Can anyone confirm that when the AC in turned on that you should be able to open the engine hood and hear the compressor clicking on and off as it cycles? Should the center puller spin on and off?

In addition, should I be able to feel the line next to the battery which goes under the battery and into the firewall next to the driver, and if the compressor is working, should this line be cold?

I verified all servos are working as expected.

 

When YOU put the car in MAX cold, the compressor clutch should start spinning when it cycles. With the engine off look at the compressor clutch to get an idea of what it looks like with nothing spinning. The end will spin when it cycles with the engine and AC on. If not then it could be either the fuse to the compressor, or the lack of R134 in the system, which is detected by a pressure switch. The compressor will not turn on with no R134 in the system. If you lost the R134 than you have a leak. My RX300 is almost ten years old and has never been charged. So a leak is not normal... Both of those pipes should be cool if the system is working, one will be about 10degrees warmer...

 

Most appreciated and I'll have to have the R134 level investigated.

There is a glass eye indicator next to the radiator which is inline with the AC hose system. Does this indicate R134 level as mine is clear in color.

 

Take a good look at the condenser, by the radiator. Most times when RX A/C fails it is do to damage to the condenser. It is located in a vulnerable spot on the RX.

 

I know your not supposed to see any tiny bubbles in that sight glass.(when the a/c is operating)

 

First confirm whether the compressor is even coming on... if it is than the coolant is probably OK..

 

I just spoke to Goodyear and they want 200.00 for the test and refill. I don't think so.

I called Autozone and they sell the test kit for 30.00 and 9.00 for each can of R134 versus Goodyear who charges 30.00 per can. I don't know about the rest of you but if I didn't maintain my own vehicles these days, I don't think I could afford to own a Lexus.

I'm purchasing the test-kit today at lunch and will update with my findings.

 

Is the clutch on the compressor turning at all..???

 

There are couple of more signs .... the engine idle goes up to compensate for the additional load of the a/c compressor. The electric cooling fan also kicks in to help dissipate more heat.

As pointed out before, if your refrigerant level (pressure) is low, the the clutch is never engaged (protection). Any A/c shop should be able to check out what is going on. Repairs by Lexus for a bad compressor can run in to 4 digits.

I have not gone to Good Year shops (other than to get a set of tires mounted), so do check around.

Salim

 

OK, thanks to all who responded. The 40.00 dollar Autozone recharge/leak sealer worked like a CHAMP. Very easy to use and within 10 seconds of dumping the first can the compressor fired up and another 30 seconds later the cold air started to flow. I emptied both 16oz can's and ended up with 30psi in the line. Once again, thanks to the forum. I probably saved 100.00 plus dollars and have the charging equipment for the next recharge let alone my other vehicles. The 12oz and 16oz can's cost approximately 6-9 dollars each.

 

Can you please post a follow-up in couple after couple of months.

Salim.

 

You still probably have a leak in the system. Coolant doesnt just use up, it leaks out...You may have to get it leak tested...good luck

 

I'll follow-up and update the forum. As for the potential leak, the kit I purchased has a sealant product built into it for leakage. Thanks again for the help with identifying the compressor and the fact that it won't operate unless the pressure switch senses fluid in the sysytem. As mentioned above, the compressor took 10 seconds to sense and turn on. That one I didn't know about.

 

In the future,try to buy the freon w/o the sealant in it.That sealant is really not recommended for the system.

 

I was asked to follow up with the forum and shucks, the AC is not working. So, it appears that I have a leak in the system. I plan to load another 5.00 can of R134 today and tighten any visible connections. Should I see leaking Freon or plan to take the RX300 to the garage for pressure testing. Any advice would be appreciated.

The compression did start to work after I loaded the system two weeks ago so I'm convinced the compressor is working.