2008-2012 Chrysler Town&Country rear a/c evaporator TXV replacement

How to replace a rear air conditioning evaporator and thermal expansion valve on a Dodge Caravan, and Town & country van. Should be the same job for a Volkswagon Routan. 2009 2010 2011 08 09 10 11 12.
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Due to factors beyond the control of Rust Belt Auto, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. Rust Belt Auto assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this video at your own risk. Rust Belt Auto recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of Rust Belt Auto, No information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained.

[@nigelliam153]

Thanks for the video it’s very helpful. The only thing I did differently was I left the fan and resister in place and I also left the rear door seal in place.

[@ZPowerTv]

27 torques and a impact, "shit I'm stripping the shit outta it" I lost it lol sounds like myself working on rusty junk.

[@curtisimoe]

"Hopefully it'll sticky gooey right back on"....unforgettable mechanical quotables...🤣🤣🤣

[@ronaldweiler3190]

THANK YOU for this video! Saved me a bunch of money, time and agony for our family van. (I stripped out those same bolt heads like you did, so was happy to see that for not much more $ I could just replace the whole evaporator!)

[@philelsesser8685]

can you help me with finding the part? where did you get it? thanks.

[@renderingrocks]

i have the same problem on a 2012. thanks for the video!

[@thomascordery7951]

At that point, I'd be sore tempted to replace those two actuators in that rear HVAC unit.

[@RobertMartinezPhoto]

2:27 THANKS for that tip!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I ordered a A/C Block Off Kit cause I use my used 2010 TC for general driving and hauling crap inside the van etc. Not as a "family" van.

[@ranat5526]

Any part number for that ?

[@jeffboe357]

Nicely done. You got yourself a new subscription

[@Saint696Anger]

Thanks I'm going to check this location 👍🏻

[@BadGam3in]

Hey im one of those that keeps making to many babies, just had twin boys n need that back AC for next summer, thanks for video thats where the leak was

[@lukeprocopio6597]

Your funny I love the way you explain yourself

[@carlosvazquez2710]

good video, thanks!

[@tachotachoide6844]

Gracias amigo. Tu vídeo me ha ayudado a encontrar un ruido que me volvía loco cuando círculo por caminos

[@RustBeltAuto]

Me hablo no espanyolie.

[@tachotachoide6844]

@@RustBeltAuto thak you for your video. It helps me to fix this noise un muy car. (Chrysler grand voyager 2010)

[@rsreidjr]

You helped me change the timing belt on a 2000 Honda Accord last week and now helping figure out why my Wife’s van won’t hold an AC charge. Thanks so much and keep it up! My next project is tracking down a parasitic battery draw on a 2004 BMW 745i. Any videos on Beamers?

[@RustBeltAuto]

I'm trying to quit.

[@zdravkonakov4941]

@@RustBeltAutowhere can I buy the whole unit

[@kevinsparks7586]

Good video. Having trouble separating the lines from the expansion joint. Wish they separated the way illustrated in the videos. Any hints about how to separate them when they are stuck? Car is a 2013 t&c

[@RustBeltAuto]

Good luck!

[@Ap-nv1hk]

Hey i hear hissing up by that evap core we replaced the o rings on the connections so we know it cant be that do you think its the evap core? If so could i get a junkyard part and replace or should i get new. If it doesn’t work i can return it to junkyard and get another 1

[@RustBeltAuto]

The junk yard ones will probably be just that. Junk.

[@Ap-nv1hk]

@@RustBeltAuto how would I be able to tell? The junkyard one we got was working fine where we messed up on was not putting o rings in the two hoses that connect to the expansion valve

[@Tpayne32]

Is it necessary to discharge the refrigerant before this repair? Or do I just discharge and refill afterwards?

[@RustBeltAuto]

The system should be empty. It needs to be discharged.

[@trevosride]

How you know the evaporator is leaking, I have a 2008 I fill it and blow cold air the first night but next day smell funky big time and someone told me could de the evaporator

[@RustBeltAuto]

I bought an AC leak detector off of ebay. Maybe hose it down with soapy water, with pressure in the system. Ac dye oil? All of which requires you to fill the system, at least partially to find it.

[@MusicMinisterJP7]

Hello, I have to say, I have immensely enjoyed your video not only because of the procedure, but because of the amusing charm in words you express yourself, my wife and I had a few laughs. Anyhow, I wanted to ask, from what I saw, your old evaporator didn't seem damaged, it just looked as if leak was from top side of expansion valve, basically the O-ring seals must of given out. I am attempting to address this same issue on my 2015 T&C, but am wondering if I should spend money on an ok Evaporator, just because of leaking seals? What say ye..?

[@RustBeltAuto]

It was all corroded from Minnesota winter crud.

