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Aircon Condenser - Replacement Needed


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I have a 2002 IS300 Sportcross. It has done some 80k miles mostly in summer weather. Recently I noticed that the aircon was no longer blowing cold.

I have no Lexus dealer within hundreds of miles, but fortunately I do have a local aircon specialist who looks after the a/c on each of my cars. He checked and tested the system and - surprise surprise - found a leak in the bottom right corner of the aircon condenser in front of the radiator. The cooling fins are a bit corroded, so I'm not sure whether the leak is stone damage or corrosion.

But either way, no option but to replace the condenser. My specialist is going to try to source one from his regular suppliers. But I thought I would also check out alternative options..... So

  • does anyone happen to know the part number?
  • does the condenser for the IS300 differ from the one for the IS200?
  • and (this might be relevant in terms of cost) is it the same part as is used in any Toyota models (eg the Avensis)?
  • any suggestions for sourcing a replacement - either a Lexus dealer who might be willing to package and despatch one, or an alternative supplier?

Any advice and info would be appreciated.

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Quick follow up.... have found OEM part number, it's 8846053010 according to US websites. Original Lexus part made by Denso, part no 4770573. Available from the US, but shipping adds cost. Just need to find a supplier in UK.

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Thanks, Phil, for that suggestion.

In fact I've been browsing online since I posted my message, and I think I may have found a good source. A company called Auto Aircon Parts, which is linked to an aircon-maintenance firm called CoolCar. They are based in the Birmingham area, and they can supply a condenser for an IS300 .... and, it seems, for almost any vehicle. Good price, too, and 2-year warranty. Details at http://www.autoairconparts.co.uk/shopby?find=lexus-is-300-2002-3-petrol-manual-automatic-2048945.

I'm talking to my local aircon mechanic about whether he or I should order the condenser.

I post the details up here in case the information is helpful to anyone else who might need a condenser or indeed any other aircon parts.

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My air con condenser, like the radiator I've just replaced, has crumbling fins at the bottom, and although it may not leak it must affect the performance. Considering the relatively small cost, I may consider replacing mine in due course. How much are they quoting for yours if you don't mind me asking?

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According to their website (see the link I posted in previous message) the price for an IS300 condenser is £80.57 inc VAT, with free delivery. Seems pretty good when US suppliers and the well-known auction site list prices in the USD 150-300 region with delivery on top..... and i haven't dared to ask what a Lexus dealer would charge!

That said, I see you have an LS430. I have tried searching the site and it looks as if they don't have a condenser for that from stock - so you'd have to contact them.

On the technical point, crumbling fins are not, in themselves, a problem so long as the actual condenser "tubes" are sound. I believe the a/c fluid will still cool and condense effectively. The key point is to ensure the system is correctly charged and running at the right pressure to make the compressor cycle. Because the molecules of the a/c fluid (R134a or whatever) are very tiny, the slightest leak anywhere will result in loss of liquid and thus loss of efficiency. A larger leak will quickly result in no a/c at all. A competent a/c technician should test your system for leaks before any recharge. I'd get your system checked before shelling out on a new condenser... on the principle that if it ain't broke, don't fix it!

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According to their website (see the link I posted in previous message) the price for an IS300 condenser is £80.57 inc VAT, with free delivery. Seems pretty good when US suppliers and the well-known auction site list prices in the USD 150-300 region with delivery on top..... and i haven't dared to ask what a Lexus dealer would charge!

That said, I see you have an LS430. I have tried searching the site and it looks as if they don't have a condenser for that from stock - so you'd have to contact them.

On the technical point, crumbling fins are not, in themselves, a problem so long as the actual condenser "tubes" are sound. I believe the a/c fluid will still cool and condense effectively. The key point is to ensure the system is correctly charged and running at the right pressure to make the compressor cycle. Because the molecules of the a/c fluid (R134a or whatever) are very tiny, the slightest leak anywhere will result in loss of liquid and thus loss of efficiency. A larger leak will quickly result in no a/c at all. A competent a/c technician should test your system for leaks before any recharge. I'd get your system checked before shelling out on a new condenser... on the principle that if it ain't broke, don't fix it!

That's fair comment. My AC seems to be working fine now so I'll just keep it as it is. The price for yours is very good.

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