kolofai

I just brought a 91 LS400 and want to find out if I need to do something to the AC before I can get use it as it is not cold at all. I think the freon it use may not be available now

retrodrive

Pump it with freon and see if it holds up. if it does but still no cold air check the compressor. Freon should cost you around $70.

Horta

Did the previous owner switch the system to the New FREAN? If so your in luck. If not your in trouble. Have that checked first. I dont know how to check but an A/C guy will imidiatly. the new stuff has different connectors.

Once you find that out right back.

Jerry

hyperopt

Not unusual for a 10+ years old car to have AC problems. Don't waste your money by just adding in Freon - it will leak again. Find where the leak(s) is/are and fix them, then charge with Freon.

retrodrive

Freon might still be there but compressor might be shot. If you fill it in with freon, you would know whats up.

kolofai

I think I did not make myself clear what I want to know. My 91 LS400 use different AC system 11 years ago than nowaday. The freon is different so the mechanic said I have to switch or upgrade to the new standard by replacing the compressor or condenser or something like that before I can recharge the AC system. Anyone done this before ? What is the cost of doing it ?
Thanks for you patients

Horta

Dude sorry to say this but you going to spend a TON of money to get your AC fixed. If you luck just under $1,000, but be prepaird for close to $2,000.

Sorry
Jerry

morrismj

I have a 90 LS400 and recently had the same problem. Lexus dealer told me $2100 for new condenser and compressor plus all new hoses, etc. Drove around Arizona with no a/c for 5 months and was miserable. Finally took the car to an ordinary mechanic who charged it with the old style freon and four months later I am still freezing my butt off. Cost me just under $150, as that old freon is expensive stuff. They ran a dye through the system and had me come back a week later to check for leaks, none to be found. I suggest call around to local mechanics and tell them what your situation is and ask if they can recharge it for you. It was worth risking $150, as opposed to $2100.

Oh yeah, this was the only time I have EVER had the a/c system serviced. Not bad for a 13 year old car.

chliansh

I would bet the farm that you have a very simple problem. Compressor failure is very very unlikely these parts a legendary for their long life. My guess is that somewhere in your AC system you have a rubber O ring that has got brittle and went bad letting all of the Freon out.

1. Find the leak
2. Fix the leak
3 Tighten all the ac line connections
4. Do not let anyone talk you into converting to the new freon (does not work as well and parts like your compressor will fail much sooner)
5. Buy a couple of cans of the good old "illegal" R12 from ebay
to fill it back up $30 each est

Or find a quality AC shop that will do the above with out screwing you out of a $1000 for a simple $100-$200 job (almost impossible)

kolofai

Thanks all for the advise.
I will certainly look around and check with Ebay for the good stuff I need.
Cheers

wolver1ne

Question...
I have a 91 LS 400, and the A/C blower doesn't work...however,occasionally when I start the car, it runs for about 3 to 5 seconds then stops. Also when I start the A/C w/the car idling, the car stalls.
Any clues?
I sure would appreciate anything on this=)

chas

My 90 LS was leaking a clear oil. I pulled the diaper off from under the engine and found a leaky compressor. I had been having to add a pound or so of freon every spring for the past 3 years so now I knew where it was going, along with the oil. Pulled the compressor and had it resealed for about a $100. The trick is to catch this early enough before you lose all the oil and wind up with a blown non-rebuildable compressor. Went back and charged it with my private stash of R-12 from the old days and it has been working good for the last two years now.

(I am a commercial a/c guy and do have a automotive license as well if anyone is concerned)