Parts for your 2000 Subaru Forester-Tx valve

2000 Subaru Forester TX‑Valve

Based on factory documentation and parts catalogues, the 2000 Subaru Forester uses a thermostatic expansion valve (TX‑valve), not an orifice tube. Subaru’s Factory Service Manual for the 2000 Forester (Air Conditioning/CO section) shows a TX‑valve mounted at the evaporator. Subaru’s parts catalogue lists an expansion valve for this model year (commonly referenced as 73520FC001 for SF Forester), and DENSO’s application data also specifies a TX‑valve for 1998–2002 Forester models. Those technical sources make it clear this Forester runs a TX‑valve/receiver‑drier system rather than a fixed‑orifice/accumulator setup.

On this Forester, the TX‑valve meters R‑134a into the evaporator based on temperature and pressure at the outlet, keeping superheat in the sweet spot so the air‑con stays cold without slugging the compressor. It smooths out cooling performance in stop‑start traffic, helps protect the compressor from liquid refrigerant, and improves overall efficiency—handy on hot Aussie and Kiwi summer days.

When a TX‑valve goes off, drivers might notice weak or erratic cooling, frost on the evaporator or lines, rapid compressor cycling, or odd pressure readings (low suction with high head when restricted, or overfeeding if it sticks open). Contamination from a failing compressor can also jam the valve, so cleanliness is king.

Servicing advice for a 2000 Forester’s TX‑valve is pretty straightforward but must be done by an ARCtick‑licensed tech (AU/NZ regulations). The valve sits on the evaporator assembly inside the cabin, so expect glovebox/trim removal for access where the pipes pass through the firewall. Proper procedure is to recover the refrigerant, cap lines to keep moisture out, replace the TX‑valve with new HNBR O‑rings lightly lubricated with the correct PAG oil (Subaru/DENSO spec, often ND‑Oil 8), and fit a new receiver‑drier any time the system is opened. If the compressor’s failed, the lines and condenser should be flushed or replaced as required to keep debris out of the new valve.

Once reassembled, the system should be evacuated under deep vacuum and leak‑tested, then recharged with the R‑134a amount shown on the under‑bonnet label. A competent shop will verify pressures, vent temps, and TX‑valve control behaviour at idle and cruise. TX‑valves aren’t a routine replacement item—think of them as “fit and forget”—but if cooling performance drops off and other causes are ruled out, a fresh valve and drier can bring the Forester’s air‑con back to its best.

• Technical references: Subaru Factory Service Manual (2000 Forester, Air Conditioning/CO), Subaru FAST parts catalogue (expansion valve for SF Forester), DENSO aftermarket application data for 1998–2002 Forester.

Popular questions about 2000 Subaru Forester TX‑valve

Does a 2000 Subaru Forester use a TX‑valve or an orifice tube?
It uses a TX‑valve. Factory service information and the Subaru parts listings specify a thermostatic expansion valve and a receiver‑drier, not a fixed orifice with an accumulator. This setup offers better control of evaporator superheat and steadier cabin temps.

Where is the TX‑valve located on a 2000 Forester?
It’s mounted on the evaporator assembly inside the cabin at the firewall area on the passenger side. Access typically involves removing the glovebox and some trim to reach the valve where the refrigerant pipes enter the evaporator case.

What else should be replaced when changing the TX‑valve?
Always replace the receiver‑drier and the O‑rings, add the correct PAG oil amount per the service manual, and evacuate/recharge to the under‑bonnet spec. If the compressor has shed debris, flushing or component replacement is needed to prevent the new valve from blocking.