[@MusicMinisterJP7]

I must add, your evaporator still looked good. I bought both evaporator and expansion valve thinking thr Evap may be corroded as I've seen a few.. But I'm hoping my evaporator is in good condition and without breaks or leaking Hulk blood up above. I cannot see the problem on yours was a leak at the worn O-rings. I am glad I was able to see the two lower O-rings were the red rubber type, and not the aluminum washer with rubber type. HOWEVER, I did want to see which type were on between evaporator and expansion valve. This is were I ran into some difficulty, I began searching for the O-rings and yes, the price at dealer was $30.35 ea. However, he didn't elaborate as to which types and which go where. 😢 I sure wasn't about to spend $127 on O-rings. So I found the kit designed for this 2015 Town and country, and depending on what's damaged, I'll proceed to replace. I will definitely However, replace the expansion valve and O-rings. If the evaporator is in very good condition, I'll reuse it and return the one I bought from PartsGeek, it looks as if used. 🤔

[@MusicMinisterJP7]

Well as it turns out, My evaporator was in good shape, expansion valve would have been too, but screws proved tough to get off, so I put both parts new. The initial problem was with the aluminum/rubber o-rings at expanion vlave to lower pipes side. The large O-ring had popped so there was a gap. I guess from the rust. But, I think I made a mistake by putting Rubber green O-rings between evaporator and expansion valve and original aluminum with rubber O-rings at bottom end. I say this because I didn't dare tighten down to the point of squashing them rubber O-rings, but the bottom pipes to expansion valve I did tighten good. When I checked after evacuation and recharge, and there was a green liquid leak back there and I believe it was from the rubber green O-rings.. Perhaps next summer I'll tinker with it again, if freon has leaked out.. for now, it's very cold. O-rings

[@mame-lomamee]

Question:I’ve been dealing with ac leak on my 2008 Chrysler tnc for like a year so now after a year I finally experiencing low compression on 1 cylinder was this caused by the ac leak? Thanks in advance

[@RustBeltAuto]

No

[@EnriqueHernandez-qt9pp]

Could you please tell me the part number or where did you get it? I'm having issues with the expansion valve

[@RustBeltAuto]

I mail ordered this one. It was a factory part. Probably from rockauto.

[@whirls007]

I have a 2011 Dodge grand caravan. I'm getting ready to install a new compressor( which seized on me) condenser and reciever dryer. I'm told it is important to flush the system after removing the expansion valve. Isn't there an expansion valve in the rear? Does it have to come out? How do you do a proper flush on these models with a rear unit?

[@RustBeltAuto]

I'm going to stay away from answering all of that. There are no good ideas that I can think of. I had a friend blow everything out with a scuba tank once, because he is a diver.

[@thedavesofourlives1]

when you cook a compressor it usually shits the bed and pollutes the entire system. This video is just the REAR expansion valve, so you'll want to locate the front one first. if there was no TXV you could in theory flush the system with canned air (R152a) then pull a vacuum, and if it holds, recharge.... BUT these systems with a TXV, it's likely the garbage would just plug up the TXV unless you could somehow bypass it... sucks to be you!

[@Alex-B2357]

Any way to get that expansion valve replaced from underneath without pulling the evap core out of the top? Assuming I had one.

[@RustBeltAuto]

I dunno. Can you take it apart?

[@ryj6104]

No because to disconnect expansion valve from evaporator that joint where they couple up is inside the blower motor box. Just look at that connection point in this guy's video when he opens up that box and removes his

[@jamesrow8098]

Any body know if the area where he replaced the O-rings is considered the expansion valve, or is that the piece that is at the end of the 2 tubes coming off the evaporator? *Am told the 2 screws that hold the evaporator to the valve are siezed, and that means I have to replace both the "cracked valve, and the evaporator, even though the evaporator is fine*.. In other words they want a small fortune to replace.* Thanks ahead of time to anyone that can save us from this heatwave!!

[@RustBeltAuto]

Yes, it,s the block that the lines are bolted to

[@brittney8753]

Does replacing this rear expansion help the loud whistling noise my rear ac makes when it’s on blast

[@RustBeltAuto]

My sources say no.

[@ephraemdryer2088]

Hmmm I’m pretty sure this needs replaced on my 2016😬 Definitely couldn’t do this myself! How much would this service cost?

[@RustBeltAuto]

Sorry. Don't answer money questions.

[@AnthonyButcher1]

Dealer just quoted me $1,500.00, which is why I’m here.

[@naturalselectionfail]

Question: can you use a spray flex seal by the wheel there to seal a leak?

[@RustBeltAuto]

No

[@naturalselectionfail]

@@RustBeltAuto good to know.found the replacement parts for cheap. I will refer to your guide when it arrives. Thank you

[@Saint696Anger]

@@RustBeltAuto would that stuff work temporarily as in a week or two? The flex seal

[@RustBeltAuto]

@@Saint696Anger probably no

[@thedavesofourlives1]

@@Saint696Anger lucky if you get a minute or two, lol

[@phantomstratocaster]

is the a/c dryer the same as a a/c accumulator?

