A/C Pressure Switch (Pressure Sensor)
The A/C pressure switch or sensor monitors refrigerant pressure and protects the compressor from running with too little or too much pressure.
What is A/C Pressure Switch (Pressure Sensor)?
Older systems use simple switches for low, high and sometimes medium pressure; newer ones use a pressure sensor with a continuous signal. The signal is also used to control the radiator fan speed when the air conditioning is on. It is usually fitted on the high-pressure line near the condenser or receiver-drier.
How it works
If pressure is too low, for example after a leak, or too high, for example with a blocked condenser, the compressor is switched off.
Why it matters for your car
A faulty sensor can stop the air conditioning working even though the refrigerant charge is correct. Readings from the sensor in live data are useful when diagnosing cooling problems, but they do not replace a proper pressure test with gauges.
Other terms
- Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor
- Air Quality Sensor
- Apple CarPlay
- Boxer Engine (Flat Engine)
- Brake Fluid
- Car Ramps (Drive-On Ramps)
- Coolant Temperature Warning Light
- Fuel Level Sensor
- High-voltage Interlock Loop (HVIL)
- Main Beam (High Beam, Full Beam)
- Odometer (Mileage Counter)
- Oil Temperature Sensor
- Panel Van
- Radiator
- Right-Hand Drive (RHD)
- SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction)
- Tappet Noise (Lifter Tick)
- Thermostat
- Trailer And Caravan Tyres
- Window Regulator