larrygust

I have a 95 LS400 with 65K that I just recently purchased. Two days ago the Air Conditioner blew 2 fuses and I took it to the Lexus Dealer in Tucson to have them diagnos the problem. Today they told me that a wire had burned out in the A/C Clutch and Compressor. This had caused the fuses to blow.

They recommended replacing the following:
Clutch.................$ 260
Compressor...... 1290
Dryer.................... 86
Oring.................... 20
Spacers............... 5
Laber (4hr).......... 400 Total....$2200

I strongly suspect that a burned wire on the clutch should not require $2200 to repiar.

If these parts are needed, do these prices sound right?

I am considering taking this to another mechanic who has worked on other cars for me.
I would appreciate any other good ideas.

LexLS

Something does not look right too me about that quote. All the parts seem extremely overpriced to me, even for the dealer. I would definitely take it somewhere else for a second opinion. Maybe request a quote from irontoad.com as well, they're usually about 20% off. You could buy the parts online and have an independent mechanic install them for you, that's what I do.

mtsao

I agree with Earl on the inflated prices. In particular, I've called to ask the local dealer and I was quoted about $700 for the compressor of my 90 LS. Call around some more. Are there lots of dealers in the Tuscon area? If not, i guess they're just gouging (more so than usual, anyway ) Labor around here is $97/hr.

mike

retrodrive

You can get rebuilt compressors for 300 on e-bay all day long. I know, I had to buy one.

mtsao

I don't doubt it retrodrive, but I would be concerned about the quality. How long have you had yours and how has it held up?

Mike

hyperopt

It's hard to pinpoint AC problems without proper diagnostic data, but if I were you, I would check to see if the compressor is frozen, and if not, change ONLY the AC clutch first then go from there.

The LS I bought had bad AC and the dealer quoted $2800 to fix (the entire AC system) because the compressor was bad, blah, blah, .... Ofcourse I laughed and walked out. I bought myself a few diagnostic tools and was abled to pinpoint the leak and changed it for <$1. I changed all o-rings and hoses while I was at it, and now my AC is good for many more years to come.

Lesson? Nippondenso (the one in your Lex) makes the best automotive AC compressor in the world so don't default it as the problem unless you have sufficient diagnostic data to prove otherwise.

mtsao

Unfortunately, AC systems aren't serviceable by the average do-it-yourself owner, as it involves specialized equipment as well as a good understanding of AC systems. But power to those who can.

Mike