The vehicle has been in the family since purchased new. Recently the temperature control buttons on driver and passenger sides have gotten stuck in Max Cool position and will not adjust to a higjhi temperature. The Lexus dealer quoted $2,000 to replace the climate control and the local mechanic quoted a used climate control with no warranty for $695.00. I looked on online and could only find used parts that ranged from $346 - $1500. I asked the Lexus dealership for a part number and they said the control has to be pulled out to obtain the part number. I decided to pull the component out to obtain the part number to verify correct ordering. I found that there are many different part numbers that are slightly different and could not find my exact part number. I decided to dig deeper and see if I could find the actual problem with the control, seeing as the system is still working in Max Cool position, but defrosting the windows has been the problem. I ended up finding small cylindrical shaped pieces of hardened silicone that are positioned in between the external button and the circuit board which we're deteriorated only on the temperature up side for some reason. I made new pieces out of chop sticks on my bench grinder. I replaced all four pieces even though the temperature down pieces were in good shape. The system is working perfectly now. I was taken aback that the dealership wanted to replace the entire climate control because of a few pieces of deteriorated silicone. I would have made the pieces out plastic or teflon if I had the material on hand. Making the pieces took longer than disassembling and reassembling the controls. I hope this information helps someone.

 

Jsmiley, I just bought a 2005 RX330 last night and didn’t realize the temp control buttons (specifically the up arrows) weren’t working until after I drove off with it. I’m planning on taking a road trip at some point in the car and can’t drive anywhere up north in the winter without heat. Because I’m not car savvy I need more directions on how to fix this issue myself instead of going to a dealer to have them quote me for a whole new console. Can you help me with this?