LS - 3rd Gen (2001-2006) Discussion topics related to the flagship Lexus LS430

LS430 Ultra AC compressor

Old 05-27-18, 02:10 PM
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RRocket
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Default LS430 Ultra AC compressor

It seems my AC compressor has died. When looking for a replacement, I only see 1 compressor at the various auto parts website.

Am I correct to assume there's a single common compressor for the Ultra and all other trims ?

Also..oddly..prior to bringing in the car for diagnostic, the self check in the car (where you push the 2 buttons simultaneously and count the blinks) didn't work. At all. Is there a different procedure for the Ultra?
Old 05-27-18, 02:29 PM
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semar
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Default a/c compressor

Rock Auto
Denso compressor
or ebay
Old 05-27-18, 06:15 PM
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2KHarrier
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I posted A/C diagnosis information in another post this morning, still a fairly new post. Hope you can use something there..


https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...operation.html
Old 05-27-18, 07:03 PM
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Romanova
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Originally Posted by semar
Rock Auto
Denso compressor
or ebay
Yeah, I would only recommend the Denso compressor... skip all the other brands.
Old 05-27-18, 09:08 PM
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RRocket
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Originally Posted by 2KHarrier
I posted A/C diagnosis information in another post this morning, still a fairly new post. Hope you can use something there..


https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...operation.html
Funny, I tried that very same diagnostic test...it did nothing.
Old 05-28-18, 04:05 AM
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rkw77080
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The instruction should say...
With both the A/C control AUTO switch and R/F (Recirculation/Fresh) switches pressed simultaneously, turn the ignition switch to the ON position (do not start engine).

Old 05-28-18, 03:44 PM
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Ahhh....that fixed it. Well they blink normally. So I'm not sure what value, if any, this test has?

I also noted the DTC test. Intermittent blinking between the number "21" "24" and the series capped off by "28". Again...not sure what, if any, value this test has.
Old 05-28-18, 03:55 PM
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rkw77080
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Originally Posted by RRocket
Ahhh....that fixed it. Well they blink normally. So I'm not sure what value, if any, this test has?

I also noted the DTC test. Intermittent blinking between the number "21" "24" and the series capped off by "28". Again...not sure what, if any, value this test has.
Those are DTC's related to your solar sensor circuits.
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Old 05-28-18, 04:52 PM
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Originally Posted by rkw77080
Those are DTC's related to your solar sensor circuits.
Oh...so my solar sensors are no good? All of them?? Seems a bit odd they'd all go out, no?

Sorry for the questions...this solar sensor business is a bit over my head.

All I know at this point is my compressor doesn't turn on and the car blows hot despite being full of refrigerant. And the place that did the diagnosing said I needed a new compressor.
Old 05-28-18, 09:08 PM
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No, the solar sensors throw those codes when they do not detect a bright sun-like light. Shine a bright light on them and those codes will not be reported. You can also use the live data view in Techstream to verify each sensor and to see that those codes are historical and not current.

The AC diagnostic procedures in the other thread should help you identify the cause of your problem. Most AC problems are not DIY due to laws regarding discharging/recovery/recharging of R134a refrigerant, so I think you will need to take it to a shop in any case for leak-checking and recharging.

Last edited by StanVanDam; 05-28-18 at 09:12 PM.
Old 05-29-18, 07:45 PM
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What is purpose of solar sensor?
I have occasional failure of the compressor kicking in. Turn off the car and restart and it works fine all day and cold.
Trying to identify if this is a logic problem or a intermittent relay. This failure happens more often when the AC is switched off and then activated via control switch.
This is the standard 2006 LS 430 with 100K bought about 15K ago. Car is like new in all respect.
Old 05-29-18, 08:37 PM
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Solar sensor is an input to the neural network AC system.

An automatic air conditioner system which provides enhanced air conditioner comfort according to the occupants’ senses has been newly adopted. In the previous LS400 automatic air conditioner system, the ECU determined the required outlet air temperature and blower air volume in accordance with the calculation formula that has been obtained based on information received from the sensors.

However, because the senses of a person are rather complex, a given temperature is sensed differently, depending on the environment in which the person is situated. For example, a given amount of solar radiation can feel comfortably warm in a cold climate, or extremely uncomfortable in a hot climate. Therefore, as a technique for effecting a higher level of control, a neural network* has been adopted in the automatic air conditioner system. With this technique, the data that has been fetched under varying environmental conditions is stored in the ECU, which effects control to provide enhanced air conditioner comfort.

A rear air conditioner system with a cool box and air purifier functions is offered as an option. A solar sensor for the rear air conditioner system is provided on top of the package tray trim so that the sunlight entering from the rear can be detected

Neural Network = capable of effecting complex control by artificially simulating the information processing method of the nervous system of living organisms in order to establish a complex input/output relationship that is similar to a human brain
There is 1 compressor for all trims (type 7SBU16 in all countries except for GCC, where it is 10PA20). There is 1 condenser for all trims, but UL trim has a rear evaporator, whereas non-UL only has a front evaporator.

That being said, I find it unlikely your problem is caused by the solar sensors. Have you run through ALL of the AC diagnostic procedures already? If not, start there. Check your refrigerant levels using the sight glass and using a gauge set, and note that some specs are different for dual-AC systems.
Old 05-30-18, 06:51 PM
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No A/C problem with my 04 Ul which I purchased in 2007 with CPO warranty. Everything perfect since purchase.
Old 05-31-18, 03:44 PM
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Yes I agree. Compressors are on or off and do nor regulate temperature. The question is which relay activates the compressor. I doubt the high pressure switch comes into play when the car is first started and the engine is still cold.
Suspect soft switch signal to compressor relay. 100 000 KLM
Old 05-31-18, 04:07 PM
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Depending on the model year LS-430. The newer 2004-2006 A/C compressors do not have a magnetic clutch...

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