OEM 2006 Dodge Stratus A/C Expansion Valve

2006 Dodge Stratus A/C Expansion Valve Parts and Q&A

• Q: How to Service an A/C Expansion Valve on 2006 Dodge Stratus?

  A: First, collect all the air conditioning refrigerant, then release the bolt attaching the refrigerant line retainer bracket to the right shock tower. After that, remove the nut that holds the refrigerant line tapping plate to the A/C expansion valve and then take out the A/C suction line and the A/C liquid line from that valve, placing the refrigerant lines out of the way. Unfasten and throw away the O-ring seal from all the suction and liquid line fittings, then tape or insert plugs into each of the open fittings. Open and remove the two bolts that connect the A/C expansion valve to the plate near the evaporator tube and then remove the expansion valve. Get rid of the O-ring seals on the evaporator tube fittings and seal each opened evaporator tube fitting and expansion valve port with a plug or tape. Place the tape or plugs onto the evaporator tube fittings and all expansion valve ports for the time being, lubricate new O-ring seals made with refrigerant oil, then add them to the evaporator tube fittings, making sure to only use the R-134a system's specific O-rings and the recommended A/C compressor oil. Place the A/C expansion valve onto the evaporator tube tapping plate and tighten the two bolts to 11 N.m (to 97 in. lbs.). Separate the tape or plugs from the ends of the suction and liquid lines, oil the new O-rings lightly with clean refrigerant oil and place them on the suction and liquid lines just as you did before, this time using the seals you ordered. Attach the suction line and liquid line to the A/C expansion valve and join the tapping plate using a nut. Tighten this nut at 23 N.m (17 ft. lbs.). Fasten the refrigerant retainer bracket to the right shock tower and tighten the bolt tightly. Afterward, drain the old refrigerant and add the new one.