Southeast GX Broverlanding and BS

And that's coming from a guy who cut a 4" hole in his fender.

 

Only takes a few mins

 

I said im Lazy!

 

Still battling the A/C in my GX. The compressor is rhythmically cycling on and off, you can time it. Every single circuit tests good according to the repair manual. If there is a circuit associated with the A/C system, we've tested it. Even has a new condenser fan and Denso compressor. Looking at the A/C pressures, the compressor doesn't stay on long enough to build enough pressure to read correctly. Freon level is good. Swapped a known good magnetic clutch relay and A/C amplifier with the same result. When the compressor is on, it blows really cold. I've ohmed out wiring, tested for 12V at all the appropriate fuses, tested voltage at the A/C amplifier and ECU, jumpered the pressure switch, etc. Every thing tests good! They even opened a TAS case with Lexus. Lexus said they've never heard of this issue. TAS is closed today but we'll get with them tomorrow and give them more of our test results. Our main diagnostic specialist, who's really really good and a super nice guy, is even at a loss. He's been with Lexus longer than me, over 15 years.

My next step is to jumper the clutch relay and see what happens.

 

How hard is to replace the compressor? The clutch is making a terrible racket but I plan on replacing the whole deal.

 

No idea. Had my diagnostic specialist replace it. Would probably be much easier for him than me.

Side note, I jumpered the mag clutch relay therefore bypassing the whole compressor circuit. The compressor never shut off. So some system somewhere is commanding the relay to turn on and off. According to the repair manual, if all the parts of the compressor circuit test good, then the next step is to replace the ECU......

 

Wire in a separate switch to control the relay?

 

I thought about it but I don't want to have to remember to switch it off at the appropriate times. You can't just leave it on constantly any time you want A/C. My buddy also has a 2005 GX but a later build date. He should have the newer ECU. They changed ECUs after 3/2005. We're gonna swap in his ECU and see what happens. I've already tried his A/C amplifier and relay.

Another weird thing about those superseded ECUs. Some GXs that install a lift kit, even when you pull the air suspension relay and fuses, the "OFF" light keeps flashing. This is the issue with mine, even tried the zero point calibration. His GX with a lift kit, all we did was pull the relay and fuses and he doesn't have that flashing light. So I have a feeling the newer ECU doesn't look at TEMS.

 

My "off" light flashes as well and everything has been pulled. I guess im in that group.

 

Well maybe my theory isn't correct then since you have an 06. If I pull all the fuses, I get all kinds of lights. I have to leave in the TEMS fuse to only get the flashing "off" light.

 

Weird. Fuses/Relays removed and everything works as it should, no lights...

 

From my many many much reading on this subject, there seems to be no rhyme or reason as to who gets the flashing lights and who doesn't.

 

I'll double check when I get a chance but I'm pretty sure all of mine are pulled.

 

Used ECU is $60-90 on eBay then use TIS to reprogram the VIN. Takes 3mins.

 

Not sure if I would trust an Ebay ECU. My quick search they were $150 but if his ECU fixes mine, it might be worth a shot.
Hope to find out this week if it is the ECU to begin with.

 

If the clutch relay is getting a bad signal work backwards from there.

My next logical move would be to replace the temp sensor in the interior and then test the climate control after that.

 

ladder should be here tomorrow


In other exciting news I put in the weathertech window visors this weekend after having them more than a year.

 

How much you want for that ladder?

 

Already tested the cabin temp sensor, it's good. We've already tested every associated circuit. Not quite ready to fire the parts cannon at it yet.