Here are 4 Signs Your AC Pressure Switch is Not Working Well (Higher or Lower)
When the weather gets hot, you want to know that your car’s air conditioning will run the way it should. It can be difficult for your car to cool down if the AC pressure switch is not working properly.
This guide will help you identify the problem and show you how to fix it. This guide will help you find the location and show how to replace it.
Some of these symptoms may be easier to identify than others. You might also find some AC system trouble codes that can help guide you. Let’s take a look at the most common signs first.
Four Bad AC Pressure Switch Signs
Non-functioning AC condition in your vehicle is one of the main symptoms that a poor AC pressure switch causes. The vents may be blown by warm air.
A bad or defective AC Pressure Switch is one of the most obvious signs.
To find out how to solve the problem, let’s take a look at a more detailed list of the most common symptoms of a bad AC pressure switch.
Intermittent air conditioning
There are many possible signs and symptoms that could indicate an AC problem. The system might cut out after a brief time, or it may start up briefly. It might not work all the time, or it may only occasionally be functional.
Either way, when the air conditioning only offers intermittent usage, it’s a good sign that the AC pressure switch is faulty. The switch must be replaced in order for the air conditioner to become more comfortable.
Related: 9 reasons why your car's air conditioner is not blowing cold air
The Air Conditioner Stops Working
What’s worse than the air conditioning working intermittently? You might be surprised if your AC stops functioning at all. If your AC doesn’t run, the refrigerant pressure switch sensor might be defective.
The air conditioning system is made up of many different components, which means that your problem might be completely different.
It's warm air that blows
The air conditioner should be able to blow cold air out when it is turned on. Warm air may be what you receive if the AC pressure switch fails.
Low refrigerant levels can also cause this problem, and should be monitored regularly.
Strange Air Conditioning System Noises
The compressor clicking on and off can cause strange sound effects. It will sound like the clicking occurring when the compressor normally activates, except the air won’t work.
You will hear clicking sounds that indicate the compressor is turned on and off.
Related: Six Signs That Your AC Compressor Is Not Working
AC Pressure Switch Position
You will find both the AC pressure switches on each side of your AC unit. One switch will be on the high-side and one on the low-side.
You will find the AC compressor's low-pressure side-switch before it. While the AC compressor's high-pressure side-switch is after it,
While most AC pressure switches will be located in the engine compartment of an automobile, there are some that can be placed elsewhere. The correct location will be shown in the service manual.
Operation of the AC Pressure Switch
It is responsible for providing a safety monitoring system over the AC pressure switch. The AC pressure switch monitors refrigerant levels in the AC unit's low- and highpressure side.
That’s why you have two separate AC pressure switches on your vehicle. One is for monitoring the high-pressure sides, the other for evaluating low-pressure ones.
This low-pressure switch makes sure that your pressure doesn't drop below a certain point. When a leak happens, this is the problem. The compressor can be damaged if it pumps refrigerant at an insufficient pressure. This will result in higher repair costs.
High-pressure AC switches monitor any system blockages that could lead to increased pressure. The system could explode if pressure rises too much. That’s why the switch tells the system to shut off power to the air conditioning, so no more pressure builds up.
Both of these switches are safety sensors. They protect your AC system and you, as well as you, from potential danger.
How to test an AC pressure switch
If you have some basic mechanical knowledge, you can follow these AC pressure switch diagnostic steps to figure out what’s going on.
1. Switch on Air Conditioning
Turn on your air conditioner at maximum speed while the engine is running. Make sure you have the windows open, so the air doesn’t cycle itself.
When the AC compressor pressure switch stops working, this is the first indication that it's bad. This shouldn’t happen with the windows wide open.
2. The Condenser tubes are a delight to touch!
Look under the hood for the condenser. This is either a block-shaped grille or component. It connects with the compressor via tubes and hoses. The belt is also included.
The condenser should feel the tubes moving toward the firewall. These tubes should be cool to the touch, as refrigerant needs to flow through them.
If one of the tubes doesn’t feel cold, there is no refrigerant moving through the line.
RELATED : 5 Signs that a Car A/C condenser is Bad
3. Make sure your air conditioner is running at maximum pressure
To check that both the air conditioner and heating units are operating at adequate levels, use your gauge. The low-pressure gauge will be attached to the lowpressure fitting.
Low-pressure readings should be around 30 PSI when outside temperature is less than 90 degrees. You should see readings on the high pressure side that is approximately twice the ambient temperature, with an additional 50 PSI.
A system that has low pressures or high pressures is more likely to have a problem.
4. Search for Trouble Codes
To check for DTCs, use the OBDII connector on your vehicle. Once you've fixed the problem, the code scanner will also be useful to erase any codes.
If you don’t have an engine code reader, consider stopping at your local auto parts store, where they might offer the service for free.
5. Check your electrical connections
Test the connection between the electrical harness and the pressure sensor by taking it off. Turn on your key to access the accessory spot.
The multimeter should read between 4.0 to 5.0 volts if the electrical connection is functioning as expected.
AC Pressure Switch Replacment Cost
Average AC pressure switch replacement costs range from $50 to $300 You can expect to spend $20-$100 to buy an AC pressure switch. The labor cost will vary depending on how hard it is to access the sensor.
Commonly Asked Questions
What's the AC pressure control switch?
AC pressure switches monitor high- and low-pressure parts of the air conditioning systems. If either side’s pressure is too high or too low, it will shut down the air conditioning system.
What can you do to bypass the AC pressure switch
It depends on what type of AC push switch your car uses, but if it’s an old two-pin switch, you just have to run a wire between the pins instead of the switch to bypass it. This is dangerous and could cause injury to or permanent damage to your system.
Is the AC pressure switch normally closed or open?
The AC pressure switch’s circuit is normally closed when operating, so if a wire gets damaged or an open circuit, it will switch off the AC system to prevent further damage.
How can you get rid of a pressure switch
You can jump an AC pressure switching by removing an old 2-pin connector. Then, bridge the wires between the connector's pins to make it work. This should be done only if you're familiar with the wiring and have an understanding of what it does. You could endanger your equipment.
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