MyRX

I purchased a 99 RX several months ago and only started to use the air con. recently as the weather improved. When I turn on the air con. I notice a "hiss" coming from the driver side vent, the one closest to the door. It comes on intermittently but does not go away. I mentioned this to the dealer and they said that this is normal. They explained that what I'm hearing is just a valve and this is normal. Does anyone have this noise? It seems unacceptable for a Lexus to have such a noisy air con unit. I've owned Hondas, Toyotas and BMWs and I've never complained about the air con. unit. Should I take my car to another dealer and get a second opinion? In addition, my car has been in a front-end accident and the dealer said that it is a possibility that this noise is a result of the accident. If it is, then warranty will not cover it.
I don't understand, first they tell me that the noise is normal but then they say it could have something to do with the accident. Should I seriously consider taking my business to anther dealer?

RX300-BV

A second opinion never hurts.

ederny

I would might go elsewhere on this one for an opinion, but your dealer will probably look for more excuses rather than spend time looking for the problem. The hissing noise is not right. I would lean toward the accident analysis. Also check the condition of the air filter. If it has come apart over the years there could be a piece of paper or other debris in the duct. This is not easy to fix because there is come searching to be done.

If I was to look for it, I would take a 3' piece of plastic hose and while listening to one end with an ear (holding it about a 1/2 inch from the ear) I would search down the duct from the register where you hear the sound to see if it near the register or a good ways down the duct (telling us there is internal work to be done (near a valve flap, etc.).

Good luck.

parula

That sound does not appear normal to me and I have not had it on a '99 or '03.

I would have them fix it.

HowieNJ

I get it all the time now just as the weather turned warmer. Just hit 9,000 miles. Was planning to have it checked at the 10K service

parula

Howie, let us know what the problem is.

HowieNJ

made a quick call to Ray Catena service to ask about this. They said nothing to worry about but it should definitely be looked at. Will have it in for 10K service by end of June. Will let you know.

doug_999

Let us know what you find. My wife's 2000 RX300 does the same thing. I did not notice it until this year however. Warranty is up in 5K miles.

BTW, I believe it is the compresser cycling on and off.

HowieNJ

Just got the RX out of the shop. Left it there overnight and was given the same vehicle as a loaner.

The conclusion on the hissing is:
**inspected found noise customer is hearing is the expansion vavle operating, normal noise.


Btw the loaner made the exact same sound so I accept what they say.

The total cost for the 10K service at Ray Catena, Oakhurst NJ was 132.77 which included them using my supplied 5 qts of Mobil One. They also inspected the K&N air filter, left it alone and said it was fine.....

parula

Howie, hope you got a nice wash for your $140 oil change minus the oil and tire rotation!

HowieNJ

the car wash rocked although it was raining and he vaccuming was superb. On a good note, they did rotate the tires

parula

Ya can't beat Lexus service value can you?