Air Conditioning Fault - New condensor and Dryer required

[eddiea1]

My 2003 IS300 sport is currently in the garage having the air con looked at. Looks like it will need a new condensor and dryer. Price quoted is 700 pounds with the labour.

Anyone had a similar issue? Just wondering what the costs should be and what the risks are of other issues appearing (compressor, pipes). 

Should the whole system be replaced? 
Thanks in advance

[Kiefels]

I sourced a condensor from an online breaker and fit it myself.  Cost around £90

Saying this, I must also warn you about doing this yourself. 

****DOING SO, YOU MAY BE BREAKING THE LAW OR COULD CAUSE CONSIDERABLE INJURY TO YOURSELF AND/OR THE ENVIRONMENT***

My system, when I did mine, was completely drained down, safely, via a registered Air-Con specialist

I purchased and fit the condensor myself but took it back to the Registered Air-Con Specialist to have it refilled and leak tested (£40)

(Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, the deliberate release of refrigerant into the atmosphere is illegal.

The use of R12 is now banned in the UK.  

Refrigerant R12 is a chlorinated fluorocarbon (CFC), an ozone-depleting chemical harmful to the environment which was phased out worldwide from 1994.

A total ban on its use came into force in the UK on 1 January 2001.

The ban extends to its use for the maintenance of existing equipment, so when a system containing R12 requires maintenance or repair, it will be necessary to carry out a conversion, for example to R134a. Otherwise, it is acceptable for R12 to remain in use in an air-conditioning system until the end of its service life.

The only refrigerant currently approved by equipment and motor manufacturers for use in air-conditioning systems is R134a, although other replacement chemicals, some flammable, are becoming more common.

What are the dangers?

The main risks to health and safety associated with R12 or R134a occur if they are released into the atmosphere.

The risks include:

● FROSTBITE - caused by skin or eye contact with the refrigerant liquid or gas;

● ASPHYXIATION - if the heavier-than-air gas escapes in sufficient quantities into a vehicle inspection pit or similar confined space where someone is working;

● HARMFUL GASES - resulting from thermal decomposition of the refrigerant in contact with a naked flame or exposure to high temperatures, for example the highly toxic gas phosgene from R12.)

 

[eddiea1]

Can anyone recommend a place to buy a condensor and compressor for the AC system please?

[steve2006]

Unless going OEM try Rockauto ( they do have Denso) or fleabay.

[eddiea1]

On 8/16/2021 at 2:28 PM, steve2006 said:

Unless going OEM try Rockauto ( they do have Denso) or fleabay.

Thank you Steve

[b4u2]

@eddiea1

I had an issue with my ac and it ended up being a condenser which needed replacing.

[eddiea1]

3 minutes ago, b4u2 said:

@eddiea1

I had an issue with my ac and it ended up being a condenser which needed replacing.

was it a relatively easy fix? did it do the job and is the system still blowing cold?

[b4u2]

Well to be honest I haven't got my car back yet, but hope will be ice cold and according to dealer it is all done👍

[Spacewagon52]

Having my 400h re-gassed and checked today.

[PCM]

On 8/6/2021 at 1:56 PM, eddiea1 said:

My 2003 IS300 sport is currently in the garage having the air con looked at. Looks like it will need a new condensor and dryer. Price quoted is 700 pounds with the labour.

Anyone had a similar issue? Just wondering what the costs should be and what the risks are of other issues appearing (compressor, pipes). 

Should the whole system be replaced? 
Thanks in advance

Worth getting a second quote?

( My Soarer back in the day - a/c not working, quoted about £1,000 to fix it. Second quote, about £40 to regas it. It was fine ever more... )

[b4u2]

3 hours ago, Spacewagon52 said:

Having my 400h re-gassed and checked today.

let us know how it goes!

[eddiea1]

On 8/26/2021 at 9:36 AM, PCM said:

Worth getting a second quote?

( My Soarer back in the day - a/c not working, quoted about £1,000 to fix it. Second quote, about £40 to regas it. It was fine ever more... )

You're right - definitely worth getting a second quote. I ended up using someone else and they put some Aircon stopleak and regassed it. Seems to be holding up so far but as it was £60 was definitely worth a try. Fingers crossed it keeps the gas in and I can continue to have an air conditioned car, makes all the difference!

[br1anstorm]

Just a brief comment or two, as I have a 2002 IS300 Sportcross which has also needed a replacement condenser (the original suffered a pinhole leak).

I was lucky in that I have a specialist A/C technician who looks after the aircon in my various cars.   It is probably wise (but not necessarily essential) to replace the dryer if the system is 'opened' to the atmosphere and other new elements - like the condenser - fitted.

While @Kiefelsis right to set out all the warnings about refrigerants etc, the reference to R12 is a red herring.  All Lexus vehicles since at least 2001 will have a/c with R134a, which is still legal.  The golden rule is not to mix, recharge or add any other refrigerant - and definitely not to put in any of the rubbish leak-stoppers or substitute chemicals.  It is vital to have a tech do a full check, draw down the system to a vacuum, and refill with the precise quantity of refrigerant (R134a) specified and- equally important - the right lubricant oil.

It's also very useful, when this is done, to do a leak test.  This involves the addition of a fluorescent marker to the R134a which shows up under special (U/V?) light.  This is because the molecules of refrigerant are very small and - especially if the a/c isn't regularly used - can escape through joints or hoses which can become slightly porous.  The refrigerant will be lost again.  So no point in a simple recharge if it all leaks out in weeks!

Good practice reminder:  it is sensible to run the a/c regularly, all year round including winter, to keep the refrigerant and oil circulating, to keep the seals lubricated, and thus minimise the risk of leaks. 

And - another tip - always worth changing the cabin [pollen] filter (it's fitted behind the glovebox and easy to access).  It doesn't affect the actual a/c operation;  but it can get clogged up and smelly.  I did mine recently and I suspect it hadn't ever been changed.  For less than £10 it's an easy DIY job.