Auto AC Expansion Valve Replacement
Expert replacement of faulty expansion valves to resolve poor cooling or frozen evaporators. We ensure correct refrigerant metering for optimal cabin temperatures. By appointment only to provide your AC system our full expert attention upon arrival.
The thermal expansion valve (TXV) or orifice tube is a small but essential component of your vehicle’s AC system, especially critical in the extreme heat of Gilbert, Arizona, where temperatures regularly exceed 115°F. This valve acts as a precise regulator, controlling the flow of refrigerant—whether R-134a or the newer R-1234yf—between the high-pressure and low-pressure sides of your AC system. Its job is to meter the exact amount of liquid refrigerant entering the evaporator core, ensuring optimal cooling performance.
When the expansion valve malfunctions, it can cause a range of AC problems. If it sticks open, too much refrigerant floods the evaporator, leading to insufficient cooling and increased risk of compressor damage due to liquid slugging. Conversely, if the valve sticks closed or restricts flow, the evaporator starves for refrigerant, causing poor cooling and possibly causing the evaporator to freeze, reducing your AC’s effectiveness in the desert heat.
At Apex Automotive, David Jr. is your personal mechanic who believes in a diagnostic-first approach. We don’t replace parts on a guess. Instead, we carefully test the system’s high and low side pressures to pinpoint whether the expansion valve is truly the root cause. This approach prevents unnecessary repairs and ensures your AC system operates efficiently.
Replacing the expansion valve requires specialized tools and expert handling. Because opening the AC system exposes it to moisture and contaminants, we always recommend replacing the receiver/drier or accumulator during this service to protect system longevity and performance.
Trust Apex Automotive to provide expert diagnostics and professional expansion valve replacement tailored to the harsh desert Southwest climate. Call David Jr. at (480) 588-2250 to schedule your appointment and keep your AC system running cool and reliable all summer long.