Hi Everyone,

I have a 1996 Turbo Wagon. Thanks to the good people on this forum I was able to troubleshoot my a/c problems. Seems when I short the the low pressure switch ( the one by the firewall), the compressor kicks on, the pressure in the system stays around 50 to 55 lbs. The air blows ice cold inside.

Since the air just suddenly stopped working one day, I suspect this low pressure switch needs to be replaced. The questions I can't seem to find an answer for are :
1) If the pressure seems fine, is it safe to drive with the low pressure switch shorted? (just until the switch arrives, 3-5 days)
2) Will it open up the system when I replace the switch? Or is it like the high side switch, which does not open the system when replaced?

Thanks for the help!
Cory

 

You know the risk is the pressure drops from a loss of the 134 and instead of the compressor kicking out to save itself yours would just keep going until it locked up or broke.

Is it safe to run with it bypassed . . . NO.

Will you be OK to run it three days till the new switch comes. If it's held pressure OK all summer, you should be OK.

 

Thanks for the quick reply! Yes, it's been a little over a year since the whole a/c system was overhauled/replaced, and it's been rock solid the whole time. This past weekend, it just went from ice cold to warm one day. Living in Florida, you can imagine my dismay

Cory

 

Anyone here ever replaced the low side a/c pressure switch? I understand replacing the high pressure switch does not open the system up. Is this the same for the low pressure switch? Will I have to have the system vacuumed out when I go to replace this ?

Cory
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R Cory Collins Animator - Demo Reel

 

I haven't done one and for the obvious reason I don't want to go an pull mine to find out if there's a valve under it.

I'm guessing there is a schrader valve under it but it would be best to get someone's input who's done one. That or if someone like Rspi goes to the bone yards and can unscrew one and take a peek.

 

Thanks.
Gonna bump this one more time...Does anyone know if there is a schrader valve under the a/c low pressure switch? My new switch should be here today

 

Yep, just unscrew it and screw the new one on.

 

If he says it, I believe it !!

 

Double sweet with awesome sauce!!!

Thanks for the help guys!!!