Purpose
The expansion valve atomizes liquid refrigerant to facilitate cooling of the evaporator.
Function
The expansion valve reduces the pressure of liquid refrigerant rapidly to facilitate vaporization of the atomized refrigerant at the evaporator, and adjusts the refrigerant amount sent into the evaporator.
Construction
The expansion valve consists of the following parts:
Diaphragm
Temperature sensor
Shaft
Expansion valve body
Ball valve
Spring

Operation
Adjustment of the refrigerant amount supplied to the evaporator is performed by the ball valve opening angle in the expansion valve.
The opening angle adjustment is performed according to the balance of the following forces:

Refrigerant pressure (Pd) in diaphragm
Refrigerant gas pressure (PI) of evaporator under diaphragm
Spring force (Fs) pushing up ball valve
If the refrigerant gas temperature from the evaporator increases, the expansion valve increases the amount of refrigerant according to the following operations:

The temperature of the temperature sensor tightly sealed against the diaphragm increases.
The refrigerant in the diaphragm warms and the Pd increases.
If this Pd increases more than PI + Fs, the diaphragm is pressed down.
The shaft installed to the temperature sensor end presses down the ball valve.
The amount of refrigerant is increased.
If the refrigerant gas temperature from the evaporator decreases, the expansion valve decreases the amount of refrigerant flow according to the following operation:

The temperature of the temperature sensor tightly sealed against the diaphragm decreases.
The refrigerant temperature in the diaphragm decreases and the Pd decreases.
The Pd decreases less than PI + Fs.
The ball valve installed to the temperature sensor end is pressed up.
The amount of refrigerant is decreased.
Fail-safe
Function not equipped.
Evaporator Inspection
Expansion Valve Removal/InstallationAuto Dimming Mirror Removal/Installation
1. Disconnect the negative battery cable..
2. Remove the screw B.
3. Remove the auto-dimming mirror in the direction of arrow (1) shown in the
figure.
4. Detach tabs while push the cover No.2 in the direction of the arrow (2) shown
in the figure, then remove the cover No.2 in the d ...
Lighting Control
Headlights
• Turn the headlight switch to turn the headlights,
other exterior lights and dashboard illumination on or off.
• A system malfunction or operation conditions
are indicated by a warning.
Refer to Warning/Indicator Lights 5.
NOTE
• If the light switch is left on, the
light ...
Glass Antenna Inspection
1. Disconnect the negative battery cable..
2. Partially peel back the seaming welt.
3. Remove the liftgate upper trim..
4. Disconnect antenna feeder No.3 connector..
5. Visually inspect the glass antenna for damage.
6. Verify that the continuity between the glass antenna terminals is as in ...