GRAND CARAVAN REAR EVAPORATOR REPLACE

Diagnose and replace the rear evaporator on a 16 Grand Caravan.

[@markkatich5883]

Big project! I am a refrigeration class III and a DIY guy. I'm still looing for the leak though. Tried my ultrasonic but given the concealment of the rear evaporator, I should probably use the halogen leak detector. Nice job on the video and the 'on the fly' commentary.

[@MusicMinisterJP7]

Most of this time, from what I have seen and learned, the problem leak is at the rear expansion valve O-rings and Or the evaporator. It isn't that hard to get to it. It would be a good idea to take photos of everything before you dismantle it. Normally if you look under behind the right rear wheel, you can see oil residue coming from the expansion valve tubes. If so, that's where to start. Loosen that 13mm nut, (beware of any existing gas), remove nut and tap that union loose. However, the inside cabin side covers need be removed. Once Hvac is exposed, certain screws will allow it to detach it from body. The heater pipes lead to heater core, just remove screw/cover on Hvac and core with pipes slide out and away from Hvac. Disconnect wire connectors at wall before removing Hvac and laying it on vans floor. Also, there is No need to remove Any of the wire harness. Just start unscrewing the 24 or so screws that hold the 2 halls together. Pay close attention to the inner moving doors position. Once you separate the halves, you will be able to see if the evaporator is dirty with oil residue at the edges and also whrn you pull hvac out of its position, take caution that dirt Does Not fall into the lower pipes. I cut ruber glove tips to cover the holes and used tiny rubber bands to keep them on while working. Clean that area well before anything. This next part is Very important: Use the aluminum with rubber O-rings on Both sides of the expansion valve! Do Not use just rubber O-rings! The freon will leak out, I speak from experience. I trust the rest is simple reassembly.

[@kchappie6672]

You can simply pull the heater core out of the HVAC box and leave it resting on the wheel well

[@MusicMinisterJP7]

There is no need to disconnect those heater lines (extra work). Once you pull the Hvac on top, the heater core is simply pulled out after lid is loosened and Hvac pulled away.

[@redscarecomixx]

Trust Dodge to put the Evap core in the most inaccessible part of the vehicle possibel

[@gamefax5741]

Bah, apparently the one in my 2020 model went bad. A repair shop tried and failed to fix AC twice, then decided to check the evap core and discovered it was the culprit. They priced the part at $700.00 OEM, which is company policy to get, however, Im finding them online for $70.00, literal 10x increase! Im about to do it myself and save 1300.00

[@bobendo]

How long did this project take ?

[@bigdaddy6729]

Are the orings the flat metal washer that comes with them? I thought they were a typical round oring?

[@raincitywrench117]

Yes. They are the flat metal washers that have rubber seal integrated into them.

[@bobbyblazeit]

Im looking for parts right now, it looks like Chrysler used to sell the evap core and expansion valve together, now they sell them separately. Did you find parts? Did you replace the EXV? How was the condition of you EXV? Thanks

[@raincitywrench117]

Found exact mopar part with expansion valve attached from worldparts direct off ebay. Was 250 bucks cheaper than our local Dodge dealer. Here is the link:www.ebay.com/itm/403647444322?epid=252169488&hash=item5dfb433562:g:qREAAOSwbYZieC6g

[@leslieisabelcastaneda36]

I changed the Expansion Valve on the front under the hood, next to the low side valve. but there is air that blows out from that crevice area when the A/C is on, and if put my hand on top of the Expansion Valve ( the bulb/disc thing on top), the air blowing out from their almost stops.... is it normal for air to be blowing out from there or is that a huge leak?

[@raincitywrench117]

It has a large leak. Need to remove the valve and inspect the seals. I think it has two o-ring seals on the evaporator side and two washer style gaskets on the front side.

[@Wavezone304]

How much does this cost at the grocery store

[@johnfarace7396]

I have this same vehicle. The ac works fine, except on long drives. We made a 3hr trip and it stops blowing about 2 hours in ideas? Please please please and thank you

[@raincitywrench117]

Next time it stops working, look under the hood to make sure the fans are on and the compressor clutch is engaged. If so then the next step is to have the system checked for proper charge level. Would have to look at the wiring diagram on this model but it most likely has a compressor clutch relay. Those can get hot and stop working after prolonged use and then work again once they cool down.

[@johnfarace7396]

Thank you so much! ii will check this next time it does it@@raincitywrench117

[@sidallen685]

Is the evaporator located in the same place on a 2000 Caravan

[@raincitywrench117]

Pretty sure it is.

[@bernard245]

Is it possible to do this with the heater lines intact

[@raincitywrench117]

The box needs to be removed but since the heater lines are flexible it may be possible to set the hvac assembly off to the side and disassemble with the heater hoses still attached. If you can't get the heater quick connects removed then definitely worth a try.

[@mrfan1819]

How many models this thing have ? They say from 2008-2011 and from 2012-2014 and from 2015-2020 🤔

[@raincitywrench117]

Not sure but this particular year has two different options for the evaporator. Had to source parts online using pictures.

[@Rayray_unicornplayz567]

Make a part 2 pls.

[@raincitywrench117]

Dang, wish I had part 2

[@timf6916]

OUCH

[@deanjagger1190]

What are they for? The air conditoning?

[@raincitywrench117]

Yes sir. This vehicle has a front and rear evaporator

[@deanjagger1190]

To bad you have to take everything apart to get to it.@@raincitywrench117Mine if the front doesn't wont to work, because the one in the back doesn't work.

[@rjrrtheis1]

Hey Mathew, do you have a email address you can share. I want to send you a video to see if you know what this whistle sound is on my 22 F250 6.7. It only makes it on startup, and sounds like it’s coming from under the dash.

[@raincitywrench117]

Sure. [e-mail]

[@Bill-ts9zv]

Remind me to never buy one of these cars.

[@raincitywrench117]

👌