Replace Your Car's AC Thermal Expansion Valve or Orifice Tube
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 Tidwell Auto Service, 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.
Contact Us Today!
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What Our Customers Are Saying
I had a great experience with Tidwell Auto Service. Yesterday, my engine splash shield started making noise on bumpy roads, and I even had to pull over and temporarily tie it up with a plastic thread I found on the roadside just to continue driving safely. When I took the car to Tidwell Auto Service, they explained that if the shield needed replacement, the part would have to be ordered. I was prepared to go ahead with the replacement, or at least have it removed temporarily until the new part arrived. Instead, they took the time to properly fix the existing shield and got everything secured again. To my surprise, they didn’t even charge me for the work they did. This was my first time using their service, and honestly, I regret not knowing about them earlier. It’s rare to find honest and helpful service like this these days. I truly appreciate their professionalism, kindness, and integrity. Highly recommend Tidwell Auto Service!
Plano, TX
My transmission light went on while driving and I immediately drove to Tidwell (recommended by Grease Monkey across the street). They diagnosed and repaired at a fair price and did not try to sell me repairs I didn't need. Replaced all 4 coils for about 1/3 the price of the dealership. Will not go anywhere else from now on.
Plano, TX
Efficient and dependable service. Fair and reasonable.
They did a great job.
