1996 Camry Expansion Valve

[junkken]

I need to replace the expansion valve on my 1996 Camry, but can't find any useful instructions on how to dismantle the dash enough to gain access. A mechanic explained that 1994 and earlier are easy to change but 96 requires alot of work and corresponding $$ to fix ($900US). I tore into the passengers side and can see that the blower cage assembly needs to come out inorder to remove the side of the evaporator box. Does anyone have instructions, pictures, links or advice on how to gain access and remove the evaporator / expansion valve? Thanks

[toyomoho]

The link below provides access to service manuals for this car:

http://oregonstate.edu/~tongt/camry

[junkken]

Thanks for the link. I actually already had those pdf files and they do not tell clearly enough where the screws and nuts are which hold in the blower case. I am really hoping someone has been thru this misery and documented and took pics of how to get at the expansion valve.. It is a common problem from what I understand. The Major question is...Do I have to remove the entire dash to replace the expansion valve?

[toyomoho]

Best I can do is say the Gen_4 Chilton manual states the dash board needs to be removed. The Toyota Gen_3 manual appears to show the dash removed while the Gen_2 has the dash clearly installed.

[junkken]

Thank you very much for your response. Unfortunately I will have to get rid of the 2500$ camry with new tires and brakes and 160k... Drives real nice... The air only cuts out from time to time ( only when you really need it) . Can't deal with not having AC in hotlanta. When the air is working it is really cold and works well... When the manual says dash. they mean everything from steering wheel, console, drain and remove heater core. Controls wiring Hidden screws... Too much.. Thanks Forum

[retiredat44]

I took the whole a/c apart on a 1989 Corolla, a while back. can't help you with your car year and model. But, I can say on mine it was easy taking the Evaporator out. Behind the glove compartment, under that bs, there are only about maybe 8-10 screws, and unplug a wire or 2. Unscreww the a/c high and lowside pipes under the hood at the firewall, pul the a/c box out, under the dash. . I had to put a new expansion valve in, because a/c black death claimed my expansion valve filling it with crap.

it was easy . I would think yours would be easy too.

IMHO

I don't know why yours would be much harder. Even if you have a few more electrical thing slike climate control. Maybe that adds 1 or 2 more electrical plugs.

[junkken]

I ended up spending $1267 for expansion valve, dryer, timing belt, front seals, waterpump and power steering belt. The dash does not need to come out on a 1996 camry.