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AC High-Pressure Switch Replacement Cost Estimate
AC High-Pressure Switch Replacement Cost Estimate
Worried you might overpay for your AC high-pressure switch replacement? Use Jerry’s GarageGuard™ to get fair cost estimate for your AC high-pressure replacement.
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John Davis
Expert Automotive Writer
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear, Director of Content
Edited by Jessica Barrett, Senior Car & Insurance Editor
What's on this page?
- How much does it cost to replace a high-pressure switch?
- Where can I get my AC high-pressure switch replaced?
- How will a mechanic replace my AC high-pressure switch?
- What happens if I don’t replace my AC high-pressure switch?
- What is an AC high-pressure switch?
- Can I replace the AC high-pressure switch myself?
- FAQs
- Meet Our Experts
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How much does it cost to replace a high-pressure switch?
Budget $250+ for average AC switch replacement costs. The exact prices depend on your vehicle and labor costs in your area.
How long does it take to replace an AC high-pressure switch? It doesn’t take long to swap out an AC high-pressure switch. Your mechanic will spend about 1.5 to inspect the AC, make a diagnosis, and complete the replacement.
How did we estimate these prices?
Jerry's experts researched and collected data from 2500+ real repair shops in all 50 states in the US, including everything from the total cost of repair services to the hourly labor cost for mechanic labor in each shop. We combined that data with our expert database of hundreds of real repair jobs, thousands of real cars, millions of real car part prices in order to best estimate the cost of each repair service. Our labor cost estimate is calculated by taking the average hourly labor rate for a certified mechanic in the US, times the number of hours it takes on average to complete a repair. We recommend you compare your local shops with Jerry and contact those shops directly to get final pricing for your vehicle.
How did we estimate these prices?
Jerry's experts researched and collected data from 2500+ real repair shops in all 50 states in the US, including everything from the total cost of repair services to the hourly labor cost for mechanic labor in each shop. We combined that data with our expert database of hundreds of real repair jobs, thousands of real cars, millions of real car part prices in order to best estimate the cost of each repair service. Our labor cost estimate is calculated by taking the average hourly labor rate for a certified mechanic in the US, times the number of hours it takes on average to complete a repair. We recommend you compare your local shops with Jerry and contact those shops directly to get final pricing for your vehicle.
See fair price estimates for popular cars
What parts do I need for my AC high-pressure switch replacement?
The good news is that you really only have to spring for a new AC high-pressure switch—a new one costs between $15 and $60. You’ll also need some standard automotive tools like a socket wrench, ratchet set, wrench set, and eye protection to do the replacement.
Some reputable brands we recommend for reliable AC high-pressure switches include ACDelco, Standard Motor Products, and Four Seasons. You can typically purchase these brands from retailers such as AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts, and Amazon. However, like price, recommended brands may also vary depending on your vehicle's specific year, make, and model.
Should I buy OEM or aftermarket parts?
There’s not a huge difference in price between an OEM and aftermarket high pressure switch, so you might just buy whatever is available. If you go with an aftermarket part, just check that the part number matches the part for your vehicle.
Where can I buy parts for my AC high-pressure switch replacement?
Auto body shops and auto part stores like AutoZone and Advance Auto Parts carry replacement AC pressure switches. If you can’t shop in your area, get online and order the part from Amazon. Check your owner’s manual for the right part number.
Where can I get my AC high-pressure switch replaced?
If you’re not up for doing the replacement yourself, head to a trusted mechanic or dealership service center. If you don’t have one, Jerry's
GarageGuard™
is here to assist! Download the free app and compare fair price estimates from over 2,500 vetted repair shops in the US. Jerry's GarageGuard™ shows you real hourly labor rates, breaks down what’s included in the estimates, and gives reviews from customers, so you can choose the best service.
Read through a few of our vetted shops below and download the app to compare car repair quotes in your area.
106 Reviews
Lee Myles Transmissions
1110 Dorchester Ave, Boston, MA
Shop Diagnostic Fee
(Included in service charges)
$140128 Reviews
Bill's Automotive
53 Maple Ave, Hartford, CT
Shop Diagnostic Fee
(Included in service charges)
$119.95104 Reviews
AnA Tire and Automotive
3556 Old Spanish Trail, Houston, TX
Shop Diagnostic Fee
(Included in service charges)
$99.99117 Reviews
Sandalwood Car Care
10675 Atlantic Blvd, Jacksonville, FL
Shop Diagnostic Fee
(Included in service charges)
$125How did we vet these shops?
Jerry experts researched 2500+ real repair shops across the US. We talked to real shop customers, and analyzed both real shop pricing data and thousands of real customer reviews from each shop to verify them individually. We do not partner with the shops listed above, and our analysis is always unbiased.
How did we vet these shops?
Jerry experts researched 2500+ real repair shops across the US. We talked to real shop customers, and analyzed both real shop pricing data and thousands of real customer reviews from each shop to verify them individually. We do not partner with the shops listed above, and our analysis is always unbiased.
How will a mechanic replace my AC high-pressure switch?
