Compressor Sensor

My AC won't work. I press the button, compressor engages for a few seconds then cuts out. THere is no blinking light. I've narrowed things down to the compressor sense. However, mine doesn't look anything like what comes up on a search. The part number is 88346A, it mounts on the bottom of the compressor with one screw. Mine mounts on top with 2 screws, see pics. I am not having any luck finding a replacement sensor. Any help out there????

 

That would be a weird thing to go out. Did you use a scantool or techstream to make sure the sensor wasn't reading correctly. And the pressures are exactly where they should be? I'm no expert but the couple times I've run into this on other vehicles it was low on refrigerant.

 

It sounds like low refrigerant to me put a set gauges on it before you do anything else. If it does turn out to be low refrigerant then you need to start chasing a leak.

These trucks have been known to have evaporator leaks hopefully it’s not that.

 

Not sure what's going on there, the exploded view shows up correctly but the part number it gives is for the old design sensor.
It's possible they don't service it separate of the compressor since you have to recover the refrigerant to replace it anyway on the design you have.
Make sure the compressor clutch rubber hasn't separated and started slipping on the hub, not uncommon for that to happen.

On Toyota when the A/C runs for a few secs and shuts off providing the compressor clutch is good & working and the compressor isn't grenaded it's typically an issue with the lock sensor/circuit/signal. 2nd gens would flash the A/C light but 3rd gens just kick the light and A/C off if they don't get a lock sensor signal within a few seconds of commanding the compressor clutch on.

 

Sounds a lot better than what I said.

 

I don't hang out in the 3rd gen section alot so I'm not too sure how common of an issue it is on them but the flashing A/C light issue comes up pretty often in the 2nd gen section, it's not always the lock sensor but in many cases it is. Unfortunately it's not easily tested without an oscilloscope and a known good waveform.

For a period people were having issues with the lock sensors on some aftermarket compressors (even name brand ones like Delphi) not working properly, I'm not sure if they are still having issues or not but it's a good idea to keep your old sensor if you need to replace your compressor but the sensor is still good.

 

You're spot on about the part. The sensors that pop up don't look anything like what's on my compressor. It doesn't show on almost all parts diagrams. At this stage I can find a replacement sensor on Ebay but having to evacuate and then refill the refrigerant I am considering just replacing the compressor. That said she's going in for an AC diagnostic tomorrow. I'll post a follow-up later.