Notices
IS - 2nd Gen (2006-2013) Discussion about the 2006+ model IS models

I think I have an AC problem

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Sep 24, 2006 | 02:05 AM
  #1  
CeoStatus0's Avatar
CeoStatus0
Thread Starter
Pole Position
 
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 371
Likes: 0
From: 480
Default I think I have an AC problem

So I'm driving the IS to work and I turn the AC on Auto set at 75 and it pushes out at 3 bars... I have my Ipod pluged in and just listening to music... about 25 mins into it i'm slowing down to a traffic light and a track on the Ipod just ended (so the car is silent) and i hear a fluttering sound comming form the front pass side... I thought it was the connection from my Ipod jack so i turn the volume down and it went away..

music is off and i drive to the next light and as i hit the brake it i faintly here the fluttering sound again and it gets louder as i come to a complete stop. So its not beacuse of my Ipod its because of the AC... then i hit the button to drop the AC output down to 2 bars and the sound goes away.. but when i hit it up to 3 bars the fluttering sound comes up.

I left it back on 2 bars until I got to work, parked and left there all day... now as i drive home from work i test it out again.. i turn the ac on pass 3 bars.. and the fluttering didn't come up...But i drive the IS once or twice a week so i'm a little concerned... I'm going to take the car out tomorrow and see if it comes up again.. but just wondering if anyone knows of this

I'm taking the car back to dealer this week for a 3rd tinting job... i'm gonna ask them about it then
Reply
Old Sep 24, 2006 | 04:00 AM
  #2  
jezza's Avatar
jezza
Driver
 
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 192
Likes: 0
From: MA
Default

People have this weird idea that the AC actually operates at different levels... it doesn't. In terms of work done by the compressor, it's either ON or OFF. The climate control varies the temperature by mixing cold air off the compressor with heated air off the engine.

As for the noise, if it's only audible at a certain fan setting, it's probably the fan. Just take it in if you're worried.
Reply
Old Sep 24, 2006 | 07:50 AM
  #3  
Bichon's Avatar
Bichon
CL Community Team
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 5,696
Likes: 337
From: NJ
Default

Originally Posted by jezza
People have this weird idea that the AC actually operates at different levels... it doesn't.
It's not a wierd idea, and yes it does.

In terms of work done by the compressor, it's either ON or OFF.
Simply not true. The IS has a variable displacement compressor that varies the capacity of the compressor based on both cooling/defrosting load and torque availablility as calculated by the engine management computer.

(Haven't you noticed that when you romp on the gas on a hot day, the car neither accelerates like a dog, nor gives you a face full of warm air, as cars without a variable displacement compressor do?)

Read about it here: http://www.globaldensoproducts.com/c...ompressor.html

The climate control varies the temperature by mixing cold air off the compressor with heated air off the engine.
It does that too, mainly to provide defrosting and humidity control.

As for the noise, if it's only audible at a certain fan setting, it's probably the fan. Just take it in if you're worried.
On this point we agree. Could be something as simple as a bit of foreign matter (e.g. a leaf) making contact with the blower at higher fan speeds.
Reply
Old Sep 24, 2006 | 03:55 PM
  #4  
CeoStatus0's Avatar
CeoStatus0
Thread Starter
Pole Position
 
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 371
Likes: 0
From: 480
Default

I took the car out today and the sound is gone... the fluttering was there as soon as i took it out of the garage... at 3 bars it was there then i was playing around with it.. 4 bars back to 3 bars, 5 bars back to 3 bars.. and the sound is gone...

yea i bet was something stuck by fan/blower

i'm gonna take it out the couple days before i bring back to the dealer to see if the problem is completely gone
Reply
Old Sep 24, 2006 | 08:36 PM
  #5  
lobuxracer's Avatar
lobuxracer
Tech Resource
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 23,070
Likes: 4,739
From: Georgia
Default

Thanks for the link Bichon! I didn't know about this and would have made the same mistake if I hadn't seen that. Now I understand why I didn't see a significant difference in fuel economy on a mildly warm day and I saw quite a bit on a really hot day.
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
ToyotaJon
RC F (2015-present)
9
Dec 10, 2017 07:45 PM
tsoarer95
SC - 1st Gen (1992-2000)
4
Aug 20, 2011 09:04 PM
grindin8o8
SC - 1st Gen (1992-2000)
5
Oct 30, 2009 06:39 AM
MsLeng
IS - 2nd Gen (2006-2013)
9
Jul 22, 2009 09:39 AM




All times are GMT -7. The time now is 08:29 PM.

story-0
10 Lexus Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Some luxury cars chase trends, but these Lexus models look better now than they did when they first rolled into showrooms.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-06 17:58:29


VIEW MORE
story-1
8 Tips for Improving Your Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid's Efficiency!

Slideshow: How to Get the Best Fuel Economy with a Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-05 20:54:44


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Best Lexus Models No One Remembers

Slideshow: 10 best Lexus models no one remembers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 17:33:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
TRD Off-Road Premium: Best 2026 4Runner, Except This One Thing

Slideshow: diving into 4Runner TRD Off-Road Premium's pricing, performance, fuel economy, features, and amenities!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-23 13:09:18


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Lexus & Toyotas to Drive Before You Die!

Slideshow: the 10 Lexus and Toyota vehicles you need to drive before you die.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-23 10:34:24


VIEW MORE
story-5
Top 10 Lexus/Toyotas With The LEAST 5-Year Depreciation

Slideshow: Top 10 Lexus/Toyota models with the lowest 5-year depreciation rate.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-08 12:19:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Lexus LC500 Convertible Auction: A Preview of Rising Values?

The LC hasn't even disappeared from the Lexus lineup yet, and we're already seeing signs of an explosive market.

By Brett Foote | 2026-04-06 09:25:02


VIEW MORE
story-7
GX 550 vs TX 550: Best 3-Row Luxury Lexus Family Hauler

Slideshow: comparing the pricings, specs, power, fuel economy, fun-factor, and features of the GX 550 Luxury+ and TX 550h+ Luxury.

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-03-19 13:44:11


VIEW MORE
story-8
9 Best Lexus Models You Can Buy for Half Price (And 1 You Shouldn't!)

Slideshow: 9 best Lexus models you can buy for half price and 1 you should avoid

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-03-19 12:01:07


VIEW MORE
story-9
2026 Lexus NX Buyer's Guide: Models, Features, Prices & More!

Here's everything you need to know about the latest NX.

By Brett Foote | 2026-03-19 11:56:59


VIEW MORE