Expert: Candido Figueroa - 1/23/2010

Question

Hello, George

You are asking the following question to the Cars Experts...
hi there. my 2000 lexus rx 300 drives well but recently shows strange problem with the heater. left (driver) side blows much colder air than the right side, and even right side does not warm up air enough, although considerably warmer than the left side. in a cold winter day it is freezing in there at least at the first part of the ride. The rear does not get warm almost at all. Took to Lexus dealer, they said "it looked like motor needs replacement but they were not sure", "too much needs to be disassembled to see for sure". spending $800 while they are not sure looks silly to me. what do you think  

Answer
HI George


It does sound like the actuator motor is the problem.  I would first try and reset the actuators.  Disconnect and reconnect your battery let the system reset itself.  Try that if you do not want to take it to the dealer.  Let me know if it works.