Expansion Valve 2001 Town & Country LXI 3.8L

I have a 2001 Chrysler Town & Country LXi with the 3.8L engine. I'm
replacing the A/C Expansion valve that is mounted on the rear of the
engine compartment on the firewall. I've been struggling to find an
identical replacement where the hole location for the sensor matches
identically. The original has the port hole on the small opening. The
replacement has the port on the larger opening. Was there a change in
design? Does anyone think the replacement will work?

 

Is the new one an OEM part or aftermarket?

No, I don't think the replacement will work.

 

The new one is aftermarket. I've checked with 3 autoparts stores
(NAPA, Advance & Autozone) and none of them carry an identical
replacement. I plan to check with the dealer tomorrow to see what
they would provide.

 

Why not purchase the MOPAR replacement part ?

Glenn Beasley
Chrysler Tech

 

I was trying to get the vehicle back on the road before Monday and the
Dealership was closed. Just thought I'd post to see if anyone knew of
a re-design or if the temperature sensor was found to work better on
the other port. Thanks for the response.

 

Ok - the MOPAR replacement part has the port hole on the large opening
also. The dealership mentioned that this sensor controls the
compressor. Does anyone know why Chrysler changed this from the high
pressure side to the low pressure side?

 

Final update - if you replace the factory expansion valve, you will
have to replace the temperature sensor also. The factory sensor will
not fit on any replacement expansion valve. The Chrysler garage seems
to be the only place that sells the valve with the temperature sensor
already attached ($90).