jharris400

Sorry your car is not loaded unless it is the ultra luxury version, all others are well equipped unless base model.

The dealer is overcharging you by a long shot, the same compressor REMAN from rock auto is less than $300 with clutch (the dealer wanted to sell that seperately). As everyone else has said you need to see an independant shop, preferably a specialist, that LS is very clean and should be fixed but don't get robbed.

Also who said it's the compressor? Is the dealer just guessing what the problem is? 105k miles shouldn't be a problem for the compressor I'd suspect a leak not damaged compressor.

RushNatU

If its low on refrigerant, the compressor will not turn on. Have they tested it with 12v directly to it? If theres a leak somewhere, that is what needs fixed.

Dont let the dealer take you for that much cash. Find an ac shop as already stated.

Bob_fromLA

No real problem with our Lexus LS 430, but 6 months ago I did put a couple of ounces of R-134 in to clear some bubbles in the sight glass. Not bad leakage for 13 years! On our other car and truck, both had leaking fill valves that shops normally do not find or replace. I bought a set of gauges and a vac pump for the cost of one diagnostic trip to a shop.

Margate330

Absolutely!
Can get a nice electric Robinaire vac pump(no compressor needed) on ebay for less than $200 new.
I got my first Robinaire on a tool truck in 1990 and paid $350(and made weekly payments on it) and they are dirt cheap now so no reason not to DIY anymore with youtube videos for help.
PS- I wouldn't fool around with a used one unless you know it works because they take a beating.

Trilkb

I do all my own ac work. First I would check the shreader valve for psi, low side, high side either is fine, to tell you if the system is all leaked out or not, just pop it with a screwdriver. Then from there you buy an AC guage set and a air operated vacuum pump and air compressor, if you dont own all that like I do. Throw the gauges on it, see what its doing. Then Id find the AC pump and check to see if its spinning or not (most likely not in your case). If psi is reading right and AC condensor is not cycling on and off Id start the process of tearing it down. People say to get the freon vac'd out of it professionally, I say screw that. Those small freon charge cans that people buy at autozone go into cars with leaks, and guess where it goes when it leaks? atmosphere! Anyways Get the compressor off, new one on, new seals, vac the system down for 5-10 minutes (need air compressor and vac pump for that), then throw the PAG oil in the line, hook up the new can of r134a and let it fly.

BUUUUT, Ive done 3 ac system repairs and im not scared to tear a car apart since I have others I drive. for those 3 cars Im still under $1000, including parts other than just the a/c compressor.

Acura RSX the entire front end had to come off, bumper, radiator, headlight, it sucked. The ls430 I beleive is a lot easier, Trying to remember from the timing belt service if you remove a bolt for the ac compressor or alternator.