Where is the expansion valve of Chery QQ3 located?
4 Answers
The expansion valve of Chery QQ3 is located at the interface of the air conditioning evaporator box. Introduction to Expansion Valve: The expansion valve is an important component in the refrigeration system, usually installed between the liquid storage cylinder and the evaporator. The expansion valve consists of three main parts: the valve body, the temperature sensing bulb, and the balance tube. Principle Introduction: The expansion valve allows the medium-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant to pass through its throttling to become low-temperature, low-pressure wet steam. The refrigerant then absorbs heat in the evaporator to achieve the cooling effect. The expansion valve controls the valve flow rate based on the change in superheat at the end of the evaporator to prevent insufficient utilization of the evaporator area and knocking phenomena.
The expansion valve of the Chery QQ3 is located in the engine compartment, near the firewall. Open the engine hood and follow the air conditioning pipes; it's usually next to the evaporator. The small copper component connected to the high and low-pressure pipes is it. Though it looks small, it plays a crucial role in controlling the refrigerant flow. If the AC isn't cooling or frost forms, it's likely clogged or broken. Last time I helped a neighbor replace this part, I noticed the QQ3's design is quite compact—you have to remove the windshield washer reservoir to access it. It's advisable to replace the dryer bottle at the same time; otherwise, the new valve might get clogged with old contaminants. Remember to release the refrigerant before starting, as high-pressure gas can be dangerous if it sprays out.
As someone who has been repairing micro cars for years, I know the location of the QQ3's expansion valve all too well. It's hidden at the rear of the engine compartment. First, you need to locate the high-pressure pipe of the air conditioning compressor and follow it toward the cabin. Near the firewall, you'll see a small metal block with two thin pipes fixed to a bracket—that's the expansion valve. The most annoying part of working on this car is the tight space; mechanics with larger hands may need to remove the intake manifold to access it. Valve failures typically manifest as inconsistent air temperature from the vents or complete loss of cooling. The most elusive fault I've encountered was a stuck valve core, which was only discovered after abnormal readings on the high and low-pressure pipes were detected using a pressure gauge.
The expansion valve of QQ3 is installed in a relatively concealed location, near the firewall in the engine compartment close to the cabin. Specifically, it is positioned near the low-pressure side interface of the air conditioning pipeline. Once, when my air conditioning stopped cooling, I spent a long time troubleshooting and discovered that the sealing ring at the expansion valve interface had aged and was leaking refrigerant. This small component may seem insignificant, but it actually controls the flow balance of the entire refrigeration system. During inspection, it is recommended to pay special attention to whether there are oil stains on the valve body, as that is a sign of refrigerant leakage. The replacement cost is not high, but the location is difficult to access, so it's best for regular car owners to seek assistance from a repair shop.
