Hello All,

My evaporator is leaking. Does anyone know with certainty if you must remove the entire dash to replace it on a 1998 LS400? I know the first generation you could slide out the side after removing the glove boxes, ECU, blower, etc.

Someone had a 1996 they said slid out the side even though the factory manual specified dash removal. Several things changed in 1998, so just wondering if anyone had experience removing one from a 98-00.

The evaporator part number is the same for a 1995-2000, so it is promising if a 1996 came out without dash removal. Any insight would be welcome. Thanks.

 

Here you go.

 

Sha4000,

Thanks for the PDF, that’s great with torque specs and everything. One question though. On Step 3, “Remove Blower Unit, See AC-31”, what are those steps? Since it says to remove the entire blower unit, that could involve dash removal... ☹️

 

Here's a video to get you started.

Some more.

 

Wow thanks so much for the PDF’s. Is that AllData? Looks like “BO-83” is removal of the entire dash. Bummer. But... a guy with a ‘96 said the manual specified dash removal and it wasn’t necessary. Guess I’ll just start taking it apart. Thanks again.

 

No problem, Lexus specifies removal of lots of parts sometimes which actually gives better access and is much safer but sometimes they do go overboard.

 

Make sure you take pix along the way to help you get everything back together. Also, keep up with parts by putting them in boxes and/or baggies and labeling everything. You may already do this, but it is worth mentioning. Nothing like getting to the end and saying, "oh crap, where does this bolt go?"

 

gm52594, I got your PM. I'll reply here for the benefit of anyone else that comes along with the same question/topic.

I can have the 95-97 evaporator core out in 15 minutes. I do not know if the UCF21's are the same but I would nearly wager that they are. The interiors and body's are so very similar in many ways.

The evaporator core can slide out from the evap case in the direction of from the center towards the passenger foot well. The glove box and CD Changer storage thingy need to be removed first. Then remove the blower housing. It's been years since I last did one but I don't remember it being that big of a deal. I seem to remember having to persuade the housing off some studs or something but I don't recall exactly. From that point, the evaporator tubes and expansion valve make a 90 degree bend from the core to the firewall. This assembly is bolted to the evaporator core with allen head bolts. With the evaporator pipes and expansion valve removed you're then able to remove a side cover of the evaporator case and slide the core out.

I have an evaporator case sitting on the floor of my shop. Maybe I'll take a photo of it tomorrow while I'm there doing an evaporator on my 2006 VW Jetta. Funny how I'm currently doing the same job on another car. Except this car requires removal of the entire dash, steering column, seats, carpet, etc etc etc

 

Thanks for the reply. I’m thinking a ‘98 *should* be the same procedure to remove as your ‘96 as well. I’ll report back with some pictures when I get some time to do it. We’re in the middle of moving so time and space is limited lol.

 

It has been a while since I last posted, but I did complete the evaporator replacement this summer. Dash removal on a 1998 is NOT required, even though the factory manual says otherwise. You can get the blower and blower housing off with the dash in the car. When that is out of the way, there is enough space to access the evaporator door, lines, and connections. Then it simply slid out and down with enough room to remove from the vehicle.

After that, I re-installed with a new Denso evaporator and O-rings, rewrapped the lines to the firewall, installed a new receiver/drier, and recharged the system appropriately. It has been putting out 38F air since.

 

Well done!!

 

I have a 2000 LS400 and can’t get to the top bolt on the ac housing(As seen in pic 3). Any tips?

 

Can you point out which one you are talking about? I was able to get my evaporator out on my 1999 without issue without removing the dash.