What is this switch/sensor in the A/C system?

[morebhp]

I'm getting ready to replace the A/C lines in my '95 MTX and I'm looking at the replacement parts available. I have found a part that seems to replace the front line coming off the compressor but it is missing this switch/sensor. At least from what I can see from the picks of the new part.

Can anyone tell me what this sensor is for? And perhaps why the replacment parts don't have it and what that means to my replacement efforts? I'm sure I can't just let the connection dangle. It's bound to have an adverse affect on the HVAC performance.

Thanks.

Mark

This pic is looking forward accross the battery tray on the passenger side.

 

[93rev2sev]

That aint stock.

 

[SHOBlu]

Its the low pressure cut off switch.

 

[morebhp]

It's stock. I bought this car new.

Low pressure cut off switch. Okay. Sounds important. I wonder why all the aftermarket parts don't show it. Grrrr!!

 

[projectSHO89]

All wrong.


That is the "REFRIGERANT CONTAINMENT SWITCH (RCS)". It is a high pressure-activated switch that cuts off the compressor and activates the high speed cooling fan when triggered by high side pressures above 250 psi.

The low pressure cycling switch is directly mounted on the top of the accumulator can.

All R134a automotive AC systems are required to have one, even retrofits (yeah, like those got added...).

The 4S catalog doesn't list the hose but does list the switch itself. Due to the overall low production numbers of MTX SHOs produced with factory R134a systems (93-95), finding that hose after market will likely be hard.

Steve

 

[SHOBlu]

I stand corrected.

 

[morebhp]

Now why doesn't that surprise me....

I would expect this if I owned a Citroen.

I'm so ****** at Ford for discontinuing these replacement parts. I promise this will be my last Ford. They've screwed me for the last time.

 

[projectSHO89]

Most manufacturers discontinure parts support after around 7 years leaving only NOS.

Buy a new car if you can't take the challenge of maintaining an old one.

Steve