

How to add refrigerant when the AC compressor clutch won’t engage? Do NOT jump the low pressure switch to operate the compressor non-stop so you can add refrigerant.

If you jump the low pressure switch with the engine running, do it only for a few seconds. Low AC pressure will prevent the relay from sending power to the AC compressor clutch. Jump the low pressure switch only to test the circuit The issue that comes up when you jump a low pressure switch for longer than a few seconds is that you’re running the compressor without oil. It’s designed this way specifically so the liquid refrigerant can carry lubricating oil into the compressor. However, even with an accumulator in the system, a small amount of liquid enters the compressor. Depending on the type of system in your car, the gas exits the evaporator and goes into either an accumulator in an orifice tube system or directly into the compressor in an expansion valve system. That’s not the way to do it!!! Here’s why AC compressors can’t compress liquidsĪs refrigerant flows through the evaporator in your dash, the heat causes the refrigerant to boil and change from a liquid to a gas. If want to jump a low pressure switch to add refrigerant to your car AC, think again. That can easily cost you well over $1,500 to repair. It can damage your compressor in a way that throws shrapnel throughout your AC system. But if you leave it connected too long to try and recharge the system, you risk serious and even catastrophic compressor damage. In other words, you can jump a low pressure switch in a car momentarily to make the AC compressor clutch engage for testing purposes ONLY. Low refrigerant charge = low or no oil circulation. The low pressure switch cuts off compressor specifically to prevent compressor damage due to oil starvation. That’s because the refrigerant carries the lubrication oil throughout the system. Would you knowingly drive your car with no oil in the the engine? Well, that’s what you’re doing if you ump a low pressure switch.

Repair Topics > Air Conditioning Symptoms and Repair > Jump a low pressure switch Jump a low pressure switch When it’s ok to jump a low pressure switch There’s only one reason to jump a low pressure switch
