rtbrjason

I brought it to the dealer this week. Just got a call from them. They explained the pressure sensor was bad, and while there could be other issues, they would need to start with that at a cost of $727.

I just replaced the pressure sensor myself with an aftermarket part ($45) that made no difference so I suspect that either it isn't the problem, or there is another pressure sensor somewhere in the system. In either case, I'm not giving them $727 to replace it. So out $115 and back to the drawing board.

kajtek1

pressure sensor replacement require system evacuation. Did you refill it to proper pressure and confirm the sensor reading with actual gauge?
Did you ask the dealer about hidden menu reading?

rtbrjason

We evacuated the system, replaced the pressure sensor and recharged to 2lbs. It made no difference in the operation of the AC or the readout on the climate control display. The whole job took less than 30 minutes so I'm not sure where they're coming up with $727.

The part from them is $191 so they're charging around $500 in labor from what I gather.

The dealer won't even give me the part number they want to replace so I didn't bother asking about any hidden menus. Highly frustrating.

kajtek1

The earn the name "stealers" for a good reason.
You did nice job reading the sensors before. Can you repeat it?
Your previous main problem did show as low refrigerant, what could be faulty sensor, but now I want to see correct pressure.

rtbrjason

The numbers I looked at after changing the pressure sensor over weren't much different from what I initially posted. I suppose it is possible the sensor I put in is bad, or there is another sensor somewhere I'm not finding.

Picking up the car this evening. I will order the pressure sensor again and make sure to get OEM this time in the event that was the issue. I suspect it's a wiring issue maybe going to the sensor but I'm not sure at this point.

kajtek1

If you still have #8, what is refrigerant temperature showing 99, that sensor is bad.
I think pressure and temperature sensors are integrated, but how many wires had the sensor you replaced?
Your old pressure sensor did show some changes, what questions the dealer diagnosis.

rtbrjason

I picked it up from the dealer only having paid for the diagnostic. The paperwork indicates that the code was for low pressure and pressure sensor fault or internal open in sensor. I declined any repairs but the AC is now working fine. I'm guessing they cleared the code and maybe that is why it's working. I'm not sure if this is a temporary fix or permanent but all seems to be well after several restarts and 20-30 miles.

kajtek1

That would confirm my previous suspicious that you had bad plug connection that trigger error codes who prevent AC from engaging.
The plug got moved, so connects again, error have been cleared and it is working again.
Even I don't mind things fixing themselves, the risk of them coming back is always in my head.
In your situation I still would repeat the sensors readouts. You had too much mess and not finding the reason is not giving good prediction.

rtbrjason

As I mentioned, I did replace the pressure sensor. The code they pulled indicated the pressure sensor was bad. I'm under the impression that the new sensor did fix the problem but the code just needed to be cleared afterwards. The new sensor was a 3 wire which should be pressure, temperature and ground.