Expansion Valve: Notes

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Suzuki Swift +, 2005 Pontiac Wave, and 2005 Chevrolet Aveo. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The expansion valve is located on the passenger compartment side of the dash panel, near the right front strut tower.

The expansion valve can fail in 3 different positions: open, closed, or restricted.

An expansion valve that fails in the open position will result in a noisy A/C compressor or no cooling. The cause can be a broken spring, a broken ball, or excessive moisture in the A/C system. If the spring or the ball are found to be defective, replace the expansion valve. If excessive moisture is found in the A/C system, recycle the refrigerant.

An expansion valve that fails in the closed position will result in low suction pressure and no cooling. This may be caused by a failed power dome or excessive moisture in the A/C system. If the power dome on the expansion valve is found to be defective, replace the expansion valve. If excessive moisture is found in the A/C system, recycle the refrigerant.

A restricted expansion valve will result in low suction pressure and no cooling. This may be caused by debris in the refrigerant system. If debris is believed to be the cause, recycle the refrigerant, replace the expansion valve, and replace the receiver-dryer.