Lexus LS430 Car surges when air conditioning is on Inspection at your home or office.

Our certified mobile mechanics come to you 7 days a week between 7 AM and 9 PM.

Estimate price near me

Service Location

Customer Ratings

(154)

How A Diagnostic Works

Instantly book a certified mobile mechanic to come to you

Mechanic diagnoses the problem and quotes necessary repairs

Your vehicle is ready to go

Fair, upfront & transparent pricing for all services

Our certified mobile mechanics can come to you now.

Customer Ratings

(154)

Car surges when air conditioning is on Inspection Service

How much does a Car surges when air conditioning is on Inspection cost?

On average, the cost for a Lexus LS430 Car surges when air conditioning is on Inspection is $95 with $0 for parts and $95 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
2005 Lexus LS430V8-4.3LService typeCar surges when air conditioning is on InspectionEstimate$114.99Shop/Dealer Price$132.49 - $145.62
2003 Lexus LS430V8-4.3LService typeCar surges when air conditioning is on InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$112.52 - $125.67
2006 Lexus LS430V8-4.3LService typeCar surges when air conditioning is on InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$112.52 - $125.67
2002 Lexus LS430V8-4.3LService typeCar surges when air conditioning is on InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$112.48 - $125.60
2001 Lexus LS430V8-4.3LService typeCar surges when air conditioning is on InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$112.55 - $125.72
2004 Lexus LS430V8-4.3LService typeCar surges when air conditioning is on InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$112.52 - $125.67
Show example Lexus LS430 Car surges when air conditioning is on Inspection prices

For most of us, turning on the AC on a hot summer day is a relief. Cooled air fills the cabin and you’re able to relax and drive comfortably. However, if your car surges with the AC on, then there’s definitely a problem that needs to be hunted down and repaired.

How this system works:

First, understand that this problem isn’t tied to just one system – it’s a combination of different things. When your AC turns on, it puts a load on the engine (the engine is responsible for turning the compressor, which builds pressure in the system, which allows low-pressure, gaseous refrigerant to be turned into high-pressure liquid and used in your cooling system.

When the engine is put under a load by the AC system, the car’s computer automatically attempts to compensate for that by adjusting the idle. If there is carbon buildup within any part of the system, including the idle air control valve, throttle body, or possibly even the EGR valve, it can cause surging. The car’s computer essentially miscalculates the amount of power necessary, and ends up overshooting, leading to a surging engine.

Any problem with the AC system can also exacerbate this condition. For instance, if the system is low on refrigerant, the compressor will kick on more often, causing the surging to increase in frequency (if not in intensity).

Common reasons for this to happen:

Carbon Buildup: A number of engine components are subject to carbon buildup over time, and this can place a significant load on the engine. When the additional load of your AC compressor is added, it causes the computer to miscalculate and increase idle speed too much. Common sources of carbon buildup include the IAC valve, the EGR valve, and the throttle body.

  • Low Refrigerant in the AC System: If your AC system is low on refrigerant, it will make the compressor cycle on more frequently, increasing the load on your engine.

  • Failing AC Compressor: If your AC compressor is beginning to fail, this can also add to the surging problem.

  • Bad Belt: One often overlooked cause of a car surging with the AC on is actually a worn compressor belt. If the belt is stretched or worn smooth, it can slip during operation. This places significant strain on the engine and the AC system. Replacing the belt often eliminates the surge, and ensures better AC operation.

  • Bad AC Cycling Switch: The AC cycling switch controls the compressor cycling pattern. Over time, it can go bad. When this happens, it will place a significant load on the engine and can lead to surging.

  • Overfilled AC System: While low refrigerant can cause problems with your AC and engine surging, an overfilled system can cause the same problem. Refrigerant must be “just right” or you will experience a number of different problems.

What to expect:

Our professional mobile mechanic will come to your home or office to inspect the engine and the air conditioning system. The mechanic will then provide a detailed inspection report that includes the scope and cost of the necessary repairs.

