2004 RX330 - over-aggressive A/C?
#1
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2004 RX330 - over-aggressive A/C?
Greetings,
During the summer when the A/C is running, there are many times when the air coming out of the vents is too cold. A perfect example was last August.
- heavy overcast, 17 deg C outside, moderate rain
- highway driving
- climate control set to 25 deg C
The air coming out of the vents was cold enough that I had to press the A/C button to disable the A/C system (non-NAV equipped). This improved the temperature of the air at the vents.
This behaviour has been observed also on hot, sunny days and other people in my vehicle have commented on the cold air as well.
The local Ottawa dealer indicated that the A/C was on because of the humidity, and I have no issues with that. My issue is with the temperature of the air coming out of the vent. I have owned other vehicles with auto climate control and conditioned air coming out of the vents has never been really cold unless I deliberately set the temperature low.
Most of the time, the air coming out of the vents is OK temperature-wise, but I have not been able to come up with a set of conditions that trigger this behaviour. My factory warranty is up in June so I would like to get this taken care of before then.
Has anyone else observed such behaviour? What, if anything, was your dealer able to do to fix it?
Cheers,
Scott
During the summer when the A/C is running, there are many times when the air coming out of the vents is too cold. A perfect example was last August.
- heavy overcast, 17 deg C outside, moderate rain
- highway driving
- climate control set to 25 deg C
The air coming out of the vents was cold enough that I had to press the A/C button to disable the A/C system (non-NAV equipped). This improved the temperature of the air at the vents.
This behaviour has been observed also on hot, sunny days and other people in my vehicle have commented on the cold air as well.
The local Ottawa dealer indicated that the A/C was on because of the humidity, and I have no issues with that. My issue is with the temperature of the air coming out of the vent. I have owned other vehicles with auto climate control and conditioned air coming out of the vents has never been really cold unless I deliberately set the temperature low.
Most of the time, the air coming out of the vents is OK temperature-wise, but I have not been able to come up with a set of conditions that trigger this behaviour. My factory warranty is up in June so I would like to get this taken care of before then.
Has anyone else observed such behaviour? What, if anything, was your dealer able to do to fix it?
Cheers,
Scott
#2
Moderator
Here is a possible explanation ... (it may or may not apply in your case).
We all agree that cars run A/C to remove moisture in the cabin air. To heat you need the coolant to warm up. So when you start the engine it takes about 5 minutes (in central Texas) winter to get the coolant in the block to heat up. If you keep the system in Auto, you would notice that the blower gradually gains speed gradually. During this warm up time, the A/C is functioning with all its might and the air out of the vents will be cold.
Salim
We all agree that cars run A/C to remove moisture in the cabin air. To heat you need the coolant to warm up. So when you start the engine it takes about 5 minutes (in central Texas) winter to get the coolant in the block to heat up. If you keep the system in Auto, you would notice that the blower gradually gains speed gradually. During this warm up time, the A/C is functioning with all its might and the air out of the vents will be cold.
Salim
#3
You could always just kick the temp setting up a few degrees for a while. This will reduce the airflow and raise the temp of the air somewhat as it leaves the vent. You can also divert the air away from your body with the vent adjustments if it is too annoying. You can also go into the climate control screen and adjust the settiungs to reduce the fan speed and which vents the air is sent through.
I do notice the temp of the air is quite cold initially on my 04 RX330 but the above works for me.
I do notice the temp of the air is quite cold initially on my 04 RX330 but the above works for me.
#5
Lexus Champion
maybe the temp inside the cabin was higher than 25c/77f at the time, or you could have a interior temp sensor problem. if all the sensors are working properly, then why not just turn the temp up on your control unit? then the air wont be so cold coming out. just like a house thermostat, if it's too cold inside, turn the temp up.
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#8
Lexus Test Driver
damn metric system. so 25C is something like 77 right? if the temp is set that high and it's still cranking really cold air, after allowing for cold air in the vents during winter, i would think it's the thermostat or some climate sensor that's going bad. trouble is of course until it goes completely out the dealer can't fix it if it's not happening when you are there.
#9
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I remember when I had my RX330, driving by myself, I always had the A/C set a 75-degrees, which was perfect. If I had someone in the front passenger seat, the a/c blew stronger & cooler... I'd have to up the temp to 77-degrees to be comfy.
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