labwork A/C Compressor Electronic Control Valve Replacement for Sonata 2.0L 2.4L 2011-2014

I have a Kia, took a long time for the AC to kick in, once it did, it was cold, so i knew it wasn't low. After trawling the web, it pointed to this Electronic control valve. This model Kia doesn't have a clutch on the compressor but relies on this valve.Pretty straightforward: Evacuate the R134 first, it is under high pressure. A spring clip holds this valve in, so get some good spring clip pliers. safety glasses as there is a little bit of pressure left, replace the valve, vacuum the lines and reload refrigerant (a little over 2 small cans in my case)I bought a vacuum pump, and a set of gauges.Total time about 90 minutes.I know full well if you take it to a garage its $1k and they will insist on new compressor.Worked perfectly, gets ice cold almost immediately.

The AC started blowing hot and cold, intermittently. I suspected the compressor clutch - to my surprise, I found that technology had changed and clutches are a thing of the past. I was fairly confident that the valve was the culprit, and ordered one. Then I remembered that evacuating the AC system is best left to the professionals - so when the part arrived, I went to several local mechanics to see who would do the job.Another surprise - none of the mechanics that I talked to knew what the valve was - one kept calling it a switch, the others had no idea that the compressor didn't have a clutch. And of course, they all volunteered to attempt the project, with an average estimated price of $180 (if the part swap was all they decided it needed).I paid one of them $20 to remove the old refrigerant. I'll do it myself. O'Reilly's has a loaner program for a vacuum pump (you buy a used one at full price, then return for a full refund when you're done), a friend loaned me the gauges.The old part came out easily - one snap ring and out it came with a tug. Rubbed a little of the compressor oil onto the o-rings, pushed the new one in, installed the snap ring and plugged in the wire.Followed instructions from the Internet for pulling the vacuum, testing for leaks, and refilling with the correct amount of R-134A. The whole project cost me about $60, as opposed to taking it to a shop and paying $600, where they surely would have replaced the whole compressor and charged accordingly.The AC came back to life immediately - just in time for winter weather!!! The car was 7 years old when the part failed. If the new one lasts that long, I'll be happy!

2011 Sonata had this switch failing to provide cooling at idle/lights but would freeze you out when driving. Pulled the gauges on and found 55-70 PSI on the low side and 150PSI on the high side. After some testing I found this ECV bad and I could not found a OEM one. Apparently they want you to replace to compressor over a bad ECV! I ordered this one hoping it would fix the problem as I dont trust aftermarket parts and it did!Swapping it out was easy, I was able to leave the compressor in the car. Took an hour from evac, replace, vac and fill. Put in 18oz of R134A (on a 2011-13 Sonata its 16.64oz - 18.4 oz) to with the final reading 32 PSI low 195PSI high. Blows out the vents at 38F at idle when its 90F outside.Hopes this last and it fixed the issue!

2014 Kia Optima, my a/c totally quit out of the blue one day, out on gauges and it still had Freon in it but low/high were equal. Decided to try this valve and compressor is working again. It’s a little cold to test but I can see the compressor cycling with the gauges.

Works like a champ. No issue durning install or while running. Would buy again if needed.

The filter was broken when it was received. Had to just stop at an auto store to get one that worked. Waiting a while for an item and then getting it broken is a super bummer should have just went to the store first.

My Sonata has had a sporadic issue for several years. On hot days the compressor would not come on for several miles when first used. It would then kick on and blow cold the rest of the day. With this new valve it kicks on right away and blows colder than ever. I have owned the car since new and now has 97000 mile on it. Saved me from buying a compressor. Thank you so much for this quality part. It gets hot down here in Florida.

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