How it's done:

The mechanic will inspect the AC system, as well as the vehicle’s engine. A test drive may be necessary if the surging only occurs when the car is in drive. The mechanic will check the car’s refrigerant level, as well as other possible causes, such as the AC cycling switch.

How important is this service?

If your engine is surging while the AC is on, it’s a sign that there’s something wrong. Driving without the air conditioner might solve it at least temporarily, but this is only a short-term fix. The actual problem must be addressed. One of our professional mechanics can inspect and diagnose your problem, and then provide a repair that ensures your engine runs smoothly and that your AC system works correctly.

Fast and easy service at your home or office

Backed by 12-month, 12.000-mile guarantee


Meet some of our expert Lexus mechanics

Real customer reviews from Lexus owners like you.

Excellent Rating

(154)

Rating Summary
145
2
1
2
4
145
2
1
2
4

Michael

16 years of experience
606 reviews
Michael
16 years of experience
Lexus LS430 V8-4.3L - Oxygen Sensor Replacement (Front/Upper/Upstream) - Marietta, Georgia
Michael has a very pleasant attitude and is an excellent mechanic who really knows his stuff. My vehicle is as good as new since he repaired it. I am thoroughly impressed and highly recommend his services.

Rodric

14 years of experience
414 reviews
Rodric
14 years of experience
Lexus LS430 V8-4.3L - Alternator Repair - Duluth, Georgia
Came out to my house and did a good job

Robert

27 years of experience
333 reviews
Robert
27 years of experience
Lexus LS430 V8-4.3L - Strut Assembly Replacement (Front, Rear) - Washington, District of Columbia
Punctual, professional, and knowledgeable are what comprise a competent mechanic. Robert replaced all four struts on my vehicle. I worked from home that afternoon, and he completed the work before dinner that evening. Highly recommend.

Jean

25 years of experience
70 reviews
Jean
25 years of experience
Lexus LS430 V8-4.3L - Pre-purchase Car Inspection - Duluth, Georgia
Fantastic experience! Once again, Jean showed up early, was flexible with when & where the pre-purchase inspection was to take place, and was very courteous and professional. He even put up with the mildly racist person I was considering purchasing a car from as the owner looked on during the entire inspection. Jean is very careful and thorough. I would definitely recommend using YourMechanic as a pre-purchase inspection service.

Excellent Rating

(154)

Rating Summary
145
2
1
2
4
145
2
1
2
4
Number of Lexus LS430 services completed
1694+
services done by our mechanics
TOTAL NUMBER OF EXPERT Lexus MECHANICS
1100+
experts on our platform

Recent articles & questions

Symptoms of Bad or Failing Battery Terminal Ends
If you experience problems starting and powering the car or find corrosion on the battery terminals, you may need to replace the terminal ends.
Am I Equipped to Be a Mobile Technician?
Automotive technician jobs provide a rewarding career and becoming a mobile technician can improve your auto mechanic salary.
P2661 OBD-II Trouble Code: B Rocker Arm Actuator Sys Perf or Stuck Off Bank2
P2661 means an electrical issue in the rocker arm actuator control circuit for the exhaust camshaft in bank 2 of the engine.

How do I trigger the panic alarm with the remote keyless entry system?

The panic alarm is an important safety feature. If you signal the alarm, the headlights will flash and an alarm will sound, which draws attention to you if you feel threatened or unsafe. To use the alarm, press and hold...

No spark from spark plugs

If you are not getting a spark from the wires, then there may be a problem with the ignition system, or engine management system. As both systems are electrical, and sometimes highly elaborate in nature, I would recommend having a...

Water pump replacement after coming loose?

Water pumps do NOT get loose on an engine excepting an unusual circumstance where the pump was improperly installed. So, the mechanic might be referring, in your circumstance, to a seized water pump or a situation where the water pump...

How can we help?

Our service team is available 7 days a week, Monday - Friday from 6 AM to 5 PM PST, Saturday - Sunday 7 AM - 4 PM PST.

1 (855) 347-2779 · hi@yourmechanic.com