Weird A/C problem in '96 LX450

[mjulaw]

A/C works fine as long as the truck is in motion. When I stop, say at a red light, it stops blowing cold air, only outside air. It will intermittently 'kick back on' and blow cold air while I'm stopped, but for the most part, i'm burning up until I start moving again.

It acts as though it believes the inside temp is low and is cutting off. I found what may be the temperature sensor next to the (stock) stereo. It is a small square with several slits. I'm gonna see if I can get a q-tip into the slits and clean it, but nothing in life is ever that easy, or that cheap.

Here's the pisser of the whole situation: some days, it works just fine and there's no problem.


Any ideas?

Mike Upton
'88 FJ62 "Buck"
'69 Bug "Karma"
'96 LX450 (Unnamed)
'95 Mercedes C280 (Unnamed)

 

[Texus]

clean it...

good call to clean that sensor... mine would kick in & out more before I cleaned it... could be another glitch, but I think that may do the trick...atleast it did for mine... also...not sure if you realized you're in the 100 section...hopefully one og the MOD's will move ya to the 80 section... sometimes they don't like us in their clubhouse over here... we (80's) are usually too dirty & muddy for them!!

 

[hoser]

If all else fails, you can switch the system into manual mode--like the traditional Hot/Cold dial, so temperature sensor will not be used. On the back of your climate control system is a small switch. You might even like it better that way.

 

[tabraha]

Mike you'd definitely get a boatload of feedback in the 80's section. I'd start with a wipedown of that sensor.

 

[mjulaw]

My apologies to the '100' owners...

...sorry for posting a question about a lowly '96 model... I re-posted on the '80' board...

thanks for the replies, anyway...

(don't be jealous of my one s***ty little cup-holder....what year did lexus correct that one? hopefully '97...)



mjulaw

 

[Texus]

nope...

same uno cuppo holder...That's why I had a son...he loves to hold daddy's pop!