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 O-ring seals is required anytime a refrigerant line or A/C expansion valve is disconnected. Failure to replace the O-ring seals may result in a refrigerant system leak.





1. Remove the tape or plugs from all the opened refrigerant line fittings and evaporator ports.
2. Lubricate new O-ring seals with clean refrigerant oil and install them onto the 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 tubes.
4. Install the two bolts (1) that secure the A/C expansion valve to the evaporator tube tapping block. Tighten the bolts to 4 Nm (35 in. lbs.).





5. Lubricate new O-ring seals with clean refrigerant oil and install them onto the refrigerant line fittings. Use only the specified 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.
6. Connect the A/C liquid line (4) and the A/C suction line (2) to the A/C expansion (1).
7. Install the nuts (3) that secure the A/C liquid and suction lines to the A/C expansion valve. Tighten the nuts to 20 Nm (15 ft. lbs.).
8. Evacuate the refrigerant system Refrigerant System Evacuate.
9. Adjust the refrigerant oil level Refrigerant Oil Level.
10. Charge the refrigerant system Refrigerant Oil Level.
11. Install the engine trim cover.
12. Reconnect the negative battery cable.