Mike's Workshop Manuals: Service manuals for every vehicle
Home >> Audi >> 1996 >> A4 Base, Automatic >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 14 (Automatic A/C-Heater Systems) >> System Tests >> A/C Pressure Switch

A/C Pressure Switch

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2001 Audi S4, 2001 Audi A4, 2000 Audi S4, and 2000 Audi A4. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
NOTE: A/C pressure switch contains 2 switching elements. Compressor is shut off due to low or excess refrigerant system pressure (switch open at terminals No. 1 and 2). Second stage (speed) coolant fan is switched on (switch closed at terminals No. 3 and 4).
  1. Start engine and allow to idle. Turn A/C on, using AUTO operating mode on A/C control panel. Connect A/C gauge set and monitor A/C system pressures. Disconnect A/C pressure switch harness connector.
  2. Compressor should disengage, simulating an open low pressure switch. Remove A/C pressure switch and reconnect harness connector. Compressor should remain disengaged simulating an open low pressure switch. If compressor does not engage, go to next step. If compressor does not disengage, repair short circuit.
  3. CAUTION: Using A/C gauge set, monitor system pressures. If system pressure becomes excessive, disconnect fused jumper wire and ensure compressor disengages.
  4. Disconnect pressure switch harness connector. Using a fused jumper wire, connect pressure switch harness connector terminals No. 1 (Brown/Blue wire) and No. 2 (Brown/White wire). See Fig 1 . Compressor should engage.
  5. If compressor engages, check for low refrigerant pressure or empty system. If refrigerant pressures are okay, check A/C pressure switch. Replace switch as necessary. If switch is okay, repair open in wiring between switch and control panel.
Fig 1: Testing A/C Pressure Switch
G00011179Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, INC.