AC compressor - Lexus CT200h

LeakingLava

Hi guys,

I have just been given quote through my mechanic by Lexus Ireland of €2150 + VAT for an AC compressor. The mechanic (who I do trust), have deemed that my compressor needs replacement to get the AC system fixed as there is a pin that has rotten away completely. I was just wondering if anyone can think of any other options to this as the price is just quite high for me. I was thinking of other sources, or maybe second hand options? What would you guys do in my situation?

Thanks a lot for your time.

EDIT: Car is a 2012 Lexus CT200H

Atlantic Dawn

You would pickup a used one from eBay for about €200, that could be a complete gamble if the fault is a design flaw and likely to hit all of them at some stage, then again it could be fine. I am not sure the level of work involved on that car in the removal and refitting, might be better to go to an AC specialist. I'd imagine Lexus main dealer rates are not far off €150 an hour.

Birka

Find out who made it (probably Denso) and search for it on that way. It was possibly used on Toyotas as well so a bit of research might go a long way.

Alternatively, you could try and source it from somewhere that'll supply a new one with warranty. Google worldcarparts in the UK for example (I can't include links due to lack of posts)

I'm not recommending the company above, its just an example..

sumo12

Is it the electrical connector on the compressor itself that has failed / corroded? Surely can be fixed...? Can you upload a photo of the corrosion / issue?

LeakingLava

Atlantic Dawn wrote: »

You would pickup a used one from eBay for about €200, that could be a complete gamble if the fault is a design flaw and likely to hit all of them at some stage, then again it could be fine. I am not sure the level of work involved on that car in the removal and refitting, might be better to go to an AC specialist. I'd imagine Lexus main dealer rates are not far off €150 an hour.

The garage is not a main dealer and have previously charged my just about 65 an hour for labour. I really trust them as I have gotten MILES better experience with them than Lexus. Servicing cost me less with them than with Lexus main dealer as well.

Birka wrote: »

Find out who made it (probably Denso) and search for it on that way. It was possibly used on Toyotas as well so a bit of research might go a long way.

Alternatively, you could try and source it from somewhere that'll supply a new one with warranty. Google worldcarparts in the UK for example (I can't include links due to lack of posts)

I'm not recommending the company above, its just an example..

I will try find out from the garage. Thank you. I tried to find a source but the prices varied hugely so wasn't sure if I was even looking at the right part at all. I'll try and find a part number if possible.

sumo12 wrote: »

Is it the electrical connector on the compressor itself that has failed / corroded? Surely can be fixed...? Can you upload a photo of the corrosion / issue?

Yes, it is the electrical connector on the compressor itself. The whole pin has essential been eaten up by the connector that connects to the compressor. There isn't any remains on the compressor side at all. All the surrounding metal bits around the connector are heavily corroded with rust and the garage were saying that by legalities, they are not able to open the compressor due to the high voltage nature to try and repair the link between connector and mainboard inside and only Lexus officially are allowed to do so. And because they weren't able to test the compressor itself, they were not suggesting to go to the Lexus dealer for this gamble of a repair because they cost so much and the compressor may or may not even work at all(and again, I probably wouldn't trust them anyway due to previous experience).

LeakingLava

To be honest at the moment, my considerations are, is it worth this repair? The car is currently at 184k miles. I would really like it fixed. I have had no other issues with the car. I've only ever had to do maintenance work on it and no real repairs. Personally leaning over getting it repaired either way, but would like other opinions as well. Thank you guys.

dkd21

This can be repaired by an auto electrician (or even a competent mechanic ) and preferably one that has experience with EV/Hybrid high volt systems. I cant believe they gave you a quote for a new unit ...

LeakingLava

dkd21 wrote: »

This can be repaired by an auto electrician (or even a competent mechanic ) and preferably one that has experience with EV/Hybrid high volt systems. I cant believe they gave you a quote for a new unit ...

Any suggestions for anywhere in Dublin?

kirving

As per the image below, the AC compressor will have a seperate (spade type) connector for the high-voltage battery, and this is just the control circuit, which I would expect to be lower voltage.

