Thank you. Do you know if the a/c amp is located where the mechanic could have damaged it while changing the filter?

 

Whether to buy that eBay amp is moot, as the ad says " This part is not compatible with 2011 Lexus LS460 Base Sedan 4-Door 4.6L 4608CC V8 GAS DOHC Naturally Aspirated." Also, the "donor car" is 13 years old. If there is a possibility the amp was damaged when the air filter was replaced, I'll try to get the dealer to pay for a replacement amp. (It is not the most customer-oriented dealership. nor will it win trophies for honesty, so the chances are slim.)

 

That " is not compatible" is generic. If the person that lists the ad doesn't select more years you get that message.. You would need to do some research to find out if it is compatible. I did a quick search and it appears your right it is not compatible, sorry. He did list in the title 2007-2012, that's what I was going off of. There are MANY different part numbers for the ac amplifier. There was someone on this forum that ordered 3 different part numbers they all worked. The part number I installed in my car did not match, still works great. I would think a mobile mechanic should only charge $50 or so to install one, $100 tops.

Here is another one with a 1 year warranty. You could call the number in this ad to confirm compatibility. https://www.ebay.com/itm/2011-LEXUS-...ry!85210!US!-1


Dealer price for a new one is around $600 plus labor. I've seen estimates including labor for $1200.

 

No, I don't see how. I've changed the filter several times, its very straightforward.

 

There was another thread on here where the ac amp was suspect. However it turned out there were a few loose electrical pins on the harness that plugged into the ac amp. He simply pushed the pins back in to fix his random ac issues. Either way you still need to gain access to the ac amp. It would probably be a good idea to have whomever changes it take a look at the plugs and make sure the pins are all in place.

I agree they would not have damaged the ac amp doing the filter. The amp is tucked in near the center console. The filter is behind the glove box.

 

You're right. A YT video shows the amp is located in the rear quarter panel, passenger side, far from where the filter was changed. I'm not driving during "social distancing," but will check with my independent mechanic about cost, including if I purchase the eBay amp. . Thanks again.

 

The AC amplifier is behind the glove box to the left of the blower motor. If you remove the glove box it's easy to see. Did you ever run the AC diagnostic in post # 2 that I suggested? If you were closer I would lend you the Amplifier that I got from Ebay when I was trying to figure out my AC issues. I paid $25 but It was for single zone 460 and I have dual zone. The amplifier still worked in my car it just did not have the screen for the rear AC controls,

 

Now I'm really confused. If the amplifier is where you say, the tech COULD have affected it while changing the filter behind the glove box, and the dealer may bear responsibility for fixing it..The YT video that I saw that showed the amp in the rear quarter panel, I now realize was for a 2007 LS, though the search had been for a 2011. Several posters seem think the amp is not where it could have been affected by someone changing the filter. I did no diagnostic, nor can I; I'm not a DIYer.

 

I'm sorry, I should have replied earlier that I'm not capable of doing that, even if I had the analyzer. It is more reason, though, to suspect the dealer's "We couldn't duplicate the problem" is a poor excuse.

 

No. You don't remove the glove box to replace the air filter. You simply remove a door at the back of the glove box, you cannot access the AC amp while doing it.

I wouldn't focus so much on trying to blame the dealer as I would trying to figure out what's going on.

The diagnostic is as simple as holding down buttons, the procedure is shown higher up in the thread. If you can adjust the temperature you can do it.

 

The Tech would have no access to the AC amplifier when changing the air filter unless he removed the glove box which you would not do to change the filter. To change the filter he would just empty out the glove box and remove the little shelf. That would expose the little plastic door in back of the glove box and take it out to remove the filter. It's all very simple.

Here is a picture of the of the AC amplifier to the left of the blower motor with the number 32 on a green sticker.


QUOTE=Zammer;10781083]I'm sorry, I should have replied earlier that I'm not capable of doing that, even if I had the analyzer. It is more reason, though, to suspect the dealer's "We couldn't duplicate the problem" is a poor excuse.[/QUOTE]

 

Zammer, sorry you're having such troubles. You said that you're not a DIY person, Safe to say not a fix it kind of person. This is likely why you don't understand that if the mechanic can't duplicate the problem, he can't say for sure what needs to be replaced. It's frustrating when you know there's a problem but the mechanic won't go ahead on your say so. But that how repairs are made, just trying to educate you how technicians operate. Can you see from the previous photo that the amp is separated from air filter by plastic and metal wall? It's physically impossible to unplug or damage amp when replacing filter. What you have is an intermittent problem. Find a shop that will press the buttons as suggested for diagnostic code. Rear quarter panel would not house the AC amp but some other system amp, possibly music system. This is above your abilities (that's OK) so best to try an independent shop to help you. Best wishes.

 

[/QUOTE]
Am I reading the photo wrong, it looks to me that the amp (32) is right next to the air filter?

 

The white plastic casing that the filter is sitting in is called the blower motor assembly.

 

Am I reading the photo wrong, it looks to me that the amp (32) is right next to the air filter?[/QUOTE]
You're making my point about being out of your depth. This photo has part of the dash removed for some reason other than replacing the filter. You wouldn't even see the amp if replacing filter as the black glove box walls would be in place. Please do yourself a favor. Start car, put ac button on recirculate (not auto). Open glove box, remove personal effects, shine flashlight on back wall and you'll see a "door panel" about 2" by 6", now remove the shelf in there by gently working it out, pull the door panel off. You'll see the cabin filter, it just lift out, you'l then see it's impossible to get to ac amp. I admire you for wanting to understand this problem but you're truly at a level where checking the oil and tire pressure is all you should be doing. No insult intended.