Saturn SL2 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 Saturn SL2 Expansion Valve (Orifice Tube) Replacement is $504 with $200 for parts and $304 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
2002 Saturn SL2L4-1.9LService typeExpansion Valve (Orifice Tube) ReplacementEstimate$768.23Shop/Dealer Price$900.30 - $1224.50
1999 Saturn SL2L4-1.9LService typeExpansion Valve (Orifice Tube) ReplacementEstimate$704.23Shop/Dealer Price$836.35 - $1160.60
1998 Saturn SL2L4-1.9LService typeExpansion Valve (Orifice Tube) ReplacementEstimate$704.23Shop/Dealer Price$836.35 - $1160.59
1995 Saturn SL2L4-1.9LService typeExpansion Valve (Orifice Tube) ReplacementEstimate$704.23Shop/Dealer Price$836.28 - $1160.46
1997 Saturn SL2L4-1.9LService typeExpansion Valve (Orifice Tube) ReplacementEstimate$704.23Shop/Dealer Price$836.40 - $1160.68
1996 Saturn SL2L4-1.9LService typeExpansion Valve (Orifice Tube) ReplacementEstimate$704.23Shop/Dealer Price$836.35 - $1160.59
2001 Saturn SL2L4-1.9LService typeExpansion Valve (Orifice Tube) ReplacementEstimate$720.23Shop/Dealer Price$851.91 - $1175.82
2000 Saturn SL2L4-1.9LService typeExpansion Valve (Orifice Tube) ReplacementEstimate$720.23Shop/Dealer Price$853.11 - $1177.91
Show example Saturn SL2 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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Meet some of our expert Saturn mechanics

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Excellent Rating

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Rating Summary
134
8
1
2
1
134
8
1
2
1

Sidney

14 years of experience
121 reviews
Sidney
14 years of experience
Saturn SL2 L4-1.9L - Fuel Pump - Denver, Colorado
This guy is a champ! Book him now!

Augie

31 years of experience
263 reviews
Augie
31 years of experience
Saturn SL2 L4-1.9L - Engine or Transmission Mount Replacement - North Hills, California
I would rate Augie as "5 Star Excellent"! He is a complete pro., showed up on time, went right to work and fixed the problem. He didn't try to up sell me for more work, unlike other mechanics and shops in the past, I would him to "Anyone" who needs a knowledgeable professional mechanic.

Johnathon

9 years of experience
155 reviews
Johnathon
9 years of experience
Saturn SL2 L4-1.9L - Spark Plugs - Fresno, California
He was on time and task was completed in about an hour. Johnathon made recommendations that need to be done with estimates.

Harish

27 years of experience
588 reviews
Harish
27 years of experience
Saturn SL2 L4-1.9L - Brake System Flush - Charlotte, North Carolina
He was very detail and talked about everything that was done and what needed to be done.

Excellent Rating

(146)

Rating Summary
134
8
1
2
1
134
8
1
2
1
Number of Saturn SL2 services completed
1606+
services done by our mechanics
TOTAL NUMBER OF EXPERT Saturn MECHANICS
700+
experts on our platform

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