The cable side is an easy fix.

Even with the corrosion present on the compressor side, it still may be very fixable. The connector is standard, and even if it had to be desoldered from a PCB, that would be a hell of a lot less than a new €2k unit, but maybe more expensive than a reconditioned/second hand compressor.

LeakingLava

Kevin Irving wrote: »

As per the image below, the AC compressor will have a seperate (spade type) connector for the high-voltage battery, and this is just the control circuit, which I would expect to be lower voltage.

The cable side is an easy fix.

Even with the corrosion present on the compressor side, it still may be very fixable. The connector is standard, and even if it had to be desoldered from a PCB, that would be a hell of a lot less than a new €2k unit, but maybe more expensive than a reconditioned/second hand compressor.

[IMG][/img]

Would you know anyone who would be confident/reputable enough to complete the job? Thanks a lot for the explanation. I would be happy to try out this route. Thank you.

colm_mcm

That’s mental that you’d write off a €2k part because of a corroded pin.

zilog_jones

Looks similar or the same as what's in the 3rd generation Prius, which shares the same powertrain. Unfortunately it is an expensive item, and auto electricians may be reluctant to work on it due to the high voltage nature of the part. It shouldn't be difficult to fix if it is just the connector at fault, the problem is finding someone who'll do the work...

I wonder why there is so much corrosion though? Is it a UK import?

LeakingLava

zilog_jones wrote: »

Looks similar or the same as what's in the 3rd generation Prius, which shares the same powertrain. Unfortunately it is an expensive item, and auto electricians may be reluctant to work on it due to the high voltage nature of the part. It shouldn't be difficult to fix if it is just the connector at fault, the problem is finding someone who'll do the work...

I wonder why there is so much corrosion though? Is it a UK import?

It is a UK import indeed.

I have e-mailed some pictures to auto electricians I found online. Hopefully I get a response soon. Thanks everyone.

LeakingLava

I think the correct compressor model for my car is: Denso DCP51011 or Toyota 88370-76020. I also think that this specific AC compressor is only suitable for CT200H and Prius Plus, not other Prius models. Not sure if that helps.

This may be the right part:

https://www.ebay.ie/itm/DENSO-A-C-Compressor-DCP51011-Air-Conditioning-Part-Genuine-DENSO-OE-Part/181681931378?hash=item2a4d164472:g:SYcAAOSwrklU-H9s

kirving

LeakingLava wrote: »

Would you know anyone who would be confident/reputable enough to complete the job? Thanks a lot for the explanation. I would be happy to try out this route. Thank you.

I don't unfortunately.

My main concern in even taking a look at the state of the PCB, would be that if it's an AC motor, it could have a "start capacity" that wasn't fully discharged. They use an odd type head on the screw for a reason. I've been shocked by one in the past and it's no fun.

That would be a complete non-issue to any competent auto-electrician however.

I'd be inclined to look to the UK, some place like the link below that due to sheer numbers may have more experience in such a repair.

https://automotivecompressor.co.uk/

Wailin

Hamiltons auto electricians in dublin City centre are very good and worth contacting about the issue.

LeakingLava

Wailin wrote: »

Hamiltons auto electricians in dublin City centre are very good and worth contacting about the issue.

Thanks! Already sent an email to them to ask about the situation. One of the first results on Google!

sumo12

I'd be interested to know how you get on OP. Please keep us updated!

zilog_jones

LeakingLava wrote: »

This may be the right part:

https://www.ebay.ie/itm/DENSO-A-C-Compressor-DCP51011-Air-Conditioning-Part-Genuine-DENSO-OE-Part/181681931378?hash=item2a4d164472:g:SYcAAOSwrklU-H9s

Maybe it's the right part, but the picture of a compressor with a belt pulley is very wrong! :eek: Does not inspire confidence in the seller...

LeakingLava

zilog_jones wrote: »

Maybe it's the right part, but the picture of a compressor with a belt pulley is very wrong! :eek: Does not inspire confidence in the seller...

