Ford C-Max 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 C-Max Expansion Valve (Orifice Tube) Replacement is $293 with $112 for parts and $180 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
2014 Ford C-MaxL4-2.0L HybridService typeExpansion Valve (Orifice Tube) ReplacementEstimate$442.98Shop/Dealer Price$518.11 - $700.74
2015 Ford C-MaxL4-2.0L HybridService typeExpansion Valve (Orifice Tube) ReplacementEstimate$404.98Shop/Dealer Price$480.14 - $662.79
2016 Ford C-MaxL4-2.0L HybridService typeExpansion Valve (Orifice Tube) ReplacementEstimate$404.98Shop/Dealer Price$480.14 - $662.79
2017 Ford C-MaxL4-2.0L HybridService typeExpansion Valve (Orifice Tube) ReplacementEstimate$404.98Shop/Dealer Price$480.10 - $662.72
2018 Ford C-MaxL4-2.0L HybridService typeExpansion Valve (Orifice Tube) ReplacementEstimate$404.98Shop/Dealer Price$480.17 - $662.84
2013 Ford C-MaxL4-2.0L HybridService typeExpansion Valve (Orifice Tube) ReplacementEstimate$404.98Shop/Dealer Price$480.14 - $662.79
Show example Ford C-Max 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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Anthony

11 years of experience
77 reviews
Anthony
11 years of experience
Ford C-Max L4-2.0L Hybrid - Camshaft Position Sensor - Elgin, Illinois
You may be able to find a cheaper deal but the convenience is well worth the price. For just a little more money you do not have to get off the couch. The price Anthony quoted was one third of what the dealer wanted. The work was excellent and I will call him first next time.

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37 years of experience
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David
37 years of experience
Ford C-Max L4-2.0L Hybrid - Battery - Austin, Texas
David was professional, nice, and quick. He figured out how to overcome a few problems quickly to get my car fixed up.

Bryant

12 years of experience
621 reviews
Bryant
12 years of experience
Ford C-Max L4-2.0L Hybrid - Axle / CV Shaft Assembly Replacement (Passenger Side Front) - Fishers, Indiana
Awesome experience. He arrived on-time and got right to work. It was chilly and raining but that did not deter him -. He completed the repair and did an amazing job!!

Farnaz

20 years of experience
80 reviews
Farnaz
20 years of experience
Ford C-Max L4-2.0L Hybrid - Wheel Bearings Replacement (Driver Side Front, Passenger Side Front) - Mission Viejo, California
He was really amazing. Hani works very efficiently and is very, very good at what he does

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