I have 2022 ES350 UL. Had a foreign object strike my AC condenser coil and create a pinhole. All the freon leaked out. Has anyone had this happen to them? Good this be a design flaw in the front grill?

 

Common problem this is not unique to your car.

 

Hmm. Out of all the different vehicles I have owned, this is a first.

 

Had it happen to me a long time ago in my 92 Cressida. I am actually surprised it doesn't happen more often.

 

I've never had it happen (luck) but it's not unheard off the condenser gets it first because it's in front of the engine radiator.

 

You would think some type of mesh protector could be crafted for protection.

 

I don't think it's a design flaw, it was just bad luck.

 

Here is the solution
https://www.carcoverusa.com/lebra-car-bra.php

 

It’s a job to replace them, it seems. The Car Care Nut has a recent video on replacing one on a new RAV-4, I believe. You have to remove (and reattach) a lot of things, including the front bumper cover, which means if you have radar cruise control that will also need recalibration. It seems most of the repair cost will be labor, but what can one do?

 

Highlander, not RAV4 but they are similar.

 

Recalibration on my 2020 when bumper replaced was $700. Maybe ESh can let us know if battery is disconnected before any connector unplugged if recalibration is needed.

 

I think it really has to do with the physical movement of the radar sensor (it has to be unplugged to remove anyway) that causes the need for the recalibration, so disconnecting the battery shouldn’t be related.

 

The ecm knows if it is unplugged and trigger for a recalibration just as it would know if parking sensors are unplugged. If the ecm doesn't know as if battery disconnected that would not occur.

 

This is weird because I've completely replaced my grille and disconnected and removed all sensors. Never had to recalibrate. 20 es300h

 

Disconnecting the battery will not help. The radar has to be calibrated every time you remove the bumper. It would work, but it would not be accurate.