A year ago, I changed my cabin air filter incorrectly by lifting the door by hand. Brought it to Lexus and they fixed it through warranty. Three months ago, I had my local mechanic do a maintenance service and they changed the cabin filter. After a few weeks, I realized that the recirculating button didn't work. They must've incorrectly change the filter too by not putting it to recirculate. Lexus says it will cost over $1200 to replace the motor (around 600 for parts and 500 something for labor). Yes, they red flagged a warranty replacement. I know I was dumb by taking my car to a non-certified Lexus mechanic for service. Is there a cheaper option to go about to fix/replace this motor? Any suggestion is appreciated. Thanks!

 

You will have to try and have the local mechanic replace his damaged work.

 

not the filter itself, but the recirculating door motor in which the filter is placed in that broke. the door that opens and closes, for recirculation, is ran by a motorized arm.

 

^^^ take it back to the last mechanic who did the service...

 

You should tell the mechanic to pay for the damages..
I think you can even sue there asses!!

 

aww damn
i changed it by hand, and i moved the thing up by hand....
how do i know if it brokie?

 

If brokie, switch no workie!!!

 

wow .... $1200 just cause you forgot to press a button? sorry to hear that bro


have you tried taking it to another dealership? just tell them ur recirc button dont work anymore

 

If the dealer flagged it it'll show in the computer of any dealership in the country.

 

I've never hit any button when changing the filter, just pull it out and swap with a new one. $1200 ouch

 

you could just not use it....

 

i just swapped it out. where is the switch? i had my car off when i did the swap so i hope that its good and air still gets through the vents and i don't smell or hear anything bad.

 

O.K. I did the same thing and broke the A/C hinge after a year of ownership.

Now that I have owned the car for near three years, I really don't feel that spending $1200 is worth it. The car's A/C will keep your interior cold, whether or not it's circulating or fresh.

With the door hinge broken, your A/C will work, but will constantly be Fresh no matter if you choose Recirculate or Fresh. It may use up more MPG, but it's really insignificant. I still get 23 MPG with frequent use of the A/C with my IS350...