Hello,
I'm new to this just purchased an 09 Lexus IS250 and I wanted to know why my A/C isn't working properly in the afternoon. I live southern California and its about 92 degrees out. When I'm coming to work in the morning the A/C is really cold and I have to turn it down but at midday when I go to lunch its not as cold as the morning. The car only has about 81000 miles on it.Any ideas what it could be?

 

I've had this problem in my Audi A4 before. It was low on charge.

 

Great thanks for the info any good places to take it. Don't want to pay an arm and a leg just for a recharge.

 

My sister had a IS250. At about 40K it needed a new AC compressor. It was a $1800 repair if I recall.

 

I hope its not that I think if the compressor wasn't working the ac wouldnt be on in the morning but you might be right it might not turn on at high temperatures.

 

From what I recall. She would complain about the air on the ride home from work in the later afternoon each day.

 

Thanks for the info I'm planning on taking to a shop this weekend just don't know where.

 

there's a reason its low on freon.

 

This thread will do better in the IS forums, but dealing with 90F temps in California is pretty tough on a small V6. Are you parking the car in direct sunlight with the windshield uncovered? That's basically an oven. Do you use the recirculate option after you've opened the doors and windows and let the car's interior cool down? There are a number of ways to diagnose AC issues if you're handy but that really depends on you.

An AC system will always do better in the morning and evening compared to midday.

 

The car is in sunlight and I do have the wieldshield covered . I am handy with cars, just now in the way home it did feel cooler then midday. I'm going to check the AC pressure and see what that says. Just want to know if a good place to have recharged if needed.

 

Ok, good. I would be surprised to hear a Lexus needs its AC compressor replaced. But anecdotally, my GS430 breezed through 35C/95F+ temps in western Canada. My current Accord V6 3.0 is well known for having a tough time with those types of temps. You can make sure that you hear the characteristic "click" of the compressor engaging and also observe the AC clutch spinning on and off as the car idles.

Make sure the fans also come on when the AC is engaged. On and off depending on temp and load. This requires you to have the car idling under the full on midday heat and you sticking your head right down there.

 

Great thanks for the info I will check it out.