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Expansion block sensor


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K e v i n
New User

Aug 8, 2011, 6:50 PM

Post #1 of 6 (3253 views)
Expansion block sensor Sign In

2003 Dodge Grand Caravan 3.3L V6

I'm replacing the compressor and bought the full kit with the dryer & expansion block. I was an hvac tech back in the 90s & we serviced auto's also so still have all my own equipment.

On top of the expansion device there's a sensor with a probe. I can reuse this sensor but cannot find any information on it. I need to find out what the white sealant was that was used and also I'd like to just buy a new one since I bent the little probe getting it out - I'm afraid I may have damaged the bimetal sensitivity of the thing.


I know it senses the amount of refrigerant the valve is metering & controls the flow by opening the valve more, or closing it to x degree, but I don't know what the part is called, can't find it in a parts search anywhere, and my Chiltons for this model is terrible. It doesn't even show the sensor on the device.

Any info more than I have will be appreciated.
Thanks.


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Aug 8, 2011, 7:00 PM

Post #2 of 6 (3238 views)
Re: Expansion block sensor Sign In

It's not "bi-metal" but sensing temps which equate to pressures and alter the amount of flow. MVAC and HVAC are the same basic physics but with totally different situations to deal with so don't get them confused,

T



Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Discretesignals profile image

Aug 8, 2011, 7:38 PM

Post #3 of 6 (3227 views)
Re: Expansion block sensor Sign In

It's called an evaporator temperature sensor. Basically, the sensor is monitored by the ac control module to determine the evaporator temperature.

It's more or less just a thermistor just like you would find in a coolant temperature sensor. In fact if you break open a coolant temperature sensor, you'll see the same white grease. The control module uses that information to keep the evaporator from icing up and to tell the PCM to cycle the compressor to optimize ac performance.

The paste is a special silicone thermal grease. The new expansion valve should have the sensor hole filled with it. You just shove the sensor in.





Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.

(This post was edited by Discretesignals on Aug 8, 2011, 7:50 PM)


Sidom
Veteran / Moderator
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Aug 8, 2011, 9:03 PM

Post #4 of 6 (3213 views)
Re: Expansion block sensor Sign In

Get the valve from the dealer & it will come with a new sensor already mounted in it.......


K e v i n
New User

Aug 9, 2011, 11:10 AM

Post #5 of 6 (3194 views)
Re: Expansion block sensor Sign In

Thanks for the insight guys, was the exact info I hoped for.


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Aug 9, 2011, 11:37 AM

Post #6 of 6 (3189 views)
Re: Expansion block sensor Sign In

Advice you didn't ask for but when in doubt with A/C get the right info or don't. The price of being wrong is nasty,

Tom







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