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Sparks Computerized Car Care

 (337 Reviews)

Replace Your Car's AC Thermal Expansion Valve or Orifice Tube


Your car or truck's AC system is under extreme pressure and the thermal expansion valve or orifice tube monitors the amount of pressure and the temperature of your A/C system. It calculates the precise amount of refrigerant that can safely go into the evaporator. A failing expansion valve or orifice tube often causes a vehicle's air conditioner to blow hot air.

Replace or Repair

  • Expansion Valves: Too much refrigerant causes your evaporator to get too cold whereas too little refrigerant would result in inadequate cooling. The expansion valve is a complex valve that regulates refrigerant flow. This process of metering the refrigerant adjusts the flow according to the temperature of the refrigerant in the evaporator coil. Talk to one of the pro mechanics at Sparks Computerized Car Care, as this part can be replaced on its own and does not require the entire replacement of the AC assembly.
  • Orifice Tubes: Unlike the expansion valve, the orifice tube is a simple fixed device with no moving parts. It therefore cannot vary the flow of refrigerant into the evaporator, but rather causes a permanent restriction in the system. However, like the expansion valve the orifice tube regulates refrigerant flow through the system and filters debris which may come through in its screen. Often fixing a "bad orifice tube" requires replacing the entire evaporator assembly.


Reviews

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Came here because my mechanic in Riverview wasn't certain what was causing the issues I was having with my Volkswagen Tiguan. Their concern was "running up" a bill replacing parts in hopes to "fix" my SUV only to find that the fix was not the problem. As such they referred me to Sparks. After being quoted a diagnostic fee and told I'd hear back from them within 24 hrs, I patiently but nervously waited to hear back. My mechanic advised me that their findings may not be what I wanted to hear but he was completely confident that the diagnosis would be correct. Sure as promised, I heard back the next morning and was told they found the issue and were very confident the tech's diagnosis was correct and would resolve my issues. I authorized the repairs, had the work done and now, 2 months later, I can confidently say the issue has been completely resolved! The problem I was having (involved an electrical issue) was causing my Tiguan to go into limp mode and/or sporadically run like crap. The problem? Part of the wiring harness (the sub-harness) leading to one of the fuel injectors was bad and needed to be replaced. Since the repair we complete, I've even noticed an improvement in the MPG calculation. Like a 7% improvement! My Tiguan is running absolutely perfect now. Crazy noticeable difference. Completely resolved! Gone! Hasn't happened not one more time. So, if you're looking at using Sparks based on a referral you should trust that referral. I live 1 hour away and probably passed dozens of mechanics on the way to get to Sparks. Bottom line is MY MECHANIC referred me there. And to me, that says something. Couldn't have hoped for better results. The cost was very reasonable. The shop was spotless and every person I encountered was clearly knowledgeable, competent and respectful. If I didn't live an hour away, I'd have a new mechanic for sure! But I'm very satisfied with the mechanic I use in Riverview. If not for them, I never would have found Sparks!

, 07/03/2025

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Diagnosis and cost estimate were accurate, and repair was done timely. I was kept informed during the whole process.

, 07/02/2025

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Great service!

, 07/02/2025

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