My AC stopped working properly the other night and is now only blowing room temperature air. I bought an R134 bottle to fill, but the needle shot to the red mark on the gauge, which I'm told is not good. I'm buying a pressure gauge set this weekend to find out the low and high pressure PSI in the system, but I was wondering if anyone had a link to a video or step by step on how to change out the Compressor, Expansion Valve, and Condenser/Drier? I've searched but only find links to other specific vehicles. I'd prefer to see something on the 2nd gen IS. I've got an '06 IS350.

I know that I may not need to replace all three of these, but if I'm going to be ripping it apart, I'd prefer everything new. The car has about 160k miles on it now.

Thanks guys

 

Have you looked at the compressor to see if the clutch wheel is engaging properly? It should be spinning freely when on, and cycle off intermittently. As cars get to this age, things like that start to wear. Maybe all you need is the clutch replaced. Start with the easy stuff first.

 

Checking that the compressor clutch is engaging would indeed be a good first troubleshooting step, however, it does doesn't operate quite as you describe. The compressor on the 2IS does not cycle off intermittently as it does on many other (older) cars. Instead it uses a variable displacement compressor that alters capacity in response to demand while the clutch remains engaged.

 

Here's some info on how to remove the dash if needed.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-...l-process.html

​​​​​​As for the HVAC it looks like it's in 2 pieces. The heater core should sit right behind the center console. You will see the coolant lines that feed into it.

 

When the AC is turned on to max, the clutch does not spin at all. It doesn't make any odd noises/grinding/etc either. Just the pulley wheel spins with the belt.

 

Does anyone know what the standard clearance is between the clutch and pulley?