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 Franklin 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.
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We have established longterm and stable partnerships with various clients thanks to our excellence in solving their automotive needs!
Franklin Auto has taken great care of our cars for several years. Yesterday, I had a flat tire at 5:30 pm and they took care of it, even though they close at 6 pm. I highly recommend Franklin Auto!
Stopped into Franklin Auto Repair while traveling through Marietta with an issue on my catalytic converter. Dan, Elvin, and Khan got me taken care of and back on the road fast. What I appreciated most was that Dan was upfront from the beginning. He explained the best-case, middle-case, and worst-case scenarios so I knew what I was dealing with before any work started. No surprises, no guessing, and no unrealistic promises. Just straight answers. Elvin and Khan took a look at it, put their heads together, and got the issue fixed. They worked efficiently, the repair was done right, and they got me back on the road a lot quicker than I expected. As someone passing through town, it's easy to worry about getting stuck somewhere or being told you need a bunch of extra work. That wasn't the case here. They identified the problem, fixed it, and got me moving again. Good people, solid work, and a straightforward experience. I'd recommend them to anyone needing automotive work in the Marietta area.