OE FIX: A/C Compressor Flow Sensor

Dorman's OE FIX A/C compressor flow sensor is available for replacement on its own, fixing the problem of a bad refrigerant sensor for a lot less money.
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Video Transcript:
The A/C system on many 2010 and later Toyota and Lexus vehicles stops working when the A/C compressor's refrigerate flow sensor goes bad. If you scan the vehicle with a diagnostic tool and get a B1479 trouble code, this failed sensor is probably the issue. This is a fairly simple part, but if you try to buy a factory replacement, you'll find the original manufacturer only sells it as part of an entire new compressor assembly. This costs hundreds of dollars and takes hours to replace. But this Dorman OE FIX A/C compressor flow sensor is available on its own, fixing the problem for a lot less money. And because this is an externally mounted hall effect sensor, there's no need to evacuate and refill the A/C system at all, saving a ton of labor time. You'll simply disconnect the original flow sensor, remove the circlip that holds the sensor in place on the compressor, remove the sensor, and replace it with the new one. Re-install the clip, plug in the new sensor and you're done. It's that simple. If you have a scan tool, you can clear the fault code once you've confirmed the repair. If you have any questions about this repair or any others, our tech line is always there to help.

[@azmyeyes6979]

Thanks it works after changing A/C air flow sensor part cost $18

[@d.l.8993]

Thank you my friend! You are very knowledgeable and your advice was helpful. God bless you and your family.

[@ozscorpio7]

Easy when you do it on a bench with the compressor removed, nevertheless still helpfull video

[@awiazkhan5873]

Does it works for corolla 2012 s it also has the sensor issue

[@simonsuckie9906]

I am smelling gas from the exhaust of my 2009 toyotavitz can you help and the ac keeps chipping in and out

[@DAVE_WHITE]

Run a magnet over the flow sensor if your Ac kicks on Pow it is a sensor

[@here-i-am2316]

Yep

[@mal3x]

Does it have to be a big one? I tried with a small one to pick screws, but didn't work, I was hoping that was the issue.😢

[@DAVE_WHITE]

@@mal3x If you can not remove the sensor just unplug it and plug the new one in and zip tie it out of the way the sensor does not need to be put back in the AC pump

[@mal3x]

@@DAVE_WHITE so the sensor is not interacting with the compressor? It's just mounted there?

[@DAVE_WHITE]

@@mal3x yup I could not get mine out at all without smashing the bum, so I just unplugged it, plugged in the new one and zip tied the new one to the radiator hose,,, works just fine.. 2014 toyota camry LE

[@binsun8279]

I have 2010 Camry LE model, but I don't see the flow sensor.

[@DAVE_WHITE]

It's that simple LOL not on a older car, you can beat these to hell, smash them, break them, and they still do not come off . You have to shatter it in little pieces and use a pick to get all of the parts out of the pump.

[@swammyswammy6476]

Mechanic just put this in my 2012 Toyota Camry. It did nothing to make the AC work!

[@miguelrivera-je6gz]

❤

[@cmjackson59]

I just changed out the flow sensor and reset the fault code. The AC works but still kicks out after 5-10 minutes. Is it possible this is due to a weak magnet? Is the magnet inside the compressor beneath the flow sensor? If so how does this work with the flow sensor? Could the magnet be rejuvenated by close contact with another stronger magnet? Is this why some people claim placing a magnet on the flow sensor makes the AC work? Any thoughts or picture would be appreciated

[@Dave-hk3pi]

The same thing is happening to me. Replaced sensor, but A/C kicks off after 15 minutes. I can turn it back on and it works. Did you ever figure out what was up with yours? Thanks!!

[@cergio9967]

Most time the problem is the solenoid control valve.

[@douglashammon1]

You guys are as bad as the dealer. They can be found online, at least for Nissan, I just bought one for $16.99

[@tachyonbeam]

Thank you so much for the video. I have a Lexus 350 and was having the problem you described. I started the replacement process and was successful at all the challenging things in the tight space including removing the ring clip without having it fly away. * However, after removing the ring clip, I was unable to remove the sensor. I tried wiggling it, I try to pry it away with a screwdriver, I tried WD40. Eventually, the top of the sensor broke off but the part of the round part of the sensor that makes contact with the compressor would not come apart. It's as if it's fused, or glued. Even with a screw driver and a hammer trying to remove it or break it apart, the thing would not give. I'm not sure what else to do. I did use a magnet over the sensor (before taking it apart) and the AC worked fine. I know this is a flow control switch, but my question is, what's the risk if I was to use a magnet over the new sensor as a bypass?

[@IThinkNowListenUp]

What model vehicle and year we you working on? What did you end up doing?

[@Sami-ev9ww]

I have RX-350 model 2015, Now I have same issue (flow sensor circuit). Is this same as solenoid valve? Or this is an electronic part? Please could you provide me how to solve it without loosing more money

[@juanojeda8069]

Thanks that saves me a lot of money my cousin help me to change in my Lexus rx350 14 the part cost $48 and the labor was tricky due to small spaces and to remove the circle look also removed the bottom plastic covers.

