eightch365

Hi this is my first Lexus, 2004 RX330 4wd. I just bought it from a private seller. The AC just went out right after purchase; the seller is not responding. The AC button is flashing. It was working during test-drive.

I read on another thread that this is a AC amplifier problem; CL user Rainbird posted a TSB, but that was for a 2007 rx350. Will that part work on a rx330 and fix my problem (the upgraded Air Conditioner Amplifier Assembly, Part #88650-0E02)?

i went on nhtsa.gov to find a TSB for 2004,2005,2006 rx330 but didn’t come up with anything.

Please advise on how I can fix this I’d really appreciate it.

Felix

Never heard that ''amplifier''....Really sounds like a a/c magnetic clutch relay, or possibly the a/c refrigerant is either to low or to high a pressure as thats a feature to protect the compressor.

eightch365

thx for the response. According to videos and other threads I’ve read the rx330 does not have magnetic clutch relay. This is the TSB I’m referring to posted by CL member Rainbird:

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/att...b-ac-light.pdf

Margate330

Welcome to Club Lexus, glad you're here.

For doing any DIY AC work I awlays recommend having a proper set of gauges and checking pressures on both High & Low side as a place to start before doing anything and thinking about "what if's".

Harbor frieght is your friend if you need fast but IMO flying blind doing any AC troubleshooting.

eightch365

Thank you for the response/advice. I set an appt with a mechanic tomorrow, hopefully I can get this figured out.

I am surprised there aren’t more threads/postings about this issue I thought this was a common issue if Lexus put out a TSB for it.

Margate330

It may be because the official Lexus repair manual tends to leave out a few details about our AC systems from my experience.
In theory see Felix's post above- AC clutch issues- but other wierd things happen that can trigger that blinking AC light.
Happened to me once on a hot and rainy day and I suspect the AC belt may have slipped a tiny amount that was undetectable to me but the AC Amplifier knew it and flashed a light.
Only time it ever happened and it wasn't persistent.

This is why I recommend to always check the refrigerant charge first and verify compressor is running before chasing down anything electrical on our cars.

-> note- AC amplifier is just a fancy name for a small electronic module that controls most of the features of the AC system and is about the side of a pack of ciggs. It lives above the glovebox- very easy to DIY replace and they can fail and also throw this blinking light but it's a false alarm. Ebay is your friend if replacement is needed, dirt cheap.

PS- since there is no threads on this you can come back and post your fix and tell us all about it if ya want for others who may find your info valuable in the future.

eightch365

thx for the input. I’ll make sure the mechanic checks the refrigerant charge and verify compressor is running at the appt tomorrow. The ac amplifier is $120 on eBay, not bad.

Margate330

+1 for Felix cuz he was hovering right around what I suspect to be a common issue for blinking light.

Felix

Thanx Phil, as thats what, I found on the vehicle I ended up going with, the a/c didn't work...I had a choice of a few 7-8 gen2's from the dealer. A quick hooking up the gauges told, so put a vacuum on it & it ended up needing a charge & its been great for a few yrs now.....