TallCowboy

Hi all, I recently purchased a used 2004 GX470.
Everything on the Info/Nav Center screen seems to work, at least as far as I know so far, except when I push the "Climate" button, I get the blank screen with the exception of the "Check the connection of the air conditioner" message. After searching the forums (see? I'm a good boy!) I see others with a similar problem, but my symptoms seem different.


When I got it, the A/C wasn't working, but it was trying. Today I added gas to the system (it was a bit low) and cleaned the cabin air filter (disgustingly dirty, with next to no air movement through it). Now A/C is there! YAY!!! (it is 100+ today!)


To get around the missing climate control screen (and what I assume are controls thereon) I turn on the recirculation button and also the "auto" button, and raise or lower the temperature controls. Heat works when I turn the temp up, A/C tries when I turn it down. But I still get the message on the control screen.


I assume that the control screen for "climate" also includes some widgets for controlling and/or setting options, such as (hopefully) just running the fan without A/C with external air (should I so desire on a cooler day) and stuff like that.


ANYWAY - what are your thoughts on this? I have seen others fix the similar problems by reconnecting some clips behind the screen, which I can certainly try out, but seems like the other similar problems, when the issue was a wire loom connector behind the screen, that they had other problems, such as the A/C not working.

I THINK all my systems are working, I just can't see the climate control screen. All the other systems (audio, settings, maps (different subject later *L*), etc. all work and seem to display OK, so I don't think it's the screen.


So, thoughts anyone?


Heading over to the INTRO threads to property introduce myself...

chiph9

Hmm. Take it by an A/C specialist. You can't just add a can of refrigerant to modern cars like you used to in the R-12 days - they run with a precise amount of R-134a and oil. Too little or too much and they have problems.

Chip H.

TallCowboy

Thanks for the reply, Chip.

Sorry, I think I confused you and misspoke.

When I said "I" added gas, I meant "I took it into an A/C shop and THEY added gas." I'll be more careful with my words.

Anyone have any insight/suggestions about the message on the screen even though everything is working?

LexRex

The way you describe it, it sure sounds like a problem with the multi-function display. I'd check those connections first. Is there any sort of aftermarket device (Bluetooth or whatever) connected to the stereo?

TallCowboy

No modifications...I'm new to the Lexus, but everything seems to work fine and all the other duspay :"pages" work/display fine. I'll check the connections first and let you all know what I find.

mrblister

I have same year as you. I have pulled my radio nav unit to make some mods so i can get the dvd in my rear ent system to play when i am driving with out having to engage the parking break. There are many connectors there but it sounds to me like your issue may be the nav screen itself

TallCowboy

Maybe I don't understand how the NAV screen might be involved internally, but I'm not following how it could be the screen when every other option - Map (although blank - I'm in South America, so the Norteño DVD doesn't help...but that's another thread ) audio, info, maintenance, etc...every other screen works as advertised.


Could be I just don't know where the smarts of the system are located.


Anyway, I'll look around for the "how to" thread about getting the NAV panel open and take a look at the connections as a first step.


I just tossed it out in case I was missing something and the solution was something easy like a fuse *L* (hey, gotta try to be optimistic, no?)

mrblister

I meant that there may be some issue with the screen softwear for that one function. Loose wire could be issue

TallCowboy

OK, thanks. I was hoping to post and have someone say "I had that identical problem, you just have to ..." *LOL* But life seldom works that way...guess I need to suck it up and take off the panel and look at the connections.

mrblister

There is a diagnostic you can run that will check your functions Do a search for it here and if you don't find it I will give you details of how to run it when I get home today. It involves flashing the headlights and stepping on the brake etc

TallCowboy

I found this, but it was on a 2nd Gen GS forum, would it be the same for my GX? I will try it out after lunch...


TROUBLE SHOOTING

SELF-DIAGNOSTICS
An Electronic Control Unit (ECU) within A/C-heater control
panel monitors system circuits and stores trouble codes in memory if
problems are detected. All codes, except Codes 22 and 23, are stored
in memory. Malfunction is current if Code 22 or 23 is displayed. To
retrieve stored codes, see RETRIEVING CODES. Codes are displayed at
temperature display. See Fig. 2.
RETRIEVING CODES
1) Simultaneously press and hold AUTO and recirculated air
switches. See Fig. 2. Turn ignition on. All indicators will flash 4
times, at one-second intervals. Tone will sound when indicators flash.
2) A/C system will enter self-diagnostic mode. To end
indicator check, press and release OFF switch. Read codes at
temperature display.
3) If trouble code is displayed, proceed to appropriate
trouble shooting procedure. See DIAGNOSTIC CODE IDENTIFICATION table.
Codes are displayed in ascending order. To slow rate at which codes
are displayed, press fresh air button to change display to step
operation. Each time fresh air button is pressed, display changes by
one step.
4) If tone sounds as code is displayed, problem currently
exists. If tone does not sound as code is displayed, problem occurred
in past and does not presently exist.
Code Diagnosis
00 ................................................ Normal
11 (1) ............. In-Vehicle Temperature Sensor Circuit
12 (2) ................ Ambient Temperature Sensor Circuit
13 ................. Evaporator Temperature Sensor Circuit
14 .................... Coolant Temperature Sensor Circuit
21 (3) .............................. Solar Sensor Circuit
22 (4) .................... Compressor Lock Sensor Circuit
23 (4) ........................... Pressure Switch Circuit
31 .................. Air Mix Door Position Sensor Circuit
32 ................ Air Inlet Door Position Sensor Circuit
33 ............... Air Outlet Door Position Sensor Circuit
41 ....................... Air Mix Door Servomotor Circuit
42 ..................... Air Inlet Door Servomotor Circuit
43 .................... Air Outlet Door Servomotor Circuit
(1) - If in-vehicle temperature is -4 F (-20 C) or less,
Code 11 may set even though system is normal.
(2) - If outside air temperature is -58 F (-50 C) or less,
Code 12 may occur set though system is normal.
(3) - If testing is done in a dark area, Code 21 may set
even though system is normal. Shine a light at solar
sensor and recheck codes.
(4) - Malfunction is current. Code is not stored in memory.

ACTUATOR CHECK
1) Perform step 1) of RETRIEVING CODES. When system enters
self-diagnostic mode, press recirculated air button. Each mode door,
motor, and relay will operate at one-second intervals. Press fresh air
button to display codes one at a time, and perform step-by-step
actuator check.
2) Check airflow and temperature by hand. Tone will sound
each time display code changes. Each display code is associated with a
system operating condition. See Fig. 3 or 4. Press OFF button to
cancel actuator check mode.