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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 Woodard Automotive, 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!

We were traveling I95 and began having engine trouble 6 hrs from home. We managed to get our vehicle to Woodard automotive. Knowing we were from out of town and stranded they got us right in to look at the car. After discovering that we needed a new engine, Lori and her staff were incredibly helpful and went above and beyond by contacting Kia and helping us get a rental. They brought a peace and calm to what could have been a super stressful day. We are so incredibly thankful and recommend them 100%!!! quotes-image
, 03/15/2025
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Great service and great staff. Very friendlyquotes-image
, 11/21/2024
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