Expansion Valve Replacement

Recover the refrigerant with a recovery/recycling/ charging station (see REFRIGERANT RECOVERY ).
Remove the engine cover (see IGNITION COIL REMOVAL/INSTALLATION ).
Remove the bolt, then disconnect the A/C lines (A) from the evaporator core.

Fig 1: A/C Lines Connection At Evaporator Core With Torque Specifications
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Remove the blower unit (see BLOWER UNIT REMOVAL/INSTALLATION ).
Remove the self-tapping screws and the expansion valve cover (A), then remove the bolts and the pipe (B) without bending the lines.

Fig 2: Identifying Expansion Valve Cover, Bolts And Pipe
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Remove the bolt (A), O-rings (B) and the expansion valve (C) without bending the pipe.

Fig 3: Identifying Expansion Valve, O-Ring And Bolt
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Install the valve in the reverse order of removal, and note these items:
- If you're installing a new expansion valve, add refrigerant oil (DENSO ND-OIL 8) (see A/C SERVICE TIPS AND PRECAUTIONS ).
- Replace the O-rings with new ones at each fitting, and apply a thin coat of refrigerant oil before installing them. Be sure to use the correct O-rings for HFC-134a (R-134a) to avoid leakage.
- Immediately after using the oil, reinstall the cap on the container, and seal it to avoid moisture absorption.
- Do not spill the refrigerant oil on the vehicle; it may damage the paint; if the refrigerant oil contacts the paint, wash it off immediately.
- Make sure that there is no air leakage.
- Charge the system (see SYSTEM CHARGING ).