Air Conditioning failed
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 20
Likes: 8
From: WI
Air Conditioning failed
Air conditioning failed one day, worked fine in AM, no cold air that evening on way home. Looked over the obvious; inspected window for A/C line, no foam, still have pressure on low line, do not hear compressor clutch, does not matter what mode. I did not replace the filter in the past few months so it is not the common issue with deflector arm behind glove box.
So I took it in to Lexus to trouble shoot. They said it was low on freon so they put the correct amount in but it did not help. After a few hours they call me with the issue. "Their seems to be an issue with the compressor. The clutch is activating but very quiet. The compressor seems to be malfunctioning but they do not know why." Now the good part. "It will be around $3500 to replace it." WTF! Really?!?! They said it is very difficult to replace on the LS, you must remove the sub-frame to access it so very involved work.
Has anyone replaced their A/C compressor on the 4th gen LS? Can you just repair clutches on this compressor without removing it?
I am about to trade this thing in. These new LS series are way to expensive to own. My '93 LS was awesome, simple and reliable. Even my '07 GX is easy to work on (except that one O2 sensor that is hard to reach).
Any past experiences will be greatly appreciated.
So I took it in to Lexus to trouble shoot. They said it was low on freon so they put the correct amount in but it did not help. After a few hours they call me with the issue. "Their seems to be an issue with the compressor. The clutch is activating but very quiet. The compressor seems to be malfunctioning but they do not know why." Now the good part. "It will be around $3500 to replace it." WTF! Really?!?! They said it is very difficult to replace on the LS, you must remove the sub-frame to access it so very involved work.
Has anyone replaced their A/C compressor on the 4th gen LS? Can you just repair clutches on this compressor without removing it?
I am about to trade this thing in. These new LS series are way to expensive to own. My '93 LS was awesome, simple and reliable. Even my '07 GX is easy to work on (except that one O2 sensor that is hard to reach).
Any past experiences will be greatly appreciated.
Racer
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,856
Likes: 87
From: TX
The more stories I hear like this, the more I just want to stick with the older models. But pretty soon, they'll be old enough to start having a lot of problems and difficult to find parts for.
Hope this works out better than $3500... ouch.
Hope this works out better than $3500... ouch.
Pole Position
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 2,417
Likes: 218
From: Ontario
Air conditioning failed one day, worked fine in AM, no cold air that evening on way home. Looked over the obvious; inspected window for A/C line, no foam, still have pressure on low line, do not hear compressor clutch, does not matter what mode. I did not replace the filter in the past few months so it is not the common issue with deflector arm behind glove box.
So I took it in to Lexus to trouble shoot. They said it was low on freon so they put the correct amount in but it did not help. After a few hours they call me with the issue. "Their seems to be an issue with the compressor. The clutch is activating but very quiet. The compressor seems to be malfunctioning but they do not know why." Now the good part. "It will be around $3500 to replace it." WTF! Really?!?! They said it is very difficult to replace on the LS, you must remove the sub-frame to access it so very involved work.
Has anyone replaced their A/C compressor on the 4th gen LS? Can you just repair clutches on this compressor without removing it?
I am about to trade this thing in. These new LS series are way to expensive to own. My '93 LS was awesome, simple and reliable. Even my '07 GX is easy to work on (except that one O2 sensor that is hard to reach).
Any past experiences will be greatly appreciated.
So I took it in to Lexus to trouble shoot. They said it was low on freon so they put the correct amount in but it did not help. After a few hours they call me with the issue. "Their seems to be an issue with the compressor. The clutch is activating but very quiet. The compressor seems to be malfunctioning but they do not know why." Now the good part. "It will be around $3500 to replace it." WTF! Really?!?! They said it is very difficult to replace on the LS, you must remove the sub-frame to access it so very involved work.
Has anyone replaced their A/C compressor on the 4th gen LS? Can you just repair clutches on this compressor without removing it?
I am about to trade this thing in. These new LS series are way to expensive to own. My '93 LS was awesome, simple and reliable. Even my '07 GX is easy to work on (except that one O2 sensor that is hard to reach).
Any past experiences will be greatly appreciated.
guys after warranty expires theres no reason to get the Lexus dealer to deal with anything that warranty does not cover..
Racer
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,856
Likes: 87
From: TX
I think my bigger issue is the fact that the component is failing in the first place. I purchase Lexus/Toyota due to the strong reliability of the vehicle including all the components. Then I read, maybe, they're not as good as they used to be. I've got a 1998 Lexus with over 230k miles on it and never had an AC issue... what gives with this one? Soon these may turn into BMWs, where no one will own one past the warranty period as they know they'll break down and the cost to repair will be prohibitive.
