I always heard it was a good idea to run your AC system in the winter for the clutch and such. I turned mine on (its 35 f outside) and it didnt seem to blow ice cold air, same as when it was off. I think I heard the compressor kick in. Is there a system on the LS that wont engage the AC unless its warm outside? I'v got 130k on it and it looks like it hasnt been serviced but used a lot as its from Arizona.

 

I'm pretty sure the AC is on at every condition unless you have everything OFF. Even in Auto in the winter the car monitors humidity levels and will turn the compressor on to dehumidify the air.

 

18 years and no special treatment on mine, My parents' ls400 did need new a/c (compressor?) at around 175k and I only have 150k on mine, so who can say? On my old car I used to turn a/c on in winter on occasion. But the LS is climate controlled. I do run defroster as needed of course, which might accomplish what you are asking.

 

Wow thats crazy it does that. Well mine may not be working hope its not much to fix. Compressor would be the big one. I could try the defroster button to see if it works.
Im glad to heard others had their systems going to long, gives me some hope

 

You can only turn the ac compressor off in the '01-03 models. The 04+ always run the compressor as it's a variable output design.

 

This confirm@dan25man said above. Good tip; thanks! I didn't know this.