Can you bypass the low pressure switch on an air conditioner?
NEVER try to bypass the low pressure switch. Doing so will force the compressor to run with inadequate oil and can destroy the compressor. Theoretically, if an air conditioning system is low enough on refrigerant to disengage the compressor clutch, it’s too low to be recharged with a DIY kit.
What causes an AC compressor to not engage?
If the clutch doesn’t engage, the problem could be a blown fuse, an open in the wire to the clutch coil, a bad clutch coil, a poor ground, or a low pressure lockout. AC compressor clutches receive power in a number of ways. They can activate through a relay that’s energized directly by a proper condition of the low and high pressure switches.
What should I do if my compressor clutch is not working?
If you’re not getting battery voltage, pull the compressor clutch relay and check for power and ground on the relay control coil terminals in the socket. Wiring varies by make, model, and year. Some car makers trigger the relay control coil ground through the PCM or ECM.
Why does my air conditioner not pump refrigerant?
When power energizes the clutch coil, the magnetic field pulls the clutch in to engage the compressor shaft. If the clutch doesn’t engage, the air conditioning compressor can’t pump refrigerant. So start your diagnosis by determining if the compressor clutch works. Turn the air conditioning controls to MAX AC and start the engine.
Can a low pressure switch cause a compressor to go off?
Put the AC on MAX before checking the compressor. Before starting the next step of diagnosis, you should know that a low-pressure switch can create problems with the compressor clutch’s relay in some car models. The system’s computer keeps the relay grounded but it can go on and off due to the bad switch.
Where is the pressure switch on an air conditioner?
The AC pressure switch іѕ a ѕаfеtу ѕwіtсh thаt monitors the рrеѕѕurе оf thе refrigerant on the high and low-pressure sides on your air conditioning system. So, you do often have two different AC refrigerant pressure switches on your car; one on the low-pressure side before the AC compressor and one on the high-pressure side after the AC Compressor.
If the clutch doesn’t engage, the problem could be a blown fuse, an open in the wire to the clutch coil, a bad clutch coil, a poor ground, or a low pressure lockout. AC compressor clutches receive power in a number of ways. They can activate through a relay that’s energized directly by a proper condition of the low and high pressure switches.
How can I tell if my air conditioner pressure switch is bad?
The first sign that the air conditioning pressure switch is bad is when the system shuts off intermittently. This shouldn’t happen with the windows wide open. Pop the hood and look for the condenser. It is a grille-shaped or block component that connects to the compressor with tubes and hoses.