Former Sponsor
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 1,002
Likes: 207
From: Georgia
I thought I had a similar problem on a couple different Toyotas. Before going further thinking it was a compressor failure, I swapped out the A/C relay with another neighboring relay, in the fuse box.
In both cases, the swapped relay did the trick and the compressor ran just fine. Down to Advance Auto for a new relay, and in less that $15 in both cases, the A/C was working again. And has for YEARS. I still own both of those Toyota products.
And, I would LAY MONEY in a bet that in both of my cases, a stealership would have wanted to replace the compressor for BIG MONEY.
I'm telling you, during my experience as an automotive engineer, and spending time at dealerships getting the (unrequested) behind the scenes tour, stealerships do things that make casinos look like Sunday school class.
I've not had this issue with the LS, but I would imagine the same process could be tried. Swap relays, see what happens.
Jason Oliver
In both cases, the swapped relay did the trick and the compressor ran just fine. Down to Advance Auto for a new relay, and in less that $15 in both cases, the A/C was working again. And has for YEARS. I still own both of those Toyota products.
And, I would LAY MONEY in a bet that in both of my cases, a stealership would have wanted to replace the compressor for BIG MONEY.
I'm telling you, during my experience as an automotive engineer, and spending time at dealerships getting the (unrequested) behind the scenes tour, stealerships do things that make casinos look like Sunday school class.
I've not had this issue with the LS, but I would imagine the same process could be tried. Swap relays, see what happens.
Jason Oliver
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 68,486
Likes: 3,997
From: Maryland
How many times do I have to say this?
STOP. TAKING. OLDER. LEXUS. VEHICLES. TO. THE. DEALER.
Just never go to the dealer again. Your issue is not "the newer LS cars are just too expensive to work on", its that the dealer is outrageously expensive. Take it to an independent shop that knows Lexus vehicles and have it diagnosed I GUARANTEE it will be dramatically different. Like Oliver said, dealers don't actually troubleshoot issues, they just replace parts. Like you said "They don't really know whats wrong with it but it will be $3,500 to fix it". Well, how can they fix it if they don't know whats wrong with it?!?
If you took your older model to the dealer it would be just as expensive. Just for grins, take it in and ask them to come back with an estimate to fix "everything thats wrong with it". Shocking number.
STOP. TAKING. OLDER. LEXUS. VEHICLES. TO. THE. DEALER.
Just never go to the dealer again. Your issue is not "the newer LS cars are just too expensive to work on", its that the dealer is outrageously expensive. Take it to an independent shop that knows Lexus vehicles and have it diagnosed I GUARANTEE it will be dramatically different. Like Oliver said, dealers don't actually troubleshoot issues, they just replace parts. Like you said "They don't really know whats wrong with it but it will be $3,500 to fix it". Well, how can they fix it if they don't know whats wrong with it?!?
If you took your older model to the dealer it would be just as expensive. Just for grins, take it in and ask them to come back with an estimate to fix "everything thats wrong with it". Shocking number.
Last edited by SW17LS; Sep 10, 2018 at 03:23 PM.
Pole Position
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 2,417
Likes: 218
From: Ontario
How many times do I have to say this?
STOP. TAKING. OLDER. LEXUS. VEHICLES. TO. THE. DEALER.
Just never go to the dealer again. Your issue is not "the newer LS cars are just too expensive to work on", its that the dealer is outrageously expensive. Take it to an independent shop that knows Lexus vehicles and have it diagnosed I GUARANTEE it will be dramatically different. Like Oliver said, dealers don't actually troubleshoot issues, they just replace parts. Like you said "They don't really know whats wrong with it but it will be $3,500 to fix it". Well, how can they fix it if they don't know whats wrong with it?!?
If you took your older model to the dealer it would be just as expensive. Just for grins, take it in and ask them to come back with an estimate to fix "everything thats wrong with it". Shocking number.
STOP. TAKING. OLDER. LEXUS. VEHICLES. TO. THE. DEALER.
Just never go to the dealer again. Your issue is not "the newer LS cars are just too expensive to work on", its that the dealer is outrageously expensive. Take it to an independent shop that knows Lexus vehicles and have it diagnosed I GUARANTEE it will be dramatically different. Like Oliver said, dealers don't actually troubleshoot issues, they just replace parts. Like you said "They don't really know whats wrong with it but it will be $3,500 to fix it". Well, how can they fix it if they don't know whats wrong with it?!?
If you took your older model to the dealer it would be just as expensive. Just for grins, take it in and ask them to come back with an estimate to fix "everything thats wrong with it". Shocking number.
