Well, I'll be damned . . . I bought the used LS (out of warranty) back in February and have ran the A/C before this week. This week it got about 78, so I had the windows up and nothing but warm air. Odds are, the A/C never really worked and the fan was simply blowing colder outside air during the earlier months.

Being a hands on type of guy, I decided to purchase a R134 refill kit with gauge. Prior to shooting in the coolant, I reviewed the pressure gauge reading and to my surprise it read in the warning area (90+ psi), which according to the box, is not a refrigerant issue: "please contact professional mechanic." I did follow all directions and the hoses were hooked up properly. Gauge read 0 when not connected, then shot up to 90psi once hooked on the system with engine running and A/C on max cold.

After talking to a mechanic on the phone, he suggested that he "check the pressure readings with a competent gauge to ensure there's an issue." Sounds reasonable . . . anyone else have a similar issue? Sounds expensive . . .

G

 

Did you push A/C button, when I first got my LS I had to get used to the difference in how the A?C worked. GOD IS GOOD.

 

Yes, the a/c button on the navi was illuminated (on) . . .

Update to story:

Took the vehicle to two mechanics:

Tech #1: Hooked up system to check both high & low pressure ports, checked fuses & relays (underneath hood on driver side and in the trunk-driver side). . . all working. A/C compressor simply wasn't turning on, even with the system on max cold. No further tests ran--they had a busy schedule and it requires diagnostic time. No charge (lucky me).

Tech #2: Rechecked pressures, recovered 1/2lb of freon, refilled to spec, checked for leaks (none), and did the 7pg All Data preliminary diagnostic information. According to tech, problem may lie in the A/C controller (90% sure, but cannot confirm since his scanner is in for repair with Snap On tools). Since he cannot confirm his idea, no diagnostic charge. Tech also noted that he can jump the compressor at the relay and make it work, so compressor appears to be functional.

From what tech# 2 told me, if his hunch is correct, the a/c controller is one expensive piece (est $1000, but never looked up the item--former Toyota mechanic). Lexus dealer insisted that they will sell me the piece at cost once I confirm the diagnosis.

Having a follow up appt on Wednesday (4 days from now) to confirm the diagnosis . . . he gets his scanner back from Snap On tools that day.

G

 

I hope it goes well for you!!!!!!!

 

Update #3:

After a brief prayer session, I gambled and tried a new relay . . . still no luck. The only good news was that they let me try it prior to purchasing

Still awaiting for tech #2 to get back his scanner from Snap-On tools . . . luckily, its in the 60s this week.

G