Recently bought 2014 RX350. It had no codes at dealer (used xtools and fixd scan tools). A couple of days after purchase decided to check codes again (idiot!) and saw b1479. I've read the long "dreaded" thread re b1479 here....magnets, amplifiers, lions, tigers, bears.....being an old guy with very limited diy ability it seems the culprit is most likely the ac flow sensor. I've already bookmarked the Dorman page. OR relay, fuse? I'm in between mechanics and wonder if an air conditioning shop would be best? Don't want to go to dealer and be told I need a new compressor. Any advice is appreciated.

 

Well "B" code is body/interior (my association of code B) and it is not an emission or engine related.

So worst is it might impact your comfort. Since your location is Florida I would say you have couple of months to take care of it. Just disable the A/C

The question for you is who do you trust to analyze and diagnose correctly [which may not be the cheapest. If you don't know anyone then dealer may be the best option left [again no guarantees that they will diagnose properly. They most likely will replace the whole module, instead of disassembling it to replace a Oring inside (just an example).

I would look for AC specialist in dealing with imports. Else a shop who deals with imports [let them refer you to the next place]

Salim

 

Did the dealer provide some warranty? I would take it back to them if they had any warranty on this vehicle. Does the air conditioning work?

See this linked thread regarding the air conditioner compressor flow sensor magnet trick if your compressor does not work. Around post 88 they describe placing a small magnet on the sensor to force it to work again as it loses its magnetism over the years and miles. The first posts go into technical detail for diagnostics etc.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...olution-5.html

 

^^ This.

 

Be cool about it and tell the dealer what has happened. See what they offer (or don't). At the least they could point you in the direction of a good shop that they use or know of.

 

Thanks guys.....good info. Interesting thread Clutchless (I'd seen some of it) . I emailed the salesman at dealership. Maybe they can offer something. He asked if I got a warranty. One wasn't offered and it's an 11 yr old car. I was surprised that in the thread someone solved the problem by clearing the sunroof drain. I don't see or feel moisture on the floor so probably not my problem. The Dorman sensor is $55 and $30 at Amazon and Walmart! So I may try the magnet fix but probably have sensor replaced. THX

 

I ordered a Dorman flow sensor 926-818 from walmart...$30 just in case. It came in a box with the Dorman label. The thing is just over an inch long. I got a can off 134-a and charged it up a few days ago. That seemed to get me cool, but code b1479 still shows. Day by day!

 

Attaching the magnet to the flow sensor is not that difficult compared to replacing the flow sensor itself. I recommend trying the magnet first to see if the code goes away before paying someone to install the flow sensor.
The cost could be high enough that you may as well just replace the compressor. It depends on what your local shop will do and if they can replace it while the compressor is in place.
Here is Dorman's video on replacing the flow sensor

This video on replacing the compressor may help

 

Access to compressor to place magnet is what I'm exploring now. Looks like take passenger side wheel off and then..... video shows how but I'm not removing compressor, just need access to place magnet. Any tips are appreciated. Thx for videos

 

So, did you replace the sensor or not? You don't need to install a new sensor and magnet. You just need to do one or the other.

 

I'm not in a big hurry since after I charged the freon up I'm getting some cool. Fingers crossed. If needed I'll have to figure out how to gain access to place magnet....I haven't taken right front tire off and panels as shown in video above, so when I do that I'll see what kind off access to the compressor that gives me. I don't want to remove the belts. Hoping I can place magnet without getting that deep into it.

 

The huge magnet trick thread states the following regarding installation of the magnet:

I combined several posts into this how to do it post:

​​​​​​"Peel back the lower black plastic splash guard underneath the front bumper (not the wheel well) in order to expose the front of the compressor. That splash guard is held in place by a combination of 10mm bolts and the stupid black plastic push-pin fasteners."
The push pin fasteners can be removed by using a tiny screwdriver to pop up the center piece which is what expands the root on the other side to hold it in place. Actually you can pull it out or push it in to remove them. If a few break you can buy them on Amazon for cheap, they are common Toyota under hood fasteners.

"For clarity I've marked the spot on another picture (below) as it was not 100% clear to me based on placement in the 2015 RX350. As other posters have mentioned you just need to drop the front underside panel, then you can reach the site from below. You won't be able to see the spot where the magnet needs to go but you can feel it."
​​​​​​

"​​​​​​For any other non-mechanically inclined folks, you don't really need any special equipment. There is even enough clearance on the RX350 that you don't need to put it up on jacks. On the 2011, the compressor was toward the passenger side, and I could see the black sensor piece, but like 053XRsuxeL said, you won't be able to see exactly where it sits or where to place the magnet, but you can feel it. If it doesn't work the first time, flip your magnet. It is absolutely worth trying before you go in for a bunch of expensive work."

 

You are going to need a new compressor. I did the magent , sensor , head stand, and back flip. It worked a little while but you will need a new compressor. Buy a denso made one and have a local shop swap it out.