Repair And Fix it

If your air conditioning malfunctions in your 1999 Lexus LS400, prompt servicing is the best way to protect your Lexus investment. Any automotive mechanic can recharge your air conditioner, but damage to your air conditioning system requires Lexus service technicians, certified by the Lexus Commitment to Excellence program, if you want your warranty to stand. Mechanical or electrical air conditioning problems may mean replacing the entire system, the compressor, condenser, accumulator, evaporator, blower motor, control unit, fan and clutch.

Compressor Specifications

The Lexus Part Store sells new and urbished used air conditioner compressors for the 1999 Lexus LS400. The remanufactured compressors come with a core charge. The LS400 compressor has six grooves, a 1.65-inch line, a mount manifold, a tangent mount, a 4.5-inch pulley, a speed sensor switch and a clutch. The urbished compressor carries a two-year or 24,000-mile warranty. The new compressor cost $442 in 2010 and is under warranty for one year. The urbished compressor cost $395 in 2010. A core charge of $61 in 2010 was imposed on top of the part cost; the core charge is unded to the purchaser upon receipt of the old compressor.

Condenser Function

The condenser collects filth and oil from the compressor. Refrigerant may carry this filth through the condenser to the expansion valve, clogging the valve or tube. If oil cannot flow through the condenser, the compressor cannot receive oil, and the compressor will lack lubrication. If the condenser is dirty, it may be necessary to replace it. Flushing the compressor definitely moves sludge through the system. The sludge may form a blockage or damage the compressor. If you damage your air conditioner by flushing it, your warranty will be void, at least for the air conditioner.

Condenser Specifications

The Lexus Parts Store website lists two condensers for a 1999 Lexus LS400. A new first-class condenser with a clutch, manufactured from high-quality materials for extended reliability, cost $235 in 2010. A limited 1-year warranty covers manufacturers defects in the compressor. A second aluminum parallel flow condenser cost $139 in 2010. It is guaranteed to fit without leaking. Both condensers reduce noise and vibration. A chrome-plated compressor gasket or trim ring fits most cars and trucks with 7-inch radial compressors. The gasket costs $29 from the Lexus Parts Store in 2010 and comes with a 90-day warranty.

You can retrieve the trouble codes for your 1993 Lexus LS400 right from your home garage, saving yourself a trip to the mechanic. All you need is an OBD I scan tool, which is a hand-held computerized device that can be purchased from any auto parts store. This tool reads the trouble codes that are sent to the On-Board Diagnostics computer. These codes help you or your mechanic pinpoint the exact problem with the vehicle. Do not reset the computer until after you have had the vehicle serviced or repaired. Doing so could cause further damage to the Lexus.

Instructions

1

Open the fuse panel cover using your fingers and pulling in a downward motion. The fuse panel cover can be found underneath the steering column.

2

Find the port in the fuse panel and plug the OBD I scan tool into it. Dont force it in because the pins may bend. Just twist it around until it fits properly.

3

Turn on the scan tool. Put the key into the ignition and turn it to the "On" position. Dont crank the engine.

4

Select "Clear" on the scan tool to reset the codes.

5

Unplug the scan tool, replace the fuse panel cover and start the engine. Verify that all service and warning lights have shut off.