechanic changed the a/c compressor with Denso one, charge up the freon, washed the condenser.

I took the car for good 20 minute drive at highway 65mph but a/c was not blowing cold air. It was not blowing hot air as it was prior to changing compressor. But at LO setting , it was no way colder!!

Also a/c temperature setting jumps from 65 F to L, it doesn’t got to 64, 63 incrementally to Lo.

I took it back & he said that Front Driver Side Fan near to radiator needs to be changed along with a dryer in condenser.

Is there anything else mechanic should be looking at?

It is car with 167k miles but with new compressor, A/X should be blowing cold air near to 60 degree F at LO setting.

 

Make sure he checks the switches that operate the fan he wants to replace and the other fan. There are 2 on the radiator. One goes on with the A/C, the other with temperature.
I suppose he knows what he is doing and that those repairs should take care of your problem.

 

with new compressor, cleaned condenser, new dryer, new fans, should I expect a/c cold air reaching temperature of 60 F at Low settings?

 

Final Update:

Mechanic just changed the drier in condenser and didn't change the fan.
We checked a/c at various setting (Hi, 80, 75, 65, Lo) at high speed and idle etc. And it is working like new!

It is amazing to see how a $25 part (drier) can make such a difference.

Thanks to all of of you for being patient and giving helpful tips!