Climate Control
AC Expansion Valve
An AC expansion valve meters refrigerant into the evaporator so it can expand and cool. Our catalogue has 34 AC expansion valves from $14 to $180 for 1983-2022 vehicles. The Ford Expedition has the most listings, and we also carry valves for the Chrysler Town & Country, Honda Accord, Toyota, Subaru and Volkswagen.
Shop ac expansion valve by vehicle
How the valve works
The expansion valve sits at the evaporator inlet, usually at the firewall. It drops refrigerant pressure and controls how much flows into the evaporator based on temperature. Vehicles without an expansion valve use a fixed orifice tube instead.
A stuck or clogged valve can cause warm air from the vents, frost on the evaporator lines, very low or very high pressure readings, or AC that cools for a few minutes and then stops. Debris from a failed compressor is a common cause of a blocked valve.
Picking the right valve
Vehicles with rear air, such as the Expedition and Town & Country, have separate front and rear valves, so choose the correct position. The valves listed here are aluminum, some with a gold finish.
Check the inlet and outlet layout and the mounting bolt pattern against your old valve. Brands include UAC, Motorcraft, Denso, Four Seasons, GPD and API.
Replacement steps to plan
Have the refrigerant recovered before removing the valve. Fit new O-rings lubricated with the correct refrigerant oil, and torque the mounting bolts evenly. Replace the receiver drier at the same time, since the system was opened.
Pull a vacuum and hold it to check for leaks before recharging. Use the vehicle selector and read the fitment table, as engine and climate control options can change the valve used.
AC Expansion Valve questions
What is the difference between an expansion valve and an orifice tube?
Both meter refrigerant into the evaporator. An expansion valve adjusts flow based on temperature, while an orifice tube is a fixed restriction. Your vehicle uses one design or the other.
Can a bad expansion valve damage the compressor?
Yes. A valve stuck open can send liquid refrigerant back toward the compressor, and one stuck closed can starve it of oil. Both shorten compressor life.
Where is the AC expansion valve located?
On most vehicles it is at the evaporator inlet near the firewall in the engine bay. On some it is inside the HVAC box behind the dash.