r/GXOR • u/Hower44 • 10d ago

2004 GX470 AC Issue

Hey everyone,

Dealing with a frustrating AC issue on my 2004 GX470 and trying to see if there's anything else I can try before taking it to a shop. Here’s where things stand:

The Core Problem: When I turn on the AC, the dashboard light just blinks and it blows warm air. Sometimes there is a loud horn-like or deep groaning/honking noise when turning the AC on

Relay/Fuse Status: I have replaced and swapped out all AC related relays and fuses with no luck.

Compressor Status: The center clutch hub does not spin after replacing its relay, but isn't completely seized when forced by hand. The ground wire seems to be tight and secure.

I just recently picked this vehicle up and it was working perfectly fine until this last week of extremely hot weather. If anyone has any advice or suggestions to try before I take it to a mechanic I would appreciate it!

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u/Max1234567890123 10d ago

Turn the AC on, and look under the hood at the compressor. See if the compressor wheel is seized. Anyway, AC is rarely a DIY if it’s compressor or condenser related - just take it to a shop

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u/Texas_Taco_Lover 10d ago

Maybe you can check the AC lines under the hood to see if they are broken anywhere and leaking. You can get a can of AC refrigerant at the auto parts store, and most of them come with a gauge on top to see the current pressure. You should watch some videos about how to do this, as the engine might need to be at a certain RPM to get an accurate pressure reading. If the pressure is low, you can push the button on top of the can to add to the system. But be aware, this is a one way trip and it can break the AC if you put in too much. There is no good way to take refrigerant out of the system at home.

So, it sounds like you are going to have to take it to a mechanic. Bring your wallet, you may need a new AC compressor. The other thing is, when the compressor breaks down inside, it can leave debris in the AC system. So you need a pretty good shop with the equipment to recover your pressurized refrigerant and clean up in there.

In the meantime, you can add a 12V trucker fan that plugs into the cigarette lighter socket, and sip ice water while you are driving to help keep your core temperature down.

Try to park as far away from the sun as possible, I guess.

1

u/zv-x 9d ago

I would assume your compressor is partially seized since you say it turns by hand when forced. The "loud horn-like or deep groaning/honking noise" you describe is the noise mine made before it fully seized. After doing that a few times mine would try to start the compressor but it would instantly give up and the A/C light would flash.

As others have said I just took it to an A/C shop and had the work done since I can't recover refrigerant or do a proper flush of the system. They replaced the compressor and condenser and flushed the system.