Evaporator Core & Expansion Valve Replacement

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 Honda Fit, 2012 Honda Fit, 2011 Honda Fit, 2010 Honda Fit, and 2009 Honda Fit. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Recover the refrigerant with a recovery/recycling/charging station (see REFRIGERANT RECOVERY ).
Remove the bolt from the A/C line clamp (A).

Fig 1: A/C Line Clamp Bolt With Torque Specifications
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Remove the blower unit (see BLOWER UNIT REMOVAL/INSTALLATION ).
Remove the bolt, then disconnect the A/C line (A) from the evaporator core and remove the O-rings (B).

Fig 2: Identifying A/C Line & O-Rings
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Disconnect the connectors (A) from the evaporator temperature sensor and the blower resistor, then remove the connector clip (B). Remove the self-tapping screws, the expansion valve cover (C), and the seals (D).

Fig 3: Identifying Evaporator Temperature Sensor Connectors, Connector Clip, Expansion Valve Cover & Seals
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Remove the bolts (A), the O-rings (B), the expansion valve (C) and the inlet and outlet lines (D) from the evaporator core (E). Be careful not to bend the lines.

Fig 4: Identifying Bolts, O-Rings, Inlet & Outlet Lines & Evaporator Core
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Carefully pull out the evaporator core (A).

Fig 5: Identifying Evaporator Core
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Remove the clip (A) and the evaporator temperature sensor (B).
NOTE: At the factory, the evaporator temperature sensor is installed at the 6th row of fins from the side opposite of the expansion valve.

Fig 6: Identifying Clip & Evaporator Temperature Sensor
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Reinstall the evaporator temperature sensor. If the evaporator is new, install the sensor on the 6th row of fins, counting from the side opposite the expansion valve. If you are reinstalling the old evaporator, install the sensor on the 7th row of fins.

Fig 7: Identifying Evaporator Temperature Sensor On 7th Row Of Fins
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Install the evaporator core in the reverse order of removal, and note these items:
- If you're installing a new evaporator core, add refrigerant oil (SP-10) (see A/C REFRIGERANT OIL REPLACEMENT ).
- Replace the O-rings with new ones at each fitting, and apply a thin coat of refrigerant oil before installing them. Be sure to use the correct O-rings for HFC-134a (R-134a) to avoid leakage.
- Immediately after using the oil, reinstall the cap on the container, and seal it to avoid moisture absorption.
- Do not spill the refrigerant oil on the vehicle; it may damage the paint; if the refrigerant oil contacts the paint, wash it off immediately.
- Make sure that there is no air leakage.
- Charge the system (see SYSTEM CHARGING ).