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I was driving my 2002 SC430 today and when I stopped for a couple minutes with AC running, cold air stopped blowing and first warm and then hot air started coming. The AC on/off button started flashing. Checked out an AC compressor and it is not engaging. I remember on my old ES 300 there was a Magnetic Clutch relay that was defective and caused similar problem, it was even recalled by Lexus and Toyota in several models. However, I could not find a similar relay in the fuse box. If there is no relay, am thinking of taking the car to AC mechanic and getting him test the AC compressor, but just wanted to see if there is a possible easy fix.
Another question, if I should change the AC compressor, how difficult is to do it without special tools and car lift? It looks pretty close compartment there.
thank you for an advice.
There is an A/C Compressor relay that supplies the compressors clutch. It's in the fuse box on the drivers side of the engine compartment. Here are some photos.
You could also check for +12V on the Blue w/White stripe wire going to the magnetic clutch. Photo below.
There is a way to get a DTC code from the A/C system. I believe it's been posted before but...
1. Press an hold the AUTO and R/F* climate control switches and then turn the ignition switch to ON.
2. Wait while the indicators do their blink test four times.
3. At this point the DTC code(s) should be displayed on the panel.
If there are multiple code being shown you can stop the code display rotation and step through the codes one by one by pressing the UP Temp arrow button.
* R/F is the Recirc/Fresh switch.
If you have the SC430 shop manuals, the DTC code can be found on Pages 05-548 and 05-549. If not we can look them up for you.
It maybe that you have low R134 (A/C Coolant) When your car is moving it builds enough pressure to satisfy the low pressure sensor. When you stop, and your engine slows down, the low pressure sensor is unhappy and cuts off your a/c clutch and compressor.
When you started driving again, did you get cool air again?
Just got a call from the mechanic, he said that AC compressor burned and he checked out the oil and it was black, so he said that I would have to change the whole system, compressor, condenser, evaporator. And he said with the aftermarket parts the repair will cost me $3000-4000. Im kinda sceptical about replacing the whole system even if the compressor got bad. Should I get a second opinion? Not willing to put in this much money into the car
Bummer. Replacing components is a safe way to go. Aftermarket parts are around $800 dollars. The majority of the repair is labor if the evaporator core is to be replaced. There are ways of pumping a cleaning solution thru the system but the compressor, expansion valve and the condenser/desiccant should be replaced. You could get a second opinion to be sure, and for the full effect shock value an estimate from Lexus would be fun.
That is a bummer, no A/C in Arizona is a killer (literally, but probably not in your case)
Your mechanic thinks you a/c is suffering from "Black Death" which is a problem that effects a/c systems. The seals in the compressor disintegrate and blow through your entire system. This is indicated by black hvac oil.
The thing is, the problem is common in certain hondas and I guess fords, but I haven't seen it too much in Toyotas. I think the Denso compressor is built better.
If this is the original compressor that came with the car, I would definitely go for a second opinion. Changing the Condenser and the compressor is pretty easy. The evaporator is in the dash board and is more involved.
That is a bummer, no A/C in Arizona is a killer (literally, but probably not in your case)
Your mechanic thinks you a/c is suffering from "Black Death" which is a problem that effects a/c systems. The seals in the compressor disintegrate and blow through your entire system. This is indicated by black hvac oil.
The thing is, the problem is common in certain hondas and I guess fords, but I haven't seen it too much in Toyotas. I think the Denso compressor is built better.
If this is the original compressor that came with the car, I would definitely go for a second opinion. Changing the Condenser and the compressor is pretty easy. The evaporator is in the dash board and is more involved.
Thank you buddy, I am going to take the car to another mechanic for a second opinion and if he it is the compressor and condenser, im replacing them myself.
Thank you buddy, I am going to take the car to another mechanic for a second opinion and if he it is the compressor and condenser, im replacing them myself.
Want a video on the basics of changing a compressor?
I changed the compressor on my sc430 two or three summers ago. It isn't that hard and I even though I bought the condenser, I didn't change it. It is still in storage. I keep meaning to sell it, but never get around to it.
AC compressor does not engage
