Dodge Journey: Description, Operation
DESCRIPTION
Fig. 265: A/C Expansion Valve Description KA
The A/C expansion valve controls the amount of refrigerant entering the A/C evaporator. The A/C expansion valve is of a thermostatic expansion valve (TXV) design and consists of an aluminum H-valve type body (1) with an inlet port (2), outlet port (3) and an integral thermal sensor (4).
The A/C expansion valve is located in the engine compartment at the dash panel, between the A/C refrigerant lines and the A/C evaporator.
OPERATION
The A/C expansion valve controls the high-pressure, low temperature liquid refrigerant from the A/C liquid line and converts it into a low-pressure, low-temperature mixture of liquid and gas before it enters the A/C evaporator. A mechanical sensor in the A/C expansion valve monitors the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant leaving the A/C evaporator through the A/C suction line, and adjusts the orifice size at the liquid line port to let the proper amount of refrigerant into the evaporator to meet the vehicle A/C cooling requirements.
Controlling the refrigerant flow through the A/C evaporator ensures that none of the refrigerant leaving the A/C evaporator is still in a liquid state, which could damage the A/C compressor.
NOTE: Replacement of the refrigerant line O-ring seals is required anytime a refrigerant line is disconnected from the expansion valve, or if the expansion valve is removed. Failure to replace the rubber O-ring seals may result in a refrigerant system leak.
The A/C expansion valve is factory calibrated and cannot be adjusted or repaired and must be replaced if inoperative or damaged.
Diagnosis and Testing
A/C EXPANSION VALVE WARNING: Refer to the applicable warnings and cautions for this system before performing the following operation. Failure to follow the warnings and cautions may ...See also:
Standard procedure
ENGINE GASKET SURFACE PREPARATION
Fig. 4: PROPER TOOL USAGE FOR SURFACE PREPARATION
To ensure engine gasket sealing, proper surface preparation must be
performed, especially with the use of
alu ...
ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with an advanced electronic
brake control system commonly referred to as ESP. This
system includes Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), Brake
Assist System (BAS), Traction Control ...
Preliminary checks
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM OVERHEATING
Establish what driving conditions caused the complaint. Abnormal loads on the
cooling system such as the
following may be the cause:
Prolonged idle
Very hig ...