The seller have listed this picture with all of their compressors. I've sent them a message looking for actual pictures. Hoping not to need a new one, but would like to confirm the option either way.

Got a response from an auto electrician today that have said there shouldnt be an issue fixing this. Will try book an appointment with them soon. Hopefully it all works out!

LeakingLava

Just visited the electrician that said he sees no problem getting it fixed. He said it would be a while-you-wait job and it should only be an hour to fix. He had high value cars lined up to get fixed so hopefully is competent. I'm still thinking though, all the other ones i've contacted were hesitant and this guy is like the complete other end of the spectrum. I wonder if he's aware of the hybrid factor? Could he do much damage if he didn't know what he was doing?

Anyway, going in later after he calls me at 1PM with a time to slot me into his workload today. Hope things go well.

colm_mcm

There’s no hybrid factor though. It’s just a piece of wire.

zilog_jones

colm_mcm wrote: »

There’s no hybrid factor though. It’s just a piece of wire.

It's a high voltage device - although the connector in question is probably part of the 12V circuit, there are still high voltage components within which could still be holding a charge (capacitors, etc.). Shouldn't really be a problem for a competent repairman, but it's not something that would traditionally be encountered with car components (the ignition system is a different kind of high voltage ).

LeakingLava

Didn't get called by the company. He did seem busy when I visited, maybe he just couldn't slot me in this afternoon. I'll try to arrange a time with him for next week.

Edit: Called the number on their site and there was no answer either.

LeakingLava

Finally got a schedule from the guy. Looking to go in at 14.30 tomorrow. Hopefully all goes well!

LeakingLava

Went in at 14.30 yesterday but he had to cancel as he got stuck in another job. Went in this morning, he had a look and said he can do it[after a phone call with Lexus/a Lexus expert] but it may take around half a day which I could not commit to as I have work in the afternoon. Scheduled in now for Monday morning.

My fingers have been crossed now for such a long time I may not be able to high-five/handshake anyone properly anymore after this pandemic. :pac::pac::pac::pac:

LeakingLava

The mechanic has repaired the pins, however, he has tested it and there was still no continuity on the line. He said that all the pins were in very similar situation and that they were all falling apart. He actually repaired more than one pin (I think he said 2), but again, still not working.

He said that he can repair it. I was surprised that he said the exact steps that my original mechanic spoke about if I wanted to go with the repair route. That sort of made me confident in this guy's skills straight away. He just couldn't do it at the time as I had to get the car back after the half day and he said he would need it for pretty much a whole day considering the steps involved.

-De-gas
-De-charge? Not the right term, but something about electricity being taken out of the car. I understand the concept, but not all the details
-Take compressor out, work on it
-Re-install compressor
-Re-charge?
-Re-gas

He seemed very knowledgeable about the the hybrid side of things (capacitors that you guys have mentioned) and on a side note, he just replaced a major part of the hybrid system on a Citroen DS5H when I was collecting my car.

So I told him to book me in for the soonest appointment(next week) and so the saga continues. I asked for a rough quote and it costs about the same as a second hand compressor. In my mind at least, it's worth a try. Plus, a big bonus, this guy didn't even charge me for the job yesterday whereas Lexus probably would've charged me €120 an hour just to look under the bonnet! So again, fingers crossed!

Thanks for all your help.

kirving

Glad to hear you've found someone competent to take this on, and also that there are skilled tradespeople in this country willing to do it. All too often parts are scrapped at huge cost for what is a small defect.

LeakingLava

Sadly, the mechanic was unsuccessful in repairing the compressor. He hasn't talked much about it but I think it's to do with too much corrosion inside. He is now trying to source a second hand compressor for me and will ring me with updates.

Crazy thing about it is, he still hasn't charged me for any of the work that he has done so far(1 day and a half).

colm_mcm

Fair play to him. Of course if he misdiagnosed as being repairable and then charged you for 10 hours labour and told you it then wasn’t repairable - that wouldn’t be good either.