AC Expansion Valve (TXV)

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the AC expansion valve (TXV) on a 2012-2017 Toyota Camry with the 2.5L I4 engine, including refrigerant recovery, evacuation, and recharge.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• AC expansion valve (TXV) × 1 — 88719-06030 or equivalent
• AC line O-rings × 4 — Use OEM specification
• R-134a refrigerant × 1 — As required by system capacity
• PAG oil (ND-11) × 1 — Toyota 08861-00101

Fluids

• PAG oil ND-11 — 0.17 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Allow engine to cool completely if recently operated
3. Verify refrigerant type using refrigerant identifier (should be R-134a)
4. Gather all new parts and verify correct expansion valve for vehicle application
5. Ensure AC recovery/evacuation/recharge equipment is calibrated and ready
6. Remove engine cover by pulling up on three retaining clips
7. Document existing AC system performance and vent temperatures if operational

Procedure

1. 1

   Recover refrigerant from AC system
   Connect AC recovery machine to both high and low side service ports. Follow equipment manufacturer procedures to fully recover all refrigerant from the system. Record the amount of refrigerant recovered for recharge reference. Verify system pressure drops to 0 PSI and remains stable.
   ⚠️Only EPA-certified technicians may perform refrigerant recovery. Venting refrigerant to atmosphere is illegal and environmentally harmful.
2. 2

   Remove battery negative terminal
   Disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent electrical issues during the repair. Use a 10mm wrench and secure the cable away from the battery post.
3. 3

   Access expansion valve location
   The expansion valve is located on the evaporator inlet, near the firewall on the passenger side. Remove the windshield cowl cover and wiper arms if necessary for access. On some model years, partial removal of the air intake duct may improve access. The valve is mounted to the evaporator core housing.
4. 4

   Disconnect liquid line from expansion valve
   Using a flare nut wrench, carefully loosen the liquid line connection at the expansion valve inlet. Support the valve body with a backup wrench to prevent twisting. Once loose, remove the fitting completely. Immediately cap or plug the opening to prevent contamination and moisture entry. Remove and discard the O-ring.
   ⚠Some residual refrigerant may be present. Wear safety glasses and gloves.
5. 5

   Disconnect evaporator line from expansion valve
   Using a flare nut wrench, disconnect the evaporator inlet line from the expansion valve outlet. Support the valve or evaporator housing to prevent stress on components. Cap or plug the opening immediately. Remove and discard the O-ring.
6. 6

   Remove expansion valve mounting
   The expansion valve is typically secured with a mounting bracket or integrated into the evaporator housing. Remove the mounting bolts or screws securing the valve. Carefully extract the valve from the evaporator housing, noting the orientation and position of any thermal sensing bulb if equipped.
   ⚠Some expansion valves have a capillary tube and thermal bulb clamped to the evaporator outlet. Handle carefully to avoid kinking or damage.
   Torque spec

   Expansion Valve10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Inspect system and clean connections
   Inspect all AC line fittings for corrosion, damage, or debris. Check the evaporator housing openings for contamination. If debris is present, the system may require flushing. Clean all mating surfaces with lint-free cloths. Inspect the old expansion valve for signs of restriction, contamination, or metal particles that might indicate compressor failure.
8. 8

   Prepare new expansion valve
   Remove the new expansion valve from its packaging just before installation to minimize moisture exposure. Verify the valve orientation matches the old unit. If equipped with a thermal sensing bulb, ensure the capillary tube is not kinked. Add the specified amount of fresh PAG oil (ND-11) to the valve inlet as per manufacturer instructions, typically 1-2 tablespoons.
9. 9

   Install new O-rings
   Install new O-rings on all AC line fittings. Lightly coat each O-ring with fresh PAG oil (ND-11) before installation to ensure proper sealing and prevent damage during assembly. Verify O-rings are properly seated in their grooves without twisting or pinching.
   ⚠Never reuse old O-rings. Damaged or dried O-rings are a primary cause of AC system leaks.
10. 10

    Install new expansion valve
    Position the new expansion valve into the evaporator housing in the correct orientation. If equipped with a thermal sensing bulb, ensure it is properly positioned against the evaporator outlet line. Install and tighten the mounting bolts or screws to the specified torque.
    Torque spec

    Expansion Valve10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect AC lines
    Connect the liquid line to the expansion valve inlet. Hand-tighten the fitting first, then use a torque wrench with flare nut wrench adapter to tighten to specification. Use a backup wrench to prevent valve rotation. Repeat for the evaporator outlet line connection. Ensure fittings are not cross-threaded and are properly seated.
    Torque spec

    AC Line Fittings20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Evacuate AC system
    Reconnect the battery negative terminal. Connect the AC evacuation equipment to both service ports. Evacuate the system to 29.92 inches of mercury (full vacuum) for a minimum of 45 minutes. Monitor for vacuum decay. If vacuum does not hold for 10 minutes after pump shutoff, there is a leak that must be repaired.
    ⚠Proper evacuation removes air and moisture from the system. Insufficient evacuation will cause poor performance and potential compressor damage.
13. 13

    Recharge AC system
    Using the AC recharge equipment, add the specified amount of R-134a refrigerant to the system (refer to underhood label for exact capacity, typically 18-21 oz for this model). Add through the low-side port while the engine is running and AC is on maximum cooling. Monitor pressures throughout the process. Final system charge should be based on either measured weight or pressure/temperature specifications.
14. 14

    Reinstall removed components
    Reinstall any air intake ducts, cowl panels, or wiper arms that were removed for access. Reinstall the engine cover by aligning and pressing down on the three retaining clips. Verify all components are secure.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all AC line connections are tightened to proper torque specifications
2. Verify the thermal sensing bulb (if equipped) is properly secured to the evaporator outlet line
3. Confirm no tools or components were left in the engine bay
4. Ensure engine cover and all removed trim pieces are properly reinstalled

Verification

• Start the engine and set AC to maximum cooling with fan on high
• Monitor AC pressures at idle: low side should be 25-35 PSI, high side 200-250 PSI at 75-85°F ambient
• Verify center vent temperature reaches 38-42°F within 5 minutes of operation
• Check all AC line connections for leaks using electronic leak detector or soap solution
• Verify compressor cycles properly and no unusual noises are present
• Test AC performance during a 15-minute drive cycle under various load conditions
• Confirm no warning lights are illuminated on the dashboard
• Verify proper operation at idle and at 2000 RPM engine speed

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