What is an Air Conditioning Refrigerant Pressure Sensor?
Air conditioning systems function by changing the phase of refrigerant between hot and cold liquid and gas. This allows some portions of the system to remain hot while other portions cool the inside of the vehicle. The system is divided into one high and one low portion, and both sides are pressure monitored by air conditioning refrigerant pressure sensors to protect the system in the event of a failure.
How do Air Conditioning Refrigerant Pressure Sensors work?
On the high side, the high pressure sensor observes pressures to ensure the compressor is creating the needed line pressure to cycle refrigerant through the system, and the low side pressure sensor ensures the high pressure liquid has been converted to a low pressure gas in order to cool the evaporator core. If these sensors read incorrect pressures, they will report it to the control module, which will turn off the air conditioning compressor to prevent failure.
What are the symptoms of a bad Air Conditioning Refrigerant Pressure Sensor?
A malfunctioning high or low pressures sensor will cause the air conditioning compressor to cease function, may cause the air conditioning light to blink, or may allow the air conditioning compressor to run although line pressure is incorrect. Operation of the air conditioner is likely not intermittent, but will fail altogether.
Can I drive with a bad Air Conditioning Refrigerant Pressure Sensor?
There is no necessity to repair the air conditioner immediately. Replacement is based on convenience and comfort alone. In some locations, the heat outside may be sufficient to consider using a vehicle with no air conditioner a health risk for children or seniors, so this would raise safety concerns.