Freon Leak 1992 lexus ls 400

Could be leaking at the evap core or condenser

The most common problem is low Freon levels. There is a low pressure switch which can be bypassed for testing, to see if the compressor clutch will engage or not.
You will need a pressure gauge later on, and some refill cans have built in gauges which come with them. The better way to do this is using proper gauges called "Manifold" gauges. Some may be borrowed from major autoparts stores.
The rule of thumb is that the system should not be contaminated with outside air containing moisture. A low pressure condition may be Restored by adding Freon with leak stop. But an empty system needs to be Vacuum pumped to eliminate moisture. A badly drained system may need compressor oil too.
Leak stop can help some systems, especially if the leak is on the low pressure side. There are gauges called sniffers, which can detect a leak. There are also chemical leak detectors for about $20 having ultraviolet light and glowing detector dye.
While this all may sound vague, it amounts to having a small leak that can be helped with leak stop and catching the problem before the system is completely drained. Every case is different.
Figure that you do not know when the leak started. If it was 5 years ago to run empty is different than 5 weeks or 5 days to lose all the Freon. The smaller the leak, the better chance that stop leak will repair it.
There are some CD's at Autoparts stores which will explain the repair process.
Also take into account that some techniques discussed in earlier times used $3 cans of Freon for testing. Today each can costs $7 to $17 and a car uses 3 or more cans for a refill.
So bypass the low pressure switch with a wire loop, then use leak detector with a leak stop before topping off the system. Look for leaks. If none are found, use the gauges and add Freon.
If you suspect the Low pressure switch is bad, then it is easily replaced without discharging the system.
I hope my info helps you.

The first thing to check would be the compressor, check all fuses and see if compressor is running.

i can tell you that most air bag systems develop a leak in the bags and the problem is not fixed inturn the air compressor runs so much to fill leaking bags that it over heats and destroys the compressor. most of the time the compressor fuse will blow, so check fuses first and then compressor. I have never seen a 1992 lexus with air bags.

you remove the compressor and exchange it for a rebuilt one, many companies rebuild them. then you install the rebuilt one and have a shop which does A/C work recharge the whole system.

there is a radiator type condensor in front of the radiator see this for leaks and there is a radiator type called condensor in the dashboard covered with plastic cover that can also leak as your car is an old model

This job requires special tools and special training. If you lack either, you risk SERIOUS personal injury. Injury comes VERY EASILY!

You need to address oil levels, proper and legal refrigerant recovery, system evacuation, and recharge.

You were planning to also replace the receiver/dryer, correct? It also needs the oil in it measured and incorporated into the amount of oil (in %) that would need to be added. FAILURE to address these and other issues will guarantee premature system failure and likely compressor damage.

Take this job to a qualified shop.

Sorry

Normally due to low freon. Also, notice if the a/c compressor clutch engages, as it will not if the freon is low.

the compressor has two hses coming out of it and one of the hoses/lines will go towads the radiator to the condeser the other will go towards the firewall,,under windshield ,this is the one with the low side service port it will be the small port on the larger line/hose the other one is a large port on a small liquid line/hose,,,,the small port is the one u will need to hiook up to ,on the large line/hose

1/ the belt may need to be tightened to turn the clutch on the compressure.2/you may need to check your freon,it may be to low to push the compresser.3/you may have a small leak in 1 of your lines.check all those 1'st.hoped this helped.

Hello;
You probably have a minor leak in your system. It is probably a little low on R134a refrigerant. Have it leak tested and charged and you will be fine.
Thanks;
Rich
RPM Northwest