[@georgelomarro4677]

I just replaced the AC flow sensor on my Scion tC. This video makes it look soooo easy -- but it is not. I had unbolt the radiator supports, battery, hood latch, and horns, then drain the coolant, disconnect some hoses. Then I could move the radiator/condensor forward to a point where I could then get access to the sensor. Then to make matters worse, the sensor was stuck. And I mean stuck. I could not get the connector off, and the sensor was stuck to the compressor. I had to break and chip up the sensor into a dozen pieces with a chisel, screwdriver and hammer to get it out. Three hours later, I'm finally putting it all back together with a new sensor. And --- The AC now works!

[@bobd5300]

Does the tab on the connector push down or pull up to disconnect it

[@elvisaguilar8580]

I have a Scion tC and I changed it pretty easily I’m second gen

[@DAVE_WHITE]

Yup my sensor is stuck fast to the AC, this is why the mechanics do not want to do the repair, aluminum corrodes around the dam sensor.

[@ratata2315]

@@elvisaguilar8580 which were your symptoms of a bad sensor ?

[@juniorespinosa1]

He said is that simple let him do it on the car to see if it’s that simple

[@DAVE_WHITE]

If you can not remove the sensor just unplug it and plug the new one in and zip tie it out of the way the sensor does not need to be put back in the AC pump

[@MC-mh2ju]

Are you serious? Toyota does sell the sensor on it's own for my 2010 Camry. No need to buy a new compressor assembly.

[@Saltu61]

This is an rpm sensor not a flow sensor it detects the speed of the engine so the compressor engages only when the engine is running

[@eromangadono]

So I replaced the sensor and now the AC works when I turn on the car and after driving for 5-10 minutes stops working.

[@4AM_DJ]

Dang, I hope mine doesn't do that. Doing this today 😢

[@Organized-chaos1]

Ours broke off and the circle part is stuck inside

[@PhilFontes]

Have you found away to remove it yet. I have the same issue right now

[@Az56818]

2011 highlander new compressor expansion valve condenser pressure read good when ac on but compressor kicks off after a few seconds at idle at higher speeds works fine any help ? Could it be this sensor?

[@douglashammon1]

Sorry for the previous comment, I had the wrong video.

[@martinlol6729]

is there one or two sensors on the Corolla? there is a sensor that clutches the compressor to ON mode, is this the one?

[@Yachtzeee]

Nice Phoenix Yellow Typer R!

[@tom10speed]

I don't see where I can get the circlip. My vehicle was missing the circlip as well as the sensor being smashed.

[@smohan7726]

Perfect this is my problem that I needed help with

[@ahmedAhmed-du3ow]

I have the same as the same and the same code shows me to scroll in the car RA4 2009 the motorcycle branch and the world is mutaged from you key to the machine who is operating and cool

[@lesorcier62000]

information about this sensor?

[@qpkhalid]

2011 camry flow sensor I could not find please let me know?

[@fernandoangel7734]

That’s a nice Integra 😍

[@irodragon7184]

would this fit on a 2013 scion iq?

[@jameslyons6196]

My 2014 Corolla does not have this part "flow sensor"

[@seunmebude4597]

I wan to know de color of de senor ways 2012 Toyota camry

[@11colbyk]

My old one is stuck in there. Having a hell of a time removing it especially with the rest of the car in the way. The old one is all broken up with just a little bit left in there. It's been a pain. We ran out of time but are going to try to remove it again another time. 🙃

[@Dolly-Days]

Just put a magnet on the left hand side of the sensor, it will activate it.

[@diegopalomino1200]

Thanks for showing where the sensor goes, I am sure is going to be a pain to replace with the AC compressor still in the car.

[@Dolly-Days]

Just put a magnet on it, it will work then.

[@jerseyfoxx3290]

Will this work for a Scion Tc 2008?

[@JimmyMirabal1]

Hi, great video 👍 I'm having this problem in my Highlander 2011 but I'd like to know the location of the sensor. I haven't found any info about how to find where it is located.

[@bobbywarrior1434]

Hello thanks for you useful video, I have a 2003 toyota Camry LE 6 ciyl, is there a flow sensor replacement for my car also ?, thanks

[@JoseMunoz-dg1gv]

I think so my is a 97 and it has it underneath the compressor

[@masmohammadi6378]

Car AC Sometime cold and sometime doesn’t

[@ogunsakinor76]

Where can get the sensor

[@yabasvlog3439]

Thanks for sharing

[@GeoFry3]

The joys of replacing that POS sensor in the car, when it is half melted, without taking the entire cooling system apart to get to it. Good video.

[@Dolly-Days]

Just put a magnet on it, it will keep it locked in and working!