does anybody know where i can get a a/c pressure switch cannot seem to find it anywhere been online for hours

1995 legacy ls sedan

Edited March 31, 20251 yr by gros ventre

I think you're posted in the wrong section, so you might get fewer views.

I don't know where to find that specific switch, but they're fairly generic - just find one with the same thread and function, or get a new binary or trinary switch.

Have you confirmed the switch is bad?  They don't fail very often.  I assume it's staying open even when your manifold gauges show correct pressures, and jumpering it kicks the compressor on?

On 3/31/2025 at 7:00 PM, bushytails said:

I think you're posted in the wrong section, so you might get fewer views.

I don't know where to find that specific switch, but they're fairly generic - just find one with the same thread and function, or get a new binary or trinary switch.

Have you confirmed the switch is bad?  They don't fail very often.  I assume it's staying open even when your manifold gauges show correct pressures, and jumpering it kicks the compressor on?

thankyou im not very computer literate i did do tests with my multimeter ohms and continuity checked the switch the compressor fuses relays and the only thing i didnt get a reading on was the switch so i decided start with it considering they are fairly cheap

Have you put gauges on the system?

as a test you can just skip it all together and short the connector pins together. the compressor should kick on.

its function is pretty basic, too high or too low pressure it'll switch off.  it'll short the pins when the pressure is nominal.

On 4/2/2025 at 6:41 AM, bushytails said:

Have you put gauges on the system?

i have it holds vaccum 

On 4/3/2025 at 4:47 PM, nvu said:

as a test you can just skip it all together and short the connector pins together. the compressor should kick on.

its function is pretty basic, too high or too low pressure it'll switch off.  it'll short the pins when the pressure is nominal.

i think i will give this a try i ordered one for a 2001 forrester plug was the same but the tread was a m12 i belive mine is a m10

On 4/7/2025 at 4:44 PM, gros ventre said:

i have it holds vaccum 

Ok, so you have charged the system, and the switch still does not turn on even with pressures (high and low, since the compressor is off) over 30psi?

It could be 3/8-24 thread.  Grab a random bolt/nut and compare...

21 hours ago, bushytails said:

Ok, so you have charged the system, and the switch still does not turn on even with pressures (high and low, since the compressor is off) over 30psi?

It could be 3/8-24 thread.  Grab a random bolt/nut and compare...

thats a very good idea i do have a wide variety of bolts i will attempt this

On 4/1/2025 at 7:44 PM, gros ventre said:

thankyou im not very computer literate i did do tests with my multimeter ohms and continuity checked the switch the compressor fuses relays and the only thing i didnt get a reading on was the switch so i decided start with it considering they are fairly cheap

well i thought about what you said about the switch no going bad often and then i decided to go and attempt to recharge the system and found out that i wasnt charging it correctly and that on the quick disconnects open is actually to the right so it can push the valve down to allow it to enter  i used normal logic and thought opening was left when that is close so now my a/c is blowing ice cold after i adjusted the operator error thanks for your help

Glad to help!

 

Did you pull a vacuum again after fixing the... issue?  If not, the first time, you only pulled a vacuum on your manifold, not on the system?  If so, you may end up with high condenser pressures due to air in the system, and need to evacuate and properly pull a vacuum (I recommend running the pump for at least a full hour) before recharging again.

On 4/14/2025 at 8:18 PM, bushytails said:

Did you pull a vacuum again after fixing the... issue?  If not, the first time, you only pulled a vacuum on your manifold, not on the system?  If so, you may end up with high condenser pressures due to air in the system, and need to evacuate and properly pull a vacuum (I recommend running the pump for at least a full hour) before recharging again.

i did i pulled vacuum for 1.5 hrs blows ice cold now except it has a tiny leak which i suspect is in the schrader valve considering it did hold vacuum again with the valves open this time so i purchased a uv light and some dye today and am going to recharge it again after it gets low