A/C pressure switch

[ravenation]

Anyone ever had to replace one.?

96 ext. cab 2.3 ltr.

 

[The_Epsicle]

Can't say that I have, I'm getting ready to do some A/C work though so you never know. Why do you think you need to replace the pressure switch, is the clutch not engaging? If it isn't you might be low on R134A so check before you replace any parts.

EDIT: In my head I was thinking you meant the Relay... If you're thinking the pressure switch already then you probably have a good reason for thinking so and this post proves mostly useless...

 

[ravenation]

I can go directly from the battery and force the clutch to engage with 12 volts. I only have a gage for the low side, and it shows 35 lbs.

 

[The_Epsicle]

I can go directly from the battery and force the clutch to engage with 12 volts. I only have a gage for the low side, and it shows 35 lbs.

I'd test the relay, and check the connector for the pressure switch just to rule those out. Are you wondering how to replace the pressure switch? If so I think you have to depressurize the system, this has to be done at a shop since knowingly releasing refrigerant into the atmosphere is prohibited by the Clean Air Act and carries some pretty nasty penalties for doing so, after doing that I think you just unscrew the old one and screw the new one in. Obviously that is a bit of a pain so I'd make sure you rule out everything else before you replace the switch.

 

[ravenation]

I can't find any relay, or any info on one. No relay in the box under the hood seems to have anything to do with the A/c.
: - (

 

[The_Epsicle]

There should be one, I looked it up and I can buy a replacement A/C relay for a 1996 2.3, although I can't find it's location on the internet, check the guide for the power distribution box, if the relay is missing then that's your problem.

 

[The_Epsicle]

Found these diagrams, hope they help:

Engine compartment, on the left the third relay from the top is the A/C cutoff relay.

cab fuse box, Fuse no. 18 is a 15 amp fuse, says its for the A/C system but I'm not sure exactly what it does. Probably doesn't operate the clutch I'd assume it's a blower motor or something.

 

[ravenation]

Found it.!
The owners manual has it burried under WOT a/c relay. What the WOT means, I don't know.
On the way to advance auto for the 6.99 part now.
Thanks Epsicle, I really appreciate your time and help. Next time I just need to look a little closer, sometimes I do get tired of looking for my reading glasses.
I'll post in a bit and let Ya'll know if the ole 96 is chillin yet or not.
Thanks again. T.J.

 

[The_Epsicle]

Found it.!
The owners manual has it burried under WOT a/c relay. What the WOT means, I don't know.
On the way to advance auto for the 6.99 part now.
Thanks Epsicle, I really appreciate your time and help. Next time I just need to look a little closer, sometimes I do get tired of looking for my reading glasses.
I'll post in a bit and let Ya'll know if the ole 96 is chillin yet or not.
Thanks again. T.J.

You still have your owners manual You're lucky...

WOT stands for Wide Open Throttle. No problem I've had plenty of times when I should've looked for about 5 seconds longer to find my solution, you can test the relay too, but at $6.99 I'd just replace it. Good luck

 

[black_demon69]

Are you talking about the compressor cycle switch on the accumulator or the high pressure cutoff switch on the high pressure hose? I believe either can be replaced without evacuating the system because there is a Schrader valve on the port. Neither of these switches is very expensive I had to replace the cycle switch because it was leaking.

 

[adsm08]

There is a valve to keep the system pressurized while servicing the valves. I have seen them go bad but it is more common to have the seal in the sensor fail and refrigerant leak out the plug than an electrical failure.

 

[ravenation]

Just replaced WOT A/C relay to no avail. :-(
Was talking about high side pressure switch. I jumped the connector that goes to it with a paper clip, and it did no good. Compressor runs fine, cool air, when I jump it from the battery.
Guess I'll try the low side P/S...???
Thanks for any help Ya'll.

 

[black_demon69]

Just replaced WOT A/C relay to no avail. :-(
Was talking about high side pressure switch. I jumped the connector that goes to it with a paper clip, and it did no good. Compressor runs fine, cool air, when I jump it from the battery.
Guess I'll try the low side P/S...???
Thanks for any help Ya'll.

low side is a compressor cycle switch and turns compressor on or off as required. the switch on the high side is the high pressure cut off and is there as a safety in case high side pressure gets too high. check fuses and you can temporarily jump the cycle switch to see if system works.. if all fuses are good and system does not come on when jumping cycle switch then you have wiring or cycle switch plug issue. if comes on but blows warm then you are likely low on charge and need to find leak then recharge. if comes on and blows cold charge is ok and cycle switch is likely the problem.

when looking for leaks keep in mind that seals in switches can and do go bad also check schraders in charging ports (I find lots of those)

one other note when jumping the cycle switch do it on the connector (it is just like switch closing the circuit) NOT TO THE BATTERY you can cause computer damage..