1A–30 HEATING, VENTILATION AND AIR CONDITIONING (HVAC)
Pressure Sensor (L4, X22SE)
The pressure sensor is installed on the upper part of the
receiver/drier. This sensor converts high pressure
detection of refrigerant to an electrical voltage signal and
supplies it to the ECM. The ECM controls switching
compressor idle speed and cooling fan operation by the
electrical voltage signal.
875R100002
Legend
(1) Pressure Switch
(2) Receiver Drier
Expansion Valve
This expansion valve is an external pressure type and it is
installed at the evaporator intake port.
The expansion valve converts the high pressure liquid
refrigerant sent from the receiver/drier to a low pressure
liquid refrigerant by forcing it through a tiny port before
sending it to the evaporator.
This type of expansion valve consists of a temperature
sensor, diaphragm, ball valve, ball seat, spring
adjustment screw, etc.
The temperature sensor contacts the evaporator outlet
pipe, and converts changes in temperature to pressure. It
then transmits these to the top chamber of the
diaphragm.
The refrigerant pressure is transmitted to the diaphragm’s
bottom chamber through the external equalizing pressure
tube.
The ball valve is connected to the diaphragm. The
opening angle of the expansion valve is determined by
the force acting on the diaphragm and the spring
pressure.
The expansion valve regulates the flow rate of the
refrigerant. Accordingly, when a malfunction occurs to
this expansion valve, both discharge and suction
pressure decreases, resulting in insufficient cooling
capacity of the evaporator.
The calibration has been changed to match the
characteristics of HFC-134a.
874RY00019
Legend
(1) Expansion Valve
(2) Evaporator Assembly
Evaporator
The evaporator cools and dehumidifies the air before the
air enters the passenger compartment. High-pressure
liquid refrigerant flows through the expansion valve into
the low-pressure area of the evaporator. The heat in the
air passing through the evaporator core is lost to the
cooler surface of the core, thereby cooling the air.
As heat is lost between the air and the evaporator core
surface, moisture in the vehicle condenses on the outside
surface of the evaporator core and is drained off as water.
When the evaporator malfunctions, the trouble will show
up as an inadequate supply of cool air. The cause is
typically a partially plugged core due to dirt, or a
malfunctioning blower motor.