i dont mind seeing this thread come back up. this past summer i replaced my entire ac system. (i had the black death) and this thread helped me see what i was getting into

 

Is it receommended to change the expansion valve, heater core (and blower motor) when changing the evaporator core? Have the change the evaporator as there is a leak. Toyota Dealer wants 6-7 hrs labor (about $880) and $600 for just the evaporator (part #88501-48010). Same part on Amazon is $400. Not sure what other charges will be. No lexus dealership here.
Found the Denso evaporator on Amazon - (Denso 476-0039 A/C Evaporator Core) for $206. Have to order it.
Got the accumulator/drier kit.
Ordering the expansion valve from Amazon too.
Should I get the heater core too and the blower motor (mechanic said if blower motor needs to be replaced there is no need to remove the dash).
Which parts are better for 2003 Lexus RX 300? The AC is not working for the past few years but its high time we need it now. Changed compressor as it was burnt when it first stopped working but that didn't fix it all. Shop said there may be some filings from the burnt compressor that entered the system and that may have caused the evaporator core to leak.
Thank you.

 

I've taken out many dashes on Hondas; glad to see the Lexus is hardly any more difficult.

 

If anyone wants the evaporator core, I have one that I ordered from Amazon. Return period ended. I bought it for 206. It is now selling for 189. (Denso 476-0039 A/C Evaporator Core). I will sell it for 160 shipping included.

 

well, i used this to remove not one but 2 in Atl a few weekends ago (first one was broken from some **** taking the drivers servo (which he broke also). had to literally walk ALL the way to the back after finding the front car was trashed but i did get a 2001+ BMC for $33 so thats a massive score if i ever need it. in the middle of tearing down my car now to replace the whole AC box (the drivers servo was broken by a dealer in my car and broke the arm off the HVAC box but i never found out till like a year after since i barely drive the car) so now i am fixing it myself. thanks for the write up OP




.

 

Finished this up a couple of years ago after my heater core went out. Took 3 days of meticulous work but followed your DIY which gave me the confidence to complete the job.
Anyone can do this, you must be organized, take extra pictures, keep screws and bolts with each part you pull off, and stay on task. Its not hard but it does require you to completely wrap your brain around the task at hand.
I went ahead and changed out the evaporator and the heater core since I was in there. RockAuto.com has them for cheap (compared to what Lexus or your neighborhood shop would have charged for this job!)
I attached some pictures as "proof" lol
dcz if your ever in Albuquerque give me a shot out, Ill gladly buy you a beer bro.
THANKS AGAIN!


Couldn't have done this without dcz and his write up. THANKS!!!

 

Any indication on where the evap coil temp sensor is actually located?

 

Should be in front of evaporator and the cabin temp one on the little vent thingy to the left or right of the steering wheel cover. The little grill. I think...😁