A/C Expansion Valve - Installation

INSTALLATION

CAUTION: Be certain to adjust the refrigerant oil level when servicing the A/C refrigerant system Refrigerant Oil Level . Failure to properly adjust the refrigerant oil level will prevent the A/C system from operating as designed and can cause serious A/C compressor damage.

NOTE: When replacing multiple A/C system components, see the Refrigerant Oil Capacities chart to determine how much oil should be added to the refrigerant system Refrigerant Oil Level .

NOTE: Replacement of the refrigerant line O-ring seals is required anytime a refrigerant line is disconnected from the expansion valve, or if the expansion valve is removed. Failure to replace the rubber O-ring seals may result in a refrigerant system leak.

NOTE: LHD model shown in illustrations. RHD model similar.





1. Remove the tape or plugs from the opened refrigerant line fittings and all expansion valve and evaporator ports.
2. Lubricate new O-ring seals with clean refrigerant oil and install them onto the refrigerant line and evaporator tube fittings. Use only the specified O-ring seals as they are made of a special material for the R-134a system. Use only refrigerant oil of the type recommended for the A/C compressor in the vehicle.
3. Install the A/C expansion valve (2) onto the evaporator tube tapping block (3)
4. Install the two bolts (1) that secure the A/C expansion valve to the evaporator tube tapping block. Tighten the bolts to 11 Nm (97 in. lbs.).





5. Connect the A/C liquid and suction line assembly (2) to the A/C expansion valve (3).
6. Install the bolt (1) that secures the A/C liquid and suction line assembly to the A/C expansion valve. Tighten the bolt to 25 Nm (18 ft. lbs.).





7. Position the heat shield (3) onto the studs (2) located on the dash panel in the engine compartment.
8. Install the nuts (1) that secure the heat shield to the dash panel. Tighten the nuts to 1 Nm (10 in. lbs.).
9. Reconnect the negative battery cable.
10. Evacuate the refrigerant system Refrigerant System Evacuate.
11. Adjust the refrigerant oil level, if required Refrigerant Oil Level.
12. Charge the refrigerant system Refrigerant System Charge.