Index Sensors
Index Sensors & Controls has introduced a new air conditioning monitoring and protection system designed to reduce maintenance costs and vehicle downtime.

The ACX-10 Air Conditioning Life Extender is a monitoring system that communicates with the vehicle’s AC system. It consists of a compact control module that is easily mounted in the engine compartment.

The system protects air conditioning components against premature failure by monitoring refrigerant pressure and voltage. Both high and low refrigerant pressure can lead to rapid cycling of the AC system, causing premature wear of the compressor, clutch, and hoses. Under such conditions, the ACX-10 prevents rapid cycling of the A/C clutch by slowing down the cycle rate to 15 seconds, cutting cycle frequency by as much as 80%.

When the ACX-10 detects persistent, potentially damaging high or low refrigerant pressure, it temporarily disengages the AC clutch until the pressure returns to the normal, safe operating range. It temporarily disengages the AC clutch in situations where the voltage is abnormal. It also extends starter motor and battery life by delaying AC clutch engagement for 15 seconds after ignition, removing the burden of cranking the compressor.

An important feature of the ACX-10 is its ability to directly sense pressure on the low pressure side of the compressor. This allows it to detect a low refrigerant level before it falls to the point of causing damage to the compressor. Other monitoring systems use a bi-functional switch on the high pressure side to indicate both high and low pressure conditions. But these will typically not detect a problem until the system has lost its refrigerant charge, which puts the compressor at risk for failure.

The ACX-10 is available in a convenient aftermarket installation package through dealers and parts distributors. It can be retrofitted to most vehicles in three easy steps, typically taking less than 30 minutes.