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 Smoky Hill 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.
what our customers say
I traveled from Las Vegas to Aurora Colorado and coming over the Pass my ABS lights came on and I was concerned so I researched places to take my car to be checked out and would take my extended warranty. Craig was very kind when I called so i decided to go there 1. because of his kindness and 2. His reviews. While having my car at the shop they found my alternator was bad . he called the warranty company and stayed on the line until he got a live person on the line . His staff was amazing and had my car ready for me in just a couple hours . They car runs great and it is ready to head back home without any worries. I highly recommend Smoky Hill Auto Service Center. Thank you Craig and your staff for helping me and getting my car safe for the road trip home.
Great people great prices. I brought my car in cause my head light was out and didn't have the piece to get the bulb out and they did it for free then I went to get my brakes done and got a great price. Everything is straight forward and they will take care of you. I will continue to bring my car here. Thank you guys
