A: The thermal expansion valve (TXV) is the part of your vehicle’s air conditioning (A/C) system that controls the system’s pressure, fluid flow rate, and evaporator output temperature. The exact location of the thermal expansion valve often depends on the vehicle’s make and model.
The thermal expansion valve on a 2005 Toyota Sienna, on the other hand, can be found mounted onto the vehicle’s A/C unit. It’ll be on the cabin side of the A/C housing.
Accessing the thermal expansion valve can be a difficult and complex project best left to a professional mechanic. Removing the valve requires a depressurized A/C unit, which you need expert tools to perform. The released gas is particularly dangerous as well.
You might need to remove the dashboard and center console entirely before even catching sight of the thermal expansion valve. In addition, you need to seal the system after removing the valve because moisture might enter the system if you don’t. After replacing the valve, the A/C system will need a recharge.
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