2012 Lexus RX350 A/C problem DTC B1423
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Driver School Candidate
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From: AZ
2012 Lexus RX350 A/C problem DTC B1423
I was quoted but can't afford $3000 to replace complete A/C. Wife was told it was a huge job and some work included partial removal of engine to do it. Is this true? I Considered doing the replacement myself if possible. I'm an average DIY guy but can't tackle something as scary as partial engine removal. It's over 100 in AZ and Wifey is hot! Thoughts? Can it really be that hard or should I look else where?
Pole Position
Joined: Dec 2012
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From: Toronto, ON
This is a pressure sensor error. When the A/C amplifier (control unit essentially) loses connection with the sensor (or the sensor detects improper pressure) then it simply shuts off the compressor. Most common cause would be, guessing in order of likeliness:
a) leak, you've lost most of your refrigerant, low pressure.
b) sensor is bad
c) high pressure, too much refrigerant to something is blocked up
d) A/C amplifier is toast, this is probably the most unlikely
Not knowing what was done to diagnose, other than reading the code, if the system appears to be holding a proper charge of refrigerant, then replacing the sensor might be a good first step and probably within the scope of casual DIY. if recharging the system gets things working again, there's probably a leak, and will probably quit again. Repairing a leak of course depends on knowing what is leaking.
Perhaps the quote is based on "its easiest to replace everything, that way we know for sure its fixed" rather than over-promising a cheap fix if they aren't sure on what the actual problem is (how detailed an initial diagnosis was done).
a) leak, you've lost most of your refrigerant, low pressure.
b) sensor is bad
c) high pressure, too much refrigerant to something is blocked up
d) A/C amplifier is toast, this is probably the most unlikely
Not knowing what was done to diagnose, other than reading the code, if the system appears to be holding a proper charge of refrigerant, then replacing the sensor might be a good first step and probably within the scope of casual DIY. if recharging the system gets things working again, there's probably a leak, and will probably quit again. Repairing a leak of course depends on knowing what is leaking.
Perhaps the quote is based on "its easiest to replace everything, that way we know for sure its fixed" rather than over-promising a cheap fix if they aren't sure on what the actual problem is (how detailed an initial diagnosis was done).
CL Community Team
Joined: May 2005
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From: VA
If you are in Tucson, or close by take it to Dan's Toy Shop https://www.toyshoptucson.com/
They only work on Lexus and Toyota vehicles and all the techs are former dealer techs and ASE certified! They only use OEM parts.
That is where my old friends (one of whom is a shade tree mechanic) who used to live in Tucson took their 2 Lexus vehicles for service and thought very highly of them.
It is very difficult for a shade tree mechanic to work on A/C due to the need for much-specialized equipment to purge and refill the refrigerant etc.
They only work on Lexus and Toyota vehicles and all the techs are former dealer techs and ASE certified! They only use OEM parts.
That is where my old friends (one of whom is a shade tree mechanic) who used to live in Tucson took their 2 Lexus vehicles for service and thought very highly of them.
It is very difficult for a shade tree mechanic to work on A/C due to the need for much-specialized equipment to purge and refill the refrigerant etc.
Last edited by Clutchless; Sep 11, 2019 at 04:51 PM.
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Driver School Candidate
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From: AZ
Thanks guys, i found that it does have a leak and was told it wasn't obvious where and may be behind the engine or under the dash which would explain the high cost. Not sure what i am gonna do yet and likely may just find another shop that can do this a little cheaper. I will come back and post the fix. Thanks!
Driver
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 51
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From: IL
I have a 2006 BMW 3 series -- it has an a/c leak in a difficult spot -- but it's a slow leak - I have been able to get away with having it recharged (last time at Midas) once a year for about $80 - to great effect. This has been the situation for about 3 years -- a lot less expensive than the fix suggested by the dealership. Just a thought!
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Driver School Candidate
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From: AZ
Thanks for the response! yep, in your case that is definitely the solution I would take. Unfortunately my wife's recharge only lasted 3 days.
I have a guy coming out tomorrow to give it a look. He said if it leaks under the dash it would put out a smell or cloud and my wife would definitely have notice that.
He also mentioned it is usually a hose leak. I will repost the fix hopefully next week. I find that because many repair shops would rather do a full replace(expensive 1 and done) over a possibility of a multi visit troubleshoot, that there will be more people like me who will be purchasing manifolds and vacuums and get self trained up on DIY A/C repairs or certified. I'm on the brink of this. I have two cars right now with A/C issues with estimates over $4200 sitting in my drive way right now.
I have a guy coming out tomorrow to give it a look. He said if it leaks under the dash it would put out a smell or cloud and my wife would definitely have notice that.
He also mentioned it is usually a hose leak. I will repost the fix hopefully next week. I find that because many repair shops would rather do a full replace(expensive 1 and done) over a possibility of a multi visit troubleshoot, that there will be more people like me who will be purchasing manifolds and vacuums and get self trained up on DIY A/C repairs or certified. I'm on the brink of this. I have two cars right now with A/C issues with estimates over $4200 sitting in my drive way right now.
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 341
Likes: 14
From: Ontario
Thanks for the response! yep, in your case that is definitely the solution I would take. Unfortunately my wife's recharge only lasted 3 days.
I have a guy coming out tomorrow to give it a look. He said if it leaks under the dash it would put out a smell or cloud and my wife would definitely have notice that.
He also mentioned it is usually a hose leak. I will repost the fix hopefully next week. I find that because many repair shops would rather do a full replace(expensive 1 and done) over a possibility of a multi visit troubleshoot, that there will be more people like me who will be purchasing manifolds and vacuums and get self trained up on DIY A/C repairs or certified. I'm on the brink of this. I have two cars right now with A/C issues with estimates over $4200 sitting in my drive way right now.
I have a guy coming out tomorrow to give it a look. He said if it leaks under the dash it would put out a smell or cloud and my wife would definitely have notice that.
He also mentioned it is usually a hose leak. I will repost the fix hopefully next week. I find that because many repair shops would rather do a full replace(expensive 1 and done) over a possibility of a multi visit troubleshoot, that there will be more people like me who will be purchasing manifolds and vacuums and get self trained up on DIY A/C repairs or certified. I'm on the brink of this. I have two cars right now with A/C issues with estimates over $4200 sitting in my drive way right now.
If you're handy, it looks like there are tools and videos available, at least to troubleshoot if not to repair and recharge.
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