I've got a Porter Cable pancake air compressor with, what I think is, a bad pressure switch. Plugged in, switch to auto, and nothing happens. Unit is bleed and gauge is at 0. I can get a new switch for about $40. The question; Is this an easy repair / installation. I am pretty handy, but don't want to pull everything apart if it is going to be a complicated process.

the regulator does not turn comp ff and on the pressure switch does. If you adjust regulator to 100 psi and the is no air replace regulator or rebuild it, parts are online at several stores you pick on.

I would look at the pressure switch which shuts the electric off when the air pressure reaches its limit also check all wires going to and from this switch. Best checked with a multi-meter.

What you need is something called a volt-ohm meter.
Obtain one and use it to test your switch and wiring.

If your quick coupler is not jammed up, (remove & test) and assuming you are pulling the regulator knob out to adjust the pressure and it is not stripped, you will need a new manifold kit.
There are about 6 versions of this unit so you will need model and type to get the correct part. There are no individual regulator parts available for this unit.

nothing
it is the regulator that is faulty

Either the compressor is bad,but more likely the connector went bad or broke.

Have you turned the knob on compressor regulator clockwise.?

The compressor has a max psi setting of 150.If the pressure is not reaching this or is only stabilizing at a low pressure you have an air leak around a gasket somewhere.If it is reaching 150psi and not shutting off your pressure switch is bad.Replace it.Check your owner's manual for a part number or go to www.factoryauthorizedoutlet.com to find the part.

i think you have a problem with the pressure control. unplug the compressor and open the controller. check all the connections and really look it over. these pressure switches today just do not hold up well. sometimes there is enough moisture in the unit that it can freeze over winter and crack. if yours has a plastic hose to connect then check that over as well. check this site. they have a good parts break down ans look ar parts 111and 112 and 113. all called pressure switch service kit.

http://www.ereplacementparts.com/porter-cable-cffn250n-type-compressor-parts-c-129_1662_3092.html

ARE THE POINTS BURNT IN THE PRESSURE SWITCH? DO YOU HAVE A LEVER ON THE SWITCH SET TO ON OR AUTO? IF YOU THINK ITS THE SWITCH JUST BYPASS IT AND TIE THE WIRES TOGETHER TO SEE IF IT RUNS. BEWARE YOU HAVE NO PRESSURE PROTECTION EXCEPT POP-OFF VALVE. MOST P.O.S. COMPRESSORS LIKE PORTER CABLE HAVE 3500 RPM MOTORS AND HAVE A THERMAL RELEIF BUTTON ON THEM. JUST PUSH TO RESET. MAKE SURE YOUR WIRNG OR DROPCORD IS LARGE ENOUGH GAUGE. SMALL GAUGE DROPCORDS KILL COMPRESSORS.