A/C Expansion Valve: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Dodge Stratus and 2005 Chrysler Sebring. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: Refer to the applicable warnings and cautions for this system before performing the following operation (Refer to HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - WARNINGS) and (Refer to HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - CAUTIONS) . Failure to follow the warnings and cautions could result in possible personal injury or death.

Recover the refrigerant from the refrigerant system. (Refer to REFRIGERANT SYSTEM RECOVERY ).
Remove the bolt that secures the refrigerant line retainer bracket to the right shock tower.
Remove the nut that secures the refrigerant line tapping plate to the A/C expansion valve. See Fig 1.
Disconnect the A/C suction line and the A/C liquid line from the A/C expansion valve and position the refrigerant lines out of the way.
Remove the O-ring seal from the suction and liquid line fittings and discard.

Install plugs in, or tape over the opened suction and liquid line fittings.

Fig 1: A/C Expansion Valve-Tapping Plate

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

1 - NUT

2 - TAPPING PLATE

3 - A/C EXPANSION VALVE

4 - A/C LIQUID LINE

5 - A/C SUCTION LINE

Remove the two bolts that secure the A/C expansion valve to the evaporator tube tapping plate. See Fig 2.
Remove the A/C expansion valve from the evaporator tube tapping plate.
Remove the O-ring seals from the evaporator tube fittings and discard.

Install plugs in, or tape over the opened evaporator tube fittings and all expansion valve ports.

Fig 2: HVAC Housing Seals

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

1 - EVAPORATOR SEAL

2 - A/C EXPANSION VALVE

3 - HVAC HOUSING

4 - HEATER CORE TUBES

5 - HVAC HOUSING STUD

6 - HVAC HOUSING STUD

7 - EXPANSION VALVE BOLT (2)

Remove expansion valve.