2003 Camry ACV36R Faulty TX Valve?

[PaulW]

My Air Con had been getting less and less efficient over the last few weeks to the point where it was not worth turning on.
Now with the temperature and humidity in Brisbane rising to uncomfortable levels it was time to get the A/C checked out.

The system was found to be low on gas and recharged but the technician found that there was a blockage in the system that pointed to the TX Valve.
Unfortunately, this is located near the evaporator behind the dashboard, so its a dashboard out job (~$700) for a $100 part.

Other cars have this component accessible in the engine bay.
What was Toyota thinking when they designed this system? 

Has anyone on this Forum experienced the same problem?
What was the outcome?

[PaulW]

Others on this forum may be interested in the outcome of this problem.
After some searching on Google I found a very good YouTube video (2003 Toyota Camry - Replacement of Evaporator Core, Expansion Valve, and Heater Core (A/C Evap Core) - YouTube) from the USA which explains in detail how to remove all the necessary components without taking all of the dashboard out. 
Its all mirror image of course due to them being LHD.
The auto electrical workshop agreed that if I removed all of the necessary components and purchased the TX Valve they would do all the necessary refrigeration work.
Day1 - Spent the best part of the day on my back in the Camry removing glovebox, fan, electrical wiring, A/C Ducting, etc.
Day2 - Back to workshop to have TX Valve fitted (Denso $77.11), they encountered a few problems getting the old one out as the steel bolts were seized.
Day3 - More time on my back re-assembling the fan box and electrical wiring.
Day4 - Back to workshop to have system regassed and checked.

Success, glorious cold air, an absolute necessity in Brisbane at this time of year, December 2023.

Total cost, $480, which is a big saving over the cost of having it all done by an A/C workshop.

 

 

Edited December 24, 2023 by PaulW