AC Pressure Sensor

Replace the AC pressure sensor on the high-side AC line to restore proper AC system operation and pressure monitoring.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• AC pressure sensor × 1 — Use OEM Mopar specification
• AC system O-rings × 2 — Use OEM specification
• R-134a refrigerant × 1 — Per system capacity label
• PAG 46 compressor oil × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cool to the touch
2. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
3. Open hood and secure in raised position
4. Verify AC system has not been recently operated (allow 30 minutes cool-down if needed)
5. Locate AC pressure sensor on high-side AC line near firewall on passenger side of engine bay
6. Have refrigerant recovery equipment connected and ready

Procedure

1. 1

   Recover AC refrigerant
   Connect AC recovery machine to service ports on AC lines. Follow machine manufacturer instructions to fully recover all refrigerant from the system. Verify system pressure reads 0 PSI on gauge set before proceeding. Record amount of refrigerant recovered for recharge reference.
2. 2

   Disconnect pressure sensor electrical connector
   Locate the AC pressure sensor on the high-side AC line near the firewall. Press the red locking tab on the electrical connector and pull connector straight off the sensor. Inspect connector terminals for corrosion or damage.
3. 3

   Remove AC pressure sensor
   Using a 10mm socket, carefully unscrew the AC pressure sensor from the high-side AC line fitting. Turn counterclockwise until sensor is completely removed. Inspect the sealing O-ring on the sensor port for damage or debris.
4. 4

   Prepare sensor port and new sensor
   Clean the sensor port threads on the AC line with a lint-free cloth. Install a new O-ring onto the new AC pressure sensor. Lightly coat the O-ring with clean PAG 46 compressor oil to ensure proper seal and prevent damage during installation.
5. 5

   Install new AC pressure sensor
   Thread the new AC pressure sensor into the high-side AC line fitting by hand until finger-tight. Using a 10mm socket and torque wrench, tighten the sensor to 20 Nm (15 lb-ft). Do not overtighten as this may damage the O-ring seal or sensor threads.
   Torque spec

   AC Line Fittings20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Reconnect electrical connector
   Push the electrical connector onto the new AC pressure sensor until it clicks into place. Verify the red locking tab is fully engaged and the connection is secure. Gently tug on the connector to confirm it will not pull free.
7. 7

   Evacuate AC system
   Connect AC vacuum pump to service ports. Evacuate the system for minimum 30 minutes to remove all air and moisture. System should hold vacuum at 29+ inches Hg for at least 10 minutes after pump is shut off to verify there are no leaks at the sensor connection.
8. 8

   Recharge AC system
   Using refrigerant scale and manifold gauge set, recharge the AC system with R-134a refrigerant to the amount specified on the underhood label (typically 2.25-2.5 lbs). Add refrigerant through the low-side service port only. Do not exceed system capacity. Add appropriate amount of PAG 46 oil if required based on recovered oil measurement.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all AC line connections are secure and properly torqued
2. Verify electrical connector is fully locked onto pressure sensor
3. Check that no tools or parts were left in engine compartment

Verification

• Start engine and turn AC system to maximum cooling with blower on high
• Monitor AC pressure readings with scan tool to verify sensor is reporting proper pressures (typically 25-45 PSI low side, 200-350 PSI high side depending on ambient temperature)
• Verify AC compressor cycles on and off properly based on pressure readings
• Check for cold air output from cabin vents (should reach 40-50°F at vents)
• Inspect AC pressure sensor connection for any signs of refrigerant leaks using leak detector
• Use scan tool to confirm no AC system fault codes are present
• Allow system to run for 10 minutes and recheck for proper operation and temperatures

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

Chasing one of these codes and not sure which part is guilty? Ask a master mechanic about YOUR car →

More procedures for this vehicle