AC recharge problem found the cause?

[2003 Centennial]

Hello,
AC was not working.

Tried to charge and wasn't accepting.

Thought about jumping low pressure switch with paper clip.

Is this it below?

4.6L 2003.

Also, I think I found the problem.

Wire is broken on this, so if this is the switch.. Then I need a new one?

Official name for this part?

Any recommendations?

Best way to splice in new switch?

Not much existing wire to work with.

Obviously may not even need AC charge if this is the problem?

Thanks all

 

[Big Ed 1]

That is the AC pressure switch, they sell them with a new plug, or without.
Amazon has them, look for your vehicle there?
Or other places have them too.
Are you set up to vac and refill your system?
Might as well get a new dryer too if you have to open the system.

 

[Big Ed 1]

Or just try to put on a new plug first? Might be all you need to fix it and get it working.
Don't know if this is yours,

Dorman A/C Switch 645-740

Shop for Dorman A/C Switch 645-740 with confidence at AutoZone.com. Parts are just part of what we do. Get yours online today and pick up in store.

www.autozone.com

 

[Big Ed 1]

That one might fit yours, go down in the link where it says THIS PART FITS THESE VEHICLES.
Then find your vehicle and click again, the one shown fits a lot of vehicles.
You should be able to go to your local parts store whoever that be and pick one up.
Spice it in and you should be set to go. No need to open the system, just a plug and play.

 

[2003 Centennial]

Thank you for the replies and info.

I am thinking I just need to plug and play.

The problem I am seeing with the items I am finding (and the one you posted) is that it has four wires.

The plug on mine only has two wires, so not sure what I would do about those extra wires????

My other thought is to go to a pull and pay junk yard and just cut one out of a similar 2002-2005 Explorer, Mountaineer, or Aviator?

Do you think the V6 and V8 models would all have the same switch?

 

[2003 Centennial]

Also, that one does appear to be the right one to fit.

One of the reviews on Amazon said: "Only need 2 of the wires so the other 2 got clipped and taped back."

Does that sound like it would work? Take my best guess as to which two wires I need... and mix and match until I get it right? What I worry about is.... I do not have much wire to work with on the main line, so the more I re-do until I get it right, then I guess the more wire I may end up sacrificing with all the back and forth.

 

[Big Ed 1]

Also, that one does appear to be the right one to fit.

One of the reviews on Amazon said: "Only need 2 of the wires so the other 2 got clipped and taped back."

Does that sound like it would work? Take my best guess as to which two wires I need... and mix and match until I get it right? What I worry about is.... I do not have much wire to work with on the main line, so the more I re-do until I get it right, then I guess the more wire I may end up sacrificing with all the back and forth.

I would guess that they go to your AC plug? Go look there are they color coded?
Sometimes the pictures are wrong, and the one with 4 wires is for an advanced system. ( newer units)
Like you mentioned you just tape them off.
The one I listed says,

THIS PART FITS THESE VEHICLES
Browse to find other vehicles this part fits:

1. Ford∕
2. Explorer 4WD∕
3. 2003∕
4. Select Engine

8 Cylinders W 4.6L FI SOHC 281 CID
6 Cylinders K 4.0L MFI FFV SOHC 245 CID
6 Cylinders 4.0L MFI SOHC 245 CID

I think the 2 wheel drives are the same. I looked and it looks like they are the same thing.
2 wheel lists,

THIS PART FITS THESE VEHICLES
Browse to find other vehicles this part fits:

1. Ford∕
2. Explorer 2WD∕
3. 2003∕
4. Select Engine

6 Cylinders 4.0L MFI SOHC 245 CID
8 Cylinders W 4.6L FI SOHC 281 CID
6 Cylinders K 4.0L MFI FFV SOHC 245 CID

Do you have an advanced auto or autozone close? Or some auto parts store near you?
Snip the wire and take the plug with you?

 

[Big Ed 1]

Make yourself a jumper wire with alligator clips for testing before you connect them permanently.
Every tool box should have a couple of them. Make them yourself with some 12 or 14 gauge wire.

Or just cut a wire without the clips to test for the right ones?
See if your AC plug has them first.

 

[Big Ed 1]

Also use some butt connectors that you seal by heating them up, looks like the ones they show just crimp.
The heating kind seals them better.

 

[Big Ed 1]

Also if you snip those extra wires don't snip them real close to the new plug, leave some wire and seal with a butt connector.
If you snip them real close, the new plug might take in moisture and corrode faster.

 

[2003 Centennial]

Well very sir.

Great help and great input all around.

I removed the plug tonight and wires stripped and ready for connection.

Might not get around to getting the part until later this week or something, but will report back here whenever that is.

Appreciate the help and this site very much!!

 

[BrooklynBay]

Tape the unused wires instead of cutting them off just in case you need them at a later date.

 

[2003 Centennial]

Tape the unused wires instead of cutting them off just in case you need them at a later date.

Thanks!

I actually went to You Pull and Pay on my way home from work and easily found two of these (in case one doesn't work) and cut them out.

Took 5 minutes tops, appear to be exact matches, and only cost $6 total.

I realize this is not the most exciting project, but will post with results... whenever I am able to make a little time to install.

Thanks again all!

 

[410Fortune]

You can take that plug apart and get enough wire to repair your existing piece. Or just replace the wiring pigtail

It is a simple
Switch… wire is coming in, if there is adequate pressure then it switches and allows the wire signal to leave

It does not matter which wire is in or out

 

[Big Ed 1]

Thanks!

I actually went to You Pull and Pay on my way home from work and easily found two of these (in case one doesn't work) and cut them out.

Took 5 minutes tops, appear to be exact matches, and only cost $6 total.

I realize this is not the most exciting project, but will post with results... whenever I am able to make a little time to install.

Thanks again all!

Look carefully at the wire that plugs into the AC unit too, they are know to also break from age.
Only 18 gauge I think. Kind of small.

 

[2003 Centennial]

Thanks all. Going to try to wrap this up today sometime.

 

[2003 Centennial]

Problem solved.

It was indeed that AC pressure switch in my pictures above (obviosuly, since wire was broken, but was also hoping there was nothing else amiss).

Went to junk yard and got a couple spare switches for $6 combined. Spliced one in using advice above and........... COLD AIR!!

I did look around and also checked the freon level and that is within range.

Glad it was so easy.

Thanks for everyone's input and advice!!!!!!