hvac
AC High Pressure Switch
for 2021 Honda Accord 1.5L I4 Turbo · FWD
Editorial review:Chris Hackleman — Master Technician · 20+ years · Jeff Moore — Master Mechanic · 20+ years
Difficulty
Moderate
Time
30 min
Tools
9
Steps
9
✓Expert-verified. Personally reviewed and approved by OLP's master technicians (Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — 20+ years each). Always follow the vehicle's factory service information and torque specs.
This procedure covers the replacement of the AC high pressure switch on a 2018-2024 Honda Accord with 1.5L turbocharged engine, including refrigerant recovery and system recharge.
Warnings
⚠️AC refrigerant must be recovered by certified technicians using approved equipment. Venting refrigerant to atmosphere is illegal and environmentally harmful.
⚠️Refrigerant can cause severe frostbite. Wear eye protection and gloves at all times when working with AC system.
⚠Engine and AC components may be hot. Allow engine to cool for at least 30 minutes before beginning work.
⚠Use only the specified R-1234yf refrigerant. This system is NOT compatible with R-134a.
Tools required
Torque wrench (5-40 Nm range)Essential
10mm socket and ratchetEssential
Flathead screwdriver (small)Essential
PAG oil applicator or syringeEssential
Clean lint-free clothsEssential
Safety glassesEssential
Protective glovesEssential
As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.
Parts
- AC high pressure switch × 1 — Use OEM Honda specification
- O-rings for AC line fittings × 2 — Use OEM Honda specification
As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.
Fluids
- R-1234yf refrigerant
- PAG oil (ND-12)
Preparation
- Ensure engine is cool to the touch
- Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
- Turn ignition to OFF position and remove key
- Connect AC recovery machine and fully recover refrigerant from system according to machine instructions
- Record the amount of refrigerant and oil recovered for proper recharge quantities
- Open hood and secure in upright position
Procedure
- 1Locate the AC high pressure switchThe high pressure switch is located on the AC high pressure line near the condenser on the driver side of the engine bay, forward of the battery. It has a single electrical connector and threads directly into the AC line.
- 2Disconnect the electrical connectorPress the locking tab on the electrical connector and pull straight out to disconnect from the high pressure switch. Move the wiring harness aside to provide working clearance.
- 3Remove the high pressure switchUsing a 10mm socket or appropriate wrench, carefully unthread the high pressure switch counterclockwise from the AC line fitting. Remove the switch completely and inspect the threads in the AC line for damage or debris.
- 4Inspect and clean the mounting portExamine the threaded port in the AC line for any contamination, metal shavings, or cross-threading damage. Use a clean lint-free cloth to wipe the area clean. Remove and discard the old O-ring from the port.
- 5Prepare the new high pressure switchInstall a new O-ring onto the new high pressure switch. Apply a thin coat of fresh ND-12 PAG oil to the O-ring and threads. Do not over-lubricate as excess oil will contaminate the system.
- 6Install the new high pressure switchThread the new high pressure switch by hand clockwise into the AC line port until it seats against the O-ring. Ensure it threads smoothly without resistance. Tighten to the specified torque using a torque wrench.Torque specAC Line Fittings20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
- 7Reconnect the electrical connectorPlug the electrical connector onto the new high pressure switch until you hear and feel a positive click, confirming the locking tab is engaged. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is secured.
- 8Evacuate the AC systemConnect the AC service machine and evacuate the system for a minimum of 30 minutes to remove all air and moisture. Monitor the vacuum gauge to ensure the system holds vacuum, indicating no leaks at the switch installation.
- 9Recharge the AC systemUsing the AC service machine, recharge the system with the correct amount of R-1234yf refrigerant as recorded during recovery (typically 400-450 grams total system capacity). Add the appropriate amount of ND-12 PAG oil to compensate for any oil lost during the repair.
Reassembly
- No additional reassembly required for this procedure
Verification
- Start the engine and allow it to idle
- Turn AC to maximum cooling with fan on high speed
- Verify AC compressor engages and cycles normally
- Check for cold air from vents (vent temperature should be 40-50°F at idle)
- Inspect the high pressure switch connection for any signs of refrigerant leakage using leak detector if available
- Verify no warning lights on instrument cluster related to AC system
- Monitor AC system pressures using service machine gauges (high side should be 200-250 psi at idle with ambient temperature 70-80°F)
- Confirm electrical connector is fully seated and locked
Related trouble codes on this vehicle
Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.
P0087Fuel Rail/System Pressure - Too LowP0088Fuel Rail/System Pressure - Too HighP0090Fuel Pressure Regulator 1 Control CircuitP0091Fuel Pressure Regulator 1 Control Circuit LowP0105Manifold Absolute Pressure/BARO CircuitP0106MAP/BARO Pressure Circuit Range/PerformanceP0190Fuel Rail Pressure Sensor CircuitP0191Fuel Rail Pressure Sensor Circuit Range/PerformanceP0452EVAP Pressure Sensor/Switch Low InputP0453EVAP Pressure Sensor/Switch High InputP0520Engine Oil Pressure Sensor/Switch CircuitP0521Engine Oil Pressure Sensor/Switch Range/Performance
Chasing one of these codes and not sure which part is guilty? Ask a master mechanic about YOUR car →