Does anyone know if a bad ambient air temp sensor could cause AC system shutdown?

 

The reason for my ECON light staying on was being low on refrigerant. Once recharged it never came back and its been about a year. I'd check if its leaking somewhere.

Does your ambient air temp readout seem way off? To somewhat reinforce your question, I do believe this sensor being bad affects the a/c, but i'll let someone more knowledgeable chime in.

 

i concur.

 

My econ button wouldnt shut off when the temp outside warmed up. Last night it was cold here in Mich. 20 deg.and the econ button would shut off and the ac would blow cold. I figured it needed a refridge.charge so this afternoon i ran the car and the econ button stayed on again compressor is off in that situation.In order to charge the system the compressor must run.I unplugged the switch that goes to side of the condensor (pressure switch) tried to jumper it @ the connector and nothing happened,no compressor turn on. Is there a temp sensor inside the cabin that wont let the compressor run unless the inside temp is high enough?

 

If your refrigerant level is too low, your compressor wont turn on. Start charging it slowly and use about 1/4 of a can with your a/c on as cold as it can go and the compressor should kick in once enough refrigerant is in. If it doesn't kick in by now it could mean the compressor is bad.