[@RustBeltAuto]

Yes.

[@TheDizeldog]

Lancia voyager 2.8 crd same evaporator? can find oem part number. and this pipe ?

[@RustBeltAuto]

Rockauto sells them, and everyone else. You can get the TXV separate if you need to.

[@texascop]

Now I know why there playing the music. O my God I can only bet what the guy must have been saying as he was taking this apart.

[@benjaminabel8596]

Diagnostic: these people made too many BABIES.

[@craigparedes2612]

How much does it take to recharge the AC system?

[@RustBeltAuto]

There should be a sticker in your engine compartment somewhere that will tell you.

[@Rayray_unicornplayz567]

Thats why the Town and Contry got discontinued back in 2016.

[@RustBeltAuto]

It's a Pacifica now.

[@brendainny933]

LOL....."Give it a light bl0w j0b."

[@Horner181]

Why would you put a torx bit on an impact anyways…

[@RustBeltAuto]

Impacts help break free bolts better than a steady twisting torque.

[@keenansmith2928]

Hahahah made too many babies!!!! Well that’s why I’m watching 😂

[@highlifegoodlife5400]

Got same problem on a 2014 can u tell me where u order that part?

[@RustBeltAuto]

You could try rockauto if you want to mail order it, I suppose.

[@highlifegoodlife5400]

I can't find the part all together I can only find separately

[@RustBeltAuto]

@@highlifegoodlife5400 is it this thing? www.ebay.com/itm/315418227879?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=ARVYUL6dSQq&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=QXZTigxVTHS&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

[@highlifegoodlife5400]

Yes but Mines a 2014 idk if that one will work.

[@highlifegoodlife5400]

U think oriellys will have the stuff ?

[@BarnStangz]

The "YO" in the beginning never gets old. Don't change man! F their kids, they'll cool off at some point! Hell, we didn't have any A/C back in the day and I'm still kickin'! Man, FCA just makes the biggest piles... Dude, you could have used that flashlight during the last fishing trip! Imma get you some bungee cords for your 50th bday... Wait, how old are you? How big is your air compressor? You... Um.... Use that scale for weighing anything else...? OKAY BYE!!!!

[@RustBeltAuto]

I'm trying to quit.

[@RustBeltAuto]

My compressor is an old 220v two stage speed air with a 20 gallon tank surrounded in Styrofoam, so it is quieter. It fills up quick, and the noise is tolerable.

[@BarnStangz]

@@RustBeltAuto Thats a good idea about the foam. I too have a 220v 20gal. It's starting to leak, I need to weld the bottom of the tank... That would make for a good video... Speaking of; did you watch my last one? I didn't see your "alter ego" comment.

[@RustBeltAuto]

@@BarnStangz ya I saw it. Don't bother welding it. I've tried that before. They are too far gone. Get a new/used tank.

[@BarnStangz]

@@RustBeltAuto Good to know, I bet we have the same compressors. This one still works good, just leaks. I'll have to keep my eyes peeled for a tank I guess. I like how it fits nice under my work bench.

[@elbaron51]

How mush that job cost

[@RustBeltAuto]

I don't know.

[@garsocks]

1000 bucks

[@GabrielaGutierrez-jk3lg]

Ouch

[@abauto5408]

BAHAHA I like the video but the vacuum boils the moisture out not suck...

[@RustBeltAuto]

I know what the consensus is. I passed the test. You keep believing what you think you know because that's what people are taught, and that is what you are supposed to believe. We can both agree on the differential pressure thing.

[@GamerDad1987]

You cussing out the expansion valve is me right now and every time i work on this piece of junk Chrysler / Dodge minivan

[@bretlong669]

To many babies 😂😂😂😅

[@mediaguy4037]

That's why I dont own Chrysler products....junk!

[@andriusp9425]

Says borring toyota owner 😂

[@sirsweetness8332]

Even if someone has 1 child this is dangerous for a young child to be in 100+ degrees. Most of time it is 130 degrees in a vehicle. Bad comment as anyone is going to want their air conditioning to work. Just the front on these vans cannot keep up with the cargo area. I have replaced several myself for my clients.

[@RustBeltAuto]

Ooh. When I was a child, my dad was so cheap, he would not buy a car with air conditioning, and he would OPEN THE WINDOWS. however, you do make a good point if someone is stupid enough to turn the car into a meditative Indian sweat lodge.

[@aimee-lynndonovan6077]

Too many babies?! Not relevant.

[@RustBeltAuto]

Well, you don't need rear a/c for cargo, so there is that.