GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Air Conditioning Evaporator Thermal Expansion Valve Replacement First Design

Tools Required

J 39400-A Halogen Leak Detector

Removal Procedure

  1. Recover the refrigerant. Refer to Refrigerant Recovery and Recharging .

  2. Object Number: 931940  Size: SH

    Important: When removing the thermal expansion valve (TXV), keep dirt and foreign material from getting on or into the O-ring sealing surfaces. Clean tools and a clean work area are important for proper service. The TXV seal area should be cleaned before any repairs are performed. The parts must be kept clean at all times and any parts to be assembled should be cleaned with a non-petroleum based solvent and dried with air. Use only lint free cloths to wipe parts. Do not allow solvent to enter evaporator or hoses.

  3. Remove the evaporator outlet hose nut from the TXV.
  4. Remove the evaporator outlet hose from the TXV.
  5. Install a protective cap to the evaporator outlet hose to prevent contamination and desiccant saturation.

  6. Object Number: 931930  Size: SH
  7. Remove the liquid line nut from the TXV.
  8. Remove the liquid line from the TXV.
  9. Install a protective cap to the liquid line to prevent contamination and desiccant saturation.

  10. Object Number: 932516  Size: SH
  11. Disconnect the refrigerant low temperature sensor from the engine harness.

  12. Object Number: 933678  Size: SH
  13. Remove the TXV bolts from the backing plate.
  14. Remove the TXV and the backing plate from the vehicle.
  15. Remove and discard the O-rings from the evaporator pipes. Refer to O-Ring Replacement .
  16. Install a protective cap to the evaporator pipes to prevent contamination and desiccant saturation.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 933678  Size: SH

    Important: Use only lint free cloths to wipe parts. Do not allow any solvent to enter evaporator or hoses.

  1. Remove the protective caps from the evaporator pipe and ensure the seal areas are clean, dry and lint free.
  2. Install new O-rings to the evaporator pipes. Refer to O-Ring Replacement .
  3. Remove the protective caps from the TXV.
  4. Install the TXV and the backing plate to the evaporator pipes.
  5. Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

  6. Install the TXV bolts to the backing plate.
  7. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 9 N·m (80 lb in).


    Object Number: 931930  Size: SH
  8. Remove the protective cap from the liquid line.
  9. Install a new seal washer to the liquid line. Refer to Sealing Washer Replacement .
  10. Install the liquid line to the TXV.
  11. Install the liquid line nut to the TXV.
  12. Tighten
    Tighten the nut to 16 N·m (12 lb ft).


    Object Number: 931940  Size: SH
  13. Remove the protective cap from the evaporator outlet hose.
  14. Install a new seal washer to the evaporator outlet hose. Refer to Sealing Washer Replacement .
  15. Install the evaporator outlet hose to the TXV.
  16. Install the evaporator outlet hose nut to the TXV.
  17. Tighten
    Tighten the nut to 16 N·m (12 lb ft).


    Object Number: 932516  Size: SH
  18. Connect the refrigerant low temperature sensor to the engine harness.
  19. Evacuate and charge the A/C system. Refer to Refrigerant Recovery and Recharging .
  20. Test the affected A/C joints for leaks using J 39400-A .