Parts for your 2005 Subaru Forester-Tx valve

2005 Subaru Forester TX Valve — What It Does and How to Service It

Based on the Subaru Factory Service Manual for the 2005 Forester (SG, HVAC section) and Subaru’s genuine parts catalogue listings for the “cooler expansion valve” (e.g., p/n 73520SA010/73520SA000), the 2005 Subaru Forester is fitted with a thermostatic expansion valve (TX valve), not a fixed orifice tube. DENSO technical literature for Subaru HVAC systems of this era also describes a TXV-type metering device at the evaporator.

The TX valve is the brain of the Forester’s air-con, metering exactly how much R‑134a enters the evaporator. It reacts to temperature and pressure at the evaporator outlet (superheat), keeping the core cold without letting it ice up. That means stable vent temps in Aussie and Kiwi heat, better comfort at idle, and less strain on the compressor under the bonnet.

It’s not a scheduled replacement item, but a tired or contaminated TXV can make the A/C play up. Typical tell-tales include:

• Weak or inconsistent cooling, especially at idle or in traffic
• Vent temps cycling cold to warm
• Frosting at the firewall lines or evaporator icing
• Pressure readings that point to a starved or flooded evaporator (diagnosed with proper gauges)

When the system’s opened up (after a compressor change, major leak, or moisture ingress), it’s smart practice to assess or replace the TX valve. Best-practice servicing for a 2005 Forester includes: replacing the receiver/drier, fitting new HNBR O‑rings lubricated with the correct PAG oil, flushing lines and the condenser if debris is suspected, evacuating to deep vacuum, then recharging to the exact amount on the under‑bonnet label.

Location-wise, the TX valve sits at the evaporator inlet in the HVAC case (behind the dash, passenger side). Access is usually via glovebox removal inside the cabin, with the refrigerant lines disconnected at the firewall in the engine bay. Because refrigerant handling is regulated, the work should be done by an ARCtick‑licensed technician in Australia or an appropriately certified A/C tech in New Zealand. They’ll leak‑test (nitrogen/trace), vacuum, recharge, and verify superheat/subcooling so the Forester blows nice, dry, cold air again.

If the compressor has “grenaded” (metal through the system), the TXV can clog, replace it and the drier, and insist on thorough flushing. If performance’s just a bit off, a proper diagnosis can confirm whether the TXV is sticky, restricted, or if there’s another cause like a weak condenser fan or low charge.

Does the 2005 Subaru Forester use a TX valve or an orifice tube?

It uses a TX valve. Subaru’s 2005 Forester (SG) HVAC design specifies a thermostatic expansion valve at the evaporator, confirmed by the factory service manual and Subaru parts listings for the expansion valve assembly.

Where is the TX valve on a 2005 Forester?

It’s mounted at the evaporator inlet inside the HVAC case behind the dash, typically accessed via the passenger side (glovebox area). The refrigerant pipes that pass through the firewall connect to it. Lines are disconnected in the engine bay, the valve is swapped inside.

When should the TX valve be replaced?

When there’s confirmed restriction or sticking, after compressor failure with debris, or any time the system’s been open and moisture/contamination is suspected. It’s wise to replace the receiver/drier at the same time and recharge precisely to the under‑bonnet spec.