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Jerry Data & Research
AC Low-Pressure Switch Replacement Cost Estimate
AC Low-Pressure Switch Replacement Cost Estimate
Worried you might overpay for your AC low-pressure switch replacement? Use Jerry’s GarageGuard™ to get fair cost estimate for your AC low-pressure switch 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 an AC low-pressure switch?
- Where can I get my AC low-pressure switch replaced?
- How will a mechanic replace my low-pressure switch?
- What happens if I don’t replace my low-pressure switch?
- What is an AC low-pressure switch?
- Can I replace my low-pressure AC switch myself?
- FAQs
- Meet Our Experts
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How much does it cost to replace an AC low-pressure switch?
A replacement switch has an average cost of $193, with $79 for parts and $114 for mechanic labor. Prices vary depending on your vehicle and labor costs in your area.
How long does it take to replace an AC low-pressure switch? It typically doesn’t take long to do the replacement—only around 1.0 hours for a certified mechanic. This includes the time it takes them to inspect the car’s AC system and make a diagnosis.
Take a look at this overview of AC low-pressure switch replacement costs for different vehicles:
| Estimate Date | Customer | Car | Fair Cost Estimate | Parts Cost | Labor Cost | Labor Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
April 25, 2024 | Lottie, 21 Fort Myers, FL | Jeep Cherokee | $191 | $80 | $111 | 1.0 Hours |
April 20, 2024 | Jason, 29 Sacramento, CA | Land Rover LR3 | $209 | $80 | $129 | 1.0 Hours |
April 19, 2024 | Jason, 31 Tempe, AZ | Maserati Granturismo | $174 | $113 | $61 | 0.5 Hours |
April 14, 2024 | Gene, 40 Madison, TN | Porsche Panamera | $161 | $113 | $48 | 0.5 Hours |
April 13, 2024 | Chad, 41 Lancaster, CA | Lexus RX | $162 | $94 | $69 | 0.5 Hours |
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 low-pressure switch?
If the low-pressure switch has gone out, the good news is that you don’t have to spring for a ton of expensive parts. Your biggest expense is the switch itself, which runs between $10 and $40. The switch protects the AC compressor from damage, so it’s money well spent!
You can buy an AC low-pressure switch from retailers like AutoZone, Amazon, and O'Reilly Auto Parts. Some reputable brands we recommend include include ACDelco, Standard Motor Products, and Four Seasons.
Keep in mind: You’ll also need a few automotive tools like a socket wrench, ratchet set, wrench set, and eye protection.
Should I buy OEM or aftermarket parts?
The AC low-pressure switch isn’t a very expensive part, so you won’t see a huge difference between the cost of an OEM and aftermarket part. Feel free to buy either part—whatever is in stock or fits your budget best. There isn’t a noticeable difference in quality; however, check your warranty to see if you’re required to use OEM parts.
Where can I buy parts for my AC low-pressure switch replacement?
Pressure switches are pretty easy parts to find, as long as you know your vehicle’s AC low-pressure switch part number. Buy one at a local auto body shop or auto parts store like AutoZone or O’Reilly’s. If you don’t have shops nearby, look online at parts websites or on Amazon.
Where can I get my AC low-pressure switch replaced?
When you’re ready for AC relief, you want it right away! If you don’t have a mechanic on speed dial, let Jerry's
GarageGuard™
help you find an auto repair shop. The free app compares fair price estimates from over 2,500 vetted repair shops in the US.Jerry's GarageGuard™ shows real hourly labor rates and reviews so that you can choose a shop that meets your needs and budget.
Look through some of our vetted shops below and download the app to compare car repair quotes near you.
