Your car or truck's AC system is under extreme pressure and the thermal expansion valve or orifice tube monitors the amount of pressure and the temperature of your A/C system. It calculates the precise amount of refrigerant that can safely go into the evaporator. A failing expansion valve or orifice tube often causes a vehicle's air conditioner to blow hot air.
Replace or Repair
- Expansion Valves: Too much refrigerant causes your evaporator to get too cold whereas too little refrigerant would result in inadequate cooling. The expansion valve is a complex valve that regulates refrigerant flow. This process of metering the refrigerant adjusts the flow according to the temperature of the refrigerant in the evaporator coil. Talk to one of the pro mechanics at Auto Car Care Center, as this part can be replaced on its own and does not require the entire replacement of the AC assembly.
- Orifice Tubes: Unlike the expansion valve, the orifice tube is a simple fixed device with no moving parts. It therefore cannot vary the flow of refrigerant into the evaporator, but rather causes a permanent restriction in the system. However, like the expansion valve the orifice tube regulates refrigerant flow through the system and filters debris which may come through in its screen. Often fixing a "bad orifice tube" requires replacing the entire evaporator assembly.
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What our clients are saying about us
We have established longterm and stable partnerships with various clients thanks to our excellence in solving their automotive needs!
My 2003 Saturn Vue was towed to this shop on July 22, 2025 with a red engine light on. Another shop who had done a lot of expensive work on my vehicle for the last couple of years refused to work on it because he thought it needed a new CVT transmission. I didn't know anything about Auto Car Care Center's shop, but after speaking to Jeff, the owner, on the phone prior to the tow, I felt he could handle the problem. Jeff worked on my vehicle with the true knowledge of a Saturn's components the other shop never showed me even though they touted being Saturn specialists. Jeff, by far, is a true Saturn specialist. With his determination, he fixed my transmission issue by installing a remanufactured valve body. While there, he noticed a hesitation when starting the vehicle, and then he recommended a new fuel pump and seal. I finally got the call that my vehicle was ready to take on the world. No problems since I left that shop! I cannot recommend this shop enough! After personally owning and operating a classic vehicle restoration shop for 35 years, I can attest that Jeff operates his shop with honesty, a high level of professionalism, a vast auto parts knowledge and always keeps the cost of the job down for the customer. He saved me over $2500. from having to buy a remanufactured CVT transmission and labor installation cost!
Thank you Jerry excellent service reasonable prices goes above and beyond gets it done A+++ service and treats customer like family and takes care of your car right
