GMC C3500 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 GMC C3500 Expansion Valve (Orifice Tube) Replacement is $506 with $116 for parts and $389 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
2000 GMC C3500V8-5.7LService typeExpansion Valve (Orifice Tube) ReplacementEstimate$704.42Shop/Dealer Price$803.67 - $1009.14
1995 GMC C3500V8-5.7LService typeExpansion Valve (Orifice Tube) ReplacementEstimate$622.42Shop/Dealer Price$721.74 - $927.27
1996 GMC C3500V8-7.4LService typeExpansion Valve (Orifice Tube) ReplacementEstimate$622.42Shop/Dealer Price$721.73 - $927.26
1998 GMC C3500V8-5.7LService typeExpansion Valve (Orifice Tube) ReplacementEstimate$622.42Shop/Dealer Price$721.64 - $927.09
1996 GMC C3500V8-5.7LService typeExpansion Valve (Orifice Tube) ReplacementEstimate$622.42Shop/Dealer Price$721.80 - $927.37
1997 GMC C3500V8-7.4LService typeExpansion Valve (Orifice Tube) ReplacementEstimate$622.42Shop/Dealer Price$721.73 - $927.26
1999 GMC C3500V8-7.4LService typeExpansion Valve (Orifice Tube) ReplacementEstimate$642.92Shop/Dealer Price$741.67 - $946.78
1997 GMC C3500V8-6.5L Turbo DieselService typeExpansion Valve (Orifice Tube) ReplacementEstimate$642.92Shop/Dealer Price$743.20 - $949.45
Show example GMC C3500 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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Mitchel

24 years of experience
239 reviews
Mitchel
24 years of experience
GMC C3500 V8-5.7L - Oil Change - Miami, Florida
Efficient, professional and courteous. Was a pleasure working with him!

Ben

41 years of experience
1421 reviews
Ben
41 years of experience
GMC C3500 V8-6.5L Turbo Diesel - Oil Change - Houston, Texas
Ben was great! I have already recommended him to at least 6 people and I am about to schedule another car to be repaired by him.

AL

12 years of experience
235 reviews
AL
12 years of experience
GMC C3500 V8-5.7L - Serpentine/Drive Belt - Denver, Colorado
Al did an awesome job working on my truck - both times he came here. Not only was he quick and polite, he went out of his way to teach me about the engine and tighten bolts/fix little things here-and-there. He made absolutely sure it was running great before he left, and I really appreciated all the work he did and his professionalism. Thank you Al - I'll be recommending you to my friends!

Rodrigo

15 years of experience
133 reviews
Rodrigo
15 years of experience
GMC C3500 V8-7.4L - Ignition Switch - Las Vegas, Nevada
Excellent work ethic very methodical. Job well done very happy.

Excellent Rating

(15)

Rating Summary
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Number of GMC C3500 services completed
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services done by our mechanics
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