Lexus RX (RX 350L, RX450h) 2016-2024 Repair Manual: Replacement

REPLACEMENT

PROCEDURE

1. RECOVER REFRIGERANT FROM REFRIGERATION SYSTEM

(a) Start the engine.

(b) Operate the compressor under the following conditions:

This causes most of the compressor oil from the various components of the A/C system to collect in the compressor.

HINT:

It is not necessary to operate the compressor if the A/C does not operate because of compressor lock, etc.

(c) Stop the engine.

(d) Recover the refrigerant from the A/C system using a refrigerant recovery unit.

HINT:

Use the refrigerant recovery unit in accordance with the manufacturer's instruction manual.

2. CHARGE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM WITH REFRIGERANT

HINT:

Charge refrigerant in accordance with the equipment manual.

(a) Perform vacuum purging using a vacuum pump or appropriate equipment.

NOTICE:

Be sure to use a refrigerant recovery unit that is compatible with HFO-1234yf (R1234yf) systems.

(b) Charge the air conditioning system with refrigerant.

Refrigerant Type:

HFO-1234yf (R1234yf)

Standard Charge Amount:

w/o Rear Air Conditioning System

610 to 670 g (21.5 to 23.6 oz)

w/ Rear Air Conditioning System

780 to 840 g (27.5 to 29.6 oz)

HINT:

Ensure that sufficient refrigerant is available to recharge the system when using a refrigerant recovery unit. Refrigerant recovery units are not always able to recover 100% of the refrigerant from an air conditioning system.

3. WARM UP ENGINE

(a) Keep the A/C switch on for at least 2 minutes to warm up the compressor.

NOTICE:

To prevent damage to the compressor, be sure to warm up the compressor when turning the air conditioning on after removing and installing any air conditioning system lines (including the compressor).

4. INSPECT FOR REFRIGERANT LEAK

(a) After recharging the air conditioning system with refrigerant, inspect for refrigerant leaks using a gas leak detector.

HINT:

Be sure to use a gas leak detector that is compatible with HFO-1234yf (R1234yf) systems.

(b) Carry out the test under the following conditions:

(c) Using a gas leak detector, inspect for refrigerant leaks from the air conditioning system.

*a Inspect for leak *b Gas Leak Detector

(d) Bring the gas leak detector close to the drain cooler hose with the detector power off, and then turn the detector on. HINT: After the blower motor has stopped, leave the cooling unit for more than 15 minutes. Bring the gas leak detector sensor under the drain cooler hose. When bringing the gas leak detector close to the drain cooler hose, make sure that the gas leak detector does not react to volatile gases. If it is not possible to avoid interference from volatile gases, the vehicle should be lifted up to allow checking for leaks.

*1 Drain Cooler Hose *a Gas Leak Detector

(e) If a refrigerant leak is not detected from the drain cooler hose, remove the blower motor control from the cooling unit. Insert the gas leak detector sensor into the unit and check for leaks.

(f) Disconnect the pressure sensor connector and leave it for approximately 20 minutes. Bring the gas leak detector close to the pressure sensor and check for leaks.

HINT:

When checking for leaks, the presence of oily dirt at a joint can indicate a leak.