You'll need an afternoon to replace the thermal expansion valve of your vehicle's air conditioning system. You will find the thermal expansion valve mounted on the inlet of the evaporator, since most manufacturers attach the thermal expansion valve directly to the evaporator for design efficiency. Parts that support the thermal expansion valve include the liquid line, dash clip, and suction line. However, the expansion valve works to change the refrigerant from a high pressure liquid into a low pressure liquid before it reaches the evaporator. A replacement part may be available for $100-$150 if you go through a discount retailer.
Instructions
- 1
Remove the surge tank from the designated bracket with a screwdriver. Then, recover the refrigerant.
2Disassemble the dash clip part. Remove the suction line from the clip, then release the liquid line from the clip assembly.
3Unscrew the liquid line nut and suction line nut from the TXV, or thermal expansion valve. Continue to take apart the thermal expansion expansion valve assembly by removing the liquid line and suction line from the valve.
4Remove the valve from the inlet of the evaporator by unscrewing the screws of the TXV, then remove and discard the sealing washers.
5Cap all components of the air condition system with the protective caps immediately to prevent contamination before assembling the new TXV.
6Assemble the new TXV by following the manufacturer's outline. Remove the protective caps to begin installation.
7Attach the new sealing washers to the TXV and use the screws provided by the manufacturer to mount the new TXV to the inlet. Tighten the screws to a secure fit.
8Install the liquid line and suction line to the TXV, then install the liquid and suction line nut to the TXV.
9Assemble the dash clip. Return the liquid line and suction line to the dash clip.
10Evacuate and charge the refrigerant system, then return the surge tank to the designated bracket.
