A TXV expansion valve manages the amount of liquid refrigerant flowing through the air conditioning system, so if it goes bad, you’ll need to replace it to keep your AC functioning properly. Expect to pay an average of $400 to get the job done, but it may cost as little as $200 or as much as $700 .
What happens when a thermal expansion valve fails?
If the expansion valve is stuck open or clogged, the AC system won’t cool properly . A clogged valve leads to insufficient refrigerant, increasing the pressure in the system and causing the AC compressor to overheat.
What’s the average cost to have your expansion valve replaced in a vehicle?
The average cost for air conditioning expansion valve replacement is between $319 and $400 . Labor costs are estimated between $160 and $201 while parts are priced between $159 and $199. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your specific vehicle or unique location.
What causes a thermal expansion valve to fail?
A TXV valve can fail if it’s too open and overfeeding or too closed (underfeeding) . Contaminants from a dirty evaporator coil, oil, or moisture can cause the valve to get “sticky”. In addition, a blocked return air vent can cause a TXV valve to go bad.
How do you replace a thermal expansion valve?
How do you install a thermal expansion valve?
How do you diagnose a bad thermal expansion valve?
- Low evaporator pressure.
- High evaporator and compressor superheats.
- Low compressor amp draw.
- Short cycling on the low-pressure control.
- Higher than normal discharge temperatures.
- Low condensing pressure.
- Low condenser split.
- Normal to high condenser subcooling.
How do you know if you have a bad expansion valve?
The most recognizable symptom of a bad A/C expansion valve is when you turn on your air conditioner and warm air starts blowing out of the vents . This would obviously mean that not enough refrigerant is making its way to the core of the evaporator.
How do I know if my expansion valve is clogged?
- AC system performing worse than usual and blowing warm air. ...
- Frost on AC evaporator or coming from the vents. ...
- AC compressor constantly running.
How long do expansion valves last?
There isn’t a specific lifespan of the valve , it’s more just a wear and tear kind of situation. Obviously the more you use the air conditioning, the quicker it will wear down. Here’s a look at some of the signs you can watch for that can signal the end of your expansion valve’s lifespan.
Can you replace expansion valve?
How do you unstick an expansion valve?
Even holding he bulb in your hand should provide enough heat to open the valve. Next, place the TXV bulb into cold water . This should cause the expansion valve to close reducing the amount of refrigerant to pass thought the TXV into the coil. Suction pressure should drop, and superheat should rise.
Can an expansion valve stuck open?
As it operates under high pressures and is temperature sensitive, improper working conditions, as well as impurities inside the loop, can cause deregulation and malfunction. If the expansion valve is stuck open or clogged, the AC system will not cool properly .
Can a expansion valve be cleaned?
It is very difficult to determine if a Thermostat Expansion Valve is clean . The only way to be sure the valve is clean is to put it back into operation and run a system performance test. If there is any malfunction, the unit must be disassembled again to change the valve.
How do you test an expansion valve on a car?
You need to raise the temperature of the sensing bulb to determine if the expansion valve is activating . One easy way is to simply drop it in a cup of warm water. Otherwise, you can simply hold the bulb in your hand throughout the duration of the test.
Where is the thermal expansion valve?
The TXV Expansion valves reside between the evaporator and condenser in the refrigeration cycle . With the main body made from brass the TXV includes both and inlet and outlet valve. The inlet is located at the bottom while a refrigerator outlet is on the side.
Where is the thermal expansion valve located?
The expansion valve is situated in the liquid line between the condenser and the inlet of the evaporator . It operates on the opposite side of the system, relative to the compressor.
