Ford F-150 Heritage Expansion Valve (Orifice Tube) Replacement at your home or office.

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Expansion Valve (Orifice Tube) Replacement Service

How much does a Expansion Valve (Orifice Tube) Replacement cost?

On average, the cost for a Ford F-150 Heritage Expansion Valve (Orifice Tube) Replacement is $272 with $120 for parts and $152 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
2004 Ford F-150 HeritageV8-4.6LService typeExpansion Valve (Orifice Tube) ReplacementEstimate$423.20Shop/Dealer Price$499.01 - $690.43
2004 Ford F-150 HeritageV6-4.2LService typeExpansion Valve (Orifice Tube) ReplacementEstimate$391.20Shop/Dealer Price$467.04 - $658.48
2004 Ford F-150 HeritageV8-5.4LService typeExpansion Valve (Orifice Tube) ReplacementEstimate$391.20Shop/Dealer Price$467.04 - $658.47
2004 Ford F-150 HeritageV8-5.4L TurboService typeExpansion Valve (Orifice Tube) ReplacementEstimate$391.20Shop/Dealer Price$467.00 - $658.41
Show example Ford F-150 Heritage Expansion Valve (Orifice Tube) Replacement prices

What is the Expansion Valve (Orifice Tube) all about?

The air conditioning system in your vehicle depends on the refrigerant that circulates in the A/C system. In particular, the evaporator core inside the passenger compartment requires a specific, metered amount of refrigerant in order to efficiently cool the interior. The expansion valve, also known as an orifice tube in some designs, regulates the pressure of refrigerant that enters the evaporator. The tube is also where liquid refrigerant under pressure converts to a gaseous form. The gaseous refrigerant absorbs heat from air passing through the evaporator core and carries it to the condenser where the heat is removed.

In a situation where the orifice tube is either blocked or stuck open, the air conditioning will not cool properly. Too much refrigerant will cause frost on the core and prevent air from passing through to cool the air temperature. Too little refrigerant passing through the evaporator means not enough heat is absorbed and the interior is insufficiently cooled. In either situation, you may need to replace the expansion valve/orifice tube.

Keep in mind:

  • Air conditioning work needs to be completed by a trained and licensed professional in nearly all circumstances because refrigerants are regulated substances.
  • It is possible for the expansion valve to become blocked by excessive moisture in the air conditioning system, which would indicate a receiver/drier problem.

How it's done:

  • The AC refrigerant is removed from the system
  • The defective expansion valve is removed
  • The new expansion valve is installed
  • The a/c system is recharged with refrigerant
  • The a/c system is tested for leaks and proper operation

Our recommendation:

Whenever air conditioning repairs or refrigerant recharges are performed, have the expansion valve inspected for proper operation. If the expansion valve is not opening or closing properly, you may need one of our expert technicians to replace the expansion valve or orifice tube.

What common symptoms indicate you may need to replace the Expansion Valve (Orifice Tube)?

  • Air conditioning doesn’t cool sufficiently
  • Air conditioning expansion valve is frosty but the air conditioning isn’t blowing cold air

How important is this service?

Air conditioning is a comfort item in a vehicle, not a safety issue. However, the air conditioning also removes moisture in the air for the defrost setting to clear your windows. If the air conditioning is not working properly, your vision may be impaired in humid or very cold weather.

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(26)

Rating Summary
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Oreste

14 years of experience
149 reviews
Oreste
14 years of experience
Ford F-150 Heritage V8-4.6L - Car is not starting - Miami, Florida
Very friendly and efficient, great service!

Ramon

20 years of experience
166 reviews
Ramon
20 years of experience
Ford F-150 Heritage V6-4.2L - Pre-purchase Car Inspection - Tucson, Arizona
Nice guy, knowledgeable. Would definitely recommend.

ALEX

23 years of experience
43 reviews
ALEX
23 years of experience
Ford F-150 Heritage V6-4.2L - Oil/Fluid Leak - Citrus Heights, California
Showed up right on time was through and professional. Would definitely ask for him again.

Joseph

27 years of experience
578 reviews
Joseph
27 years of experience
Ford F-150 Heritage V6-4.2L - Alternator - Houston, Texas
Excellent experience. I would definitely use this service in the future.

Excellent Rating

(26)

Rating Summary
25
1
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25
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Number of Ford F-150 Heritage services completed
286+
services done by our mechanics
TOTAL NUMBER OF EXPERT Ford MECHANICS
1700+
experts on our platform

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