Parts for your 2006 Ford Escape-Tx valve

2006 Ford Escape TX‑valve: is it actually fitted?

Short answer: a TX‑valve isn’t used on the 2006 Ford Escape. Ford specified a fixed orifice tube and accumulator (often called a CCOT system) rather than a thermal expansion valve. This is documented in the 2006 Ford Escape Workshop Manual (Climate Control, Section 412) which describes a fixed orifice refrigerant control with an accumulator on the low side. The Motorcraft service parts catalogue for 2006 Escape lists an A/C orifice tube and an accumulator/drier, but no TX‑valve. Trade databases such as Mitchell1/ProDemand and ALLDATA also identify the system as “Fixed Orifice Tube (CCOT)” for this model year.

Why no TX‑valve on this model? Ford engineered the Escape’s air‑con around a simple, cost‑effective fixed orifice device paired with an accumulator. That approach suits the compressor and control strategy used at the time, gives reliable performance in varied climates across Australia and New Zealand, and keeps service costs down. A TX‑valve system typically uses a receiver‑drier on the high side, while the Escape’s layout uses a low‑side accumulator to manage refrigerant boil‑off and protect the compressor—classic CCOT architecture.

Owners hunting for a “2006‑Ford‑Escape/tx‑valve” usually won’t find one under the bonnet because the expansion device is actually a small, replaceable orifice tube in the liquid line, and the moisture control is handled by an accumulator canister on the suction side. If cooling is weak or pressures are odd, common culprits include a clogged orifice tube, a saturated accumulator, low refrigerant charge, or a dragging condenser fan—none of which point to a TX‑valve because there isn’t one.

Servicing tips for this setup:

• Inspect and, if contaminated, replace the orifice tube when the system is opened.
• Replace the accumulator/drier anytime the system is opened to atmosphere.
• Use new green HNBR O‑rings, add the correct PAG oil balance, pull a deep vacuum, and recharge to the factory mass spec.
• If metal debris is present, flush the condenser/lines where appropriate and consider compressor replacement to avoid repeat failures.

Bottom line: a TX‑valve isn’t relevant to the 2006 Escape’s air‑con. The correct expansion device is the fixed orifice tube, and maintenance should focus on that component and the accumulator as part of proper CCOT servicing.

FAQs

Where is the expansion device on a 2006 Ford Escape?

It’s a fixed orifice tube in the high‑pressure liquid line, typically near the evaporator inlet. Access points vary by engine and body hardware, but technicians usually separate the line connection at the firewall or near the condenser outlet to extract the tube.

Can a TX‑valve be retrofitted to a 2006 Escape?

Not practically. Converting from CCOT to TX‑valve would require component re‑engineering (receiver‑drier, lines, control strategy, calibration). It’s far more sensible to keep the factory CCOT system healthy with a clean orifice tube, a fresh accumulator, and the correct refrigerant charge.

What should be replaced when the A/C system is opened?

Best practice is to replace the accumulator/drier and any disturbed O‑rings, and inspect or replace the orifice tube. Add the correct PAG oil amount, evacuate thoroughly, then recharge by weight. If there’s evidence of compressor failure, include flushing and broader component replacement.