Trending Topics
I'm a DIY guy but for the life of me I've only come across 1 shop in NY/NJ that actually states in the signage that they specialize in Lexus vehicles. Im sure the are more around but i once googled every key word i could think of and still nothing. I've done this through out the years.
Unless you know a TRUSTED technician then it's all a crap shoot for some ppl. The dealership is maybe good for a diagnosis but not all the time.
Unless you know a TRUSTED technician then it's all a crap shoot for some ppl. The dealership is maybe good for a diagnosis but not all the time.
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Driver
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 66
Likes: 8
From: TX
I'm a DIY guy but for the life of me I've only come across 1 shop in NY/NJ that actually states in the signage that they specialize in Lexus vehicles. Im sure the are more around but i once googled every key word i could think of and still nothing. I've done this through out the years.
Unless you know a TRUSTED technician then it's all a crap shoot for some ppl. The dealership is maybe good for a diagnosis but not all the time.
Unless you know a TRUSTED technician then it's all a crap shoot for some ppl. The dealership is maybe good for a diagnosis but not all the time.
Yes i checked in there. I remember when they first started that forum. I went to a couple of meets. I even found a lexus tech and went to his house to get my fenders rolled on my 400. The only reason i would go to a shop is if something major needed to be done.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 68,486
Likes: 3,997
From: Maryland
Somebody doesn't need to specialize in "Lexus vehicles", thats the benefit of a Lexus, its a very ordinary typical Japanese car. If you find a shop that focuses on Japanese cars then they will be fine.
And that's exactly what I'm talking about. The 1 shop I found stated Japanese vehicles such as Lexus, Infinity, Acura, etc..... Now I'm sure there are other shops but I could not find 1 that advertised it. I'm not looking for 1 now though.
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 20
Likes: 8
From: WI
I did take my car to 3 other repair shops, not the Dealership. All 3 were $3000 in labor, one refused to hog a service bay. No one knew for sure what for sure was the cause. So not just the dealer that is expensive.
So next best thing, trade it in during winter. Did that today.
problem solved.
So next best thing, trade it in during winter. Did that today.
problem solved.
Rookie
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 70
Likes: 16
From: VA
Air conditioning failed one day, worked fine in AM, no cold air that evening on way home. Looked over the obvious; inspected window for A/C line, no foam, still have pressure on low line, do not hear compressor clutch, does not matter what mode. I did not replace the filter in the past few months so it is not the common issue with deflector arm behind glove box.
So I took it in to Lexus to trouble shoot. They said it was low on freon so they put the correct amount in but it did not help. After a few hours they call me with the issue. "Their seems to be an issue with the compressor. The clutch is activating but very quiet. The compressor seems to be malfunctioning but they do not know why." Now the good part. "It will be around $3500 to replace it." WTF! Really?!?! They said it is very difficult to replace on the LS, you must remove the sub-frame to access it so very involved work.
Has anyone replaced their A/C compressor on the 4th gen LS? Can you just repair clutches on this compressor without removing it?
I am about to trade this thing in. These new LS series are way to expensive to own. My '93 LS was awesome, simple and reliable. Even my '07 GX is easy to work on (except that one O2 sensor that is hard to reach).
Any past experiences will be greatly appreciated.
So I took it in to Lexus to trouble shoot. They said it was low on freon so they put the correct amount in but it did not help. After a few hours they call me with the issue. "Their seems to be an issue with the compressor. The clutch is activating but very quiet. The compressor seems to be malfunctioning but they do not know why." Now the good part. "It will be around $3500 to replace it." WTF! Really?!?! They said it is very difficult to replace on the LS, you must remove the sub-frame to access it so very involved work.
Has anyone replaced their A/C compressor on the 4th gen LS? Can you just repair clutches on this compressor without removing it?
I am about to trade this thing in. These new LS series are way to expensive to own. My '93 LS was awesome, simple and reliable. Even my '07 GX is easy to work on (except that one O2 sensor that is hard to reach).
Any past experiences will be greatly appreciated.
Pit Crew
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 146
Likes: 50
From: WI
I wish we all had good friends with an independent auto repair shop. Like Jafoo, I've shopped around auto work before in in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area and the independents never seem to be much cheaper than the dealer; maybe 10% in some cases.
Has anyone ever seen a thread on this board listing good independent shops by region? I've gone hunting on the regional section of CL and it has very little traffic. $3500, even $3000 seems ridiculous for an AC compressor and service. $3500 would be about 1/3 of my cars value.
Has anyone ever seen a thread on this board listing good independent shops by region? I've gone hunting on the regional section of CL and it has very little traffic. $3500, even $3000 seems ridiculous for an AC compressor and service. $3500 would be about 1/3 of my cars value.