When a mechanic identifies a faulty high-pressure switch, here is how they’ll replace it:
- Disconnect the negative battery cable using a wrench
- Unscrew the defective high-pressure switch with a wrench or socket wrench and remove it
- Install the new high-pressure switch and screw it into the compressor
- Reconnect the negative battery cable
- Start the engine and turn on the air conditioning to test it
Keep in mind: Since you’re just swapping out switches, there’s no need to evacuate the refrigerant from the AC lines. This is because a schrader valve is built into the mount for the switch.
What happens if I don’t replace my AC high-pressure switch?
If the high-pressure switch isn’t replaced, refrigerant pressure can build up and cause the AC compressor to burst. This can damage the whole AC unit, so you’d be looking at more expensive car repairs.
What is an AC high-pressure switch?
Your car has two air conditioning pressure switches—a low-pressure switch and a high-pressure switch. Both work together to communicate refrigerant pressure with the compressor. If the pressure gets too high, the high-pressure switch signals to the compressor to shut off power.
The AC high-pressure switch looks like a small knob mounted to the compressor’s high-pressure side. The switch also monitors blockages in the AC system that can cause pressure to build up. It might be a small part, but it’s vital to your car’s AC!
How do I know if my AC high-pressure switch is bad?
It can be hard to distinguish problems with the high-pressure switch and the low-pressure switch, but here are common signs that you’re dealing with a bad AC pressure switch:
- AC turns on and off rapidly: The high- and low-pressure switches work together to send signals to the compressor, so if the high-pressure switch doesn’t work, your AC might cycle on and off more frequently.
- AC doesn’t blow cold air: If the high-pressure switch is broken, the AC won’t work at all. When you switch on the AC, you’ll just get hot air blowing in your face.
- Compressor doesn’t come on: A broken high-pressure switch won’t signal high-pressure to the compressor, so the compressor won’t properly pump refrigerant through the system to cool your car.
- Loud or strange noises: The air conditioning unit usually operates silently, so if you hear any unusual sounds like clicking or humming, get your AC inspected immediately. These noises might mean that refrigerant pressure is building up.
How often should a high-pressure switch be replaced?
AC pressure switches last up to 50,000 cycles, which means turning the system on and running it for about 20 minutes). Most drivers find that a new switch will last the life of their vehicle. You only have to replace the high pressure switch if it’s damaged or malfunctioning.
Keep in mind: AC switches are not inspected during routine maintenance visits. If you’d like a mechanic to give your AC system a check-up, ask them to look at the high pressure switch, too.
Can I replace the AC high-pressure switch myself?
Replacing the switch isn’t complicated, but you do have to disconnect the battery, and you’ve got to be confident that the high-pressure switch is the culprit. If you’re having trouble pinpointing the problem with the AC, get a professional inspection since the issue could be with the blower, AC hoses, compressor, condenser, or evaporator.
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FAQs
Where is the high-pressure switch located?
Look on the high-pressure side of the compressor. The high pressure side appears red in diagnostic guides, while the low side is blue.
Meet Our Experts
John Davis
Car Expert
Certified mechanic with 10+ years of experience
John Davis is an expert automotive writer and former automotive mechanic. John's work spans multiple categories, and he relishes the opportunity to research a new subject and expand his area of expertise and industry knowledge. To date, John has written more than 200 articles covering car maintenance and care, car advice, how-to guides, and more.
Prior to joining Jerry’s editorial team, John worked as a mechanic and freelance writer, creating content for clients including HotCars and SetPower.
Jessica Barrett
Car Expert
Jessica Barrett is a senior insurance writer and editor with 10 years of experience in the automotive and travel industries. A specialist in car insurance, car loans, and car ownership, Jessica’s mission is to create comprehensive content that car owners can use to manage their costs and improve their lives. As a managing editor for a team of writers and insurance specialists, Jessica has edited over 2,000 articles for Jerry on topics ranging from local insurance shopping tips to refinancing car loans with bad credit.
Before joining Jerry as a senior content editor in 2021, Jessica created visual content for clients such as Expedia, Vivid Seats, Budget Direct Car Insurance, Angie’s List, and HomeAdvisor. Her content was published in Business Insider, Forbes, Apartment Therapy, and the BBC.
Kathleen Flear
Car Expert
Kathleen Flear is an expert insurance writer and editor who heads up Jerry’s editorial team as director of content. Kathleen empowers drivers to make smart car ownership decisions through best-in-class articles on insurance, loans, and maintenance. Prior to joining Jerry in 2021, Kathleen served as managing editor for a team of SEO content marketing professionals at Article-Writing.co and worked as a freelance writer and editor for a range of digital publications, including Chicago Literati magazine and Golden Words. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English language and literature from Queen’s University, and a master’s degree in creative writing and fiction from Sierra Nevada University.
*The price information provided on our car repair webpages is intended for general informational purposes only. Actual prices for car repair services may vary based on various factors, including but not limited to the make and model of your vehicle, the extent of repair required, and the prevailing market conditions. All prices for real repair shops are estimations based on our research only. Therefore, the prices listed on our webpages should not be considered as final quotes or binding offers.