HELP! Huge amount of white particles (dust?) blowing out of A/C vents!
 

Hey

I've got a 2008 Lexus RX350 and recently I've been having an issue with the cooling system. There is an abundant of white particles, similar to dust blowing out of the A/C vents. The particles literally cover the dash, seats, doors, everything!

I brought the car into Richmond Lexus and they gave me an assessment of a $3000 bill (replacement of the evaporator). I searched on google for a resolution but in most cases, it turns out replacing the evaporator is only a temporary solution.

I was wondering if there are any shops that specialize in car a/c cooling systems I could get a second opinion from before I resort to the Lexus dealership because I really can't stand the particles any longer.

Thanks guys

Maybe someone did this?


No, but I'd also find out what exactly the white powder is...are you sure it's not unhealthy to breathe in?

LOL

After scanning the forums, besides smelling a little moldy, it's not an immediate health hazard.

For a 4~5 year old car the core shouldn't be disintegrating...

You can try another lexus dealer just for kicks, and a quick google search revealed these guys: IcyCool Automotive Heating and Air Conditioning

You could always try calling one of the sponsor shops first...speed syndicate maybe?

I agree.

The car has barely been driving having less than 40,000 kms.

I tried google as well but I was looking for one a member has had a positive experience with.

Thanks for all the help though :)

Try calling speed syndicate.

They do very good work and at the very least may be able to recommend you a good shop.

No warranty? Maybe try getting a goodwill repair...3 grand is quite a lot.

I made the initial assumption that Speed Syndicate was tuning shop only lol. I'll definitely give them a call.

Unfortunately I was told by the dealership this repair will not be covered by the warranty.

Again, thanks for the heads up.

i highly doubt your AC evaporator core would have issues this soon... and you'd notice your AC won't be cold if your evaporator core were to fail...

i'd recommend getting a second opinion... maybe try Regency Lexus?

Meh..cars now a days don't surprise me with premature issues.

I'm definitely going to look for a second opinion but I would prefer a shop that specializes with heating/cooling systems. I've brought my car to the dealership before and I was not impressed.

What kind of white substance? It can be as simple as someone tossed some cornstarch into your A/C intake? If you know someone who is in the science faculty at any tertiary education places, get them a sample and get it analyzed as IR spectrograph. If you know the right prof they probably let you do it for free.

Another question is besides the white powder is the AC working, your coolant system is full? It could be a coolant leak too.

It almost looks like white powder, similar texture to sugar particles.

When I searched on google, it's supposedly a chemical reaction occurring and the particles are the end product.

The coolant looks fine, no leaks that I can see and the ground underneath the vehicle is dry.

change ur cabin filter first.

The filter has been changed.

The A/C is still blowing ice cold and the particles don't appear until the temperature really drops.

Thanks though

So it can be attributed to condensation?

I believe so.

I'm going to bring it to Regency tomorrow and see what they say. Regardless of what's wrong, I'm going to pay to get it fixed because it's such a nuisance to deal with.

Today I had the A/C on with the windows open. The driver beside/behind me thought I was sprinkling powder out the window lol.