AC Orifice Tube

Replace the AC orifice tube located in the liquid line between the condenser and evaporator to restore proper refrigerant flow and AC system performance.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• AC orifice tube × 1 — Use OEM specification
• O-ring set for AC lines × 1 — Use OEM specification
• PAG oil (ND-11 for Toyota systems) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• R-134a Refrigerant

Preparation

1. Verify AC system performance issue to confirm orifice tube replacement is needed (intermittent cooling, icing, temperature inconsistency)
2. Ensure vehicle is on level ground with parking brake applied
3. Allow engine to cool completely if recently operated
4. Have AC system professionally evacuated and refrigerant recovered using proper equipment
5. Record the amount of refrigerant and oil removed for proper recharge

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate the orifice tube
   The orifice tube is located in the liquid line between the condenser and evaporator. On the 2012-2017 Camry 2.5L, access the line near the firewall on the passenger side. Look for the liquid line running from the condenser - the orifice tube is typically located at the inlet to the evaporator or in a crimped section of the line. You may see a dimple or indentation in the line indicating the orifice tube location.
2. 2

   Disconnect the liquid line
   Using line wrenches to prevent rounding, carefully disconnect the AC line fitting at the location where the orifice tube is accessed. On this vehicle, you will disconnect the liquid line at the evaporator inlet. Use a backup wrench to hold the stationary fitting while loosening the connection nut. Have shop towels ready to catch any residual refrigerant oil that may drip out.
3. 3

   Remove the old orifice tube
   Insert the orifice tube removal tool into the open line. The tool has small fingers that grip behind the orifice tube screen. Rotate the tool while pulling firmly to extract the orifice tube. If the tube is stuck or breaks apart, use needle nose pliers or a pick tool to carefully remove all fragments. Inspect the removed tube for debris or metal shavings which indicate compressor or other system damage.
4. 4

   Inspect the line and clean as needed
   Visually inspect inside the liquid line for any debris, metal particles, or contamination. If metal shavings are present, the compressor may be failing and should be inspected. Clean the line opening with a lint-free shop towel. Do not introduce any moisture or foreign material into the system. Check that the line seat is clean and undamaged where the new orifice tube will seal.
5. 5

   Prepare the new orifice tube
   Remove the new orifice tube from its packaging. Verify it matches the original in size and screen color (screens are color-coded for different flow rates). Lightly coat the O-rings on the new orifice tube with fresh PAG oil (ND-11 type for Toyota systems). Note the direction of flow indicated by the arrow or pointed end - this must face toward the evaporator.
6. 6

   Install the new orifice tube
   Carefully insert the new orifice tube into the liquid line with the flow direction arrow pointing toward the evaporator (downstream). Push it in by hand until it seats completely. You should feel it bottom out against the internal stop in the line. Do not use excessive force that could damage the tube or screen. Verify it is fully seated and properly oriented.
7. 7

   Replace O-rings on line fittings
   Remove the old O-rings from both sides of the AC line connection you disconnected. Inspect the sealing surfaces for damage or scratches. Install new O-rings from your O-ring kit, ensuring they are the correct size for these fittings. Coat the new O-rings lightly with fresh PAG oil before installation to ensure proper sealing and prevent pinching during assembly.
   Torque spec

   AC Line Fittings20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Reconnect the liquid line
   Align the liquid line fitting and thread it on by hand to prevent cross-threading. Once hand-tight, use line wrenches with a backup wrench and torque to specification. Ensure the connection is clean and properly seated before tightening.
   Torque spec

   AC Line Fittings20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Add refrigerant oil if needed
   Calculate the amount of PAG oil to add based on what was removed during recovery. Typically, add 1-2 ounces of ND-11 PAG oil to compensate for oil lost with the old orifice tube and any oil remaining in the recovered refrigerant. Add oil through the low-side service port using proper oil injection equipment before evacuating the system.
10. 10

    Evacuate the system
    Connect the AC vacuum pump to the system via manifold gauges. Pull a vacuum for at least 45 minutes to remove all air and moisture. The system should achieve and hold 29+ inches of mercury vacuum. After evacuation, close the valves and monitor for 15 minutes - vacuum should not rise, indicating no leaks. If vacuum rises, locate and repair the leak before proceeding.
11. 11

    Recharge the AC system
    Using the AC manifold gauge set and charging equipment, recharge the system with the proper amount of R-134a refrigerant as recorded during recovery (typically 1.1-1.3 lbs for this system, verify exact capacity on underhood label). Charge through the low-side port with the engine running and AC on MAX. Monitor pressures to ensure they are within specification - low side should be approximately 25-35 PSI and high side 200-250 PSI at idle with 80°F ambient temperature.

Reassembly

1. Verify all AC line connections are properly torqued and secure
2. Inspect for any signs of refrigerant oil leaks around fittings
3. Ensure no tools or parts were left in the engine compartment

Verification

• Start the engine and turn AC to maximum cold with fan on high
• Allow system to run for 5 minutes and verify center vent temperature reaches 40-50°F
• Check that AC compressor cycles properly and remains engaged under load
• Monitor gauge pressures to confirm they remain stable and within specification
• Use electronic leak detector or soap solution to check all disturbed fittings for leaks
• Verify even cooling from all dashboard vents with no temperature fluctuations
• Test drive vehicle to confirm AC performance under various operating conditions

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