How long does the AC pressure switch last?

Your vehicle's air conditioning system uses refrigerant to keep you cool and comfortable in hot weather. When the refrigerant is under low pressure, it takes the form of a gas, and under high pressure it turns into a liquid. So your AC system operates at both high and low pressure and must be able to switch between the two in order to work. This is where our AC pressure switch comes in. Basically, it is a safety feature that will "trigger" or shut down the system if there is any pressure problem in the system.

There are many factors that can cause a switch to operate, and not all of them are related to the switch itself. If the refrigerant level is too low or too high, for example, the switch may actually count incorrectly and shut down the system. In most cases, problems that seem to be related to the A/C pressure switch are related to other problems in the air conditioning system. The switch itself is very stable and should last a very long time.

AC pressure switch life is measured in cycles, not miles or years. You can count on 50,000 cycles from an AC pressure switch, which means that unless you constantly turn the A/C on and off, it will likely last you the lifetime of your vehicle.

However, like all electronic components, the AC switch can (rarely) fail, and if it does, then:

• A/C compressor does not turn on
• The air conditioner won't work

Of course, your air conditioner is not vital to the operation of your car, but it is very important when it comes to your comfort nonetheless. If you suspect that your AC pressure switch is faulty, you should have it checked. A professional mechanic can diagnose problems with your air conditioning system and replace the air conditioning pressure switch if necessary.