Expansion Valve: Service and Repair

The expansion valve can fail in three different positions (open, closed or restricted).

In an Open Position
This will result in a noisy compressor or no cooling. The cause can be a broken spring, broken ball or excessive moisture in the A/C system. If the spring or ball are found to be defective, replace the expansion valve. If excessive moisture is found in the A/C system, recycle the refrigerant.

In a Closed Position
There will be low suction pressure and no cooling. This may be caused by a failed power dome or excessive moisture in the A/C system. If the power dome on the expansion valve is found to be defective replace the expansion valve. If excessive moisture is found recycle the refrigerant.

A Restricted Orifice
There will be low suction pressure and no cooling. This may be caused by debris in the refrigerant system. If debris is believed to be the cause, recycle the refrigerant and replace the expansion valve and receiver/drier.

REMOVAL
1. Remove refrigerant from the A/C system using a refrigerant recovery machine.
2. Remove engine air inlet tube and the air distribution duct.
3. Disconnect A/C lines from expansion valve. Use special tool 7193 to disconnect quick connector on expansion valve.
4. Remove two retaining bolts from expansion valve.

Expansion Valve:

5. Remove expansion valve.
6. Remove expansion valve gasket.

CAUTION: Always install a new gasket when replacing expansion valve.

INSTALLATION
For installation, reverse the above procedures. Tighten the new expansion valve to proper torque specification.