A/C Expansion Valve - Installation

INSTALLATION

CAUTION: Be certain to adjust the refrigerant oil level when servicing the A/C refrigerant system Service and Repair . Failure to properly adjust the refrigerant oil level will prevent the A/C system from operating as designed and can cause serious A/C compressor damage.

NOTE: When replacing multiple A/C system components, see the Refrigerant Oil Capacities chart to determine how much oil should be added to the refrigerant system Service and Repair .

NOTE: Replacement of the refrigerant line O-ring seals and gaskets is required anytime a refrigerant line is disconnected. Failure to replace the rubber O-ring seals and metal gaskets could result in a refrigerant system leak.

NOTE: 3.6L engine model shown. 2.8L engine model similar.





1. Remove the tape or plugs from the opened refrigerant lines and evaporator tube fittings and all of the expansion valve ports.
2. Lubricate new O-ring seals with clean refrigerant oil and install them onto the evaporator tube fittings. Use only the specified O-rings as they are made of a special material for the R-134a system. Use only refrigerant oil of the type recommended for the A/C compressor in the vehicle.
3. Install the A/C expansion valve (2) onto the evaporator tube tapping block (1).
4. Install the two bolts (3) that secure the A/C expansion valve to the evaporator tube tapping block. Tighten the bolts to 11 Nm (97 in. lbs.).





5. Lubricate new O-ring seals with clean refrigerant oil and install them onto the refrigerant line fittings. Use only the specified O-rings as they are made of a special material for the R-134a system. Use only refrigerant oil of the type recommended for the A/C compressor in the vehicle.
6. Connect the A/C liquid line (3) and A/C suction line (4) to the A/C expansion valve (1) and install the retaining nut (2). Tighten the nut to 8 Nm (70 in. lbs.).





7. On 3.6L engine models, install the intake manifold Intake Manifold - Installation.
8. Engage the refrigerant line bracket (2) onto the stud located on the cowl panel (4) and install the retaining nut (3). Tighten the nut securely.
9. Install the engine trim cover.
10. Reconnect the negative battery cable.
11. Evacuate the refrigerant system Refrigerant System Evacuate.
12. Adjust the refrigerant oil level Service and Repair.
13. Charge the refrigerant system Service and Repair.