Air Conditioning Refrigerant Pressure Switch Replacement Cost Estimate

A technician will check the operating pressure in the air conditioning system to make sure it is in the proper range. If the pressure in the system is normal - not too high or too low - the technician will test the pressure switch (often by bypassing the switch and jumping the harness terminals) to determine if it is working - or if problems with the air conditioning system are the result of a different faulty component. For instance, a faulty high pressure switch might prevent the AC condensor fan from working properly, but the problem could also be a malfunctioning fan. A technician must be able to correctly identify whether or not the switch is at fault.

Once a technician has located and diagnosed a faulty pressure switch, replacement is usually straightforward.The electrical plug is disconnected from the end of the switch and the switch is unscrewed from its mount. It is common for the mount to employ a self-closing valve that prevents refrigerant from escaping when the pressure switch is removed. In most cases the refrigerant does not need to be removed (evacuated) from the system. however, it is necessary to have access to vehicle-specific technical information to ensure this is the case.

It is recommended that diagnosis and service to the air conditioning system be left to a professional who has access to specific information relative to the vehicle, and who can perform a comprehensive test of the system to accurately identify the source of the problem. The air conditioning systems on various vehicle makes and models will differ in design. Also, accidental discharge of refrigerant can be quite messy - and it is not lawful for refrigerant to be vented into the atmosphere. Special equipment is used for evacuation , vacuum, and recharging of the air conditioning system., should these operations be necessary.

Prolonged use of the air conditioning system with a faulty pressure switch - one that works intermittently - can lead to significant stress on the AC compressor and a significantly higher repair bill. The air conditioning system should be periodically inspected by a repair professional.

A common problem with DIY repairs of the air conditioning system include over-charging or undercharging with too much or too little refrigerant. An understanding of the relationship between temperature, pressure, refrigerant volume and weight is important for accurate charging of the system. Special gauges are also required. Although it is a fairly straightforward procedure to replace a pressure switch on most vehicles, because improper charging (pressure too high or too low in system) can mimic problems with the pressure switch, diagnosis and repair should be left to a professional.