Ac switch question...

[pat julian]

Need to replace the high side ac switch that controls the ac clutch..when i remove it..does the 134a escape ?? thanks hot and bothered in tn...lol

 

[tomw]

Are you sure it is the high side switch? The compressor on my brothers truck had a relief valve mounted to the high side line at the top of the compressor. It would vent the refrigerant on over-pressure.
If there is an actual switch, it should be replaceable without loss of refrigerant. At least the low pressure switches on the accumulators are replaceable without loss. Upon loosening the switch, you might get a 'puff' of refrigerant, but not a wide-open refrigerant blow. Take a look at the threaded end of the replacement switch. If it has a 'depressor' that would impinge on a schrader valve stem, then it should only open the valve when it is installed completely. If it is totally hollow, guess again..
tom

 

[pat julian]

my bad it's the low side switch...hot and tired and not thinking..the problem is the clutch is not engaging after the motor warms up a while..it will blow ice cold til the clutch releases...but then it wont engage again...i checked the switch connection and moved it around a bit and the clutch worked..so i'm hoping the switch is bad..started it just a few minutes ago and ice cold until i cut the truck off..we'll see what happens tomorrow..i work for a major parts supplier so I have a switch on the shelf..worst case..clutch is bad on the compressor...so i'll have to put an ew one on if the switch doesn't solve it...thanks...for the fast reply !!!

 

[adsm08]

Ford makes the switches so they won't blow the system when removed.