2005 GX, 118K mi

AC stopped blowing cold on driver's side, was still blowing cold on passenger side, stopped blowing cold in back. When I closed passenger vents it would blow cold(er) on driver side, but still not as cold as passenger side. The other day it seemed to not be blowing very coldly on passenger side either. I also saw vapor coming out of passenger vents, but it was humid out, so I thought that might be the cause. Finally broke down and took it to Lexus dealer at my wife's insistence b/c Toyota dealer "wouldn't touch it."

I assumed it was a diverter/door/flap, whatever you call them, not working properly since the one side was still blowing cold. The dealer comes back with: evaporator core leaking refrigerant = $2200+. Claimed $700 in parts and 12.4hrs labor?!? I know they have to remove dash, but 12.4hrs? And the parts are selling on ebay for like $90.

I don't trust the dealer that the evaporator is even the actual problem. Service rep said something about 0 rings, and searching here turned up the possibility of a $3 o-ring and recharge being a potential solution. Any input?

Questions:

1) Does failed evaporator core make sense with my symptoms above? If so is there a non 2K work-around. I got a quote of $1650 from a reputable local independent "lexus specialist" for same job, but I'm just not convinced evaporator is the real problem.

2) Any other cheap solutions to try first. Someone mentioned unplugging battery as a potential fix...sounds odd but also worth a try (battery was replaced a few months ago and not long after is when the AC issue started)

3) My dash is cracked. I know that's technically a recall. I'd love to convince Lexus to cut the labor way down to replace dash and deal with

Any help greatly appreciated. Dealer went on to quote 4K worth of other needed repairs...classic

 

Yes, those are symptoms of a leaking evaporator, especially the "steam" coming out of the vents. Don't get the dash pad replacement confused with pulling the entire dash out. Literally everything has to come out for an evaporator, nearly to an empty firewall. It's WAY more involved than a dash pad.

 

Thanks, I was confusing those 2 things. So, if I convince them to replace the pad under recall that still won't cut much off the labor fee? 12.4hrs just seems completely excessive. I've seen DIY for this exact car claim 5-7hrs consistently.

Also, would you replace evaporator at dealer for $600 more than a reputable shop that specializes as dealer alternative (for Lexus specifically)? Dealer = $2200 vs $1600 for independent shop. I know it's subjective, just asking based on the level of complication.

 

That's totally your call. They're going by book time, which is ball park what it pays. What the guy can get it done in in another story. Either shop should be able to do it just fine, I'd make sure they warranty their parts and labor the same as the dealer would. If I was in your position and the Indy was reputable, I'd go that route.

Scratch that; all data calls for 5.9hrs to replace the main evaporator core. The rear pays 3.8hrs. That time does not include evac and recharge.

 

Just as a time comparison, twice I had to completely pull the dash in my Blazer (which I sold when I bought the GX). The first time was to replace the heater core and the 2nd time was to replace a diverter flap that broke.

Just removing and replacing the dash was 4 hours of labor, each time I did it. That's not counting fixing the actual problem once I got in there. Might take even longer in the GX as there's a lot more stuff going on.

 

Yeah, I'm sure Lexus is not spending more than 5-6hrs on the job total, but what can you do?

Here's what I did do--convince them to replace my dash pad and take $300 off total price. Not exactly a coup on my part, but they originally claimed they were at least 6-8 months away from replacing any dash pads on GX models, and even then, they would be going in order by VIN#.

So at least paying nearly 2K will get me a functioning AC for the Texas summer (a non-negotiable) AND a major cosmetic improvement (my dash was badly cracked).

Thanks for the input.

 

It's not worth fixing "properly"

FWIW, I had basically the same issue, lukewarm air came out of some of the vents. Took it to the dealer,it was low on refrigerant and they basically said it was likely the rear evaporator and would cost a fortune to replace and that it wasn't worth fixing. That I would be better off to simply top it off when needed with refrigerant.

So now, I just top off my AC with a can of R-134 once every 2 years or so myself for about $6. Best price I have found is buy the cans at Home Depot. You can get close enough with simply a low side gauge.

Dealer wants like $200-$300 to do this job or DIY for a few dollars.