JRoswellS

After 3-5 minutes the compressor clutch disengages. Blows cold while engaged. After disengaging slowly turns warm, then hot. Ran diagnostics and found a 1232 fault, which I understand indicates refrigerant pressure switch failure. That fault code disappeared when I reset. Took the car to my local Meineke shop and had them evacuate then installed new switch. Recharged with dye and problem still there. No indication of leaks in the engine bay.

Before replacing the switch after I first attempted to recharge at home. At that time sensor test revealed the following:

1 - 30
2 - 25
3 - 32
5 - 64
6 - 62
7 - 0.8
8 - 30
9 - 05
10 - 0.8
11 - 3.8
12 - 4.3
20 - 0.0
21 - 0.0
22 - 0.0
23 - 0.0
24 - 11.6
41 - 34

There is a second switch or sensor connected to the receiver/dyer. It has only 2 leads to the connector and sits in a vertical position. Is this is a temp or pressure sensor? My next step may be to replace this sensor.

Any ideas welcome. 98 degrees here in CT!

Receiver/dryer with switch and 2 wire sensor

kajtek1

None of the switches looks new.
The pressure switch is the one who goes deep into the housing and opens the refrigerant system. Temp sensor just sticks on the top of the block.
I think the left one is pressure sensor, but can't tell for sure from picture, so pull the wires on 1 and read what values go blank.
Proper troubleshooting require sensor calibration test and then performance test.
There is some phobia on the forum to start multi-pages guessing without having proper test done.
I am done with crystal-balling, so will wait for the proper tests.

Plutoe

Don't be a sausage ***** and start replacing parts without fault codes------do the fault test again!

JRoswellS

Thank you Krzysztof for the quick reply. I know the the 3-wire sensor is the pressure switch because I have just recently replaced it. Did not solve my problem. The other 2-wire sensor has to be temp. I don't believe this temp sensor is the cause of failure .I did get a 1233 error code when retesting after replacement of the pressure switch. Later took sensor values with engine cold, after engine running for 3 minutes and also 5 minutes. The value for the evaporator sensor barely moved. I understand failure of this sensor will cause the compressor clutch to engage and disengage after a few minuted. I've ordered a replacement.. Do you know where it is located? I'm hoping I can access from under the steering wheel by removing the panel. Is the attachment point protected with a check valve or do i need to have the system evacuated before replacing. New member and first post so hope I'm being somewhat clear.

JRoswellS

Replaced the evaporator temp sensor. Not easy to access and male connector on replacement sensor shorter than original. Barely enough slack in harness with female connector to allow connection to sensor. Compressor clutch now engages and stays engaged. Added refrigerant and system blows cold air and regulates temperature as it should.