Need quick answer! Does A/C have to be evacuated to change psi switch?
- Thread starter jsukey
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
phattyduck
Elite Member
Removing the switch will empty the refrigerant.
-Charlie
-Charlie
LittleCaesar
New member
In theory yes, but having removed low pressure switches before (not on the 3rd gen) just unscrew and remove the old one, then very quickly stick thumb over hole in line, then screw in new switch and add enough refrigerant to make it cold again.
Wear eye protection and latex gloves just for added protection.
Wear eye protection and latex gloves just for added protection.
All is well again. Unfortunately, there isn't a shraeder valve on the 3rd gen. The freon will leak out. I don't know if my thumb would have done the trick. That refrigerant may have frozen my thumb! I also don't think I would have been able to hold all of the psi back. I found a guy that was willing to do it at 8 pm on a Friday night. He completely discharged and recovered the system, removed and installed the new switch, then recharged it. The temperature on his thermometer was showing 46 degrees when he was done, and my windows were completely fogged up. He only charged me $100 to do the work. I bought the freon and the new psi switch though. Back to chilling! Btw, all of this came about this morning on a 2 1/2 hour trip. About 2 hours in, it just started spitting hot air. I immediately thought the worst. Compressor...dum dum duuummm. However, after using a paper clip to jump the wire on the psi switch, the compressor came to life and it immediately started cooling. The switch was only $19 from Autozone. $20 for two cans of freon, and $120 for the work. I gave him an extra $20 for fitting me in on a late Friday night. Thanks for the responses guys!
LittleCaesar
New member
Good to hear.
You can move fast enough to remove and replace the switch but end up losing ounces of refrigerant. I usually have two to three 12oz cans at home at all times. At $5 from Walmart, it isn't expensive.
Even with not overly large hands I often win "thumb" wars.
You can move fast enough to remove and replace the switch but end up losing ounces of refrigerant. I usually have two to three 12oz cans at home at all times. At $5 from Walmart, it isn't expensive.
Even with not overly large hands I often win "thumb" wars.
