For 1990-2009 cars

The plastic expansion (orifice) tube is located between the following areas:

• | Condenser outlet

• | The evaporator inlet

The plastic expansion (orifice) tube has a mesh screen (3) and orifice. The plastic expansion (orifice) tube provides a restriction to the high-pressure liquid refrigerant in the liquid line. In this way, the plastic expansion (orifice) tube meters the flow of refrigerant to the evaporator as a low-pressure liquid. The expansion (orifice) tube and orifice are protected from contamination by filter screens on both the inlet and outlet sides. When system diagnostics indicate a restricted expansion (orifice) tube , you may need to replace the plastic expansion (orifice) tube. If you find any of the following items on the screen remove them with compressed air:

• | Metal chips

• | Flakes

• | Slivers

Reuse the expansion (orifice) tube if the following conditions exist:

• | The plastic frame is not broken.

• | The brass expansion (orifice) tube is not damaged or plugged.

• | The screen material is not torn.

• | The screen is not plugged with a fine gritty material.