Climate Control
AC Evaporator
The AC evaporator is the core inside your dash where refrigerant absorbs heat from cabin air. We list 34 AC evaporators priced from $14 to $292 for 1978-2018 vehicles, with front and rear units. Chevrolet models lead the list, including the Corvette, S10 and Tahoe, plus the Toyota Land Cruiser and Ram 1500.
Shop ac evaporator by vehicle
What the evaporator does
Cold, low pressure refrigerant enters the evaporator. The blower pushes cabin air across the fins, the refrigerant takes in the heat, and cool air comes out of the vents. Moisture from the air condenses on the core and drains out under the vehicle.
A leaking evaporator often shows as weak cooling, a refrigerant smell inside the cabin, oily residue at the drain tube, or a leak detector reading near the vents. A musty smell usually means mold on the core rather than a leak.
Front or rear, and materials
Larger SUVs and vans with rear air have a second evaporator, so our listings are split into front and rear. Pick the one your leak test pointed to.
All the cores listed here are aluminum. Compare the inlet and outlet fittings and the core size with your old evaporator. Some vehicles need a new expansion valve or orifice tube at the same time, so check the listing for what is included.
Before you start the job
Evaporator replacement often means removing part or all of the dashboard, so plan the time. On vehicles with airbags, disconnect the battery and wait as the service manual specifies before working near airbag wiring.
Recover the refrigerant before opening the system. Replace the accumulator or drier, use new O-rings, and pull a vacuum before recharging. Read the fitment table for trim and climate control type, since manual and automatic systems can use different cores.
AC Evaporator questions
How do I know if my AC evaporator is leaking?
A UV dye test or electronic leak detector at the vents or drain tube is the most reliable check. A refrigerant smell in the cabin and oily residue at the drain are common clues.
Is it worth replacing the evaporator myself?
It can be done at home, but many vehicles need the dash removed and the system must be recovered and recharged with proper equipment. Budget for that service if you lack the tools.
Should I replace the expansion valve with the evaporator?
It is common practice to replace the expansion valve or orifice tube along with the evaporator, since they are inexpensive and debris may have collected in them.