171 Reviews
AAMCO Transmissions & Total Car Care - Hackensack
254 River St, Alpine, NJ
AC Low Pressure Switch Replacement Cost
Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop
$219
(Parts - $89, Labor - $130)
Shop Diagnostic Fee
(Included in service charges)
$100159 Reviews
Midas Auto Experts - Tuscon
3621 W Ina Rd, Tucson, AZ
AC Low Pressure Switch Replacement Cost
Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop
$208
(Parts - $89, Labor - $119)
Shop Diagnostic Fee
(Included in service charges)
$120146 Reviews
Goodyear Auto Service - Columbia
1400 Gervais Street Suite 2, Columbia, SC
AC Low Pressure Switch Replacement Cost
Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop
$199
(Parts - $89, Labor - $110)
Shop Diagnostic Fee
(Included in service charges)
$39.95174 Reviews
Yoo's Auto Service & Collision
189 W Duncannon Ave, Philadelphia, PA
AC Low Pressure Switch Replacement Cost
Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop
$174
(Parts - $89, Labor - $85)
Shop Diagnostic Fee
(Included in service charges)
$100How 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 low-pressure switch?
Once your mechanic is confident that the low-pressure switch is at fault, here are the simple steps they’ll take to replace it:
- Disconnect the negative battery cable with a wrench
- Unscrew the defective switch with a wrench or socket wrench and remove it
- Install the new switch and screw it into the compressor
- Reconnect the negative battery cable
- Turn on the engine and test the air conditioning
Keep in mind: Replacing an AC switch is easier than other AC repairs since you don’t need to evacuate the refrigerant from the lines.
What happens if I don’t replace my low-pressure switch?
The AC relies on functioning low-pressure and high-pressure switches. If one of them goes out, your car can’t produce and circulate cool air through the cabin. When you drive and continue to use the AC with a malfunctioning low-pressure switch, the compressor could keep pumping out refrigerant even though the pressure isn’t right. Unfortunately, this can damage the compressor and lead to more costly car repairs.
What is an AC low-pressure switch?
Your car’s AC has both a low-pressure and a high-pressure switch that protect the air conditioning system compressor by monitoring the pressure. The high-pressure switch shuts off power to the compressor if the pressure is too high, while the low-pressure switch turns off power if refrigerant levels are too low.
The AC low-pressure switch looks like a small knob mounted to the compressor's upper (low pressure) side.
If the low-pressure switch stops working, the AC won’t be able to cool because the low- and high-pressure switches work together. While you can keep driving with a bad low-pressure switch, your car won’t have cool air, and you risk damaging the compressor.
When should I replace the AC low-pressure switch on my car?
A faulty low-pressure switch shares similar signs as a defective high-pressure switch, but here are common symptoms to watch out for:
- AC turns on and off rapidly: A bad low-pressure switch won’t send accurate signals to the AC system, so it will switch on and off.
- AC doesn’t cool your car: The AC relies on accurate pressure readings to produce cool air to circulate throughout the cabin. If the low-pressure switch isn’t functioning, the AC won’t work.
- Compressor doesn’t come on: The compressor pumps refrigerant through the system, so if the low pressure switch is bad, it can damage the compressor. This is another reason why it’s so important to replace the switch as soon as possible.
- Loud or strange noises: Your AC shouldn’t make unusual sounds. If you hear clicking, humming, or loud noises, get your AC inspected right away. The noises could be a sign of a faulty switch causing pressure to build up in the system.
How often should an AC low-pressure switch be replaced?
Unlike most car parts, AC pressure switch longevity is measured in cycles instead of miles or years. A new low pressure switch can last up to 50,000 cycles. This means that, in most cases, a switch will last the life of the vehicle. You only need to replace the switch if it’s faulty or damaged.
Can I replace my low-pressure AC switch myself?
If you feel confident working with your car’s electrical components, like being able to disconnect the battery, you should be able to swap out the low-pressure AC switch. It’s actually harder to diagnose if the low-pressure switch is causing the problems with AC, so don’t hesitate to get a professional inspection if you’re not completely sure that the low-pressure switch is the problem.
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FAQs
What is the low side hose called?
The low side hose is also called the suction hose. It’s blue and larger than the high-pressure hose, which is red.
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.
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